George Denton family loop walk in Waimapihi Reserve

Length

3.1km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single and double track

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Profile

297m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The George Denton family loop walk starts from George Denton playground — just minutes from Wellington’s city centre. Listen to birdsong as you enter Waimapihi Reserve and head a short way up to the Fenceline trail, which hugs the boundary of the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne.

Follow Fenceline until you get to Highbury Fling, one of the reserve’s oldest and most popular tracks set among trees and surrounding birdlife.

The trail winds its way around the top of the valley and ends at the roadside on Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn. From there, veer right and head on to the Sawmill trail which winds its way back to Fenceline. Follow Fenceline until you come across the playground again.

Remember to take care on Fenceline, Highbury Fling, and Sawmill. They are all two-way tracks, popular with both mountain bikers and walkers/runners.

Getting there

Parking is available on Highbury Road, near George Denton playground
There are regular bus services to Aro Valley, Brooklyn, and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

The trail entrance starts at the gate next to George Denton Park.

Know before you go

Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas. Please remember to clean up after your dog.
For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

A section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn. Once you reach this section of the trail, make your way back to the start by following the Sawmill trail.

Fenceline

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

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA quick connector between Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn and the popular Fenceline trail.

At the top of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve, a picnic table sits amongst the grass looking out over the harbour.

Transient to Ikigai loop

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveGradually climb through regenerated bush and enjoy the downhill ride on one of Waimapihi Reserve’s newest trails.

The bright blue water and rugged coastline at Red Rocks on Wellington's south coast.

Red Rocks Coastal Walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch views of the South Island.

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.

Looking east over Wellington city. The sweeping view shows green hills dotted with houses. The sky is blue with a few clouds.

Brooklyn Wind Turbine

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake in some of the best views of the city from popular Wellington landmark, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.