Nelson Mountain Bike Shuttles with Gravity Nelson
Difficulty
moderate to expert
Duration
30 minutes shuttle + variable ride times
Fitness Level
Riders should have solid bike handling skills and be comfortable on technical descents.
Overview
Skip the uphill effort and hit Nelson’s premier mountain bike trails with Gravity Nelson’s casual shuttles. Accessible drop-offs give you instant access to a range of intermediate and expert descents—perfect for maximizing your riding time.
Casual Shuttles: Firball Skid or Fringed Hill
30 minute shuttle ride
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of Nelson's mountain biking without the uphill grind! Our Casual Shuttle Rides offer effortless access to stunning trails, from flowing intermediate paths to challenging expert descents. With a flexible online booking system and local insights, maximize your riding time and enjoy multiple descents in a single day.
Duration
30 minute shuttle ride
About
NOTE: "ALL casual shuttle seats are now bookable online, unbooked seats are available on a line up, first in first served basis" Bookable until 30 minutes before, closer than that, queue up to grab an empty seat.
Departing from the Codgers Mountain Bike Hub car park up Brook St, this shuttle climbs FIRST to the Firball skid a 250m vertical ascent which normally takes about half an hour to pedal up to (more for kids). From the Shuttle drop-off point you are able to directly ride down IV Line or Turners, ride up to Firball Trig to access Firball and other GRADE FOUR trails, or ride over to the backside of Codgers to access a wide range of GRADE FIVE trails including Smasher, Top Dog, Hot Box, DIVAS and more. AFTER UNLOADING HERE we drop back down to Tangtragee Saddle before the shuttle climbs to the top of Fringed Hill, a nearly 700m vertical ascent which normally takes over an hour to pedal up. From the shuttle drop-off point you are able to access a variety of grade FIVE & SIX trails including Te Ara Koa, Butters, FDH, and Black Diamond for access to Whaimana, 629, Peaking and Crankenstein.
Gravity Nelson's Casual mountain bike Shuttles have traditionally been a "line up, first in first served" shuttle, however without the consistent volume of mountain bike shuttles like in places like Rotorua this has sometimes led to issues with over and under capacity some days. In order to attempt to improve the predictability of the shuttles for riders (especially those driving from further afield to Nelson) we are trialing a variety of new booking options over summer. After positive feedback about our "first four seats in a slot are bookable online" live calendar based inventory system we are now going to try "ALL casual shuttle seats are now bookable online, unbooked seats are available on a line up, first in first served basis". This means that if you want more certainty about our casual mountain bike shuttles you can:
Visit gravitynelson.co.nz/casualshuttles 24/7 to see:.
- If a particular destination/time slot is CANCELLED or OPEN.
- If there are AVAILABLE casual seats to book.
- how many total seats Gravity is providing for that destination/time slot to plan what time you might queue up for a casual seat.
-
If you want a confirmed seat then you can book for a destination/time slot that is OPEN. If you have booked, please arrive at least 10 minutes before the time slot.
-
For all remaining unbooked seats availability will continue to be on a "line up, first in first served" basis."
Adventure Tips
Book early for peak days
Secure your seat online in advance during busy weekends to avoid long waits or sell-outs.
Bring adequate hydration
Nelson’s sunny climate means you should carry enough water to stay fueled on long descents.
Check your bike before arriving
Ensure your mountain bike is in top mechanical shape for steep, technical terrain—Gravity Nelson offers bike checks and repairs if needed.
Prepare for varied trail difficulty
Choose trails at your skill level; Firball Skid offers intermediates while Fringed Hill drop-offs lead to expert lines.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- New Zealand fantail birds flitting through the forest canopy
- Occasional sightings of wild goats on higher ridges
History
Nelson’s mountain bike scene grew rapidly in the early 2000s, developing world-class trail networks supported by local advocacy groups.
Conservation
Trail maintenance initiatives ensure sustainable riding that minimizes erosion and preserves native flora in Nelson’s forests.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Nelson
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Full-face helmet
Provides maximum protection on steep and technical downhill trails.
Hydration pack
Keeps you hydrated during long descents under the sun.
summer specific
Protective pads (knee and elbow)
Reduces injury risk on challenging technical sections.
Layered clothing
Adjusts to variable temperatures and changing weather conditions.
fall|winter|spring specific