Last updated November 2026
The Maungatapu Track is an old route over the hills behind Nelson to the Pelorus Valley, and today it is a hard backcountry ride on a rough four-wheel-drive road. Nelson City Council describes it as a historic route between the Maitai Dam and the Pelorus Valley.
The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust grades it 4 (advanced), gives it as 36 km with 3 to 6 hours of riding, and says it climbs a rough, steep road to the saddle at about 800 m above sea level. It is only suitable for mountain bikes and sturdy, low-geared touring bikes.
Practical Information
- Route
- Maitai Dam, Nelson, over the Maungatapu Saddle to the Pelorus Valley
- Length
- 36 km
- Riding time
- 3 to 6 hours
- Grade
- Grade 4 (advanced)
- Surface
- Rough, steep four-wheel-drive road
- High point
- Maungatapu Saddle, about 800 m above sea level
- Bikes
- Mountain bikes, or sturdy off-road touring bikes with low gearing
- Shared with
- Four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbikes and walkers
- Dogs
- Listed as prohibited in the Herenga ā Nuku national tracks dataset
- Status
- Check Nelson City Council’s Maungatapu Track page for current closures before you ride
About Maungatapu Track
The track is a piece of Nelson history as much as a ride. Nelson City Council calls it a historic route between the Maitai Dam and the Pelorus Valley, and the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust lists it as an alternative cycle touring route into Nelson. For touring riders that makes it a back-country way into or out of Nelson over the saddle.
It also has a dark chapter. The route passes the site of the Maungatapu murders, where five men were killed in 1866.
Do not expect a groomed cycle trail. The council describes a rough four-wheel-drive track used by utility providers and some recreational groups, and the trust warns of a rough, steep road over the saddle. Its grade 4 rating puts it in the advanced category, and the trust is clear that it is only for mountain bikes or sturdy touring bikes with low gears.
Herenga ā Nuku’s national track data gives a lower bike grade of 3, so use the trust’s grade 4 as the guide when planning.
Sharing the Road
The Maungatapu Track is open to four-wheel-drive vehicles, motorbikes, walkers and cyclists, so expect to meet traffic on the climb and the descent. There are two locked gates between the Maitai Dam and the Maungatapu Saddle.
Motor vehicles need the council’s permission to pass them, through its Bluetooth padlock access form, and the council warns that access is limited and requests are not always approved. The permission rule is written for motor vehicles.
Before You Go
This is a remote ride. The trust warns that some areas have no cellphone reception, suggests carrying a personal locator beacon there, and advises checking the weather and network coverage before you start. Allow for up to six hours of riding, the top of the trust’s range.
From locals
Will I share the Maungatapu Track with 4WDs and motorbikes?
Are there any toilets at the Maitai Dam end or along the track?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Maungatapu Track?
The Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust gives it as 36 km, with 3 to 6 hours of riding.
How hard is it?
It is graded 4 (advanced). It follows a rough, steep road over the Maungatapu Saddle at about 800 m above sea level.
What bike do I need?
A mountain bike, or a sturdy off-road touring bike with low gearing.
Where does it start?
Nelson City Council describes the route as running between the Maitai Dam and the Pelorus Valley.
Do I need a permit to ride it?
The council’s permission is needed for motor vehicles to pass the two locked gates. The track is open to walkers and cyclists; the council’s permission rule is for motor vehicles.
Will I have phone coverage?
Not everywhere. The trust warns that some areas have no reception and suggests carrying a personal locator beacon.
What happened on the Maungatapu Track?
The route passes the site of the Maungatapu murders of 1866, in which five men were killed.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Nelson City Council: Maungatapu Track: the council’s page on the route, its users and gate access.
- Heart of Biking: Maungatapu Track: the Nelson Tasman Cycle Trail Trust’s grade, length, riding time and advice.
- Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa: national track data, including the track’s bike grade. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, Outdoor Access Commission, from LINZ and DOC data (CC BY 4.0).