Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Wainui Trail Park
Submitted by Rita Onosa
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 30 ?
12.0km
650m
650m
345m
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Rita Onosa
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 19 ?
Gnarl Factor: 30 ?
12.0km
650m
650m
345m
Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +12.3%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.1%
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2:00
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
This particular course follows the track in an anticlockwise direction. You start at the Wainuiomata Trail Project park entrance with a good kilometer of 4WD track allowing you to pick up the pace before you hit the single trail. The next 15 minutes or so is a consistent but very runnable climb up to the ridgeline.
Turn right, following a track called Towhai Traverse and adding in another loop that includes a steep climb which is well worth the effort because once you get to the top you get rewarded with the most beautiful 360 degrees view of Wellington. I did this run at night time (Xterra starlight run) and although its was freezing cold it was a clear night and the views of Wellington were AMAZING!) Once you've soaked in the views and taken the compulsory selfie :-) you head left back down the hill (check out the views over Wellington again!) on another section of 4WD. Finally back into the bush for the final couple of km back to the finish line.
Amazing views of Wellington region from the top!
There is some parking at the park entrance and plenty of off street parking on Waiu St, especially in the weekend as it's somewhat an industrial area.
10 km
14 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Easy to navigate even at night. There are a lot of other tracks in the park.
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Whistle, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map
There is no water on the course, you'll have to carry your own.
It can get quite muddy in winter or after a lot of rain. The only big climb in this run goes over very rocky surface which again can be very sllipery in winter.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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I wish I had read Jon's review before venturing out to Wainuiomata to attempt this route. It is very dangerous! I bailed out of going up hill on a downhill MTB track. There is a big sign saying no entry so cannot miss it (about a km in). Instead I took a lovely track that eventually joined up with this trail near the ridgeline. Great views up high and lovely native bush single track. The descent back over the last couple of km is slippery and steep in places after rain. I got drenched when I did it and covered in mud!
April 11, 2023
Warning - this is DANGEROUS if run according to the description and GPX. It took me the wrong way up a downhill track and I had a VERY near miss with a bike. It could have been disastrous for both of us. There must be a better route that doesn't go up downhill MTB trails. I suspect this was taken straight off an Xterra race event where the MTB park is closed for bikers. Suffice to say I won't be running this route again!
July 6, 2021
To avoid going the wrong way up a one way track I usually start by running up Jungle Gym - Labyrinth - Towai Traverse. I end with Freewheel - Snail Trail.
January 28, 2021
Really nice trails but would recommend reading the xterra website for a trail guide/map as there are multiple turns you can make and you it is easy to get off course. The trail links up quite few different mountain bike tracks.
November 8, 2017
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