The Maungatapu Track runs from Nelson’s Maitai Valley through to the Pelorus Bridge in Pelorus Valley on SH6 and passes through through native bush and is the route for electrical power lines from Nelson to Marlborough which are buried in the ground. You may see the powerlines showing through the track in places. It is also famous for being the site of the Maungatapu Murders committed by the notorious Burgess Gang in 1866.
The Nelson end is gated to keep vehicles out but it’s easy enough to ride around the gate via banks into the adjacent paddock. At the summit of the track there may also be a chain link strung across the track. If so the chain is usually loose enough to lift and push bikes underneath it.
The ride up the Nelson side is bumpy with a couple of steep sections and small river crossings. Recently (May 2015) the road hasn’t been very well maintained and has quite a few large water ruts and loose rocks on the track. The Marlborough side isn’t as steep and the road is generally better with one small river crossing near where the murders were committed. Part way over there is also a short sidetrack leading to an abandoned house.
Maungatapu Track is officially closed to vehicles as 4wd’s were degrading the track and exposing the power cables and a 4wd accident resulting in a death a few years ago, however motorcycles are tolerated and you may still encounter mountain bikers on the track.
Contributed by: @roger-irwin
Track type: Dirt Track
Track composition: Bumpy, Loose, Steep
Slippery when wet? Yes
Suitable for bikes <650cc? Intermediate
Suitable for bikes >650cc? Experienced
River crossings? Yes
I went through from the Nelson end again last Saturday 28th, the the track is in good condition and a lot of fun, highly recomended.