Wellington Regional Trails

Just 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.

Length

3.1km

Uses

Mountain Biking

Type

Single track and access road

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

297m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the trail

The Highbury Fling to Roller Coaster loop starts from the George Denton playground. Follow the signs to the nearby Fenceline trail, which hugs the boundary of the world’s first fully-fenced urban ecosanctuary Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne. During the gradual climb up Fenceline you’ll come across Highbury Fling, one of the reserve’s oldest and most popular tracks set among trees and surrounding birdlife.

Enjoy the regenerated bush and bird song on this trail which winds its way around the top of the valley and ends at the roadside on Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn. 

From there turn right and head on to Sawmill which will take you back down to Fenceline. Follow Fenceline until you come across Roller Coaster, a grade three downhill only mountain bike track. 

It’s important to note that Fenceline and Highbury Fling are two-way tracks popular with mountain bikers and walkers/runners. Rollercoaster is a downhill track for mountain bikers only.

Getting there

  • Parking is available on Highbury Road, near George Denton playground
  • There are regular bus services to Aro Valley, Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Timetables are available from the 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 closed metal gate blocks vehicles from driving onto a walking trail.

The trail entrance starts at George Denton playground.

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

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 Sawmill trail in Waimapihi Reserve overlooking the Wellington Harbour.

Sawmill

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveA quick connector between Ashton Fitchett Drive in Brooklyn and the popular Fenceline trail.

Trail in Waimapihi Reserve.

Transient

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveThe main trail through Waimapihi Reserve that connects some of the most popular trails.

Waimapihi Reserve Mountain Bike Track.

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.

At the top of the Transient trail in Waimapihi Reserve, a picnic table sits amongst the grass looking out over the harbour.

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.

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

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.