Wellington Regional Trails
Looking east over Wellington city. The sweeping view shows green hills dotted with houses. The sky is blue with a few clouds.

Take in some of the best views of the city from popular Wellington landmark, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Walking time
2 hours
Length
6.2km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Single track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

374m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

This 6 kilometre trail takes two hours to walk or about 30 minutes to bike. It takes you from the Waimapihi Reserve entrance at the top of Aro Street, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine at the summit. It’s an easy route that is popular with mountain bikers, runners, and walkers.

From the Waimapihi Reserve entrance, it’s a gentle climb up a well-maintained track. You’ll weave in and out of regenerating bush while listening to the abundant birdsong. This is the result of nearby Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne, the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary.

Panoramic view over Wellington city from ontop of a hill. Grass in the foreground is bright green, and the sky is deep blue with only a few clouds.

The panoramic views at the top are spectacular. You can see from the Mākara wind turbines in the west, to Wellington Harbour in the east. To the north is the Hutt Valley and to the south the southern coastline.

Starting from the Transient trail, continue until you reach the intersection and small car park on Ashton Fitchett Drive. From there, head on to Sawmill. You’ll pass by Zealandia’s predator-proof fence as well as WWII bunkers and other historic sites.

At the top of Sawmill, take a left on to Fenceline and continue for 250 metres where you’ll see the start of Windmill across the road. Make sure you don’t go on to Car Parts as it is a downhill-only mountain bike trail.

Cross the road carefully at the green-painted section and continue up Windmill until you reach the wind turbine. On a windy day you’ll hear the whirring of the turbine. 

Getting there

Start from the Waimapihi Reserve park on Aro Street, which is clearly signposted.

What to expect

Most of the Brooklyn Wind Turbine trail is under tree cover. The trail runs along some of Zealandia’s fenceline so it's ideal for spotting or listening to native birdlife.

Adaptive Mountain Bike Grade

This trail is Adaptive Mountain Biking Grade 5. Find out more on AdaptMTB.

Know before you go

  • Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas. Please remember to clean up after your dog.
  • Most trails at Waimapihi Reserve are shared by mountain bikers, runners and walkers. Be mindful of bikers approaching in either direction.
  • 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 our before you go section.

Looking for more?

At start of items
The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Fenceline track (boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne)

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFenceline in Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill) follows the boundary of Zealandia ecosanctuary. Hear native birdsong on this walking and mountain bike trail.

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

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveSawmill is a quick connector trail between Ashton Fitchett Drive and the popular Fenceline trail near the Brooklyn Wind Turbine in Wellington.

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

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveThe main track through Waimapihi Reserve (formerly Polhill) that connects to some of the most popular trails in the reserve.

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 Grade 3, mountain bike only downhill trail in

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 ReserveThe George Denton family loop walk starts from George Denton playground — just minutes from Wellington’s city centre.

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 mountain bike 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 the CBD, 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 ReserveRed Rocks Coastal Walk is a flat easy walk around Wellington's rugged south coast. Look out for fur seals and enjoy views of the South Island.

The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

Red Rocks Track on Wellington's south coast

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveWellington's Red Rocks Track follows the ridgeline on the south coast. Enjoy views of the Cook Strait before walking down to the coastline to see fur seals and marine life.

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 ReserveTip Track in Te Kopahou Reserve is a short steep route with stunning views of Wellington and the South Island. The trail starts next to the Southern Landfill.