Wellington Regional Trails

This popular 6km loop located in the Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park, is great for riders looking for some variety or to extend their normal ride.

Length

6.1km

Uses

Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

222m climb

-226m descent

403m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
The Lizard Loop track at Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park located in the Wellington Region.

About the trail

This intermediate (grade 3) loop descends through four trails from the summit. It begins on the north side of Mākara Peak, where strong northerly winds can be wild, and ends at the southwest corner of the Park.

This digger-built track keeps riders challenged with a series of sculpted berms, rollers, and tabletops. The top section of the trail crosses a short bridge over the top of the A to Z trench before winding its way downhill. Note the trail narrows and becomes rocky towards the end.

You’ll encounter a classic, undulating cross-country trail with regenerating native bush. A steep climb back to the summit will have you reaching for the lowest gear, but it does ease up along the way.

Estimated riding time of 30 to 45 minutes, depending on fitness and skill level.

Looking for more?

The Mid Peak Loop, a popular 8km intermediate route traversing eight different trails in the Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.

Mid Peak Loop

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike ParkA popular 8km intermediate route traversing eight different trails in the Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.

The Fern Loop, a short loop in the lower part of Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.

Fern Loop

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike ParkA short loop in the lower part of Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park. Great for beginners, it includes two of the easiest tracks in the park — Koru and Lazy Fern.

A curved, leaf-covered, wooden path through the forest at Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park in the Greater Wellington Region.

Kids and Beginners Loop

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike ParkThis trail is the flattest and easiest loop at Mākara Peak, ideal for kids or beginners just getting into mountain biking.

A scenic view from the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park with twelve wind turbines standing a long a mountain range and blue skies above.

Missing Link and Nikau Valley Climb

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike ParkThis advanced trail makes for an exhilarating ride through remote parts of Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.

The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

Red Rocks Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.

The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Fenceline

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFollow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.

A scenic view of Porirua Harbour from Colonial Knob Walkway on Rangituhi/Colonial Knob on a misty dawn.

Te Araroa Walkway

A sturdy single trail that runs from Ohariu Valley Road to the top of Rangituhi/Colonial Knob.

Three people are walking up the trail on Mount Victoria, surrounded by lush greenery, with a view of Wellington city centre behind them.

Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway

Start from the city and climb through historic pine forests to enjoy unbeatable views of the Wellington Harbour and the city from Mount Victoria Lookout.

The wooden platform at the summit of Lookout Loop Walk at Wrights Hill on a cloudy day.

Wrights Hill Lookout Loop Walk

Check out a WWII military fortress, spot rare birds, and take in views of the city and sea on the Wrights Hill Lookout Loop walk.

A section of the Salvation Bush Walk on Wrights Hill above Karori.

Salvation Bush Walk

A walking and mountain biking loop trail at Wrights Hill Reserve.