Wellington Regional Trails

Gradually climb through regenerated bush and enjoy the downhill ride on one of Waimapihi Reserve’s newest trails.

Length

7.8km

Uses

Mountain Biking

Type

Single and double track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

297m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

This loop starts from Aro Valley on the Transient trail — a popular connector to other trails in the reserve. Transient is a two-way track for foot traffic in either direction, but uphill mountain biking only.

Follow the trail until you reach Highbury Fling and then turn onto Sawmill. The top of Sawmill is a great place to rest with a park bench and sweeping views across the city.

From Sawmill, follow the trail downhill along the fenceline until it meets Ikigai. Ikigai is for downhill bikes only and walkers are not permitted. Take the grade three trail down the hill until it finishes and rejoins Transient. Continue on Transient until you end up where you started in Aro Valley.

Getting there

  • The northern end begins at the main Waimapihi Reserve entry on Aro Street and joins up with Highbury Fling at the top. There’s also a side exit/entrance via an asphalt path at the end of Karepa Street, Brooklyn.
  • There are regular bus services to Aro Valley, Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

  • Ikigai is not suitable for walkers.
  • Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas. Please remember to clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately.
  • Get ready using Plan My Walk by the NZ Mountain Safety Council for track alerts, weather forecasts, trip reviews and a packing list.

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

The trail entrance to Transient on Aro Street.

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.

Sawmill

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

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

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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

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

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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

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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.