2-4 Hrs 20 km

Highlights

  • Natural, ungroomed single track
  • Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve
  • Epic Golden Bay vistas

Proximity

Downhill

Grade 3 - Intermediate

Starting in strange, limestone wonderland, this single-track classic winds through native forest from the top of Tākaka Hill down to Golden Bay.

Rameka Track
Nelson Tasman
Rameka Track, Nelson Tasman

Riding the trail

Spread around the top of Tākaka Hill, almost 1000 metres above the sea level, is the Canaan Downs Scenic Reserve. A limestone landscape so cinematic it starred in the Hobbit movies, it is also home to the famous Harwoods Hole, a giant tomo (cave opening) into which spelunkers abseil down to access a massive cave system. This is also the starting point for the Rameka, a classic downhill single-track, originally built in the 1850s as part of a stock route between Nelson and Golden Bay.

A major highlight of the ride is exploring this Scenic Reserve before setting off. There are around 20km of trails undulating around Canaan Downs, with a couple of loop options offering pre-Rameka warm-ups with the bonus of spectacular Middle‑earth™ scenery.

Plan your mountain biking holiday

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Key Mountain Biking Tour Operators

Enjoy the freedom of riding without the hassle of logistics by taking a guided or self-guided mountain bike tour.

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New Zealand Mountain Biking Tips & FAQs

Few countries in the world serve up such diverse riding – from urban forest trails to rugged, remote mountaintop tracks. Plan to stay safe and savour them.

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New Zealand Travel Guide

Planning a biking holiday to New Zealand? Read our practical travel advice before you depart.

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