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Mākara Peak MTB Park

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park is a purpose-built riding and walking reserve set in 250 hectares of regenerating native bush on the hills above Karori, just 7 km from Wellington’s city centre.

Getting There, History and More

About

Mākara Peak MTB Park

Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park was established by Wellington City Council in 1998 in conjunction with the Mākara Peak Supporters, encompassing Mākara Peak, which dominates the skyline at the south end of Karori.

With the largest trail network in the lower North Island, Mākara Peak has something for riders of all ages and abilities. Wide, flowing singletrack with gentle gradients are perfect for beginners, children and families. Plus, some steep, narrow and gnarly trails that can challenge even the experts.

Trails weave through 250 hectares of regenerating native native bush. There’s a 72m swing bridge - the first of its kind in an urban mountain bike park in New Zealand -and from the summit, panoramic views across Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait and the Upper South Island.

Since the park opened in 1998, the Mākara Peak Supporters have worked in partnership with Wellington City Council to develop the park. Thousands of volunteers have donated their time to help build over 50 km of trails, plant tens of thousands of native plants, and establish a comprehensive trapping network to eradicate pest species and encourage and restore native flora and fauna.

Main Carpark
116/122 South Karori Road, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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St Albans Ave Entrance
Saint Albans Avenue, Karori, Wellington 6012, New Zealand
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Park Amenities:
Bike Cleaning
Drinking Water
No Dogs
Toilets
Tools
Car Parking
No items found.
Local trail group

Mākara Peak Supporters Club

The Mākara Peak Supporters work with Wellington City Council to build and manage a world-class mountain bike park in a regenerating native forest.

Mountain Bikers Code

trail etiquette

Read Full Rider Etiquette

Riding or walking Wellington trails requires you to share the track, cycleway or road with others – fellow cyclists and walkers, but also dogs and horses.  Here are a few important pointers to foster positive attitudes between different trail users and remember we are lucky that WCC have given us access to their land.

Share the Trail

Respect others on the track. Give way to walkers, use a bell or greeting, and be patient when passing. Ride in small groups and stay in control at all times.

Ride Only Where Allowed

Stick to open and permitted trails. Respect seasonal closures, leave gates as you found them, and plan ahead with food, tools, and warm clothing.

Protect the Track

Don’t damage the trail. Avoid skidding, cutting corners, or riding in wet conditions. Take your rubbish home and clean your bike to stop weeds spreading.

Follow Road Rules

Be predictable and courteous. Stop at lights, signal clearly, and let traffic pass when safe. Ride no more than two abreast and always offer a smile or wave.

riding safety

pre ride, re-ride, freeride

Build confidence, not risk. Start slow with a warm-up lap to check the trail ("Pre-Ride"), go again to learn the features ("Re-Ride"), then let loose once you know what’s coming ("Free-Ride"). This approach helps you ride safer, progress faster, and have more fun.

1.
Pre-ride
Warm up the brain and body by riding the trail at lower speed
2.
re-ride
Lap the trail a few times and get to know the flow and features. Make those smaller adjustments to your timing and technique to build confidence.
3.
Free-ride
Starting small, work your way up to faster speeds and larger features.

trail Map

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