Mountain biking

Wellington is amazing for mountain biking and has something for everyone. All you need is a bike and some enthusiasm!

Get a taste of our tracks

We have a huge range of tracks, from the famous Makara Peak to Mount Victoria, right on your doorstep.

Mountain bike tracks

 

Mountain Biking in Wellington

(4.9MB PDF)

Want to go for a ride?

New to Wellington, mountain biking or just want some suggestions for somewhere to ride? 

  • Download the our guide to mountain biking in Wellington for detailed information on trails around the city, including maps and ability levels.
  • Find the right track for your skill level.

For more information about exploring trails around the Wellington region, check out our Mountain Biking Trails map or visit wellingtonregionaltrails.com.

Get involved

There is so much going on across all the track networks in the city from trail building, downhill events to family friendly rides and tree planting. The best way to find out what's happening is to jump on to the various groups Facebook pages - here are some of the main ones:

Volunteer to create trails

The Council is working with the Wellington Mountain Bike Club and the Makara Peak Supporters to create trails for mountain bikers, walkers and runners. They've extended trail networks all over Wellington, particularly on the Town Belt, Polhill Reserve, Centennial Reserve (Miramar) and Makara Peak Mountain Bike park.

Volunteer trail building

Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park

A community initiative supported by the Council, the Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park has more than 30km of tracks and is recognised as one of the country's best mountain biking areas.

Mountain bike skills areas

The Council has created five skills areas to help kids develop basic techniques to cycle off-road. The locations are:

  • Alexandra Road, Mount Victoria – Newtown-end of the road in the Town Belt
  • Central Park – in the playground
  • Karori Park – on the hill in the pine trees behind the park
  • Miramar water towers – off Main Road near Wellington Prison
  • South Coast Kids' Track, Adelaide Road, Island Bay – next to Berhampore/Island Bay skate park.

Areas closed to mountain biking

Some of Wellington's walks and walkways are open to mountain bikes, however, Eastern Walkway and City to Sea Walkway are not.

Walks and walkways

For information on areas and tracks in Wellington that are closed to mountain biking, see the Schedule A – C of the Open Space Access Plan (88KB PDF).

Mountain Bike NZ Code of Conduct

Because Wellington's tracks are used by many people, the Council supports Mountain Bike NZ's Code of Conduct.

Cycling New Zealand – Organisation documents

Related links