Coppermine Trail is one of the must-do rides in Nelson. The trail follows the alignment of the historic Dun Mountain Railway, New Zealand’s first railway, which was in operation between 1862 and 1901 to transport chromite extracted from mines on the eastern slopes of Wooded Peak. The trail ventures through the dramatic landscape of the Dun Mountain Mineral Belt, which is characterised by stunted vegetation and reddish-brown ultramafic rocks. It has become a popular mountain-biking circuit and is included as one of New Zealand’s Great Rides. Its appeal stems from the fascinating landscape it traverses, as well as its achievable length and ability to be completed from central Nelson. Coppermine Trail also provides access to Rocks Hut and Te Araroa Trail, and passes through the trail riding areas of Codgers MTB Park and Fringed Hill.