Why Wellington Regional Trails was created
The Wellington region sits at the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, and is full of spectacular trail-based experiences. We want to make sure everyone knows about these outdoor trails, and that people living in the Wellington region can enjoy them every day.
The regional landowners listed below have handpicked and approved the best trail experiences in our region to showcase to Wellington residents and the world.
Wellington Regional Trails covers nearly 300 kilometres of mountain biking, walking and horse riding tracks, across 40,000 hectares of publicly owned land. These trails stretch from Wellington’s city centre, all the way north to the Wairarapa region and Kāpiti Coast.
From scenic coastal walks with panoramic views, to rugged hilltop biking trails, leisurely rambles through native forests, and bumpy riverbank tracks, there’s a tranquil, hair-raising, or picturesque pathway to suit your next adventure.
So, put on your shoes, saddle up your horse, and get your mountain bike ready because there’s a giant playground right here in Wellington’s backyard waiting to be explored.
Wellington Regional Trails strategic framework
Wellington Regional Trails for the Future is a strategic framework that helps create a world-class network of trails for everyone to enjoy in the Wellington region. It aims to make it easier for people to get out and explore the region’s natural beauty, while also boosting the local economy.
The strategy covers a number of goals, including:
- creating safe and accessible trails for all users, including trampers, mountain bikers, and walkers
- promoting the region’s trails to visitors and residents
- improving the health and well-being of residents by encouraging them to get outdoors
- generating economic benefits for the region from trail tourism.
It is based on the region’s strong traditions of trail development, use, and community participation and is supported by the region’s trail managers, partners, and communities.
Download Wellington Regional Trails for the Future [PDF, 2.5 MB]
Wellington Regional Trails Regional Coordinating Committee structure
The committee is made up of senior officials from the project’s partner organisations. They report to the region’s councils and Department of Conservation’s Chief Executives. It includes:
- Wellington City Council
- Porirua City Council
- Kāpiti Coast District Council
- Upper Hutt City Council
- Hutt City Council
- Masterton District Council
- Carterton District Council
- South Wairarapa District Council
- Greater Wellington Regional Council
- Department of Conservation
- WellingtonNZ (Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency Ltd).
The committee works closely with the Community and Industry Engagement Forum which is made up of trail user representatives. Together, they work to support the Wellington Regional Trails for the Future Strategic Framework and approve the key actions to be executed by the Regional Trails Framework Advisor.
The Wellington Regional Trails website includes information for trail user groups, such as trampers, walkers, runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, horse riders, and environmentalists.