The Coppermine Connection: Nelson’s Best-Kept Adventure Secret
Experience something extraordinary: 4×4 wilderness shuttle, guided walk through Brook Sanctuary’s restored native forest, and a thrilling guided mountain bike descent down the Coppermine Trail. Only available through Gravity Nelson – our exclusive partnership gives you access to the most remote and untouched part of the Brook Sanctuary’s 690 hectares of predator-free native forest – and our exclusive concession means we are the only operator to be able to shuttle you to Third House, high on the Coppermine trail so you don’t need to pedal up.
Three Adventures. One Unforgettable Experience.
The Coppermine Connection combines three distinct experiences into one seamless adventure that showcases the best of Nelson’s natural beauty. Perfect for families, beginner mountain bikers, and anyone seeking a unique way to experience the region.
Phase 1: 4×4 Wilderness Journey
Your adventure begins with a scenic 30-minute 4×4 shuttle through private farmland and regenerating native forest. Climb to 400m elevation while our expert drivers share local history and point out native birdlife.
Duration: 30 minutes
What to expect: Comfortable 4×4 transport, stunning valley views, native forest corridors
Phase 2: Brook Sanctuary Discovery
Step into New Zealand’s largest privately-owned wildlife sanctuary. Your guided 20-minute walk reveals the remarkable conservation story while surrounded by regenerating native bush and birdsong.
Duration: 20 minutes
What to expect: Guided conservation walk, predator-free environment, rare native species
Phase 3: Coppermine Trail Descent
Mount your bike and enjoy one of Nelson’s most scenic descents. The smooth-flowing Coppermine Trail delivers 45-60 minutes of pure riding pleasure, finishing in the heart of Nelson city.
Duration: 45-60 minutes
What to expect: Grade 2-3 flow trail, panoramic views, manageable features, urban finish
Exhilarating 4×4 adventure along the Brook Sanctuary Fenceline up to the Coppermine Trail
Why Choose the Coppermine Connection?
Perfect for Families and Beginners
Designed specifically for families with children aged 10+ and beginner mountain bikers. The Coppermine Trail offers smooth flow and manageable features, while the 4×4 shuttle eliminates exhausting uphill climbs.
Conservation Meets Adventure
Brook Sanctuary represents one of New Zealand’s most ambitious private conservation projects. Your participation directly supports this vital work while giving you rare access to a predator-free environment.
Exclusive Access to the highest most untouched section of the Brook Sanctuary
Operated by Nelson’s Most Trusted Shuttle Service
Gravity Nelson brings 9+ years of experience and an impeccable safety record. With over 2,000 annual shuttle customers and ratings of 5.0 stars on TripAdvisor and 4.9 stars on Google Reviews, you’re in expert hands.
Scenic Without the Suffering
Experience breathtaking views of Nelson, Tasman Bay, and surrounding ranges without the grueling uphill grind. Save your energy for enjoying the descent and taking in the scenery.
Flexible and Convenient
The complete experience takes just 2.5-3 hours, making it perfect for fitting into your Nelson itinerary. Limited departure times available each day.
Pricing
| Adult | $TBC per person* |
| Youth (ages 10-17) | $TBC per person* |
| Family Package (2 adults + 2 youth) |
$TBC* Save $TBC on individual tickets |
*Brook Sanctuary Access Fee: All participants must purchase a Brook Sanctuary Access pass which can also be used to visit the Sanctuary itself.
What’s Included:
- 4×4 wilderness shuttle transport
- Guided sanctuary walk
- Coppermine Trail access
- Safety briefing
- Mechanical support
Extras Available:
Bike Rental: Quality mountain bikes available at discounted rates for Coppermine Connection customers.
Good to Know
What’s Included
- Professional 4×4 shuttle transportation with expert drivers
- Guided 20-minute Brook Sanctuary conservation walk
- Trail access and permits
- Mountain Bike Guide, safety briefing and mechanical support
- Secure bike transport on trailer
What to Bring
- Your own mountain bike (or arrange rental)
- Helmet and appropriate riding gear
- Water bottles
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Camera for capturing memories
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Important Information
- Recommended for ages 10 and older
- Participants must be comfortable riding a mountain bike on trails
- Coppermine Trail is Grade 2-3 (suitable for beginners with basic bike handling skills)
- Total experience duration: 2.5-3 hours
- Maximum group size: 9 riders
- Available year-round (weather permitting)
- Advance booking recommended
- Operated by WorkSafe NZ certified adventure activity operator
Your guide will provide history and information about the area as well as instruction on safe mountain biking
Frequently Asked Questions
What skill level do I need for the Coppermine Connection?
Perfect for beginners and families. The Coppermine Trail is a Grade 2-3 trail with smooth flow and manageable features. If you’re comfortable riding a mountain bike on trails, you’ll enjoy this experience. Our expert drivers provide safety briefings and can offer tips for less experienced riders.
How long does the experience take?
The complete experience takes approximately 2.5-3 hours from start to finish. This includes the 30-minute 4×4 shuttle, 20-minute guided sanctuary walk, and 45-60 minute trail descent (depending on your pace and photo stops).
Is this suitable for children?
Yes! The Coppermine Connection is perfect for families with children aged 10 and older who are comfortable riding mountain bikes on trails. Youth pricing is available for ages 10-17, and our family package offers great value for 2 adults and 2 youth.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket includes 4×4 wilderness shuttle transport, guided 20-minute Brook Sanctuary walk with conservation education, trail access and permits, safety briefing, and mechanical support throughout the experience. Bike rental is available separately at discounted rates for Coppermine Connection customers.
Do I need to bring my own bike?
You can bring your own mountain bike or rent from us at discounted rates. All bikes are transported securely on our bike trailers. If you’re renting, please let us know when booking so we can ensure the right size bike is reserved for you.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Safety is our top priority. If weather conditions make the experience unsafe or unenjoyable, we’ll contact you to reschedule or offer a full refund. We monitor conditions closely and make decisions based on our 15+ years of experience operating in Nelson’s varied weather.
Can I do this if I’ve never mountain biked before?
We recommend having some basic mountain biking experience before attempting the Coppermine Connection. The trail is suitable for beginners, but you should be comfortable riding a mountain bike on uneven surfaces and handling basic downhill sections. If you’re completely new to mountain biking, consider starting with our other family-friendly shuttle options or a half day mountain bike coaching session to build confidence first.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 3-7 days in advance, especially during peak summer season (December-February). This ensures availability and allows us to coordinate access with Brook Sanctuary. Last-minute bookings may be available – contact us directly to check.
Where does the trail finish?
The Coppermine Trail finishes in central Nelson near the Maitai Valley, approximately 2km from our Gravity Nelson shop. You can either ride the easy path back to our shop, or we can arrange pickup if you prefer (additional fee may apply for groups).
What makes Brook Sanctuary special?
Brook Sanctuary is New Zealand’s largest privately-owned wildlife sanctuary, featuring a 14km predator-proof fence protecting 690 hectares of regenerating native forest. It’s home to rare native species including kiwi, kākā, and jewelled gecko. Your guided walk provides unique insights into this ambitious conservation project, and your participation supports ongoing restoration efforts.
Exclusive 4×4 shuttle uplift to historic “Third House” high on the Coppermine Trail.
What Our Customers Say
Gravity Nelson has been trusted by thousands of riders over 15+ years of operation
“Four days shuttling – Cable Bay, Rameka, Fringe Hill and the Gorge. Outstanding experience. Great drivers, good trail advice, even some riding tips.”
– TripAdvisor Review
“Gravity Nelson made our family holiday perfect. The kids loved avoiding the uphill, and we got to ride so many more trails than we could have on our own.”
– Google Review
“Professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. You can tell these guys really care about showing people the best of Nelson’s trails.”
– Google Review
Award-Winning Service
TripAdvisor: 5.0 stars from 42+ reviews
Google Reviews: 4.9 stars from 150+ reviews
WorkSafe NZ: Certified Adventure Activity Operator
Book Your Coppermine Connection Adventure
Experience Nelson’s best-kept adventure secret. Limited availability – book now to secure your spot.
Questions? Call us at 03-522-4099 or email [email protected]
