Wellington Regional Trails
A child and an adult bike along a wooden boardwalk amongst bush in the Wainuiomata bike park.

An easy circuit around the Waiu Park wetlands.

Walking time

40 min

Length

2.1km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Double track

Walking difficulty

Easiest: Short walk

Mountain Bike Grade

Easy: Grade 2

Profile

66m climb

-66m descent

132m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)
Two children and an adult bike along a wooden boardwalk amongst bush in the Wainuiomata bike park.

About the trail

The Wetland Loop is a leisurely trail around the bottom of Waiu Park. The wide, gentle path follows an old access road and then leads on to a boardwalk through a wetlands area. Pūkeko live and nest around the wetlands 

The Wetland Loop provides access to other popular trails within the park, including Jungle Scout and Directa.

It is best travelled in a clockwise direction and is suitable for both mountain biking and walking.

Two children biking away from the camera on the Wetland Loop trail in Wainuiomata Bike Park.

Getting there

  • The trail starts from the Waiu Street car park.
  • There are regular bus and train services to Wainuiomata and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from Metlink.

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?

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A mountain biker riding along a dirt track amongst trees on Beeline trail in Wainuiomata Park.

Beeline

Waiu ParkA difficult but rewarding downhill ride for advanced mountain bikers only.

A downhill mountain biker jumps on the Spoonhill trail in Wainuiomata.

Spoonhill

Waiu ParkSlip and slide your way downhill on this steep clay-surface trail for walkers and mountain bikers.

A mountain biker jumps on a dirt track amongst trees on Nga Tuna trail in Wainuiomata Park.

Ngā Tuna

Waiu ParkA quick shortcut track to rejoin the Wetland Loop at Waiu Park.

A downhill mountain bike rider going over a wooden drop jump on Dozer trail in Wainuiomata.

Dozer

Waiu ParkHone your advanced riding skills on this trail with features and obstacles.

A mountain biker riding along a dirt track amongst trees on Super Plus trail in Wainuiomata Park. In the background, there is a view of the Petone foreshore.

Super Plus

Waiu ParkPractice your jumps and downhill skills on this flowing intermediate track.

491

Waiu ParkA technical downhill trail that's more fun in wet conditions.

A mountain biker jumps on a dirt track amongst trees on Morepork trail in Wainuiomata Park.

Morepork

Waiu ParkA steep unsanctioned downhill track for thrill-seeking riders.

A person in a white teeshirt and a black and brown dog are standing on a hillside overlooking a coastal town, the harbour and a distant mountain range.

Te Whiti Riser

A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.

Two adults and two children riding bicycles on a gravel path surrounded by dense green trees and grass.

Hutt River Trail

Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.

Cyclists are riding along a coastal road at the Pencarrow Coast in Eastbourne, New Zealand.

Pencarrow Coast Road

East Harbour Regional ParkTravel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.