Last updated June 2026
Mt Victoria Mountain Bike Park occupies the forested slopes of Matairangi above Wellington’s eastern bays and forms part of the Town Belt reserve. The park offers a skills area plus a network of trails suited to a wide range of riders, from beginners to advanced mountain bikers. Wellington City Council manages the land while volunteers from the Mt Vic Trails sub-group of the Wellington Mountain Bike Club handle most trail maintenance. The location sits close to the city centre and connects easily to waterfront cycle routes.
Practical Information
| Location | Mt Victoria (Matairangi), Wellington |
| Trails | 12 priority tracks plus a large network of other tracks (Trailforks lists 39 trails with 45 MTB designations) |
| Difficulty range | Beginner skills area to advanced technical singletrack |
| Typical loop | 6–8 km with many route variations |
| Access | Mt Victoria lookout road, Ellice Street, Alexandra Road |
| Cost | Free |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council and Mt Vic Trails (WMTBC) |
| Dogs | Must be kept on a leash |
About the Park
Mt Victoria rises prominently east of central Wellington and provides a natural skyline backdrop to Oriental Bay and Hataitai. The reserve contains native bush and secondary growth where trails wind through gullies and across the hill’s flanks. The summit lookout delivers 360-degree views of the city, harbour and western hills, and the area also features the Byrd Memorial, a historic cannon and interpretation panels.
The park forms part of the Town Belt and supports multiple uses including walking, running and mountain biking. Riders share most trails with pedestrians and must give way to people on foot while keeping speeds appropriate for mixed-use conditions. One section of the Southern Walkway between Palliser Road and Oriental Bay is closed to bikes.
A dedicated skills area near the Alexandra Road entrance helps beginners and younger riders build confidence before tackling steeper or more technical lines. Ongoing volunteer work keeps the network in good condition and supports new trail development where approved.
The Trails
The network allows riders to create loops of 6–8 km or longer by combining different lines. Priority tracks include fast downhill options such as the Super D line that starts near the summit at Hippy’s and descends toward the skills area. Branch trails such as TTS, V and Rock Drop add variety and challenge for experienced riders.
Access points at the lookout road above Hataitai, Ellice Street off Oriental Parade and Alexandra Road let riders tailor the amount of climbing in each session. Trailforks provides detailed maps, difficulty ratings and current conditions reported by riders.
Cycling Connections
Mt Victoria sits within easy reach of Wellington’s growing cycle network. Riders can link the park to the waterfront shared path via Ellice Street or continue along the Southern Walkway where permitted. The location supports both dedicated mountain bike sessions and longer urban rides that combine MTB trails with sealed cycleways around the harbour and eastern suburbs.
Public transport options include the number 20 bus to the lookout, allowing riders to start at the top and descend. Parking is available at the summit and near the toilets on Alexandra Road, though space can fill quickly on weekends.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate how close the park sits to the city centre and how quickly they can put together an hour-long ride with varied terrain and city views from the upper trails.
Riders note the technical challenge on steeper rooty sections and value the skills area for warming up or introducing new riders to off-road cycling.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Mount Victoria page: official details on access, rules, facilities and mountain biking information.
Trailforks – Mt Vic Wellington: interactive maps, trail descriptions, difficulty ratings and rider-reported conditions.
Wellington Mountain Bike Club – Where to Ride: overview of Mt Vic trails alongside other Wellington mountain bike areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the main access point for Mt Victoria MTB?
Multiple access points exist including the Mt Victoria lookout road above Hataitai, Ellice Street off Oriental Parade, and Alexandra Road. The lookout road approach is commonly used.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. A skills area near Alexandra Road suits beginners and young riders. The wider network offers progression from easy to advanced lines.
How close is it to central Wellington?
The park lies under 10 minutes by bike from the CBD via waterfront routes, making it one of the closest urban mountain bike destinations in New Zealand.
Are trails shared with walkers?
Yes. Most trails are shared use. Riders must give way to walkers, control speed and remain aware of other users including dogs on leash.
Are there any sections closed to bikes?
The Southern Walkway between Palliser Road and Oriental Bay is closed to bicycles. All other designated MTB trails remain open.
How long is a typical ride?
Most riders spend 1–2 hours covering 6–8 km with multiple loop options. Longer rides are possible by combining trails across the full network.
Who maintains the trails?
Wellington City Council manages the reserve while the Mt Vic Trails volunteer group of the Wellington Mountain Bike Club performs most trail building and maintenance.
Can I take public transport to the park?
The number 20 bus serves the lookout, allowing riders to start at the summit and descend via the trail network.
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