Black Diamond Ridge is a beech-forested ridge running between Fringed Hill and Junction Saddle, southeast of central Nelson. It is commonly combined with Sunrise Ridge or Coppermine Trail to create a technical MTB or trail running circuit within short distance of the city centre.
| Details | |
| Length | 2.5 km |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Technical Difficulty | Expert |
| Uses | Walking, trail running and MTB |
| Direction | Either for walkers and runners, Fringed Hill start for MTB |
| Start Elevation | 793 m (Fringed Hill) or 682 m (Junction Saddle) |
| Max Elevation | 839 m |
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1 hr 30 min from Nelson (by MTB)
Black Diamond Ridge is best ridden west to east, though if you’re on foot it doesn’t matter which direction you do it. The western end of Black Diamond Ridge begins at the summit of Fringed Hill, which is accessed by climbing the Fringed Hill Road from Tantragee Saddle. The beginning of the track is signposted as it enters the beech forest immediately behind the trig and wooden seat.
You can get to the eastern end at Junction Saddle by heading up Coppermine Trail from Brook Valley (Junction Saddle is 1.2 km past Third House).
From Fringed Hill, the track climbs along the ridge to 839 m elevation, then descends to the lowest point on the ridge at 713 m elevation. The ridge is quite narrow, and slippery roots, inconveniently located tree stumps, steep undulations and rocky drops give the track a Black Diamond (expert) technical rating (and probably its name too). You will have to walk your bike through some sections. Brook Waimārama Sanctuary lies in the valley immediately southwest, and has a ‘halo’ effect in regard to the presence of native birdlife. Species like South Island robin, tui and kerurū fly beyond the sanctuary fence and may be seen amid the beech trees along the ridge.
The track climbs again to reach a four-way intersection atop a knob (elevation point 812 m on the topo map) after 1.8 km. At this point you can turn left and head north along Sunrise Ridge to Maitai Dam via Peaking Ridge or Big Hill Track, or into Maitai Valley via 629 or Whaimana downhill tracks. After the intersection the track descends toward Junction Saddle where it connects with Coppermine Trail.
Black Diamond Ridge is a beech-forested ridge running between Fringed Hill and Junction Saddle, southeast of central Nelson. It is commonly combined with Sunrise Ridge or Coppermine Trail to create a technical MTB or trail running circuit within short distance of the city centre.
| Trail Details | |
| Length | 2.5 km |
| Trail Type | Tramping track |
| Physical Difficulty | Moderate |
| Technical Difficulty | Expert |
| Uses | Walking, trail running and MTB |
| Direction | Either |
| Start Elevation | 793 m (Fringed Hill) or 682 m (Junction Saddle) |
| Max Elevation | 839 m |
1 hr 30 min from Nelson (by MTB)
Black Diamond Ridge is best ridden west to east, though if you’re on foot it doesn’t matter which direction you do it. The western end of Black Diamond Ridge begins at the summit of Fringed Hill, which is accessed by climbing the Fringed Hill Road from Tantragee Saddle. The beginning of the track is signposted as it enters the beech forest immediately behind the trig and wooden seat.
You can get to the eastern end at Junction Saddle by heading up Coppermine Trail from Brook Valley (Junction Saddle is 1.2 km past Third House).
From Fringed Hill, the track climbs along the ridge to 839 m elevation, then descends to the lowest point on the ridge at 713 m elevation. The ridge is quite narrow, and slippery roots, inconveniently located tree stumps, steep undulations and rocky drops give the track a Black Diamond (expert) technical rating (and probably its name too). You will have to walk your bike through some sections. Brook Waimārama Sanctuary lies in the valley immediately southwest, and has a ‘halo’ effect in regard to the presence of native birdlife. Species like South Island robin, tui and kerurū fly beyond the sanctuary fence and may be seen amid the beech trees along the ridge.
The track climbs again to reach a four-way intersection atop a knob (elevation point 812 m on the topo map) after 1.8 km. At this point you can turn left and head north along Sunrise Ridge to Maitai Dam via Peaking Ridge or Big Hill Track, or into Maitai Valley via 629 or Whaimana downhill tracks. After the intersection the track descends toward Junction Saddle where it connects with Coppermine Trail.
Updated 20 February 2019