Last updated October 2026
Codgers Mountain Bike Park, also known as Koata Park, sits in the heart of Nelson and provides a network of mountain bike trails suitable for beginners through to expert riders. The park occupies land around three hills rising to approximately 400 metres, with trails starting from central access points near Brook Street.
Partnerships between Nelson City Council, Ngāti Koata and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club maintain the professionally built tracks and clear signage. Riders can create loops of varying lengths and connect to the Dun Mountain Track for longer adventures. Facilities at the Codgers Recreation Hub support convenient visits, while trail conditions are monitored and updated regularly by the council.
Practical Information
- Location
- Brook Street, Nelson 7010
- Access points
- Brook Street car park or Codgers Recreation Hub off Tantragee Road
- Trail difficulty
- Grade 2 easy through to grade 5 expert downhill
- Facilities
- Parking, toilets, bike wash stations
- Cost
- Free, but register first on HivePass (free); donations and club membership support maintenance
- Dogs
- Permitted under control in some areas; prohibited past Sunrise Ridge
- Trail status
- Check nelson.govt.nz for current open/closed information
About Codgers Mountain Bike Park
The park lies minutes from Nelson city centre and offers an accessible introduction to mountain biking in the region. Trails wind around three hills with summits providing views over the city and surrounding landscapes. The network includes gentle meandering singletrack for families and novices alongside technical descents and features for advanced riders.
Nelson City Council and the Nelson Mountain Bike Club manage the trails in partnership with Ngāti Koata, the land owner. Tracks are built to professional standards and well signposted from the main entrances. Riders appreciate the progressive options that allow skill development within a single location.
Connections to the Dun Mountain Track extend ride possibilities beyond the park boundaries. The central location makes Codgers a popular choice for locals and visitors seeking convenient outdoor recreation without extensive travel.
Location and Access
Primary access is via the Brook Street car park opposite Blick Terrace or the upgraded Codgers Recreation Hub on Tantragee Road. Both points provide parking and connect directly to the trail network. The park sits within easy reach of Nelson amenities while offering an immediate escape into native and plantation forest settings.
Access to the Codgers and Fringed Hill area is free, but riders must register first at join.hivepass.app/codgers. Proof of registration is emailed and may need to be shown to security on the land. Nelson Mountain Bike Club members have registration included in their membership (Nelson City Council).
The free Codgers registration does not cover the neighbouring Waitarake Trails at Sharlands: the Nelson MTB Club says its recreation pass does not include Sharlands, and Nelson City Council says access there is granted solely through membership of the Nelson MTB Club.
Trail Network and Difficulty
Trails range from easy grade 2 paths suitable for beginners and families to demanding grade 5 downhill routes. The three-hill layout creates varied terrain with options for short loops or extended rides. Clear grading and signage help riders select appropriate challenges and navigate safely.
Facilities and Amenities
The Codgers Recreation Hub supplies parking, toilets and bike wash facilities maintained by Nelson City Council. Additional parking is available at the Brook Street entrance. Trail maps and updates are available through the Nelson Mountain Bike Club website.
Riding Koata Park into the Maitai Valley
On the north side of the Codgers network is Koata Park, where most (but not all) of the trails drop down into the Maitai Valley.
The land belongs to Ngāti Koata, Tasman Pine Forests manages the forest and the Nelson MTB Club manages the trails. Check Nelson City Council’s trail status page before you ride, and follow any signs on the trail, as short closures are not always listed.
Access works the same way as the rest of Codgers. Riders need the free recreation pass on HivePass, which the club says covers the Codgers/Maitai and Fringed Hill trails, and the council says the public can get free recreational access to the Codgers and Fringed Hill area this way. Nelson MTB Club members have the registration included in their membership.
Where to Learn More
Nelson Mountain Bike Club: Detailed trail descriptions, maps and club information for Codgers.
Nelson Tasman official tourism: Overview of Koata Park access, rules and visitor guidance.
Nelson City Council trail status: Current open and closed information for Codgers trails.
Nelson MTB Club: Codgers – Maitai: the club’s page for the Koata Park trails, with the land owner and forest and trail managers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is entry to Codgers Mountain Bike Park free?
Yes, public recreational access is free, but you must register first on HivePass and may be asked for proof by security. Donations and Nelson Mountain Bike Club membership help fund trail maintenance.
Where do I park?
Park at the Brook Street car park or the Codgers Recreation Hub off Tantragee Road, both with direct trail access.
Are dogs allowed on the trails?
Dogs are permitted under control in Koata Brook and Maitai areas but prohibited past Sunrise Ridge.
What difficulty levels are available?
Trails cover easy grade 2 routes for beginners and families through to expert grade 5 downhill tracks.
Can I connect to other trails?
Yes, the network links to the Dun Mountain Track for extended rides beyond the park.
How do I check if trails are open?
Visit the Nelson City Council trail status page for the latest updates on Codgers tracks.
Are there bike wash facilities?
Yes, bike wash stations are available at the Codgers Recreation Hub.
Is the park suitable for families?
Yes, easier trails provide safe options for younger or less experienced riders alongside more challenging routes.
Does the free Codgers registration cover Koata Park?
Yes. The Nelson MTB Club says the free recreation pass covers the Codgers/Maitai and Fringed Hill trails.
Are the Koata Park trails open?
Check Nelson City Council’s trail status page for current closures before you ride.
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