Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park
Wellington's premier mountain bike park with diverse trails, stunning summit views, and beautiful native bush for all skill levels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more trail time
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more trail time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wellington's premier mountain bike park with diverse trails, stunning summit views, and beautiful native bush for all skill levels.
"What an amazing MTB park, stuff for everyone in the family! Great exploring in the native bush park lands."
Use Trailforks App
Navigate Makara Peak's 60+ trails with the free Trailforks app. :iphone:
Pack Layers & Snacks
Wellington weather is unpredictable. Bring water, snacks, and layers for the summit. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Views
Makara Peak Summit
Panoramic views of Cook Strait, Wellington city, and surrounding landscapes. A rewarding vista after a climb.

Peak Flow Trail
Various sections
An epic, recently upgraded trail offering exciting lines and drainage improvements. Great for honing skills.

Native Bush Exploration
Throughout the park
Ride or walk through beautiful native bush, enjoying the natural environment and fresh air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Etiquette is Key
Know Your Limits & The Weather
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Use Trailforks App
Navigate Makara Peak's 60+ trails with the free Trailforks app.
:iphone:Pack Layers & Snacks
Wellington weather is unpredictable. Bring water, snacks, and layers for the summit.
:hiking_boot:Bike Wash Facilities
Clean your bike after a ride at the convenient bike wash bays located at the car parks.
:bike:Respect Trail Rules
Be aware of others, yield to uphill riders, and avoid stopping in the middle of tracks.
:warning:Tips
from all over the internet
Use Trailforks App
Navigate Makara Peak's 60+ trails with the free Trailforks app.
:iphone:Pack Layers & Snacks
Wellington weather is unpredictable. Bring water, snacks, and layers for the summit.
:hiking_boot:Bike Wash Facilities
Clean your bike after a ride at the convenient bike wash bays located at the car parks.
:bike:Respect Trail Rules
Be aware of others, yield to uphill riders, and avoid stopping in the middle of tracks.
:warning:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is widely praised for its extensive network of well-maintained trails catering to all skill levels, stunning summit views, and beautiful native bush surroundings. Facilities like bike wash bays and free summit water are appreciated. However, some visitors note a lack of safety signage and the potential for dangerous situations due to inconsiderate trail use.
"Wow!! 🤩 this place!
What an amazing MTB park, stuff for everyone in the family! Great exploring in the native bush park lands. Very well cared for tracks and lots of helpful things like toilets and bike wash bays at the car parks."
Steve Morris
"Top views, beaut trails and lush bush! Love coming back here for some gentle climbs and adventurous downhills.
Always worth the extra layer at the top and to admire the kōrero at the lookout! Well worth the trip!"
James Lamb
"Makara peak mountain bike park is a fun place to visit. With a big range of different path from easy to hard. Every route can reach to the makara peak, with beautiful views, you can see cook strait, windmill, karori town, makara town, and mt Kaukau. Better to garb a water bottle and some food, start at entrance is all uphills, there are some rest areas with table and chair. At the top of the peak, they offer free tap water, also two chargers for e-bike. Choose your route be careful. Some are quite hard for beginners. There are many free carpark at entrance, a bike shower area to wash your bike after finish ride, 2 toilet and 1 shower room."
Jackie Shang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is accessible by car, with free parking available at the main entrance. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended.
Yes, there are several free car parks available at the main entrance of the park, which is convenient for riders and walkers.
While it's possible to cycle to Makara Peak, the routes may involve road riding and can be challenging depending on your starting point in Wellington.
The Trailforks app is highly recommended for navigating the park's extensive trail network, offering real-time maps and trail conditions.
:iphone:Yes, there are two chargers for e-bikes available at the top of the peak, which is a great amenity for electric bike riders.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is free to enter and use. It's a public park maintained by the Wellington City Council and trail supporters.
Makara Peak is generally open from dawn till dusk, year-round. There are no specific opening or closing times posted, but it's best to visit during daylight hours.
No booking is required to visit Makara Peak. It's a public park, so you can visit anytime during daylight hours.
While generally open, it's advisable to check local conditions or community forums for any temporary closures or advisories, especially after severe weather.
No, there is no membership required. Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park is a public facility accessible to everyone.
🎫 🚵 Onsite Experience
Trails vary greatly, from beginner-friendly options to advanced technical descents. Peak Flow is popular for its upgrades, while Vertigo offers a slippery challenge.
Yes, Makara Peak has a range of trails suitable for beginners, but it's crucial to choose routes appropriate for your skill level to avoid accidents.
Facilities include toilets, bike wash bays, rest areas with tables and chairs, and free tap water at the summit.
Yes, Makara Peak is also popular with walkers, offering a wide range of tracks that cater to both cyclists and pedestrians.
From the summit, you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of Cook Strait, Wellington city, Karori, and Mt Kaukau.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no cafes or restaurants directly within Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park. It's recommended to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes, there are rest areas with tables and chairs throughout the park, making it a great spot for a picnic.
Free tap water is available at the summit of Makara Peak, which is very convenient for refilling water bottles.
Pack energy-rich snacks and a substantial lunch, as you'll likely be spending several hours exploring the trails.
The nearest dining options would be back in Wellington city or in the Karori area, so plan accordingly if you intend to eat out after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views, especially on clear days. The native bush also provides beautiful natural backdrops.
While drone usage might be restricted in some areas or require permits, the expansive views from the summit could be ideal for aerial shots. Always check local regulations.
Action shots of mountain biking, landscape photography from the summit, and nature photography within the bush are all popular.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer beautiful light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh but good for capturing trail action.
For personal photography, no permit is typically required. However, commercial photography or filming may need specific permissions from the Wellington City Council.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶 Walkers and Hikers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Makara Peak: Trails and Apps
To make the most of your visit and navigate this complex network, the Trailforks app is an invaluable tool. Many users find the free version perfectly adequate for finding trails, checking conditions, and planning routes. While MTB Project also lists trails, Trailforks is generally considered more comprehensive for Makara Peak. Always remember to choose trails that match your ability; riding beyond your skill level can lead to serious accidents, as highlighted by cautionary tales from park visitors.
When planning your ride, consider the park's layout. Many routes start with an uphill climb from the entrance, leading to rewarding downhill sections. The summit of Makara Peak offers free tap water and e-bike charging stations, making it a practical stop for longer rides. Remember to always be aware of other users, yield to uphill traffic, and practice good trail etiquette to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Safety First: Riding Responsibly at Makara Peak
Key safety reminders include never stopping or blocking the middle of a track, and if you must stop, moving to the inside of the track immediately. Don't ride a trail above your level of ability. This not only endangers yourself but also other park users. The park has a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails, and understanding your own capabilities is vital for choosing the right path.
Beyond personal responsibility, the park offers excellent facilities like bike wash bays and toilets, encouraging riders to maintain their gear and themselves. However, the responsibility for safe riding ultimately lies with each individual. By riding considerately and respecting the park's guidelines, everyone can enjoy the beautiful trails and stunning views Makara Peak has to offer.
The Makara Peak Experience: Views and Nature
Exploring the park means immersing yourself in the local flora and fauna. The well-maintained tracks allow for easy access into the native bush, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature. The scent of chocolate from nearby cocoa bean roasting can even be detected on certain trails in the morning, adding a unique sensory element to the experience. Whether you're climbing to the summit for the vistas or enjoying a leisurely walk through the greenery, the natural beauty of Makara Peak is a significant part of its appeal.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit