A story that starts with People & Passion
Imagine a cohesive, well-resourced trail community that creates, cares and uses trails to make Wellington better for all. Trails Wellington, at its heart, is a group of volunteers connecting with other volunteers. We're all putting in the mahi to nurture and realise that very dream.
Envision a cohesive, well-resourced trail community that creates, cares and uses trails. Trails Wellington is, at its heart, a group of volunteers putting in the mahi to nurture and realise that very dream.
Whether it be connecting people to the Wellington outdoors, wherever they live, work, and play, promoting the health and prosperity of people and the community through trail use. Creating trails that they love to ride, or trails that add valuable amenities and spur sustainable local economic development. We all hold trail stewardship, advocacy and use by our community close to our hearts. Meet some of the people behind Trails Wellington.
Our Journey started ...
In 2016, a group of passionate locals founded the Wellington Trails Trust (WTT) to answer a simple but powerful question:
What if the trails of Wellington, could transform the city?
With backing from Wellington City Council and the business community, we delivered the Wellington Mountain Bike Economic Growth Initiative (WMBEGI). A groundbreaking report showed that trails weren’t just good for people and recreation, but that they could provide a significant economic boost to our economy.
However, even the most compelling economic projections, demonstrating clear ROI for trail investment, weren’t enough. The two biggest barriers? Money and fragmentation. Despite incredible trail builders and a world-class environment, Wellington’s trail scene was splintered. Groups worked in silos. Money was lacking. Council processes stalled. Momentum faltered.
On the back of the WMBEGI report, WCC joined up with the other Councils in the Wellington region to come up with a regional strategy and investment plan for trails in the Wellington region. Wellington Trails Trust were a key stakeholder in this process and advocated for more trail investment in many of the Wellington City green belt areas. We were disappointed that the Council's final decision was only to significantly increase investment into Mākara Peak, with modest increases in other areas. There was so much more we needed to do as a community for our vision to be realised! We wanted more.
In 2021, WTT evolved into Trails Wellington, an organisation aiming to unify and amplify the community. Our goal: paint a picture of what was possible, and bring greater unity and direction across the region - connecting trail groups, volunteers, riders, commuters, businesses, funders, and the council. Together, we set out to build something greater than the sum of its parts.
What we've
achieved together
Since 2021, Trails Wellington has adopted a broader mission: supporting recreation, strengthening communities, protecting the environment, and co-funding trail development. Together, we've delivered real, measurable change.
Vision-Led Strategy
In 2022, we launched Trails to Transform Wellington, a bold 10-year vision developed in partnership with PR firm Sputnik and shaped by wide community consultation. This vision and strategy set out how trails can drive public health, tourism, climate resilience, and urban connectivity.
Major Funding Wins
Helped WCC secure $800,000 from Bloomberg Philanthropies to develop a new network of nature-based commuter trails. Off-road routes connecting suburbs to the CBD through regenerating native bush.
Helped unlock over $1 million in philanthropic donations, led by Rod and Geoff Drury, to catalyse development and encourage community unity.
Trail investment
We have invested in both, the design and build of new trails and the refurbishment of many current trails, right across all the trail areas of Wellington. Iconic new trails include Pōhatu at MākaraPeak and Te Tuarā in Matairangi.
Policy Influence &
Council Alignment
Played a key role in influencing the city’s Open Access Strategy with a greater commitment to partnering with community organisations, investing more in trails and including commuter trails in their plans.
Crows Nest - Have championed trail access to be granted for a new trail area in behind Crofton Downs
Te Kopahou: Contributed to long-term access planning, network design, and environmental alignment for new trails to be completed in Te Kopahou
Vision - Presented our strategic vision and plans to many Wellington organisations, media and to WCC officers and Councillors.
Community POwer
Mobilised 900+ public submissions to support the approval of Te Tuarā trail in Matairangi.
Hosted forums, trail tours, and citywide surveys with 700+ participants.
Grown our supporter base to 3,000+ members, with strong representation across all major suburbs and user groups.
OUR role today
Trails Wellington is one part of a much bigger movement. We exist to connect, support, and accelerate the work of local legends - from the Makara Peak Supporters, BTB, Matairangi Trail Builders and Miramar Track Project to WORD, Revolve, BAMBA, WMTBC and many more. Together, we advocate for a trail network that’s inclusive, sustainable, and transformational for all of Wellington.
the Journey onwards
Looking forward, the opportunity is massive. We've already mapped a connected, citywide commuter trail network. We’re developing a new trail area master plan for 2026 to align with WCC’s next Open Space Access Plan.
We’re also championing:
Expanded trail access into a number of areas
A continuous focus on trail maintenance and improving the quality of the trails we have
Support for our volunteer groups
Recognition of our Bike Charities
Working more closely with our regional trail groups, in particular: BAMBA, WTP and Mana Cycle Group
Telling the story of the benefits for Wellington of a cycle-led Renaissance
Having our first ever Mountain Bike festival in Wellington
Wellington already has:
The vision
The terrain
The ridership
The community power
The strategic plan
Now we need the investment to match.
Let’s DO It. Together
If we want more access, smarter infrastructure, and a trail network that serves the whole city, we need to stay united. Trails Wellington isn’t the only voice in this space. But we are a one for collaboration and proof of what’s possible when a community stands together. This isn’t just about tracks through the bush.
It’s about infrastructure.
It’s about culture.
It’s about shaping the Wellington we all believe in.
We’ve come a long way. And with your support, we’ll go even further.
Charitable Trust
Trails Wellington is a Charitable Trust (formerly Wellington Trails Trust, NZ Charities register #CC53612) which in New Zealand is a recognised legal entity established to benefit the community, often by supporting organisations with charitable goals. As part of being a Trust, we have several legal obligations that our Trustees are responsible for ensuring we meet. Many of our Trustees are also individuals who put in the mahi at an operational level, like the people mentioned above.