The Top of the South is making great progress in building the infrastructure, events and reputation as a global paradise for multiday mountain biking experiences. Further progress this month comes with additional Government funding and changes to conservation legislation.
The region gains from two major grants for upgrading mountain bike trails announced earlier this month. The St James Cycle Trail, which links with the Rainbow Trail between St Arnaud and Hanmer, gets $2 million and the Queen Charlotte Track, from Ship Cove to Anakiwa, gets $1.5 million. These major upgrades follow the Government support given to Nelson-Tasman’s Great Taste Trail last month of $427,000 for repairs following storms last year.
Our two Councils, through our 2026 Enabling Nelson Tasman’s Economic Recovery plan presented to the PM last month, advocate for the Abel Tasman 41km inland track to be opened up for mountain biking. The Government introduced conservation legislation to Parliament this month that will enable our region to advance changes in the Park’s management plan to enable this. It is currently banned from an era when bicycles were 10 speeds and only intended for roads. This inland track is underutilised, is suitable for mountain biking and offers recreationalists the opportunity to walk the Coast Track and then return by bike along this inland route.
I have long had a passion for the opportunities to expand mountain biking in our wider region. As Conservation Minister, I was able to open the Heaphy Track to seasonal mountain biking from May to November and initiated the new and popular Paparoa Track. These rate globally as some of the best multiday mountain bike experiences in the world.
Nelson City Council is doing its part. We secured a 10-year access agreement with Ngāti Koata in 2024 for the trails behind the city. We have also enhanced the parking and toilet facilities at key entrances. Day trails such as Sharlands, Dun Mountain, Fringed Hill, Maitai Valley and Marsden offer a wide range of experiences for different levels of bikers.
The 2026 NZMTB Rally in Nelson during March and our rating by the International Mountain Bicycling Association as one of only six regions worldwide with Gold Status reinforces Nelson as a mecca for mountain biking.
