Making Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park safer for riders

With the largest trail network in the lower North Island, Mākara Peak has something for riders of all ages and abilities. There are wide, flowing single tracks with gentle gradients that are perfect for beginners, children and families. There are also some of the steepest, narrowest and gnarliest trails that challenge the experts – and with extreme conditions comes a need for more safety.

Over the past year, Mark and the supporters of Mākara Peak have identified 16 accessible entry points throughout the 45-kilometre reserve that can be accessed by both two wheel and 4x4 ambulances, so people who face an injury in the park have a clear reference point when calling for help.  

“The sixteen locations are GPS marked so emergency services can access injured people easier and faster in the reserve,” says Mark. 

“We’ve installed signage at these points and have been encouraging our visitors to learn where they are, and the initiative is being used quite successfully. What we’re finding is that people can now call 111 and offer a clear idea of how to be found, whereas before they could often only provide the name of the track they were on, which took time to pinpoint.” 

Mark has been running orientation days for the Wellington Free Ambulance, Fire Emergency NZ, and the Life Flight Wellington Westpac Rescue Helicopter teams so they are well versed in how to access each location.  

In addition to the emergency pickup points, a new helicopter landing site has been developed within the Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park, so that people who need to be airlifted out of the area can be rescued more time and energy efficiently.  

Previously, rescue helicopters have had to land in Karori Park for rescues which wasn't always possible if there were any games or activities there. 

“Recently I was involved with a rescue with Life Flight where they had to send in their paramedic, but they had nowhere to land the helicopter,” Mark explains. 

“The paramedic needed to be winched down to assist the patient while the helicopter had to find somewhere to land outside the park.” 

“What we realised is that we had an existing suitable flat space in the Mountain Bike Park that could be used to make a suitable landing site” says Mark, who worked with Life Flight to make sure the space had good approach and departure angles for the helicopter, as well as an access point for ambulances. 

“We already had a track builder planned onsite to do some maintenance, so we got them to flatten and prepare the landing site, which was a huge win for us at minimal cost.”  

Mark, who once had to be airlifted out of a mountain bike park in the South Island after a biking accident, says that while it’s awesome the track is more accessible to the rescue teams it’s important to keep on top of your own safety while using the tracks, no matter how experienced you are.

“After an accident you will need to be self-sufficient for a period of time until you get picked up, especially if cell reception is a bit spotty on the tracks. While the ambulances will have an easier time finding you in the reserve, it’ll still take some time to navigate the gravel roads and get an ambulance dispatched so make sure you have your phone and some warm clothing, a survival blanket, and first aid at all times."

“And of course, keep an eye out for the trail markers, so the amazing rescue teams know where to find you!” 

To find out more about Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park, you can visit the website.