Christian Davey and Lachie Ross: a local guide to life on two wheels
From rugged dirt trails to epic road rides — explore Wellington on two wheels.
Calling all athletes on foot or bike. Autumn trail festival Faultline Ultra is a dream come true for runners and mountain bikers. National and international competitors test their endurance in the wildly beautiful Wellington landscape.
The fault lines around Wellington have pushed and pulled the land to create soaring peaks, rugged ridge lines, and bush-clad hills. The region is home to a network of trails that stretches from the city’s southern shores to the Kāpiti Coast in the north. Wellington Regional Trails cover hundreds of kilometres of trails across publicly owned land. The trails have earned Wellington a reputation as a destination for runners and mountain bikers.
Faultline Ultra connects the extensive trails across the region. Mountain bikers and runners have six possible routes to push their limits on. Starting at park-run length, routes grow to over 100km. You choose the length depending on your ability. Expect to cover scenic coastal routes with panoramic views. Run through hilltop trails, native forests, and bumpy riverbank tracks. Athletes can choose trails that wind through Wellington City, Mākara Peak, Porirua, Belmont Park in Lower Hutt, and Tulsa Park in Upper Hutt.
The first Faultline Ultra began in 2024. Now, over 1,200 people from dozens of countries across the globe sign up for the experience. Behind the scenes, volunteers and local trail communities help bring the event to life. Even locals discover lesser-known trails and new perspectives on Wellington’s landscape. With a range of distances, the festival suits a variety of runners. Elite athletes to those who have just dusted off their running shoes are welcome.
The course was phenomenal and easily my favourite ultra distance course in New Zealand now. Very cool to be weaving in and out of forest and urban settings.
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