One Family’s $1M Generosity

How it Sparked Wellington’s Trail Renaissance, and Why We’re Just Getting Started

Matt Farrar, Co-Founding Trustee of Trails Wellington

In 2021, philanthropist Rod Drury made an extraordinary offer: a $1 million personal investment to transform mountain biking in Wellington. Nearly four years on, that visionary act has catalysed one of the most profound shifts in how our city sees - and rides - its hills.

This wasn't just a donation. It was a challenge. A belief that Wellington could unlock its potential by leaning into what makes us special: rugged terrain, passionate communities, and a deep connection to nature. Rod’s investment lit a spark, and Trails Wellington has been fanning that flame ever since.

From Potential to Purpose

Back in 2021, Wellington’s mountain biking scene was patchy. We had good trails - if you knew where to look - but our city was not on the national radar as a riding destination. Almost all our trails were on Wellington City Council (WCC) land, maintained by a dedicated patchwork of volunteer groups. The spirit was strong, but the scale was small.

Rod’s investment changed that. It allowed us to reimagine what was possible. To coordinate, professionalise, and amplify the work already being done - and, crucially, to make our voice heard where it mattered most.

A New Platform for Impact

One of the first things we did with Rod’s support was to evolve the Wellington Trails Trust into Trails Wellington, an independent, community-led organisation representing the entire trails and mountain biking community. With this came a clear, coherent voice - one that WCC now recognises as a true partner.

This was more than just rebranding. It was about building a movement - uniting volunteers, donors, iwi, councillors, and trail users behind a shared vision for what trails could do for Wellington. Trails are about more than just riding. They’re about restoring our environment, connecting communities, getting people active, and attracting visitors to our city.

Rod saw that before most. His early investment helped us tell that story - and prove it.

A Visible Transformation

Across the city, the impact has been enormous. Here’s just a taste:

Miramar / Maupuia Park: Once underused, this area was reborn with a suite of modern flow and jump trails. Jail - rickety, I’m going to - break became Jail brake, and soon school kids from across the city were riding it after school and on weekends, developing skills - and a love for riding - in their own backyard.

Waimapihi (Polhill Reserve): Upgrades to Serendipity and Rollercoaster made top trails more accessible and enjoyable, expanding their reach and ensuring sustainability. We helped get approval for Ikigai, the area's iconic downhill track.

Mākara Peak: Our signature MTB destination, now boasts Pōhatu - a professionally built, flowing technical trail that many riders now call the best in Wellington.

Matairangi (Mt Victoria): This hill has undergone a remarkable transformation. Where once there was disjointed riding and user conflict, there’s now a thriving, well-signposted trail network and an energised local volunteer group - the Matairangi Trail Builders. With professional support, we’ve turned the local trails like Hippies, Hospital Jumps, and Te Tuarā o Matairangi into the CBD riding destination of choice. The greatest reward? Dozens of teenagers are out on the hill, grinning, every weekend.

Building for the Future

Rod’s investment allowed us to dream bigger and act faster. But the work is far from done.

We’re now working with WCC to establish a high-grade technical trail destination in Crofton Downs/Crows Nest. This area, long requested by the advanced riding community, is poised to become a new jewel in Wellington’s trail crown. Public consultation has been positive, and we hope to break ground in 2025.

We’ve also developed a strategic vision for the future - a comprehensive plan to make Wellington a world-class trail city. It’s not just about bikes. It’s about building commuter networks, reducing congestion, supporting mental and physical health, and creating a city where families, visitors, and residents alike can live well.

This vision has been met with overwhelming support from the community, iwi, and local government. But to reach the next level, we need more leaders to follow the path Rod Drury blazed.

A Call to Action

Rod’s belief in Wellington came with a call: to step up, to care, to give. Thanks to his support, Trails Wellington has grown to over 3,000 members and thousands more followers. But our vision is bigger than that.

We’re calling on Wellingtonians - individuals, families, business leaders - to help us take the next step. We need more voices, more momentum, and yes, more investment.

Rod once said:

“The place that was once the 'coolest little capital' is searching for its new identity in a rapidly changing world. All the raw ingredients are there.”

He’s right. With its green hills, passionate people, and bold spirit, Wellington has everything it needs to become a world-class trail city.

Thanks to the Drury family, we’ve shown what’s possible. But the journey is far from over. Let’s build on this legacy - together.

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