Mountain biker dies on downhill track near Nelson

A Nelson mountain biker was killed after crashing on a downhill trail near Nelson.

A spokeswoman said police attended a sudden death at the Kākā mountain bike trail in the Hira forest near Maitai east of Nelson on Saturday afternoon.

“One person had crashed, however, it is unclear if the death was directly related to the accident or if the cyclist had a medical event,” he said.

The Nelson Mountain Bike Club has announced on Facebook that the trail is now tapu and the local iwi Ngāti Koata have placed a rāhui [ban] on the track.

“The trail will be closed until Tuesday. Out of respect, we ask that no one ride or walk the trail,” he said.

“Our condolences to the family, aroha died.”

Club members have posted their condolences on the Facebook page.

“Oh God. That is horrible news. Condolences,” said one.

Another said: “That is so tragic, to send condolences and love to all those affected.”

The death comes just one day after a person was airlifted to hospital after an accident at Christchurch Adventure Park, which features mountain bike, zip-line and hiking trails.