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?

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

Beeline

Waiu ParkA difficult downhill mountain bike trail in Wainuiomata 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.

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

Ngā Tuna

Waiu ParkA quick shortcut mountain bike track that connects the Spoonhill track to the Wetland Loop.

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 mountain biking track laced 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 mountain bike track.

Mountain biker going around a sharp corner on the 491 track in Waiu Park

491

Waiu ParkA technical downhill trail made 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 mountain bike 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

Te Whiti Riser is a popular, all-weather walking and mountain biking track, with extensive views over Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt and Wellington Harbour.

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

Hutt River Trail

The Hutt River Trail is a flat, easy trail along the Hutt River from Petone to Upper Hutt. Cycle, walk or run on this well-maintained Grade 2 trail.

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

Pencarrow Coast Road

East Harbour Regional ParkPencarrow Coast Road is a popular, easy walking and biking trail that winds to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.