The Wainuiomata Trail Project (WTP) is a volunteer-built mountain bike park in the hills above Lower Hutt, with over 30 kilometres of singletrack across two valleys above Parkway. Run as a non-profit in partnership with Hutt City Council, the park caters for riders of all abilities — from first-timers on the beginner-friendly green tracks to experienced riders pushing the technical black and double-black lines. It’s e-bike friendly, free to ride, and one of the Wellington region’s most active trail networks.
Practical Information
| Location | Waiu Park, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt |
|---|---|
| Main entrance | Northern end of Waiu Street, Wainuiomata |
| Alternative entrance | Top of Wainuiomata Hill Road |
| Tracks | 61 trails, 30 km+ |
| Difficulty range | Green (beginner) through to double black (expert) |
| E-bikes | Permitted on all 61 trails |
| Mixed use | Mountain biking and trail running |
| Facilities | Car park, toilets, picnic tables, bike wash (Waiu St entrance) |
| Cost | Free |
About the Park
Wainuiomata Trail Project occupies two valleys on the eastern side of the Remutaka Range, in the hills separating Lower Hutt from Wainuiomata. The trails run through regenerating native bush and scrub, with natural terrain features, rock slabs and built wooden features on the more technical lines.
The project started in 2006 when students from Wainuiomata High School approached Hutt City Council about developing trails in the area. The group incorporated as a society in 2008 and has been building and maintaining trails ever since. The result is a well-developed park with a genuine range of difficulty — from smooth, wide green trails suitable for kids and beginners, through to tight, rooty black trails that will challenge experienced riders.
The main Waiu Street entrance has a car park, toilets, picnic tables and a bike wash station — useful after wet rides through the bush. An alternative entrance at the top of Wainuiomata Hill Road gives access to upper trail sections and is popular with riders linking in from the Lower Hutt side.
The Trails
With 61 trails across 30 km+, Wainuiomata has more on offer than its relatively low profile might suggest. Notable trails include the Te Whiti Riser, a purpose-built climb that makes the elevation gain more manageable, and Freewheel, one of the longer descents in the park. The skills area near the Waiu Street entrance is suitable for beginner riders working on fundamental bike-handling before heading into the trees.
Trail conditions vary seasonally — the park can be wet and slippery through winter, and some of the more technical tracks are best left after a few dry days. The WTP Facebook page and website post regular track condition updates.
What Visitors Say
“Underrated park — loads of variety and the green tracks are genuinely beginner friendly. Took my teenage kids for the first time and they didn’t want to leave.” — Trailforks review, Wainuiomata Trail Park
Where to Learn More
Wainuiomata Trail Project — official website has trail maps, current conditions and information about volunteer days.
Trailforks — Wainuiomata Trail Park has GPS trail maps, difficulty ratings and user reviews for individual tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wainuiomata Trail Project?
The main entrance is at the northern end of Waiu Street, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt. There is also an upper entrance at the top of Wainuiomata Hill Road.
Is it free to ride?
Yes — the trails are free to ride. Donations to the non-profit are welcomed and go directly toward trail building and maintenance.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes — there are dedicated green (beginner) trails and a skills area at the Waiu Street entrance. Start on the green trails to get a feel for the terrain before moving up in difficulty.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes — all 61 trails are e-bike friendly.
How do I get there from Wellington?
From central Wellington, head to Lower Hutt then south to Wainuiomata via the Wainuiomata Hill Road. The Waiu Street entrance is in the residential area at the northern end of Wainuiomata. Allow 30–40 minutes from the city.
Are the trails open year-round?
The park is open year-round, but conditions vary. Some technical trails become very slippery in wet weather. Check the WTP website or Facebook for current conditions before visiting.
The Wainuiomata Trail Project is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. For a different kind of MTB experience on the other side of the city, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park offers 50 km+ of trails near Karori. The Hutt River Trail is a flat, family-friendly ride through the Hutt Valley nearby.
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