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18.9 miles
Distance
3,809 ft
Climb
-3,661 ft
Descent
02:49:23
Avg time
146 ft
Altitude change
157 ft
Altitude min
2,911 ft
Altitude max
157 ft
Altitude start
305 ft
Altitude end
0.1%
Grade
-63.5%
Grade max
57.3%
Grade min
9 miles
Distance climb
9 miles
Distance down
1 mile
Distance flat
02:49:23
Avg time
Coppermine Trail Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaCoppermine
Nelson -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyProline (2 votes)
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Local Popularity75 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 70 in Trail Running
- 5 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Hiking SAC ScaleT2 Mountain Hiking
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Trail TypeMixed
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionDownhill PrimaryPopular Direction Shown
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingModerate
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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TTFs on TrailBerm, Bridge
The Coppermine Trail is one of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine mountain bike rides, all the more memorable for its relatively easy up, exhilarating down, amazing rocky tops, sweet-smelling beech forest, and meandering river trail.
Starting amidst Nelson’s cafés and pubs, this stunning day ride should be ridden in one direction (anti-clockwise) starting at Brook Street entrance and finishing at Maitai Dam. The trail heads directly into spectacular hill country via Codger’s Trails area and a long, consistent climb along the historic Dun Mountain Railway route. Broad panoramas of Tasman Bay and the rocky tops of Coppermine Saddle are just some of the rewards. Others are the brilliant 10 km downhill through rock gardens and bush, and the leisurely pedal back to Nelson via the pretty Maitai Valley.
The full loop is best suited to fit, experienced single-track riders with full-suspension mountain bikes. For those less confident, simply U-turn at Coppermine Saddle or Third House and enjoy a return-ride the way you came up.
From Nelson i-SITE the full loop is 43 km, shortened to 40 km if you start and finish at the Brook Street trailhead.
Although the ride time may only be 4-6 hours, we recommend you allow a full day to enjoy this unique environment.
You will be a long way from assistance in an alpine environment and mobile phone reception is patchy, so please ensure you have sufficient food, drink, spare tubes, first aid, and wet/cold weather gear to handle any problems you might encounter.
Please note NO DOGS are allowed on the Coppermine Trail.
source: NZ Cycle Trails Website
Access Info
This stunning day ride should be ridden in one direction starting at Brook Street entrance and finishing at Maitai Dam. The trail heads directly into spectacular hill country via Codger’s Trails area and a long, consistent climb along the historic Dun Mountain Railway route.
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 1 rides
- 50.2 km average
6 Months
- 22 rides
- 45.9 km avg distance
All
- 154 rides
- Last: Jul 18, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Coppermine Trail Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
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Directions to coppermine-trail trailhead
(-41.290610, 173.292730)
Photos
136 more »
Videos
6 more »
16:53 |
31 |
Jun 3, 2026 , Nelson
35:41 |
485 |
Feb 5, 2024 , Nelson
18:26 |
1054 |
Dec 11, 2020 , Nelson
9:56 |
1042 |
Aug 3, 2019 , Nelson
Routes with this trail
★ 3.7 • 27 miles • 5,463 ft • 4 • Loop •
This is a bit of a classic Nelson back country loop. This route goes from Brook Street, up to the Dun...
25 miles • 5,558 ft • 1 • Loop •
The Coppermine Trail is one of New Zealand’s most accessible alpine mountain bike rides, all the more...
Pick & Mix Featured
20 miles • 4,603 ft • 45 • Loop •
Approx Ride Time: 3-4.5 Hours including stops. Permits: Permits are required, see...
19 Reviews & Comments
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Nearby Trails
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Frequently Asked Questions About Coppermine Trail
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Where is Coppermine Trail located?
Coppermine Trail is located in Coppermine, Nelson, New Zealand. It is part of the Coppermine trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -41.29061, 173.29273.
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How hard is Coppermine Trail?
Coppermine Trail is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 0.1%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
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What is the elevation gain for Coppermine Trail?
Coppermine Trail has 1,161 m of elevation gain. The trail has 1,116 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 48 m to 887 m.
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Is Coppermine Trail a point to point trail?
Coppermine Trail is not a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Primary. The trail type is mixed.
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