Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is Wellington’s premier mountain bike destination, with over 50 kilometres of singletrack built and maintained by volunteers on the western edge of the city. Managed by Wellington City Council with the Makara Peak Supporters group, the park sits above Karori and ranges from gentle green trails through to demanding black and double-black technical terrain. A 72-metre suspension bridge is one of the park’s signature features. It’s free to ride, open year-round, and one of the most accessible urban MTB parks in New Zealand.
Practical Information
| Location | Makara Peak, above Karori, Wellington |
|---|---|
| Main entrance | End of South Karori Road (car park and trailhead) |
| Trails | 50 km+ of singletrack |
| Difficulty range | Green (beginner) to double black (expert) |
| Key features | 72m suspension bridge, skills area, multiple loops |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council + Makara Peak Supporters |
| Official site | makarapeak.bike |
About the Park
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park covers steep, bush-clad terrain on the western ridgeline of Wellington — the same range that separates Karori from the Makara Valley coast. The park has been developed over more than two decades by the Makara Peak Supporters, a volunteer group whose members plan, build and maintain the trail network in partnership with Wellington City Council.
The trails climb from the South Karori Road car park into the native bush and out onto ridge tops with views over both the city and the Makara Valley. At 50 km+, the network is large enough that repeat visitors regularly find new routes. The famous 72-metre suspension bridge is a highlight for riders of all abilities — a purpose-built bridge crossing a deep gully that has become one of the park’s most photographed features.
Difficulty is clearly marked across the network, from smooth, wide green trails accessible to beginners and young riders, up through blue and red intermediate grades, to black and double-black technical trails featuring rooty descents, rock slabs, drops and berms. The skills area near the car park is a good warm-up zone for first-timers before heading into the trees.
Getting to Makara Peak
The main entrance is at the end of South Karori Road in Karori — about 20 minutes’ drive from central Wellington. There is a car park at the trailhead. Karori is also accessible by bus from central Wellington, making it possible to ride to the park (though the road approach has some climbing before you reach the trailhead). Additional access points exist via Otari–Wilton’s Bush and the Skyline Walkway for riders linking trails across the western ridges.
What Visitors Say
“Can’t believe this park is free and 20 minutes from central Wellington. The suspension bridge is awesome and there’s enough variety here to keep you coming back for months.” — Google Maps review, Makara Peak MTB Park
“Took beginners here for the first time — the green trails are genuinely mellow and the skills area is a great starting point. The park gets steep fast once you leave the beginner zone.” — Wellington mountain biker, makarapeak.bike forum
Where to Learn More
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park — official site has trail maps, difficulty guides, conditions updates and information about the Supporters group.
Trailforks — Makara Peak has GPS trail maps, individual track descriptions and current rider reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main entrance to Makara Peak?
The main entrance and car park are at the end of South Karori Road, Karori. Allow 20 minutes by car from central Wellington.
Is it free to ride?
Yes — the park is free to use. Donations to the Makara Peak Supporters are encouraged and go toward new trail builds and maintenance.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes — the green trails and skills area near the entrance are appropriate for beginners and young riders. The park gets significantly more challenging as you move up in difficulty, so stay on marked green trails until you’re comfortable with the terrain.
What is the suspension bridge?
The 72-metre suspension bridge spans a gully deep in the park and is accessible to most riders on intermediate or beginner trails. It’s one of Makara Peak’s most distinctive features.
How long do most riders spend at the park?
Most rides are 1–3 hours depending on pace and trail selection. With 50 km+ of trails, a full exploration takes multiple visits.
Are e-bikes allowed?
E-bikes are permitted on designated trails at Makara Peak. Check the official website for current e-bike access rules, as these can vary by trail zone.
Makara Peak is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. For another Wellington MTB option east of the city, the Wainuiomata Trail Project has 30 km+ of trails in Lower Hutt. For a very different kind of ride, the Pencarrow Coast Road is a flat coastal trail near Eastbourne.
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