Nelson City Council

Cycle and walkway map

Download an A4 sized map of the Cycleways of Nelson (PDF @ 1MB) (169KB PDF)

Regional cycling maps and safety tips

The rides in Bike Nelson are aimed at beginner to intermediate riders looking for recreational rides and are in two sections – urban rides and mountain bike rides. The urban rides make use of Nelson’s on and off-road cycle ways. They range from easy to moderate and most are suitable for families.There are a small selection of mountain bike rides suitable for beginners and others more challenging and longer.

Click here for Nelson's urban rides

Click here to see mountain bike rides.

Click here if you would rather see Nelson on foot.

Mountain biking locations

Dun Mountain, Nelson
Grampians, Nelson
Maitai Valley, Nelson
Tantragee Saddle, Nelson

Off-street cycleways

Stoke Railway Reserve, Stoke
Tahunanui Beach Reserve, Nelson

Urban rides

The following rides have been selected to make the most of Nelson’s cycle way network. They are suitable for family outings and the times given are for cycling at a relaxed speed. Many of these urban rides link up and can be combined for longer rides or used as commuter connections. For example, Ride 6 (City to Annesbrook) can link with Ride 4 ( Old Railway Route).

• (1) Waterfront ride (PDF @300KB) (300KB PDF)
• (2) Maitai River ride (PDF @289KB) (289KB PDF)
• (3) Trafalgar Cycleway (PDF @291KB) (290KB PDF)
• (4) Old Railway Route (PDF @307KB) (306KB PDF)
• (5) Monaco Loop (PDF @287KB) (286KB PDF)
• (6) City to Annesbrook (Old Railway Route) (PDF @311KB) (311KB PDF)

Before you head out, make sure your bike is safe, your helmet fits well and you have sun protection. Where the ride takes you on a dual-use path please be considerate to other users, both cyclists and walkers. 

Mountain bike rides

These mountain bike rides are just a small selection of rides available in Nelson and are aimed towards beginners. Bike shops have further information on more technical rides when you have developed your riding skills. If you have never biked off-road before, try an easier ride like Ride 7 (Maitai River Ride) or Ride 8 (Codgers Track).

• (7) Maitai Valley ride (PDF @424KB) (423KB PDF)
• (8) Old Codgers track (PDF @446KB) (445KB PDF)
• (9) Tantragee Saddle (PDF @400KB) (400KB PDF)
• (10) Fireball (PDF @430KB) (429KB PDF)
• (11) Dun Mountain Railway to Third House (PDF @529KB) (528KB PDF)
• (12) Fringed Hill (PDF @452KB) (452KB PDF)
• (13) Central and Sharlands Road Loop (PDF @452KB) (399KB PDF)
• (14) Central and Teal Saddle Loop (PDF @452KB) (429KB PDF)
• (15) Sir Stanley Whitehead to Maitai (PDF @452KB) (532KB PDF)
• (16) Barnicoat (PDF @452KB) (418KB PDF)

A permit is needed to ride in Hira Forest (Rides 13 and 14). These can be obtained from Action Forest Management in Richmond (+64 3 544 8541), or by joining the Nelson Mountain Bike Club.

Any rides that have forests may be closed due to operations or fire risk. Please obey the signage at gates or public notices in the paper. Stay well away from all forest operations. Remember that there are other users in the forest and ride accordingly.

Make sure your bike is suitable for off-road conditions and follow the Mountain bike code.

The Mountain Bikers' Code

1. Ride MTB and multi-use tracks only. Ask permission from land owners before heading out.
2. Respect other users; always give way to walkers.
3. Leave no trace, never skid or drop rubbish.
4. Keep your bicycle under control.
5. Never spook animals; leave gates as you find them.

Keep it fun for all

• Respect other users
• Always give way to walkers
• Keep your bicycle under control
• Always wear a helmet
• Leave gates as you find them
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions
• All children must be supervised

Bikes belong!

Regular cycling provides significant health benefits to cyclists and to the community. Bikes are cheap to run. Cycling is good for the environment, uses no fossil fuels, has no exhaust emissions, and is quiet.