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trail closed
Last Updated:
June 17, 2025
Upcoming closure
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Trail Alert
Last Updated:
June 17, 2025
Distance
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Km
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Ascent
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Descent
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Direction
Downhill
Direction
Uphill
Direction
Dual Way
Elevation

Trail Elevation

Ascent
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Descent
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Ave Ascent %
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%
Steep
Brutal!
Ave Descent %
0
%
Steep
Brutal!
About

Trail Description

491 is an alternative to Spoonhill. Both are technical DH trails but 491 can be ridden in the wet. 491 meets up with Spoonhill after about 500 meters. The trail has quite a few drop offs, is quite rooty in places and several of the drops are quite rutted (so can be railed easily).When joined back with Spoonhill trail be sure to take the Nga Tuna turn off on the right otherwise you'll have to complete all of Spoon hill and then ride back to the Wiau carpark. It's not far though.
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Videos

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updates from riders on the ground

Current Trail Conditions

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Ride this trail recently? Let us know how it was. Was it dry and grippy? Muddy in spots? Rutted or flowing fast? Your report helps the entire community make smarter ride decisions.
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491
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trail closed
Last Updated:
June 17, 2025
Trail managed by

WTP - Wainui Trail Project

Hutt Valley's all ages and skills Mountain Bike destination. Set in remnant and regenerating native forest

ways to get to

Wainuiomata Park

Waiu Park is a rider-built gem in the Wainuiomata hills, with over 30km of trail ranging from smooth beginner loops to some of the gnarliest tech in the region. It’s all thanks to the Wainuiomata Trail Project, a grassroots crew turning local passion into world-class riding.
Read More...
Main Carpark
Wainui Lookout Carpark

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Routes including

491

We currently don't have any routes including this trail, want to suggest route email info@trailswellington.co.nz

Trail History

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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.