600 Riders, one epic destination
Over 600 young riders descended on Nelson this September, the start of a busy Summer that will highlight Nelson’s growing reputation as a world-class destination for mountain biking.
Nelson City Council continues to support the region’s thriving mountain biking scene, with local world-class trails now attracting thousands of riders and hosting major national championships.
In 2024, Nelson City Council secured a land access agreement with Koata Limited for recreational use of key areas within Hira Forest, including Waitarake, Koata Park, and Fringed Hill.
The benefits are already evident, with new trails constructed and the overall network in excellent condition.
Nelson’s mountain biking success is founded on strong partnerships between Nelson City Council, Koata Limited, Nelson Mountain Bike Club and Tasman Pine Forests Limited, plus over 30 years of significant volunteer effort, enabling sustainable trail development, maintenance, and future growth.
“The trail network is in the best condition I’ve seen,” says Mel Barker, Nelson Mountain Bike Club Manager. “When you have certainty over land access, everything else follows. We can plan trail development properly, maintain what we have to a higher standard, and commit to hosting events years in advance because we know the trails will be there.”
That confidence showed in September, when the Nelson Mountain Bike Club hosted the 2025 National Secondary Schools MTB Championships, bringing over 600 young riders from across New Zealand for four days of competition across Enduro, Downhill, Cross Country, and Cross-Country Relay disciplines.
“The Club’s event calendar is brimming with exciting events covering all disciplines, including a kids’ enduro and the cross-country and downhill series to the ever-popular Mammoth Enduro and Super D series,” says Mel.
With nearly 3,000 club members and thousands more riders using our trails regularly, mountain biking has become a cornerstone of Nelson’s identity, delivering recreational and health benefits and also as a boost to local businesses.
Mountain biking tourism drives year-round visitor numbers, accommodation bookings, and hospitality spending. Events like the Secondary Schools Nationals alone inject significant funds into the local economy through competitor entries, family travel, and extended stays exploring the region’s diverse attractions. A 2023 independent report estimated the annual value of mountain biking at $45 million in regional GDP and 625 full time jobs.
Within a 45-minute drive of Nelson, riders can also explore a range of outstanding trail networks including Kaiteriteri, The Gorge, Richmond Hills, Silvan Forest and Cable Bay.
With its combination of world-class trails, spectacular natural scenery, and a welcoming mountain biking community, Nelson continues to strengthen its reputation as a must-visit destination for riders both nationally and internationally.
