Dun Mountain Trail
The 38km Dun Mountain Trail begins and ends in The Brook, a Nelson suburb and follows the route of New Zealand’s first railway (1862) as it winds through forest before crossing an alpine mineral belt and descending past the Maitai Dam down the Maitai River and back into Nelson. This exciting one day ride was fully completed and opened on 12 November 2011.
The Dun Mountain Trail is a Grade 3 intermediate level trail. It is suitable for most intermediate riders with a decent level of fitness required. Although the ride time may only take 4-6 hours, allow a day to enjoy this unique environment.
The Dun Mountain rises to 1129 metres and, due to its unique geology, is one of the most distinctive mountains around Nelson. Early sections give glimpses of the Waimea plains to the south and west. More extensive views can be enjoyed back across Nelson and beyond to Tasman Bay and Abel Tasman National Park. Third House is a good place to pause for a break and a chance to listen to bellbirds, or be entertained by ever-inquisitive wekas. The trail’s emergence onto the mountaintops near Windy Point and Coppermine Saddle offer stunning views of Tasman Bay.
Riders: If you are riding to the Dun Mountain Trail, access is best via the Brook Street entrance, just 2.7km from Nelson City centre. Head south out of Nelson up the Brook Valley to 135 Brook St where you will see an entrance sign and a kiosk immediately before Blick Terrace.
Drivers: For those driving to the start of the Dun Mountain Trail, head 6km up the Maitai Valley from Nelson past the golf course to right beside the Maitai Camping Ground to hwere a similar entrance sign and kiosk have been installed.