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Koru
Sally Alley
Aratihi

Backcountry Loop

Mākara Peak MTB Park
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Ride Time
2
Hours
Distance
0
Km
Ascent
0
m
Descent
0
m

Enjoy a full summit ride to the top of Mākara Peak, then descend through the winding trails of the remote backcountry valley.

Trail grades on this ride vary, with the highest grade setting the overall grade for the ride.

About

Enjoy a full summit ride to the top of Mākara Peak, then descend through the winding trails of the remote backcountry valley.

Ride Details

Ride Time
2
Hours
Distance
0
Km
Ascent
0
m
Descent
0
m
Max Elevation
0
m
Bike Cleaning
Drinking Water
No Dogs
Toilets

Ride Elevation

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ride start point

Click the link below to get directions to the start of the route

Ride up

Koru

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Closed
New Features
Veer slightly left at the top of Koru and continue into Sally Alley
Continue straight to

Sally Alley

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Closed
New Features
Ride the entirety of Sally Alley until you reach the 4WD
Ride up

Aratihi

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Closed
New Features
Turn right at the end of Sally Alley then ride 10 metres up to the bottom of Aratihi
Descent down

Upper Leaping Lizard

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Closed
New Features
Veer slightly left at the top of Koru and continue into Sally Alley
Descent down

Leaping Lizard

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Closed
New Features
Continue down lower leaping lizard till you reach the bottom of the valley and find the trail sign for Bailout
go right into

Bailout

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Closed
New Features
Follow Bailout till you reach the road and climb up to the main carpark

All Done

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Mountain Bikers Code

trail etiquette

Read Full Rider Etiquette

Riding or walking Wellington trails requires you to share the track, cycleway or road with others – fellow cyclists and walkers, but also dogs and horses.  Here are a few important pointers to foster positive attitudes between different trail users and remember we are lucky that WCC have given us access to their land.

Share the Trail

Respect others on the track. Give way to walkers, use a bell or greeting, and be patient when passing. Ride in small groups and stay in control at all times.

Ride Only Where Allowed

Stick to open and permitted trails. Respect seasonal closures, leave gates as you found them, and plan ahead with food, tools, and warm clothing.

Protect the Track

Don’t damage the trail. Avoid skidding, cutting corners, or riding in wet conditions. Take your rubbish home and clean your bike to stop weeds spreading.

Follow Road Rules

Be predictable and courteous. Stop at lights, signal clearly, and let traffic pass when safe. Ride no more than two abreast and always offer a smile or wave.

riding safety

pre ride, re-ride, freeride

Build confidence, not risk. Start slow with a warm-up lap to check the trail ("Pre-Ride"), go again to learn the features ("Re-Ride"), then let loose once you know what’s coming ("Free-Ride"). This approach helps you ride safer, progress faster, and have more fun.

1.
Pre-ride
Warm up the brain and body by riding the trail at lower speed
2.
re-ride
Lap the trail a few times and get to know the flow and features. Make those smaller adjustments to your timing and technique to build confidence.
3.
Free-ride
Starting small, work your way up to faster speeds and larger features.