Wellington Regional Trails
The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Follow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.

Walking time
2 hr 30 min
Length
8.2km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

537m climb

-472m descent

382m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
A wooden sign on the Fenceline track in Waimapihi Reserve showing directions. The Zealandia border fence sits behind the sign.

About the trail

Fenceline is a well-maintained 4WD trail around the full perimeter of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne (the world’s first fully fenced ecosanctuary).

You’ll stick tight to the predator-proof fence that provides protection to some of New Zealand’s most endangered flora and fauna, while being serenaded by birdsong along the way.

This loop trail can be travelled in both directions. If you’re walking, be aware of mountain bikers travelling downhill at speed.

Getting there

You can access the trail from multiple locations. The most popular entry/exit points are at:

  • the Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne car park
  • the base of the Brooklyn Wind Turbine
  • from George Denton Park in Highbury.

There are regular bus services available. Visit Metlink for timetables.

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 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
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.

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

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveTake in some of the best views of the city from popular Wellington landmark, the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

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.