Last updated May 2026
Mt Victoria Mountain Bike Park sits on Matairangi — the forested hill that rises above Wellington’s eastern bays — with 39 trails across the Town Belt reserve, ranging from a beginner skills area to advanced technical singletrack. The trails are managed by Wellington City Council and maintained largely by volunteers from the Wellington Mountain Bike Club’s Mt Vic Trails sub-group. It’s one of the closest mountain biking destinations to Wellington’s city centre, reachable in under 10 minutes by bike from the CBD.
Practical Information
| Location | Mt Victoria (Matairangi), Wellington |
|---|---|
| Trails | 39 trails, 45 designated for mountain biking |
| Difficulty range | Beginner (skills area) to advanced |
| Typical loop | 6–8 km with plenty of alternatives |
| Access | Multiple points — Mt Victoria lookout road, Ellice Street, Alexandra Road |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council + Mt Vic Trails (WMTBC) |
About the Park
Mt Victoria is one of Wellington’s most recognisable landmarks — the hill that gives the city its distinctive lookout and provides a backdrop to the Oriental Bay and Hataitai neighbourhoods. The land is managed by Wellington City Council as part of the Town Belt reserve, and the mountain bike trails weave through native bush and secondary growth across the hill’s flanks and gullies.
With 39 trails (45 with all designated MTB options), there’s enough variety to keep repeat visitors engaged. Trails are shared with walkers, so riders should give way to people on foot and keep speeds appropriate for the mixed-use environment. The skills area is a good starting point for riders new to the park before venturing into the steeper and more technical sections.
The Trails
Loops of 6–8 kilometres can be put together with many route variations using the trail network. The park suits a wide ability range — the skills area is appropriate for beginners and young riders building confidence, while the tighter, rooty sections toward the top of the hill challenge experienced riders. Trail maintenance is ongoing, with the Mt Vic Trails volunteer group regularly working on new lines and maintaining existing ones.
Access points exist at multiple locations: from the Mt Victoria lookout road above Hataitai, from Ellice Street off Oriental Parade, and from Alexandra Road. The varied entry points make it easy to design different loops depending on how much climbing you want in the legs.
What Visitors Say
“Surprisingly good park for its size — so close to the city and you can easily put together an hour’s riding with real variety. The top trails have great city views.” — Trailforks review, Mt Vic Wellington
Where to Learn More
Trailforks — Mt Vic Wellington has GPS maps, individual trail difficulty ratings and current conditions from riders.
Wellington Mountain Bike Club — Where to Ride covers the Mt Vic trails along with all other Wellington MTB areas.
Mountain Biking — Wellington City Council lists WCC-managed MTB areas and current rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main access point for Mt Victoria MTB?
Multiple access points exist: from the Mt Victoria lookout road above Hataitai, Ellice Street off Oriental Parade, and Alexandra Road. The lookout road approach is the most commonly used starting point.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes — there is a skills area appropriate for beginners. The trail network also has a good range of difficulty, so riders can start easy and progress to harder lines as confidence builds.
How close is it to central Wellington?
Mt Victoria is under 10 minutes by bike from the CBD via the waterfront route. It’s one of the closest urban MTB destinations in any New Zealand city.
Are trails shared with walkers?
Yes — Mt Victoria trails are shared use. Give way to walkers, keep speeds in check on shared sections, and be aware of dogs and joggers especially on busier days.
How long is a typical ride?
Most riders spend 1–2 hours, covering 6–8 km of trails with multiple loop options. Longer rides are possible by combining trails across the full network.
Who maintains the trails?
Wellington City Council is responsible for the land, while the Mt Vic Trails sub-group of the Wellington Mountain Bike Club does the practical trail building and maintenance work.
Mt Victoria Mountain Bike Park is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. For more extensive mountain biking, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park has 50km+ of trails near Karori. The Wellington Waterfront Shared Path connects the city to the Mt Victoria access road along the harbour.
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