Last Updated: 11th Dec 2025
Rooty and Rocky
Wooded Peak and Dun Mt from the Maitai Dam
Last Updated: 11th Dec 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 64 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
27.2km
2275m
2245m
Last Updated: 11th Dec 2025
Last Updated: 11th Dec 2025
Open
Grunt Factor: 64 ?
Gnarl Factor: 69 ?
27.2km
2275m
2245m
Front country - easily accessible
Loop
Very hilly
Native bush
Plantation/exotic forest
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +16.80%
Average Downhill Gradient: -16.60%
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7:00
Slow
5:30
Moderate
4:30
Fast
This trail packs a lot of vert, epic views and varied trails into a 27km loop, right by Nelson. It makes for a great day out with friends, or a training route for locals preparing for the Spectacle 100km/100mile, or a similar event.
Start at the Maitai Dam, follow the 4wd over the river and head up the hill signposted to 629 (Bob Taylor Road/South Branch Climb). At about 2.7km there is a hairpin bend then 300m later you come to E Tū on the right, a switchback climb that is much more enjoyable than the firebreak and takes you up to the picnic bench at the start of Sunrise Ridge and the start of the rooty section.
At the junction with Black Diamond, turn left toward Wooded Peak, then keep left when you briefly touch the Coppermine Trail. The summit of Wooded Peak is (shockingly) wooded so enjoy the viewpoint just before the top. The views on your way down to join the Coppermine Trail at Windy Point are also beautiful. You have about 1.5km of smooth easy gradient running to Coppermine Saddle before heading over to Dun Saddle then up and over Dun Mt - your rocky section. (If you've had enough vert for the day take the Coppermine Track back down to the dam for a 25km, 1370m loop.) On a good day the views from the top of Dun Mt are fantastic! Keep following this trail to just before the Dew Lakes, where you turn left down the Rush Pool Track back to the dam.
This trail includes the peaks Dun Mountain and Wooded Peak.
Views over the Richmond Range, out to the Sounds and over to Golden Bay.
At the trailhead and at Coppermine Saddle.
No public transport. Ample parking at the trailhead, there is a gate that closes overnight so check the times as you go through the gate - it only adds a few 100m at each end.
19 km
37 minutes
No
No
Easy.
Very patchy.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions)
Quite limited - there's a small rainwater tank at the Dun Shelter, otherwise the option of taking a short detour to 3rd House if you've run out.
The section over Dun Mt is exposed from all directions. The Rush Pools Track can get pretty wet at the top after heavy rain.
A lot of this route is shared with mountain bikers, be courteous and share so that everyone can enjoy this amazing network.
The Function Room Cafe
Nile St
Cafe on the way back into Nelson
The Free House
Collingwood St
Good selection of beers, outside seating
Penguino
Montgomery Square
Ice cream
Do you have another suggestion on where to go afterwards for the best coffee / cake / breakfast / brunch / beer?
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