Sunrise Ridge

The two ends of Sunrise Ridge connect with Black Diamond Ridge (uphill end) and Big Hill Track (downhill end). Mountain bikers must ride Sunrise Ridge downhill and will need to access Black Diamond Ridge via Fringed Hill or Coppermine Trail (~1 hr 30 min ride from central Nelson).

If you’re on foot, Sunrise Ridge can be traversed in either direction. If approaching from Maitai Valley, at Maitai Dam cross the pedestrian bridge to the true left of the Maitai River and follow Coppermine Trail up the valley. After 1.6 km Bob Taylor Road forks off to the right; a signpost indicates this is the way to reach Sunrise Ridge. Bob Taylor Road climbs through plantation forest and connects with Big Hill Track, which climbs on the left to 629 m. Big Hill Track ends here, with Sunrise Ridge Track beginning immediately adjacent.

From the intersection on Black Diamond Ridge, the track descends steadily through the beech forest that covers the ridge. The track has a technical grading of expert, and is often described as a ‘rootfest’. Between the tree roots, fallen trees and occasional rocky section, there will be several places where you will need to dismount and walk. Despite this, there are good lengths of the track that can be negotiated without having to get off your bike. The gradient is steady the whole way along the ridge, and there are no particularly steep drops.

Peaking Ridge Track branches to the right after 2.4 km. Cranknstein DH Track also begins on the left, dropping down and reaching Maitai Valley via the bottom half of 629. The last few hundred metres of Sunrise Ridge involve a steep, rocky climb where you will need to walk your bike. From here you can descend to Smiths Ford in Maitai Valley via 629 DH track, or to Maitai Valley Road via Big Hill Track and Bob Taylor Road.