FOREST PERMITS

MOUTERE FOREST MOTORCYCLE ACCESS PERMIT

Application Form

The Nelson Motorcycle Club (NMCC) offers exclusive access permits for its members to ride two-wheeled motorcycles in the Moutere North Forest, in partnership with Tasman Pine Forests Ltd (TPFL). This permit provides a fantastic opportunity for recreational riding while ensuring the safety of all forest users and the preservation of the forest environment.

EXCITING UPDATES

We've streamlined our application process and are pleased to announce some significant benefits for our members:

  • New Online Application Form: The entire permit application process is now digital, making it faster and more convenient.
  • Public Liability Insurance Included: Your permit fee now includes public liability insurance coverage, meaning you no longer need to source your own! This is great news for all riders. The club's insurance covers the $10 million liability required by the forestry. Riders must hold a current club membership and forest permit.
  • Free Bike Inspections: Approved bike dealers will now conduct your permit inspection free of charge.

FOREST ACCESS RULES

ENTRY INTO MOUTERE FORESTS IS BY PERMIT ONLY. 

TPFL welcomes permitted members of the Nelson Motorcycle Club (NMCC) to ride within designated areas of their Moutere North Forest, with consideration for the safety of all people recreating or working in their forests, the protection of their forest assets, and potential environmental impacts. All persons entering their forests must agree to follow Forest Rules. 

FOREST CLOSURES

BE AWARE THAT FORESTS MAY BE CLOSED TO ALL RECREATIONAL FOREST USERS DUE TO HIGH FIRE RISK, WEATHER EVENTS AND/OR FOREST OPERATIONS.

Keep an eye out on the NMCC FACEBOOK PAGE for forest access updates.

Also, refer to TPFL – PUBLIC RECREATION ACCESS STATUS & FOREST OPERATIONS which is updated and emailed to all permit holders weekly.

PERMIT DETAILS AND CONDITIONS OF USE

  • Your NMCC Forest Access Permit is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
  • Permitted Area: Moutere North Forest (Scroll down to see the map)
  • When You Can Ride: All year, unless closed due to forest operations, fire risk and/or severe weather conditions. Riding is permitted during daylight hours on weekends and public holidays only between the date of issue and the date of expiry.
  • What You Can Ride:
    • Two-wheeled motorcycles only. From classic petrol-powered machines to the thrilling new era of electric — YES, ELECTRIC!
    • NO four-wheeled motorcycles (ATV's) are permitted under any conditions.
  • Who Can Ride:
    • All riders must be members of the NMCC and comply fully with club rules
    • All riders must hold an active forestry permit
    • Adults Riders with must hold a current motor vehicle license
    • Junior Riders (under 16) must be members of the NMCC, have their own junior permit ($40), and must be accompanied by an adult rider with current NMCC membership and active Forest Permit at all times

Permit Holder Conditions – You MUST:

  •  The maximum speed limit on our forests roads is 50km/hr
    • Golden Rule : Riders must be able to stop safely within half the visible distance ahead when riding on forest roads and tracks.
  • Transportation/passenger vehicles are not permitted to enter the forest and must be parked outside forest entry gates.
    • Parked vehicles must not block or hinder access through forest gates or to any forest roads.
  • Headlight on at all times when riding in the forest.
  • Display the permit 'ID' tag on your motorcycle or rider at all times.
  • Display the permit dashboard card clearly visible in any motor vehicle parked in the forest.
  • Obey all signage within the forest.
  • Carry a 300gm fire extinguisher.
  • Have a spark arrester fitted to your motorcycle exhaust.
  • Ensure your motorcycle meets the requirements of the vehicle approval form at all times. If you suspect your motorcycle does not meet the standard, cease riding in the forest and seek assessment and repairs.
  • Keep left on all roads.
  • Do not engage in activities such as fires, hunting, or firewood collection with this permit type. This permit is specifically for motorcycle access.
  • Stay out of burnt and "NO-GO" areas within the forest.
  • Report any abuse of the permit scheme or damage to forest property to ensure continued access.

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR NMCC FOREST ACCESS PERMIT

Follow these simple steps to get your permit

  1. Complete the Online Application Form:
    • Visit our new online Forest Permit Application Form : Application Form
    • Annual Permit Cost
      • $60 for individuals 
      • $40 for juniors (under 16)
    • The form contains important information, two forestry induction videos, and two induction quizzes that you must complete and pass.
    • Ensure your NMCC Membership is current.
  2. Receive Your SP Number:
    • Upon successful completion and payment on the online form, you will receive an email with a unique SP[1234567] number.
  3. Bike Inspection at an Approved Dealer:
    • Take this email (with your SP number) to one of our approved bike dealerships for your mandatory mechanical safety inspection.
    • The dealer will require your Date of Birth and SP number to access a dedicated online form for the inspection.
    • The dealer will complete a checklist of safety and mechanical checks on your bike.
    • The inspection is FREE!
  4. Receive Your Permit Pack:
    • Once the dealer is satisfied your motorcycle meets all requirements, they will submit the inspection form electronically.
    • They will then issue you with your permit pack, which includes access maps, a permit tag for your bike, and a dashboard card for your vehicle.

APPROVED BIKE DEALERSHIPS FOR BIKE INSPECTIONS

You can get your FREE bike inspection at any of these four approved dealers:

  1. Tasman Honda - Motorcycle & Marine - Stoke (Nelson)

    1. Online bookings available on Tasman Honda's website

  2. Josh Coppins Motorcycles - Motueka

  3. Nelson Motorcycles Ltd - Nelson

  4. Filco Farm & Sport - Stoke (Nelson)

MAP OF PERMITTED RIDING AREAS


​​​​​​​​​​​​​​CONTACT US:

For any queries regarding Forest Permits, please contact the Nelson Motorcycle Club:

  • Email: nmcc1908@gmail.com; or

  • Message us on Facebook​​​​​​​