Silvan Forest MTB Park

06/06/2026

Trail Condition Update Silvan and Kingsland
It's been quite the end to an endless autumn, but we're moving into winter with some decent moisture back in the soil.

Couple of comments from a trails management POV:
Wet Riding Etiquette seems to be hit and miss these days. Most riders understand the need to give things a break after rain like we've had, but a constant stream of riders heading into Silvan/Kingsland as soon as the sun made an appearance this morning suggests that message just doesn't gel with many.

Closed Trails such as Sequence, which we finished refreshing between the two deluges, are closed for a reason. Bikes have been through Sequence even though it's got tape blocking it up at the top (they've ducked underneath it). Just don't. We'll have it back open soon enough, and sooner if people respect the closure.

Small Slips in Silvan and Kingsland have been made safe to ride around - we'll be clearing those properly early next week. Trees across Escalator have been cleared.

Sunshine and settled weather is back on the menu for next week and beyond. We know how quickly things dry in these Richmond Hills - primo riding conditions this time of year are usually one -two full days days after heavy rain - a little bit of patience really helps!

01/06/2026

Wet (updated 12pm)
Let's give riding a bit of a break for at least a few days. Silvan is very wet, and we'll be doing a trail check over the next two days to see where things are at.
Kingsland likewise, and TDC have closed their trails pending repairs. Escalator has several impassable slips just before the pine forest that need clearing before we can open that network again.
We used the long run of great autumn weather to prep for this (because it's happening every year now on the regular), with many days spent opening up drainage features and water tables. That work will have paid off, but with rain that heavy there will be damage.
Stand by.

28/05/2026

Sequence Closed for a Couple Days
It's refresh birthday time for one of our busier trails in Silvan. Just going to keep it closed for a few days while we sort things out.

14/05/2026

Harvest/Trail Closure Notification Kingsland Forest

***Updated May 22nd - This operation has now been postponed until further notice***

At the end of this month (2nd June provisional start date), TDC's Lodestone macrocarpa harvest will commence. This is a relatively small-scale operation, but it will impact Kingsland access for approximately four weeks, including associated earthworks before and after harvesting.

The macs are being harvested as there was quite a lot of windthrow in that stand during the big storms of last year, and the standing trees are in a bit of a sad state. While there's little value in harvesting them, long term public safety is the driving approach.

Access impacts are as follows:
The general area around the Macrocarpa stand (Bermed Monster area) will be closed. Please see the map showing the closure area.

Please pay attention to closure signage at affected spots. For mountainbike access, the key closure will be the bottom half of Terminus at the Fowler skid, and Lookout Rd.

Richmond Hill Trail Carvers
Tasman District Council - Te Kaunihera o te tai o Aorere
Nelson Mountain Bike Club

07/05/2026

Nelson Tasman Motorcycle Festival May 10th
This event will see a big group of riders heading down though Silvan's forestry roads, from the Fire Lookout to the Silvan gate on Eyles Place this Sunday.
They are scheduled to be doing this between 4 and 5pm, so if you're riding Sunday avo, keep an eye out at every road crossing point.

Welcome to a whole new level of adventure motorcycling in Nelson Tasman. The park will cater for adventure bikes, enduro bikes and children’s fun area where children’s bikes and quads can be used.

24/04/2026

Here's GMBN's take on the NZ MTB Rally. Great international showcasing of our Nelson/Tasman regional gem - Silvan and Kingsland chuffed to be a part of it all.

10/04/2026

Vaianu Incoming
You'd be living under a rock if you aren't aware the north island is going to get whacked hard by Cyclone Vaianu on Sunday. Lets hope things don't get Gabrielle level grim this time...
The Top of the South looks like getting a glancing blow late afternoon/evening at this stage, but things can change really quickly with these things.
Please keep an eye on up to date forecasts if you're planning Silvan/Kingsland adventures (or anywhere around the region for that matter) later on Sunday.
And tie that trampoline down Trev.