This is a popular mountain bike ride from the Pelorus Bridge to Nelson.
It follows a steep 4WD pylon maintenance road over the Maungatapu Saddle, leading to Nelson’s Maitai Valley over the Bryant Range.
This track is rated grade 4 (advanced) so not for the faint hearted! Experienced mountain bikers will love this ride however, due to its challenging terrain. Climbing to approximately 800m, the track includes a number of steep ascents.
Advanced
4-6 hours, 35km approximately between the two townships.
From the Nelson-Blenheim Road (SH6), turn onto Maungatapu Road at Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve and drive 13 km to the road end (the road becomes Mt Richmond Road).
1. Keep left.
2. Cyclists should let pedestrians know when they are approaching by politely calling out or ringing a bell when approaching from behind.
3. Cyclists should pass on the right, when possible – unless the pedestrians are on the right in which case pass them in the safest way possible.
4. Cyclists should ride defensively and cycle at a speed that does not put others at risk.