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

A quick connector between Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn and the popular Fenceline trail.

Walking time
20 min
Length
413m
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Double track
Walking difficulty
Easiest: Short walk
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

13m climb

-43m descent

298m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)
A section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

About the trail

Sawmill is an easy, wide, shared two-way trail from Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn to Fenceline, which follows the perimeter of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne eco-sanctuary. The trail passes below WWII gun emplacements and has great views over the city.

The trail is named after a sawmill that once operated on a farm in the area.

Getting there

  • Sawmill starts halfway up Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn, just after the turn-off to Hawkins Hill Road. The trail is clearly signposted.
  • There are regular bus services to Brooklyn and surrounding areas. Timetables are available from 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 section of the Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Sawmill starts halfway up Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn, just after the turn-off to Hawkins Hill Road. It’s clearly signposted.

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

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 trail through Waimapihi Reserve that connects some of the most popular trails.

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 fun, flowy downhill mountain bike trail through native bush in Waimapihi Reserve.

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

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 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 central Wellington, 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 ReserveExperience the wildest part of Wellington’s rugged south coast, where you might encounter a colony of fur seals and catch 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 ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.

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 ReserveA punishing route to the top of Hawkins Hill with stunning views over Wellington.