THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Journey 85km from Nelson along the Old Ghost Road, a rugged single track that winds through historic mining sites in the Upper Buller Gorge. Gravity Nelson offers a trip blending intense backcountry riding with rich local history.
Journey 85km from Nelson along the Old Ghost Road, a rugged single track that winds through historic mining sites in the Upper Buller Gorge. Gravity Nelson offers a trip blending intense backcountry riding with rich local history.
Book with Gravity Nelson
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Gravity Nelson · Nelson, Nelson
Set against the rugged backdrop of New Zealand’s South Island, Gravity Nelson offers a rare gateway to the Old Ghost Road—a compelling 85km stretch of single track weaving through the Upper Buller Gorge. This isn’t just a trail; it’s a cycling and hiking corridor through time, threading together dense native forest, winding river valleys, and the eerie remains of once-thriving gold mining settlements. Starting from Nelson, adventurers are transported into this historic landscape where the echoes of the 19th-century gold rush linger in rusted equipment and weathered old buildings.
The Old Ghost Road trail navigates steep hillsides and narrow ridges carved from ancient greywacke rock formations, offering panoramic views of the West Coast’s untamed wilderness. The region’s pronounced geological features, including deep gorges and fast-flowing streams, create dynamic terrain that showcases both challenge and beauty. Throughout the journey, native flora such as silver beech and nikau palms bend with the hearty mountain winds, while quiet encounters with native birdlife punctuate the ride.
Gravity Nelson’s trip begins with a transfer from the artsy city of Nelson, setting you on course for a journey that fuses physical endurance with historical discovery. The experience stands out in New Zealand’s outdoor scene by marrying vigorous backcountry adventure with cultural storytelling—a connection few other trails offer at this scale. Riders and walkers don’t simply pass through wilderness; they trace the footprints of miners who shaped the region’s rugged character.
This trip is ideal for those seeking both adrenaline and context, where every pedal stroke reveals new chapters of natural wonder and human endeavor. Gravity Nelson’s guided start ensures logistical ease and local insight, making it a standout entry point for anyone ready to engage deeply with New Zealand’s outdoor heritage.
challenging.
Full day to multiple days depending on pace.
Participants should have strong cardiovascular fitness and endurance for extended climbs and variable terrain.
Depending on your pace and stops, completing the 85km trail can take anywhere from a full long day to several days if camping or exploring historic areas.
This trail is challenging and best suited for experienced mountain bikers or hikers with a good fitness level and familiarity with backcountry terrain.
Gravity Nelson provides organized transfers and support at the trip start; guided trips may be offered—contact them directly for current options.
Expect to see native birds like the kea or tui, and occasionally forest mammals native to New Zealand’s backcountry.
Carry adequate water, dress for sudden weather changes, and tell someone your itinerary—cell coverage is limited in the gorge.
Yes, you can visit several historic mining remnants, but it’s important to respect the sites and avoid disturbing artifacts.
The Upper Buller Gorge saw a gold rush in the 1800s, with mining towns that thrived briefly before fading to ghost towns, now preserved along the trail.
Efforts focus on protecting native forest ecosystems and minimizing impact on fragile historic sites, promoting responsible recreation throughout the corridor.
Gravity Nelson is a Nelson-based mountain bike rental, shuttle and coaching provider serving riders exploring the Nelson region and nearby tracks. The business offers full-suspension mountain bike rentals on premium Mondraker and Transition frames, plus electric full-suspension eMTBs equipped with Bosch motors. Rentals are available in flexible durations including half-day, full-day and multi-day options (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 day packages shown), and can be paired with optional add-ons. Gravity Nelson provides shuttle services and guided rides for popular local routes including the Old Ghost Road, Heaphy Track starts/finishes and Queen Charlotte style coastal trails. The operation includes workshop services, private coaching sessions, multi-session adult group coaching, and targeted youth development through the Gravity Development Squad (GDS) for ages 8–17. GDS focuses on skill progression, confidence building and family discounting for participating households. Bikes are described as expertly tuned with personalized setups and flexible pick-up and return options to suit itineraries along the West Coast, Golden Bay and Marlborough Sounds. Gravity Nelson is featured on The Adventure Collective and lists a wide range of rental durations, shuttles, guided rides and coaching programs to support both day trips and extended mountain biking adventures in the region.
Book with Gravity Nelson