Discover Maitai Valley
Tucked into the hills east of Nelson, Maitai Valley is a popular nature escape only 10 kilometres from the city centre. The valley follows the course of the Maitai River, leading inland past swimming holes, forested hillsides, and shared trails before ending at the Maitai Dam and reservoir. You can drive, hike, or bike the valley, and its proximity to the city and varied outdoor activities make it one of Nelson’s most accessible day trips.
From Riverbanks to Mountain Trails
The valley landscape is shaped by the river itself, which flows down from the mineral-rich slopes of the Dun Mountain Range. Along the lower valley, you'll find flat, open spaces with grassy clearings and easy river access, including popular swimming spots like Black Hole and Sunday Hole. As the valley climbs inland, pine forest and native bush begin to dominate, eventually giving way to beech forest and alpine scrub at higher elevations. At the very end of the valley, within a natural basin, is the Maitai Dam and reservoir.
Walking, Hiking and Biking
Maitai Valley provides an excellent range of outdoor options. The Maitai Shared Path begins in Nelson and follows the river upstream along a well-formed walking and cycle trail. It’s suitable for everyone and connects parks, bridges and picnic areas before reaching the more rural upper valley.
For more adventurous hikers or mountain bikers, the trail network links to the Coppermine Trail, a loop that climbs to over 1,100 metres on the flanks of Dun Mountain. This track follows the route of New Zealand’s first railway, built to transport copper ore, and now repurposed as a backcountry trail. Along the way, you’ll encounter native and exotic forests, panoramic views and remnants of early mining activity.
Māori Stories and Mineral History
The name Mahitahi, from which Maitai is derived, means “working together” or “collaboration”, which may reflect the river’s historical role as a communal food and travel route. Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Rārua and other iwi travelled seasonally through inland valleys for mahinga kai and trade.
In the 1850s, European settlers discovered copper deposits in the Dun Mountain mineral belt above the valley. This led to the construction of the Dun Mountain Railway, the first railway line in New Zealand, which operated from 1862 and formed the basis of today’s Coppermine Trail.
How to get there
From central Nelson, drive east along Nile Street to Maitai Valley Road. The road follows the river upstream, passing swimming holes and trail access points before ending at the Maitai Dam and reservoir, approximately 10 kilometres from the city. Parking areas are available at multiple points along the valley. Alternatively, you can cycle or walk the shared trail that begins in the city and follows the river all the way into the hills.
Places to visit in Nelson include the Botanical Hill, Tahunanui Beach and Queens Gardens.
