Dun Mountain Helibike

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This classic hike and mountain bike trip provides enjoyable wilderness adventure only minutes from Nelson.
A 15 minute trip by 4WD on a gravel road sees us meeting our helicopter for the short flight from the Maitai Dam to Dun Saddle at 960 metres on the edge of the Mount Richmond Forest Park.
From the exposed and lunar like alpine terrain of Dun Saddle, we gain stunning views into Mount Richmond Forest Park and west to Tasman Bay. A half hour walk through the curious vegetation of the mineral belt to Coppermine Saddle, site of a chromite mine in the 1860’s, where the helicopter has landed and left our double suspension Giant Trance mountain bikes.

The trail starts off at 1.4 metre wide and then gradually opens up beneath mountain beech forest to 2 metre wide along the site of the original railway, built to service the chromite mine. This was New Zealand’s first railway. The trail winds down toward Nelson, eventually passing through pine forest, with excellent views of Nelson and Tasman Bay, before finishing on a single track alongside the Maitai River.

Physical Expectations
The walk and ride are accessible to most people who are used to wilderness walks, and who have basic ability on a bike. The walk is an alpine walk rather than a gentle graded track, but it is not difficult. The ride involves some walking over streams or gullies spread out over the first half an hour, depending on your ability as a rider. When the track opens out it is easily ridden by all riders. The ride is graded a one in terms of difficulty out of a possible six, (6 being difficult). Despite the fact it is not technically difficult, experienced riders will thoroughly enjoy it as well.

What you’ll need
At its upper end, the trip begins in an exposed alpine area. You will need appropriate clothing for the weather conditions forecast, with wool or polypropylene underclothing and windbreaker if it is cold and windy. Running shoes or trainers are adequate for footwear.
We provide daypacks, bike and helmets. We also provide morning or afternoon tea appropriate to your trip, (depending on your timing we can also provide a gourmet lunch). We will collect you from your accommodation.

Trip Size
2 – 10 people