Wellington Regional Trails
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.

Gradually climb through regenerated bush and enjoy the downhill ride on one of Waimapihi Reserve’s newest trails.

Length
7.8km
Uses
Mountain Biking
Type
Single and double track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile

297m highest point

Dogs
Yes (on lead)

About the trail

This loop starts from Aro Valley on the Transient trail — a popular connector to other trails in the reserve. Transient is a two-way track for foot traffic in either direction, but uphill mountain biking only.

Follow the trail until you reach Highbury Fling and then turn onto Sawmill. The top of Sawmill is a great place to rest with a park bench and sweeping views across the city.

From Sawmill, follow the trail downhill along the fenceline until it meets Ikigai. Ikigai is for downhill bikes only and walkers are not permitted. Take the grade three trail down the hill until it finishes and rejoins Transient. Continue on Transient until you end up where you started in Aro Valley.

A secton of the Ikigai trail in Waimapihi Reserve. The mountain bike track has a clay surface with wooden platforms and views of Wellington.

Getting there

  • The northern end begins at the main Waimapihi Reserve entry on Aro Street and joins up with Highbury Fling at the top. There’s also a side exit/entrance via an asphalt path at the end of Karepa Street, Brooklyn.
  • There are regular bus services to Aro Valley, Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

Know before you go

  • Ikigai is not suitable for walkers.
  • Dogs must be on leads outside dog exercise areas. Please remember to clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste appropriately.
  • 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 know before you go.

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.

The trail entrance to Transient on Aro Street.

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.

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.