Last Updated: 20th May 2024

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I've done it Done

Barking Mad on Barking Emu

Wellington, Wellington

Submitted by Cate Shave

Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Beginner

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Grunt Factor: 9 ?

Gnarl Factor: 34 ?

8.2km

160m

160m

440m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Native bush

Run Makeup

80%
20%

Easy Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +12.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -12.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

1:30

Slow

1:10

Moderate

0:50

Fast

Follow the sign for the Windmill Track, taking the right hand option down the hill (which is for walkers/runners). About 200m down the track you will have the choice to go left or right - go right, following the sign 'To Car Parts Extn, Barking Emu, Tip Track, Red Rocks, South Coast'. Keep on the same track (this bit is called Car Parts Extension) and keep following the trail markers pointing to the South Coast. About 0.5km in, you'll pass through Mardi Gras Grove (look for the beads hung in the trees). At 1.7km, the track changes to being called Barking Emu (there's an exit to the road above off to your left at this point, but just stay on the trail). Just keep following the track to the end, and you'll come out near the top of the Tip Track - opposite to where the track down to Red Rocks starts. Turn around and come back the way you came.

Brookyln Wind Turbine is the starting point. The trail ends at the top part of the Tip Track, and you can carry on another 1km up the hill and along the road to Hawkins Hill Radar Dome. Great views of Cook Strait and Wellington Harbour/City.

Note there is NO toilet at the Turbine unfortunately. The closest public toilet is 44 Jefferson Street, Brooklyn.

Ample parking right by the Wind Turbine. Be careful about leaving belongings in cars though. Carpark gates close at 5pm April-Sept, 8pm Oct-March. 

5 km

16 minutes

Unknown

No

Easy.

Follow the track markers heading your towards the South Coast - you'll start on Windmill, then move onto Car Parts Extension, and then onto Barking Emu.

Generally good.

Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

None - take your own supplies.

Pretty muddy after rain - you'd want to be using trail shoes if it's been wet.

These are tracks shared with mountainbikers, so keep a look at and be prepared to stop/move to the side as needed - especially important on blind corners! As a hillside track that is fairly exposed to the elements, it can be prone to trees falling.

Trail Legend

SM

Sarah Mackey

has completed Barking Mad on Barking Emu twice in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

This is one of my favourite tracks as it is very runnable, pretty flat, and usually deserted. If you have time, I highly recommend adding on a jaunt up to the radar dome at Hawkins Hill (another 2km return from top of the tip track). This is the highest point in the vicinity and the views are spectacular!

Joe Benbow

June 10, 2020

Really enjoyed this wee trot across the hill. Great views to the south and across Wellington. The path gets more gnarly in the second half - lots of small rocks scattered on the narrow track meant that sometimes I was dancing more than running :)

Karen Spencer

February 8, 2020

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