Mountain Bike Transfers: Your Gateway to Top of the South Epic Rides
The Top of the South is home to some of New Zealand’s most legendary multi-day mountain biking adventures. From the rugged wilderness of the Old Ghost Road to the stunning diversity of the Heaphy Track, these are the rides that create lifelong memories. But getting to the start and back from the finish can be a major logistical challenge.
That’s where we come in. Gravity Nelson is your one-stop hub for seamless, professional, and reliable mountain bike transfers to the region’s premier backcountry trails. We handle the transport, so you can focus on the adventure.
Transfers vs. Shuttles: What’s the Difference?
We get this question a lot! Both services get you and your bike to spectacular riding, but they are designed for two very different types of adventure. Understanding the difference ensures you book the right trip.
MTB Transfers: For Point-to-Point Adventures (NEW IN 2025)
A transfer is a one-way or return transport service to get you, your bike, and your gear to the start or from the end of a long-distance, point-to-point trail. Think of it as your personal backcountry taxi service.
- Best For: Multi-day epics like the Old Ghost Road, Heaphy Track, or Paparoa Track, or single-day rides with tricky transport logistics like Nydia Bay.
- What it is: A single, pre-booked transport service for you, your bike, and your gear to a remote trailhead.
- Vehicle: Our professional 4WD vehicles are built to handle remote access roads safely, our comfortable ute’s can take small groups of up to four riders, and our 4×4 minivan can take up to eight riders.
- Goal: To solve the logistical puzzle of starting and finishing a long trail in different locations.
MTB Shuttles: For Downhill Laps (Since 2016!)
A shuttle is all about maximising your gravity-fed fun. We provide multiple uplifts within a single ride area, so you can spend less time pedalling up and more time descending with big grins on your face.
- Best For: Lapping the world-class trails at local ride areas around Nelson/Tasman like the Wairoa Gorge, Cable Bay Adventure Park, Fringed Hill, Silvan Mountain Bike Park, and Sharlands.
- What it is: Multiple trips up the hill throughout a half-day or full-day session.
- Vehicle: Our fleet of 4×4 utes and troop carriers can access all the key shuttle drop-off points in the region, including some of the gnarliest off-road shuttling you will ever do!
- Goal: To get in as many thrilling downhill runs as possible.
Gravity Nelson’s famous 4×4 mountain bike shuttles to some of New Zealand’s best trails
Our Premier Backcountry Transfer Destinations
Ready for a real adventure? We provide reliable transfers to the South Island’s most iconic tracks. Click on a destination below to learn more and start planning your trip.
- Old Ghost Road Transfers: Nelson to Lyell Campsite and/or pick up from Seddonville to return to Nelson
- Heaphy Track Transfers: Nelson to Brown Hut and/or pick up from Kohaihai to return to Nelson
- Nydia Bay Track Transfer Loop: One Day Transfer to Duncan Bay from Nelson, and pickup from Kaiuma Bay to return to Nelson
- Paparoa Track Custom Transfers: Customisable Transfers to Smoke-ho carpark (Blackball end) and/or pick-ups from Punakaiki trailhead.
- Keen on something else? get in touch.
Why Choose Gravity Nelson for Your Transfer?
When you’re heading into the backcountry, you need a service you can depend on. We are riders ourselves and have built our transfer service around what matters most.
- Professional & Capable Fleet: Our 4WD vehicles are comfortable for you and secure for your bike, capable of reaching remote trailheads that standard cars can’t.
- Unmatched Local Knowledge: We’re not just drivers; we’re experienced local riders. We can provide advice on conditions, gear, and what to expect on the trail.
- The One-Stop Adventure Hub: Stop juggling multiple operators! We can sort your pre-trip bike service, last-minute parts, and even a high-performance rental bike perfectly suited for these rugged trails.
- Seamless Booking Process: One email is all it takes. We’ll provide a detailed quote, and once you’re ready, you can secure your booking with a simple and secure FareHarbor payment link.
Ready For Your Epic Adventure?
Your seamless Top of the South mountain bike adventure starts here. Contact us with your desired destination, dates, and group size, and we’ll handle the rest.
Stop Juggling Multiple Operators!
While competitors make you piece together your perfect mountain bike adventure by contacting multiple operators, bike shops, and shuttle services, we deliver seamless, professional service with one conversation.
- Professional mountain bike transfers with secure bike trailers to legendary trails
- Premium mountain bike rentals with professional setup
- Expert mountain bike coaching and safety briefings
- Complete mountain bike services and maintenance
- Unmatched local knowledge of Top of the South mountain bike trails
- Registered Adventure Activity Operator with full insurance
- Professional 4WD fleet with purpose-built mountain bike trailers
Premium Mountain Bike Add-On Services
Mountain Bike Rentals
Acoustic Mountain Bikes: Half-day $89 • Full-day $159 • Multi-day $89/day (after first two days)
Electric Mountain Bikes: Half-day $139 • Full-day $199 • Multi-day $139/day (after first two days)
All rentals include professional setup for your weight, height, brake side and pedal preference, helmet, and 24/7 support
Expert Mountain Bike Coaching & Services
- Pre-adventure mountain bike skills coaching: $249 (2 people) + $100 each additional
- Pre-transfer mountain bike safety check: $49 per bike (includes rack and pannier installation check)
- Post-adventure mountain bike maintenance: $49 per bike
- Airport pickup and transfer: $150 (up to 9 people)
- Professional mountain bike assembly: $120 per bike
- Professional mountain bike packing: $95 per bike
