Wellington Regional Trails
A group of mountain bikers ride side-by-side along a gravel path with puddles. They are surrounded by lush green bush.

Get a taste of the iconic Karapoti Classic course in a shorter format.

Length
18.5km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

932m climb

-924m descent

461m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail

The Karapoti 20km Challenge Course will give you a taste of what’s in store for the more grueling 50km Karapoti Classic. At less than half the distance and with only one hill, this trail is an ideal introduction for off-road rookies, active families and school aged kids. Set in the rugged Akatarawa Forest, the trail has varied terrain, and some of the most breathtaking remote scenery in the Wellington region.

The trail starts with a 6km ride along Karapoti Gorge to a junction near McGhies Bridge. At the junction the trail follows a loop of Valley View Forest via Valley View Road, Airstrip Drive and Woolshed Road. Return to the start point via McGhies Road and Karapoti Gorge.

An aerial shot of the Karapoti Classic and Karapoti Challenge courses in Akatarawa Forest
Two people on motorbikes riding on the Karapoti trails.
An aerial shot of the Karapoti Classic and Karapoti Challenge courses in Akatarawa Forest

Getting there

The trail starts from the car park at the end of Karapoti Road.

To get there: follow State Highway 2 past Upper Hutt, then turn onto Akatarawa Road. Continue along Akatarawa Road for 5km until you reach Karapoti Road.

A photo of the starting point of the Karapoti Classic and Karapoti Challenge courses in Akatarawa Forest

Information board with maps at the Akatarawa Forest entrance.

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. For weather forecasts, check the MetService website.
  • Take waterproof clothing, durable footwear, sun protection, water, and food.
  • Toilets and water are not available on this trail or at the entry/exit points.
  • The trail is physically grueling. There are steep hills and it is exposed in places. Weather conditions can change quickly, so make sure you’re prepared.
  • Bring a basic toolkit, puncture repair kit, first aid kit, mobile phone and map.
  • Plan your route before you leave and let someone know where you’re going. Ride within your limits and with a friend if possible.
  • All of the trails can be soft and slushy during and after rain. Wait two or three days after heavy rainfall.
  • Dogs are not allowed the trail.
A group of mountain bikers ride side-by-side along a gravel path with puddles. They are surrounded by lush green bush.

Motorised recreation

Akatarawa Forest is the only regional park in Wellington where you can use 4WD vehicles, quad bikes and motorbikes. All 4WD, quad and motorbikers must have individual permits and follow the user code. Casual 2-wheel and 4-wheel drive off-road racing, scrambling, motocross, and competitive riding or driving is not permitted.

Looking for more?

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Two riders on motorbikes passing through a stream on the Karapoti Challenge course

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