Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is your go-to spot for mountain biking in Wellington. With a stunning 40-kilometre network of trails, you'll find something for every skill level, from easy loops for beginners to extreme challenges for the seasoned rider. Trails like Koru and Peak Flow offer diverse terrains and technical features, while the park's lush regenerating forest enhances your ride. Plus, you'll have access to essential facilities like bike washes and picnic areas. If you're eager to know more about specific trails and tips for visiting, just keep exploring the options available for an unforgettable biking experience.
Major Highlights
- Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park offers 40 kilometers of diverse trails suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to advanced riders.
- Notable trails include Koru, Missing Link, and Peak Flow, each featuring unique challenges and scenic views.
- The park is set within a regenerating native forest, enhancing the mountain biking experience with beautiful natural surroundings.
- Extensive community involvement has resulted in over 35,000 native seedlings planted and 4,500 volunteer hours dedicated to trail maintenance.
- Safety measures, including signage and trail difficulty levels, ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all park users.
Park Overview
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park, nestled in the lush regenerating native forest of Karori, Wellington, offers an exhilarating escape for mountain biking enthusiasts.
With entrances at South Karori Road, St Albans Ave, Allington Road, and the summit of Makara Road, accessing this 40-kilometre network of purpose-built bike tracks is a breeze. You'll find trails ranging from easy to extreme, ensuring a thrilling experience no matter your skill level.
The park features well-maintained trails like Koru, Missing Link, and Peak Flow, all hand-built by passionate mountain bikers over the last 15 years. Each trail showcases diverse terrain, from fast narrow sections to challenging climbs, and is clearly marked to help you navigate your ride.
To enhance your visitor experience, the park provides map boards at major entrances and trail signs at intersections, ensuring you stay on track.
The Trailforks app is also available for GPS navigation and offline use, making it easy to explore the trails confidently.
With ongoing trail maintenance and diverse options, Makara Peak promises memorable adventures for both beginners and experienced riders alike.
History and Development
In the early 1990s, complaints about mountain bikers using walking tracks prompted the Wellington City Council to take action. By 1993, they began developing a policy to create designated bike trails, finalizing it in early 1994. The council aimed to enhance trail evolution while addressing community impact. They identified 200 hectares of retired farmland in Karori for the mountain bike park, officially set aside in 1998.
Volunteer efforts kicked off in winter 1998, focusing on establishing tracks and restoring native forest. By summer 1999, three hand-built tracks, a car park, and a bridge were completed. The Makara Peak Supporters group was formed to collaborate with the council on these developments.
The park has since grown significantly, with over 40 kilometers of single track and a strong emphasis on conservation. Volunteers have dedicated over 4,500 hours annually to these efforts, fostering a thriving ecosystem.
| Year | Milestone | Community Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Policy finalized | Designated bike trail access |
| 1998 | Land set aside for park | Volunteer track building begins |
| 2014 | Expansion to 250 hectares | 35,000 native seedlings planted |
| 2017 | Swing bridge added | Fundraising success |
| 2020 | 2-3 year work plan initiated | Ongoing track development |
Trail Varieties and Features
Whether you're a novice or an expert, the diverse trail varieties at Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park cater to every skill level. You'll find trails ranging from easy to extreme, ensuring you can enjoy your ride while tackling trail challenges that suit your abilities.
Start on the Kids and Beginners Loop for a gentle introduction, or progress to the Mid Peak Loop and Lizard Loop, where sculpted berms and rollers will sharpen your skills.
As you gain confidence, advanced trails like PŌHATU and North Face await you, featuring technical descents and rocky challenges to test your mettle. For the seasoned riders, trails like Vertigo and Trickle Falls offer highly technical sections that demand precision and control.
The park's 250 hectares of dense native bush provide a stunning backdrop, with single-track, farm, and 4WD tracks winding through picturesque landscapes.
Each trail is thoughtfully designed, boasting features like bridges and tabletops, while maintaining the integrity of the native bush. Embrace the opportunity for skill progression as you explore the varied terrain, making your mountain biking experience both rewarding and exhilarating.
Popular Trails to Explore
Adventure awaits at Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park, where a variety of trails beckon cyclists of all skill levels. For those seeking beginner experiences, the Kids and Beginners Loop is perfect.
Starting and ending at the Allington Road Entrance, this easy trail offers a smooth ride through Rimu, Miro, and the Magic Carpet, taking about 30-45 minutes. The Fern Loop also provides a gentle introduction, featuring Koru and Lazy Fern, accessible from the Main Entrance on South Karori Road.
If you're ready to tackle intermediate trails, try the Mid-peak Loop or Lizard Loop, both offering a mix of machine-built flow trails and natural paths. These loops provide a great balance of climbing and descending, with clear markers to guide you.
For those craving advanced challenges, the Peak Flow and North Face trails will push your limits with steep and technical sections. The Ridgeline and Vertigo trails promise thrilling descents, while Missing Link and Nikau Valley deliver fast, narrow paths for the experienced rider.
Each trail at Makara Peak ensures an exhilarating ride, whether you're a beginner or an advanced cyclist.
Conservation Initiatives
Conservation initiatives at Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park play a vital role in restoring the land and enhancing the natural environment. The park is transitioning from degraded farmland to a thriving native forest, with over 35,000 native seedlings planted in areas once dominated by open grassland. You'll find native species like kahikatea, rimu, and tawa thriving in this revitalized ecosystem.
Pest control is a key component of these efforts. Systematic measures, including trapping and baiting, aim to eradicate introduced pests like rats and stoats, which threaten the survival of native wildlife. Trail cameras help monitor pest activity, ensuring effective management. This coordinated approach supports the reintroduction and protection of native birds, enhancing biodiversity in the park.
Community involvement is crucial, with over 4,500 volunteer hours dedicated annually to habitat restoration and pest control initiatives. This collective effort not only fosters a sense of ownership among park users but also raises awareness about the importance of conserving the environment.
Getting There and Accessibility
Getting to Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is a breeze with options for driving, biking, or hopping on a bus.
Key access points, like the main entrance on South Karori Road and various alternative entries, make it easy to start your adventure.
Plus, clear signage and navigation aids ensure you won't get lost as you explore the trails.
Travel Options Available
Easily accessible, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park offers a variety of travel options for visitors. Whether you prefer car travel or public transportation, getting to this biking haven is straightforward. Here are three options to consider:
1. Car Travel: Located just 5-7 kilometers from central Wellington, you can easily reach the park via South Karori Road, Makara Road, and Allington Road.
The main car park is at 116/122 South Karori Road, with overflow parking available 300 meters further up the road or at Makara Saddle.
2. Public Transportation: Regular bus services run to Karori and the surrounding areas. You can take Bus Route 2 (The Green Route) from Lyall Bay, which terminates at the intersection of Karori Road and South Karori Road, about 1 kilometer from the park's main entrance.
Timetables are available on the Metlink website.
3. Alternative Routes: For those looking to explore, the park connects to the Skyline Walkway and local trail networks, offering extended rides and access back into the city after a bike session.
Enjoy your adventure!
Key Access Points
Accessing Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is a breeze, thanks to its well-planned entry points and facilities. You can start your adventure at the main entrance located at 116/122 South Karori Road, which boasts toilets, a bike wash, a bike pump, information boards, and a picnic area.
Overflow parking is available just 300 meters further up South Karori Road, or you can park at Makara Saddle.
If you're looking for alternative access points, consider the end of St Albans Avenue or various entrances off Allington Road. There are also options off Makara Road, including one opposite the Skyline Walkway car park.
While exploring, keep in mind that trail safety is essential. Make sure to adhere to access regulations, which require dogs to be on a leash and prohibit camping, fires, or motorbikes.
Also, be cautious after rain, as trails can become soft and slushy. With its variety of tracks catering to all skill levels, you'll find yourself enjoying the stunning views and exhilarating rides in no time.
Signage and Navigation
Navigating Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is straightforward, thanks to its comprehensive signage system designed for riders of all skill levels. The signage effectiveness is immediately apparent with its color-coded trail difficulty levels, ensuring you can choose the right path for your skill set.
Here's what you'll find helpful:
- Trail Information: Signs at trailheads and intersections provide names, directions, unique trail numbers, distances, and user icons for bikers and walkers.
- Map Boards: Located at main entrances and key junctions, these boards offer route suggestions, safety info, and even contextual biking tips for new riders.
- Navigation Technology: Use the Trailforks app for offline GPS navigation and real-time trail statuses, making it easy to plan your ride.
The modular design of the signage allows for quick updates and replacements, ensuring that you always have accurate information.
Plus, the signs are designed to be legible from a distance, so you can focus on the trail ahead.
With all these features, you'll navigate the park with confidence and ease, letting you fully enjoy the stunning scenery and exhilarating rides.
Community Involvement and Support
At the heart of Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park's success lies the passionate community involvement and support that drives its development and maintenance. The Mākara Peak Supporters group, founded by the Kennett Brothers, has rallied countless volunteers—neighbors, conservation enthusiasts, and mountain bikers alike. Together, they've contributed over 4,500 hours to park maintenance and constructed more than 40 kilometers of trails.
Volunteer engagement doesn't stop there; volunteers also maintain pest control measures, ensuring the ecosystem thrives. The park's focus on ecological restoration has seen over 60,000 native plants take root, while community events like Conservation Week bring everyone together to celebrate and enhance this natural gem.
The Wellington City Council collaborates closely with the Supporters group, providing essential funding for track development and conservation efforts. Regular meetings between representatives keep the momentum going, ensuring the park meets ecological and recreational goals.
With a full-time ranger overseeing operations, the community's dedication shines through, making Mākara Peak a 'must ride' destination. Your involvement, whether through volunteering or participating in events, strengthens the bond between the park and its passionate supporters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dogs Allowed in Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park?
Yes, dogs are allowed in the park, but you must keep them on a leash at all times. The park features dog-friendly areas, so just be mindful of bike traffic while enjoying your visit.
Is There a Fee for Using the Park's Trails?
Why pay for adventure when you can explore the park's trails for free? Enjoy the well-maintained paths, thanks to volunteers and the council, while following park regulations to keep the experience enjoyable for everyone.
What Are the Park's Opening and Closing Hours?
The park's open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy it anytime. Seasonal events often include community trail maintenance, allowing you to engage and help preserve the area while riding or walking through its beautiful landscape.
Can I Bring My Own Bike or Rent One Nearby?
Whether you bring your trusty steed or rent a new ride, ensure your bike's maintenance is top-notch. Remember trail etiquette; respect others while enjoying the thrill of the ride. Adventure awaits!
Are There Restroom Facilities Available in the Park?
Yes, there're restroom facilities at the main car park, ensuring restroom accessibility for all visitors. You'll find them clean and well-maintained, making your visit comfortable whether you're cycling or walking through the park.
Conclusion
So, whether you're carving through the twisting trails or soaking in the lush views, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park offers an exhilarating escape. It's not just a ride; it's a dance with nature, where every pedal stroke sings a song of adventure. As you navigate the winding paths, you become part of a vibrant community that cherishes this mountain biking haven. So grab your bike, feel the rush, and let Makara Peak take you on a journey like no other.
