Wellington Regional Trails
An adult and two children exit a forest trail next to a sign post with a map.

Take the whānau on an adventure into the bush and reward them with time in the playground afterwards.

Length
3.1km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Single and double track
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Profile

297m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The George Denton family loop walk starts from George Denton playground — just minutes from Wellington’s city centre. Listen to birdsong as you enter Waimapihi Reserve and head a short way up to the Fenceline trail, which hugs the boundary of the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne.

Follow Fenceline until you get to Highbury Fling, one of the reserve’s oldest and most popular tracks set among trees and surrounding birdlife.

The trail winds its way around the top of the valley and ends at the roadside on Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn. From there, veer right and head on to the Sawmill trail which winds its way back to Fenceline. Follow Fenceline until you come across the playground again.

Remember to take care on Fenceline, Highbury Fling, and Sawmill. They are all two-way tracks, popular with both mountain bikers and walkers/runners.

Getting there

  • Parking is available on Highbury Road, near George Denton playground
  • There are regular bus services to Aro Valley, Brooklyn, and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.
A closed metal gate blocks vehicles from driving onto a walking trail.

The trail entrance starts at the gate next to George Denton Park.

Know before you go

  • Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas. Please remember to clean up after your dog.
  • For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.
A section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn. Once you reach this section of the trail, make your way back to the start by following the Sawmill trail.

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

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.