Current Situation: CLOSED

A forestry operation has begun in Waitarake (Sharlands) as of 1 May 2026 and is expected to run for at least a couple of months. During this time, Sharlands Road will be closed 24/7, which also means no access via Central Rd.

Future Access – Almost Ready (1–2 weeks away)

The good news is we’re very close to creating new ways to access the majority of trails in this area.

We’ve been working closely with Nelson City Council, Koata LTD, and Tasman Pine Forest LTD, and we’re about 95% of the way there. A few final jobs are being wrapped up now, with 24/7 access expected to open in the next week or two.

A huge milestone is the completion of the new Waitarake Access Trail by Nelson City Council. This trail will provide reliable access to almost all Waitarake trails via Kaka Rd—even during forestry operations. This is a massive step forward for secure year round riding in this area.

What to Expect

Access will look a little different, and it’s important everyone follows the new routes and signage. Riding or recreating outside permitted areas puts future access at risk.

• Parking: Waitarake Carpark will be closed. Please park at the Maitai Hub (by the pump track).
• Access Route: From the Waitarake entrance, follow the roped access through the carpark, through the (soon-to-be-installed) squeeze at the main locked gate, and onto the Waitarake Access Trail. This winds through the river flats before linking to Kaka Rd.
• Riding via Kaka Rd, you’ll be able to access Sharlands Valley trails including Supplejack, Maitai, Rimu, Sharlands Creek, and What the Dr Ordered.
• Maitai Face trails remain open and can be accessed via Te Piki (opposite the pump track).
  Do not attempt access via Central Rd.

Closed Areas

• Kaka Face trails — hazardous with fallen and unstable trees
• Waterloo — no access during forestry operations
• Aorere, Wiggles, Waggles & Chings Highway — outside the NCC recreation lease area and no longer accessible

This new access solution is a big win for the community. In the past, forestry operations meant losing access to all trails in this zone—now we’re able to keep riding (almost) everything.

Please respect all signage and closures. If you’re unsure, don’t go.