Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park
Also known as: Makara Peak
Summit views over Karori, central Wellington and, on a clear day, the South Island; restored native forest with a summit viewing deck.
Who in your group rides what
Whether everyone in your group gets a day at Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park - the grades on offer, the named zones, and how mixed abilities split up.
NZ Grade 1-6 (easy Koru/Lazy Fern beginner tracks to Grade 5-6 downhills such as Vertigo and Trickle Falls)
Mixed group splits after pedalling up shared climbing trails: families/beginners loop Koru and Lazy Fern near the base, intermediates ride the Grand Loop with summit views and berms, and advanced riders drop the Vertigo/Trickle Falls descents, regrouping at the South Karori Road hub. Climb-and-descend model - no uplift or shuttle, all climbing is pedal-powered.
Strong for mixed abilities and families (Koru and Lazy Fern beginner loops) while advanced riders access technical descents; free entry lowers the barrier. Note dual-use with walkers.
The riding
Mostly hand-built singletrack through 250 ha of regenerating native bush; clay/dirt surface that holds moisture, plus rock and root technical sections.
Ranges from wide, gentle beginner trails to steep, rooty, rocky technical downhills; some of Wellington's steepest and most technical descents with real exposure on advanced lines.
Signposted network with information boards and maps at three of four entrances; well waymarked, dual-use (bikes and walkers).
Popular with Wellington riders and walkers, busy on fine weekends; quieter midweek and on the longer summit loops.
Season & conditions
Open all year (low elevation, generally snow-free); no seasonal closure.
Rideable year-round; drier late spring to autumn generally best.
Volunteer trail-build/planting days and community events run by the Makara Peak Supporters.
Native-bush clay trails get soft and slushy during and after rain - recommended to wait 2-3 days after heavy rain; exposed summit can be windy.
Getting there & gear
Free to use; no permit, fee or lottery.
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Four entry points; main entrance and car park on South Karori Road, Karori, about 7 km from central Wellington.
Self-access; no uplift/shuttle. Pedal-up, climb-and-descend park; Karori is bus-served from the city.
Standard trail/enduro bike and gear; no on-site cafe (Karori shops nearby); generally good mobile coverage near the city.
Main South Karori Road car park has toilets, bike wash/shower, bike pump, information boards and a picnic area.
Wellington Mountain Bike Club community; Karori bike shops; nearby Wellington trail networks (e.g. Polhill, Mt Victoria).
Hazards & rescue
Dual-use with walkers - give way and control speed; slippery clay after rain; advanced downhills are steep and technical.
None required; independent riding.
Close to Karori suburb with multiple entry/exit points and road access; trails feed back toward South Karori Road.
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand mountain-bike network report. Coordinates are approximate.