Belmont Regional Park covers 3,500 hectares of hill country and farmland between the Hutt Valley and Porirua, with over 10 mountain bike trails built and maintained by BAMBA (Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association) in partnership with Greater Wellington Regional Council. The park is e-bike friendly, open to dogs on lead, and offers some of the Wellington region’s most rewarding MTB riding — including historic features like the Korokoro Dam and World War II ammunition magazines hidden in the hills.
Practical Information
| Location | Belmont Regional Park, between Lower Hutt and Porirua |
|---|---|
| Main access | Top of Hill Road, Belmont; or end of Stratton Street, Mungaraki |
| Trails | 10+ mountain bike trails |
| Difficulty range | Beginner to advanced |
| E-bikes | Welcome on all trails |
| Open | Daily 8am–dusk (some closures mid-August to late October for lambing) |
| Cost | Free |
| Trail group | BAMBA — Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association |
About the Park
Belmont Regional Park is managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council and spans the hills separating the Hutt Valley from Porirua Harbour. The terrain is classic Wellington hill country — open farmland on the ridges, native bush in the gullies, and big panoramic views from the tops. BAMBA has developed a trail network that takes full advantage of the natural terrain, with trails ranging from flowing beginner descents to technically demanding expert lines.
The two main access points are at the top of Hill Road in Belmont (Lower Hutt side) and at the end of Stratton Street in Mungaraki (Porirua side). Both give access to different parts of the trail network, and it’s possible to ride point-to-point between the two with vehicle logistics.
Notable Trails
Highly rated trails in the park include Off Camber Daze, Borderline, Bull Run — Bull-a-varde Connector, Marco’s Descent into Madness and the Otonga Highline — all rated 4+ out of 5 on Trailforks by riders who know the network. The park also has longer day-ride options linking multiple trails for full exploration of the 3,500-hectare park.
Historic Features
Two historic features make Belmont Regional Park distinctive beyond its trails. The Korokoro Dam, built in the early 1900s to supply water to Lower Hutt, sits in a forested gully and is accessible on foot or bike. Further into the park, World War II-era ammunition magazines — concrete bunkers built to store munitions during the war — are visible from the trails. These features add historical depth to what is already a scenically rewarding riding destination.
What Visitors Say
“Spectacular panoramas from the ridges and genuine variety in the trails — Off Camber Daze is one of the best flowy trails in the Wellington region.” — Trailforks review, Belmont Regional Park
Where to Learn More
BAMBA — Belmont Area Mountain Bike Association has trail maps, conditions updates and information about the volunteer trail-building group.
Trailforks — Belmont Regional Park has GPS maps and user reviews for all individual trails.
Greater Wellington Regional Parks has park hours, closures (including lambing season) and visitor information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the access points for Belmont Regional Park?
The main access points are at the top of Hill Road, Belmont (Lower Hutt side) and at the end of Stratton Street, Mungaraki (Porirua side).
Is the park open year-round?
Open daily 8am–dusk, but parts of the park may be closed between mid-August and late October for lambing. Check Greater Wellington’s website for current closures before visiting.
Are e-bikes allowed?
Yes — e-bikes are welcome on all trails in Belmont Regional Park.
What are the best trails for beginners?
The park has beginner-friendly options. BAMBA’s website and Trailforks both list trail difficulty ratings to help you pick appropriate starting routes.
Is there parking at the access points?
Yes — both the Hill Road (Belmont) and Stratton Street (Mungaraki) access points have car parks.
How far is it from Wellington?
The Belmont (Hill Road) access is about 30–35 minutes from central Wellington via Lower Hutt. The Mungaraki access is about 25–30 minutes via Porirua.
Belmont Regional Park is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. For urban MTB closer to the city, Wainuiomata Trail Project is also on the Lower Hutt side of the hills. The Hutt River Trail is a flat family ride through the Hutt Valley below.