Te Ara Koa Mountain Bike Trail

Te Ara Koa (translated as "Trail to Happiness") opened in October 2017 after thousands of hours of graft from the Nelson Mountain Bike Club's volunteer builders. 5.1km long, dropping 700m, through native bush. It's hand built pure singletrack with plenty of small natural features to keep you on your toes. The trail starts on an easy gradient but is made challenging by a carpet of ancient tree roots and plenty of off camber. After the first 1000m it gets into a well-benched traverse and the flow comes at you thick and fast. After 3.5km you cross the historic Dun Mountain Railway trail, after which Te Ara Koa keeps on going at the same grade right down to Brook Street, just 10 minutes from Nelson CBD.If you are fit and eager you can tick off the climb and descent in under 2hrs, but most people will take 2.30/3hrs at a steady pace with a long stop at the top to enjoy the incredible views over Tasman Bay to Kahurangi National Park and Mount Arthur. The trail uses Ngati Koata and Nelson City Council land, who supported the build process. New trail grade in 2021