Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve

Walking time

20 min

Length

413m

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

13m climb

-43m descent

298m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

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

About the trail

Sawmill is an easy, wide, shared two-way trail from Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn to Fenceline, which follows the perimeter of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne eco-sanctuary. The trail passes below WWII gun emplacements and has great views over the city.

The trail is named after a sawmill that once operated on a farm in the area.

Getting there

Sawmill starts halfway up Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn, just after the turn-off to Hawkins Hill Road. The trail is clearly signposted.
There are regular bus services to Brooklyn and surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

Sawmill starts halfway up Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn, just after the turn-off to Hawkins Hill Road. It’s clearly signposted.

Fenceline

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

An adult and two children exit a forest trail next to a sign post with a map.

George Denton family loop walk

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake the whānau on an adventure into the bush and reward them with time in the playground afterwards.

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.

A vast landscape with tall dry grass in the foreground, rolling hills, houses along the coastline and a mountain range across the water.

Tip Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.

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.

Two people walking on lush green grass on top of Mount Victoria. Wellington city and harbour are in the background, surrounded by green hills in the distance.

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 view from Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga over the Newlands hills out to the Wellington Harbour and Eastbourne.

Te Ara Paparārangi / Te Ara Paparāngi ki te Tonga

Take in views of the Wellington harbour on this easy walk from Waihinahina Park in Newlands through native forest.