Bluff-Maitai Loop

Nelson

11km loop run.

This grand tour of Nelson has only 2 road crossings. Half is on single track and the other half is on paved trails.

Either of the parking areas at Founder’s Park will work but we prefer starting at the skate park (follow Collingwood Street north into Sovereign Street). There are toilets at the skate park parking.

Head east on the bike path (near highway 6) from the skate park and then turn right at the fork toward the windmill. Cross Atawhai Drive at the Founder’s Park parking lot and find the start of the switchback track up through the gum trees. After about 1km of stiff uphill you head south along a scenic gently downhill contour along the bluff. Visit The Centre of New Zealand at the summit of Botanical Hill.

From The Centre you’ll follow the upper track east into Branford Park. Run past the parking area toward the toilets and then cross the Maitai River at the bridge. Follow the river track downstream where it turns into a paved track. Follow the paved track and cross Trafalgar Street. Another 300m brings you to an arched pedestrian bridge across the Maitai. Cross the river and follow the paved track to the finish.