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

A gruelling 50km adventure trail through some of the region’s most uncompromising terrain. For advanced mountain bikers only.

Length
47.4km
Uses
Walking/Running, Tramping/Hiking, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Advanced: Tramping track
Mountain Bike Grade
Advanced: Grade 4
Profile

1,500m climb

-1,500m descent

571m highest point

Dogs
No

About the trail

The Karapoti Classic Course is a grueling 50km ride or walk through the rugged Akatarawa Forest. This punishingly steep loop trail is a challenging route, with some of the most breathtaking remote scenery in the Wellington region.

Be warned, this trail is not intended for a nice day out with the family. The trail is an uncompromising yet exhilarating combination of 4WD trails, gnarly single track, wheel-sucking sludge, raging river crossings, and almost 1500m of climb and descent. The Karapoti Classic Course is designed for advanced riders only, and can only be walked outside the event season.

An aerial shot of the Karapoti Classic and Karapoti Challenge courses in Akatarawa Forest
Close up of a bubbling river on the Karapoti Classic Course.
Native New Zealand trees in a forest.
Two motor bike riders riding on a trail with puddles.

Highlights of the ride include: 

  • A 1km warm-up climb and a 2km climb up Deadwood Ridge.
  • The Rock Garden — a 3km descent, aptly named for the huge rocks and waist-high drops you’ll have to navigate. 
  • Devil's Staircase — a nasty 2km uphill climb that’s so steep you’ll be forced to carry your bike. 
  • Big Ring Boulevard (also known as the Pram Track) — a 10km downhill ride on a bumpy 4WD road.
A mass of mountain bikers in lycra and helmets carry their bikes as they cross a river.

This trail follows the Karapoti Classic route, New Zealand’s longest-running mountain bike event, held since 1986 and a must-do for experienced riders. Learn more about the Karapoti Classic.

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.
Two motorbike riders looking at 30km speed limit sign on the Karapoti Classic Course.

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?

At start of items
Two mountain bikers zoom between lush green ferns and trees on the Rātā Ridge track, in East Harbour Regional Park.

Rātā Ridge

East Harbour Regional ParkTraverse along the ridgeline from Mount Lowry to Wainuiomata.

The trail around Pencarrow Lakes and Eastbourne Lighthouse. Green hills meet with the blue ocean and lakes, and the white lighthouse is in the distance.

Lighthouse Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA steep narrow track up to the old Pencarrow Lighthouse.

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

Karapoti Challenge Course

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

Five people standing on the summit of Boulder Hill, Puke Ariki in Belmont Regional Park at sunset.

Puke Ariki / Haywards Korokoro Traverse

Belmont Regional ParkA rewarding full-day scenic walk or ride that traverses the length of Belmont Regional Park.

The Borderline trail in Belmont Regional Park, a gravel and grass trail down grassy hills.

Borderline

Belmont Regional ParkBorderline is a fast downhill mountain bike track with steep drops, jumps and a few surprises to keep you alert.

The clay track of G-Drop in Tunnel Gully, Upper Hutt on a rainy day.

G-Drop

Tunnel GullyFly through the Pakuratahi Forest pines on this fast downhill course.

The Bees 2 Bridge Track in Tunnel Gully, Upper Hutt. The trail is a mixture of clay and fir, cutting through a pine forest.

Bees 2 Bridge

Tunnel GullyAn advanced downhill run with dicey switchbacks and berms to slow your speed.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

Kāeaea Track Summit view looks out across Wellington Harbour, with Matiu/Somes Island on the right and Mākaro/Ward Island on the left. Behind Mākaro, the Miramar peninsula.

MacKenzie Road Track

East Harbour Regional ParkNavigate steep steps and a zigzag trail to meet up with Main Ridge Track.