Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Intermediate

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Huntleigh Park and Crow's Nest

Wellington, Wellington

Submitted by Richele McKenzie

Last Updated: 20th May 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Open

Grunt Factor: 10 ?

Gnarl Factor: 48 ?

5.0km

Length of run

360m

Total Ascent

360m

Total Descent

385m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

Huntleigh Park and Crow's Nest , Wellington

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban fringe

Loop

Undulating, some big hills

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open farmlands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

10%

90%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.2%

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Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

1:10

Slow

0:50

Moderate

0:30

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

This is a tough little hilly workout with brilliant views. The trail winds to the right behind the Community Water Station and then turns left up through the Reserve.

Follow the main trail uphill. There are intersections at approx 400m and 500m. Go straight through the first and veer left and then straight at the second. You will soon come upon a stile with signage noting the track is for walkers only (no bikes).

A little further is a sign for Korimako Track. Follow the arrow for Crow's Nest. There are a series of steps cut into the hill. At the approx 1.2km mark take the track to the right to a clearing with a cairn and a seat. This is a nice viewing spot.

Wind back and up towards a stile. Cross and follow the track until you get to the sign saying Crow's Nest (approx 1.8k mark). More stunning views. Turn right onto Skyline Walkway and continue until you get to the large sign for Bell's Track (approx 2.5km mark).

Follow Bell's Track downhill, and turn right just before it exits onto Awarua Street. The sign says "Heke/Patna Sts Huntleigh Park Way Crow's Nest Track". You'll cross a stile and pass an unusual building / shack. Continue along Korimako Track, following signs for "Crow's Nest Track" until you return to the sign for Silverstream Road.

Make your way back down through Huntleigh Park Reserve to the start.

Bell's Track originally provided access between Ohariu Valley farms and the Ngaio Railway Station. It is part of the Te Araroa Trail. There is a group dedicated to restoring the vegetation.

Huntleigh Park is a WCC reserve with ecologically important remnant forest. Tracks are marked with small coloured posts.

Awesome views from several spots! A great add on to neighbouring trails such as Trelissick Park, Skyline and Silver Sky.

The closest toilet is outside the Ngaio Town Hall, corner of Collingwood Street and Ottawa Road.

Transport and parking:

Roadside parking is available on Silverstream Road. The trail is 500m away from the Crofton Downs train station.

Distance from Wellington:

5 km

Driving time from Wellington:

10 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Tracks in Huntleigh Park are marked with small coloured posts rather than signs. It's easy to go off trail but you shouldn't get lost if you focus on going uphill. Avoid taking the tracks to the east or you'll end up on Heke St / Huntleigh Park Way.
At Crow's Nest avoid the fainter trail down through the grass towards Ngaio and keep on Skyline until you get to the sign for Bell's Track.

Cellphone Coverage:

Perfect throughout.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Windproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

There is a water fountain at the Community Water Station, at the beginning of the track.
Closest public toilet is located on Collingwood Street, Ngaio.

Seasonality Issues:

This is a very hilly course and can get slippery in the winter or after rain.
Exposed to strong winds at the top and along Skyline Walkway - runners can be blown off their feet!

Hazards:

Take particular care on the downhills as they can be slippery (especially parts of Bell's Track and Huntleigh Park).
Livestock, including cattle, graze along Skyline. Keep dogs on leads.
Low cloud can sometimes limit visibility along Skyline.

Columbus Coffee Cart
Crofton Downs Mitre 10 Carpark
Conveniently located between this trail and the Trelissick Park trail. Water available for dogs.

Chillax Espresso
Next to Countdown, Crofton Downs, 124 Churchill Drive.
Friendly staff, nice coffee and clean toilets.

Trail Legend

Richele McKenzie

has completed Huntleigh Park and Crow's Nest once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Karen Spencer

Loved this one:) Great mix of trails and superb views. The last section of the trail through the woods had lots of options so took a few of those (!) but trusted that I just needed to keep heading downhill!

Karen Spencer

March 14, 2021

Joe Benbow

I loved this one, thanks Richele! Great to find another route linking the Skyline to the city as it creates so many more options to extend. We took an unexpected detour on the way back down through the bush but meant we got to wash our shoes in the stream crossing back at the park!

Joe Benbow

November 11, 2020