DAYS 3 & 4
From Golden Beaches to Jurassic Forests
Huge fun, and tight racing
Boats, Beaches & Berms – The NZ MTB Rally Goes Coastal
Three days into the NZ MTB Rally and the event has already delivered everything riders came here for: steep backcountry descents, world-class flow trails, and the kind of adventure that makes this race unlike anything else in the mountain bike calendar.
After tackling the rugged terrain of Wairoa Gorge and the flowing trails of Silvan Forest and the Richmond Hills, the 120 international riders moved deeper into the Nelson Tasman region for two of the most spectacular days of the week — a journey through the forests of Abel Tasman and an unforgettable boat crossing to Cable Bay.
If you missed the first two days, check this out
For those catching up: after the first two racing days, Ed Masters was leading the overall standings with a cumulative time of 1:13:29, just 11 seconds ahead of Dylan Crane and 14 seconds ahead of Sam Blenkinsop!
With the race this tight so early in a six-day event, nothing is decided yet — there’s still plenty of riding left and four days of action to come!
DAY 3
ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK & KAITERITERI
From Kaiteriteri beach to Golden Bay, and back! 5 stages // 43km // -2160m // +640m
Day 3 of the NZ MTB Rally takes riders on an extraordinary journey through a diverse and expansive landscape, including a rare opportunity to ride through a National Park—a privilege granted exclusively for this event. Today’s course offers a contrast to the previous stages, with more flowy terrain than Day 1 and a stronger backcountry feel compared to Day 2. Riders will navigate a dynamic mix of sandy, rooty, and gravelly surfaces, all while taking in breathtaking scenery.
Riders kicked off the morning with an incredible beachside breakfast in Kaiteriteri, watching a wild sunrise light up the bay before heading out for a huge day of racing. From there, the route took the field over to Golden Bay and all the way back to the coast, linking big stages with epic scenery that makes this rally so unique
Ride Through History, Forest & Coastline
Riders started and finished Day 3 at Kaiteriteri MTB Park, a community-driven trail hub where local volunteers, DOC, and professional trail builders have worked together for years. The park blends purpose-built MTB lines with existing walking tracks while respecting the coastal environment, and it showcases the incremental growth of sustainable trail design.
For many riders, this was their first time riding trails connected to Abel Tasman National Park, one of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes. Riding access in this protected environment is extremely rare, making this stage of the Rally a true privilege.
A key highlight of the day was the Rameka Track, a historic trail that exists within land managed by the Rameka Forest Restoration Trust. The Trust’s role is critical: access for riders exists because they’ve chosen to allow it. In New Zealand, this is far from automatic. The ongoing availability of the track reflects a relationship of trust between the landowners and the Golden Bay MTB community — built over years through respect for seasonal closures, rules, and forestry restoration. The Trust was established with help from the Kennett Brothers, the pair who literally wrote the book on NZ MTB.
Stages 2 & 3 wind through The Rameka Project, a reforestation and carbon-offset initiative dedicated to restoring native forests. The NZ MTB Rally is proud to partner with this project, purchasing carbon credits to fully offset the event’s direct and indirect emissions.
Andrew Godfrey, the Irish outsider leading the Open category, is tailgating the Top 3, just seconds ahead of GMBN presenter Rich Payne.
Mandini Trail
Extended-course riders were treated to Mandini, a rare, hand-cut trail on Kea Ridge. Access was granted by landowner Mark Nickolls, who runs Kea Lodge, as the trail sits on private land. Natural and full of character, Mandini offered a glimpse of New Zealand mountain biking hidden behind gates—accessible only through trust and respect. Riders exited via a private farm, following the marked route and staying mindful of the land and its sheep, ensuring the possibility of future access.
Beach finish
Day 3 ended at Kaiteriteri Beach, with tired riders cooling off in the ocean, swapping stories, and enjoying well deserved cold drinks and great food!
Sam Blenkinsop taking back the lead at the end of this third day
On the racing side, the pace was just as spectacular.
Sam Blenkinsop delivered a commanding performance, taking the Elite Men win with a combined time of 25:01. The Zerode rider set the tone early and never let up, clocking the fastest times on Stages 1, 2, 4 and 5 to secure the day
Edward Masters kept the pressure on all day, finishing +0:16 back after another consistent run across all five stages, signing even the best time on stage 3.
Dylan Crane continued the tight battle at the front, ending the day +0:24 behind the leader after another strong ride
Further back, Richard Payne and Andrew Godfrey rounded out the top five after navigating the demanding terrain from coast to coast.
Sam Blenkinsop – 25:01
Edward Masters – 25:17 (+0:16)
Dylan Crane – 25:25 (+0:24)
Richard Payne – 27:32 (+2:31)
Andrew Godfrey – 27:55 (+2:54)
Sam Blenkinsop – 1:38:44
Edward Masters – 1:38:46 (+0:02)
Dylan Crane – 1:39:05 (+0:21)
Andrew Godfrey – 1:47:26
Richard Payne – 1:47:45
Women’s Race
In the Open Female category, Day 3 brought a new winner. Gabrielle Newman claimed her first day win of the rally, putting together a strong and consistent run across the five stages to finish in 33:52
Series leader Emma Olofsson pushed hard but had to settle for second on the day at +0:59, while Katie Flower completed the podium +2:03 back after another solid ride.
From sunrise on the beach in Kaiteriteri, across to Golden Bay, and back to the ocean, Day 3 perfectly captured what the NZ MTB Rally is all about — world-class racing set in some of the most spectacular riding landscapes in New Zealand
With the top three men now separated by just 21 seconds overall, the rally is far from decided… stay tuned
DAY 4
CABLE BAY ADVENTURE PARK
SAILING TO JURASSIC PARK 6 stages // 34km // -2100m // +1100m
Day 4 kicked off in style with a one-hour sunrise boat cruise across Tasman Bay into the stunning Cable Bay (Rotokura).
Riders sipped coffee as the coastline glided past, occasionally joined by playful dolphins, all while taking in the cultural significance of the bay. Cable Bay is more than just a scenic backdrop — it has deep meaning for the local Māori, and riders were reminded to respect the natural environment, marine life, and the ongoing guardianship of the local iwi (tribe).
The name Cable Bay comes from a 19th-century undersea telegraph cable that once linked Nelson to the wider world. Later, the hills above were farmed and forested, with access tracks cut for stock, timber, and maintenance. These practical routes — built out of necessity rather than recreation — now form the backbone of several of today’s trails.
Boat driver even made a little detour to show all riders a “Must-see” of Abel Tasman National Park” : the Apple-Split Rock
Once ashore, bikes were unloaded straight onto the beach and riders were immediately on the move. Cable Bay Adventure Park sits just north of Nelson, where steep forested hills plunge sharply toward the rocky coastline. This venue is one of the Rally’s most characterful, not just for the terrain, but for its history and ownership.
From the beach to Cable Bay Adventure Park is only a 20 minute warm-up ride on the road (and it’s less than 20mn drive from Nelson city center). The park features an extensive and continually expanding network of trails, meticulously built and maintained by dedicated volunteers, gathering weekly to share their passion for great trails and riding. The park’s trail system is primarily set within native forests, dense with towering tree ferns, podocarps, and black beech trees, creating a Jurassic Park-like atmosphere, but also within recent Pine-trees cultures, offering a wide diversity of terrain on the same day of riding !
After the boat crossing, the riders headed to the first race stages of the day, shuttling and pedalling up to reach the best trails of the Bike Park.
Cable Bay’s feed station is now a classic of the Rally: amazing sea-views from the eagles-nest position, and delicious food, prepared and served with love from the proud staff at the park who gave riders another great example of warm kiwi hospitality
Beyond the riding, the atmosphere was unbeatable. Cheering spectators, stunning panoramic ocean views, and a relaxed post-race vibe made the day feel more like an epic group ride than a competition.
After an adrenaline-fueled day, riders capped off the event by celebrating with cold beers, food, and camaraderie at the finish. The river provided the perfect spot to cool off before shuttles departed for Nelson City, dropping riders at The Rutherford Hotel. From there, participants navigated to their accommodations for a well-deserved night of rest before the heli-day!
Racing tight!
Stage wins were traded between Sam Blenkinsop and Ed Masters, who’s taking the win today, putting him back to the overall lead!
In the women’s race, Emma continued to hold the overall lead !
Andrew Godfrey, Max Brau and Dennis Van Mill are the podium of the Open Category – Extended Course, while Maciej Wencel leads the Regular Course, followed by Matthew Rees and Roddy Beynon.
What?! 4 days gone already...?
As the NZ MTB Rally 2026 passes the halfway mark, the first four days have already packed in an incredible amount of riding and adventure. Riders have explored a huge slice of the Nelson Tasman trail network, tackling demanding stages by day and sharing stories, laughs and well-earned meals together each evening.
By now the Rally spirit is fully in motion. The catamaran crossing to Cable Bay on Day 4 was a clear highlight — one of those moments that reminds everyone this event is about much more than just racing.
And somehow, it already feels like the week is flying by a little too quickly. With only two days left, many riders are starting to realise they’re not quite ready for it to end.
Day 5 will bring one of the Rally’s most iconic experiences: the heli-drop into the legendary Wakamarina Trail, a long and remote descent through native beech forest. Then the final day will return to Nelson for one last big ride before the finish line and the celebrations that follow.
Two days left — plenty more riding to come, but already a few riders wishing the Rally lasted just a little longer.
Photos : ©Mikhail Huggins
