Waimapihi
Polhill Gully
Native bush, flowy trails, and some of the world’s best birdlife. Waimapihi packs it all just 5 minutes from the CBD. It’s a world-class, accessible trail area for riders of all levels.
About
Waimapihi
Waimapihi Reserve / Te Kopahou – Powered by the Brooklyn Trail Builders
Polhill Gully officially became a Wellington City Council Recreation Reserve back in 1989 - but it’s the last 20 years that have truly transformed it into the riding paradise we know today.
That transformation? It’s largely thanks to the tireless work of the Brooklyn Trail Builders (BTB). This dedicated crew has teamed up with the Council to plant thousands of native trees, remove mountains of rubbish, and build and maintain kilometres of world-class trails for both bikers and walkers.
BTB has also teamed up with other volunteer groups, such as Ngā Kaimanaaki o Te Waimapihi - who look after the area's ecology, including predator control. This helps BTB deliver on its "Trails, Trees and Traps" mantra.
Now known as Waimapihi Reserve, the area has become one of Wellington’s most iconic riding destinations, offering flowy descents, technical challenges, nature-rich tracks, and even an adrenaline-fueled jump trail. Right next to the predator-proof fence of the Zealandia urban ecosanctuary.
But the real magic? You can roll straight from the cafes of Aro Valley, along singletrack trails, deep into Te Kopahou Reserve, and all the way out to the seal colonies at Red Rocks -predator-free work in Waimapihi Reserve or Te Kopahou, surrounded by native bush and coastal beauty the whole way. It’s a ride (or walk) like no other - and a trail experience you’ll struggle to find anywhere else in the world.
If you would like to help out with trail building or maintaining, planting or predator free work in Waimapihi Reserve or Te Kopahou, reach out to Brooklyn Trail Builders.
Brooklyn Trail Builders - BTB
Volunteers building and maintaining trails in Wellington’s Waimapihi Reserve & Te Kopahou Reserve.
trail 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.
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
2.
re-ride
3.
Free-ride
trail Map
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support can help us enhance our trails and create a lasting impact in the community.
