Wellington Regional Trails
A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

The main trail through Waimapihi Reserve that connects some of the most popular trails.

Walking time

45 min

Length

3.5km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Single track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

344m climb

-157m descent

250m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

Transient is the main trail line through Waimapihi Reserve. It provides an important connection between Aro Valley and various other trails in the park, including the more southern trails in Te Kopahou Reserve.

The trail is two-way and shared by pedestrians and bikes up to the Karepa Street Connector. After that, bikes can only go uphill to Highbury Fling, but walkers can still go both ways. Downhill mountain bikers should use Ikigai.

Transient gradually climbs through native bush and across bridges and boardwalks.

Getting there 

Transient starts at the main Waimapihi Reserve entrance on Aro Street. It ends connecting to Highbury Fling at the other end. There’s also a side access point via an asphalt path at the end of Karepa Street, in Brooklyn.

There are regular bus services to Aro Valley, Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink .

A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

Transient starts from the main Waimapihi Reserve entrance on Aro Street. 

Know before you go 

  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.
  • On all shared trails in Waimapihi Reserve pedestrians have the right of way. Please respect other trail users.

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

A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

The bench seat near the Karepa Street connection has great views over Wellington city.

Looking for more?

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

Sawmill

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

A secton of the Ikigai trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The mountain bike track has a clay surface with wooden platforms and views of Wellington.

Ikigai

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveIkigai is a fun, flowy downhill mountain bike trail through native bush in Waimapihi Reserve.

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.

A section of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The dirt trail goes around burms, onto wooden platforms, and has great views of the city.

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.

Clay coloured dirt mountain bike jump surrounded by trees.

Highbury Fling to Roller Coaster loop

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveJust a stone’s throw from central Wellington, head to Waimapihi Reserve for a fun loop ride that will get you into nature and among birdlife.

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.

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.

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.