Trail 16 (yet to receive its formal name) is the latest hand-built trail from the volunteer-based Brooklyn Trail Builders (BTB).

Way Back When

Building commenced on 5 February 2023 and was completed on 28 September 2025.

Trail Description

The 2km long Grade 4 trail (with some clearly sign-posted Grade 5 optional lines) starts at the Brooklyn wind turbine carpark (Hawkins Hill), and descends into Carey’s Gully, in Te Kopahou Reserve – the first trail to utilise this gully.

About a third of the way down, Trail 16 crosses Windmill Trail. There, you choose a Grade 4 or Grade 5 option to start the next section.  The trail merges and splits at several points between Grade 4 and Grade 5 lines down to the valley floor - with several bridge crossings over streams on the way.

It is a fast (or slow – you choose), swoopy and fun trail through bush and, at one point, opens out into a clearing with magnificent views over Wellington harbour and the hills beyond.

From the valley floor, riders climb up and back out to Hawkins Hill Road, where the trail exits at the hub near the entrance to the Windmill Trail and the exit of Car Parts.

More than a trail

Volunteers have also planted more than 1,000 native trees/plants on Trail 16, including tussocks and a ring of Rata trees on one of the Grade 4 lines. You likely won't notice the Kahikatea, Miro, Matai, Totara, Nikau (and lots of other trees) on the descent, but keep an eye out for them on the climb out. The streams are also very healthy and are home to Koura and Tuna (eels).

It’s all in an area that has reverted from farmland and been bullied by housing developments. BTB is very proud of the restoration work achieved and the foundations for future fauna and flora to thrive while building Trail 16.

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