Wellington Regional Trails
Clay coloured dirt mountain bike jump surrounded by trees.

Just a stone’s throw from central Wellington, head to Waimapihi Reserve for a fun loop ride that will get you into nature and among birdlife.

Length
3.1km
Uses
Mountain Biking
Type
Single track and access road
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

297m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The Highbury Fling to Roller Coaster loop starts from the George Denton playground. Follow the signs to the nearby Fenceline trail, which hugs the boundary of the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. During the gradual climb up Fenceline you’ll come across Highbury Fling, one of the reserve’s oldest and most popular tracks set among trees and surrounding birdlife.

Enjoy the regenerated bush and bird song on this trail which winds its way around the top of the valley and ends at the roadside on Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn. 

From there turn right and head on to Sawmill which will take you back down to Fenceline. Follow Fenceline until you come across Roller Coaster, a grade three downhill only mountain bike track. 

It’s important to note that Fenceline and Highbury Fling are two-way tracks popular with mountain bikers and walkers/runners. Rollercoaster is a downhill track for mountain bikers only.

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 the Metlink.

Know before you go

For more tips and advice before heading out on Wellington’s trails check out our before you go section.

A closed metal gate blocks vehicles from driving onto a walking trail.

The trail entrance starts at George Denton playground.

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.

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.