Trelissick Park, Wellington, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Trelissick Park

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Last Updated: 11th Sep 2026

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Grunt Factor: 5 ?

Gnarl Factor: 19 ?

5.0km

Length of run

110m

Total Ascent

110m

Total Descent

74m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Urban

Out and Back

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Riverside

Run Makeup

25%

60%

15%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +7.70%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.70%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

0:45

Slow

0:30

Moderate

0:20

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Run down the stairs and follow the Ngaio Gorge Track along the Kaiwharawhara Stream, all the way past the Historic Magazine Building, to the lower Kaiwharawhara Road entrance. Turn around and run back. You can also choose to run back via the Northern Walkway track (stay on northern side of the stream). According to the WCC website, the whole of the Ngaio Gorge Track is off-lead for dogs.

Trelissick Park is a unique wilderness area close to the city centre. The valley provided access for Maori and early settlers from the Kaiwharawhara Pa and the harbour to the north. The historic gun powder magazine buildings were built for military and civil use in the 1870's. Fish ladders have been built to allow easier access to the headwaters (of the Kaiwharawhara).

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

Transport and parking:

There are two off-road parks next to the stairs down to the trail. There are carparks next to the railway station and the Mitre 10 but these may have limitations. Street parking is also available on Thatcher Crescent. Trains on the Wellington-Johnsonville line stop at the Crofton Downs station.

Distance from Wellington:

7 km

Driving time from Wellington:

12 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Navigation Rating:

Easy.

Navigation Tips:

Follow the Ngaio Gorge track along the Kaiwharawhara Stream. There are smaller tracks signposted along the way but it's easy to find your way back if you accidentally take a diversion.

Cellphone Coverage:

Perfect throughout.

Suggested Gear List:

Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Currently no drink fountains. There is a Countdown supermarket in Crofton Downs.

Seasonality Issues:

Can get muddy after rain.

Hazards:

Be aware this is an off-lead dog area. It is also popular with paid on-lead dog walkers and I've seen up to 10 dogs in one group. They can be tricky to get past on narrower parts of the trail. I've also seen rats the size of small dogs...
Take care on the approaches to the footbridges.

Use your judgement:

The information provided is a guide only. Conditions, access and hazards can change, so use your own judgement and check current local information before heading out. Make sure the route or location is suitable for your experience, fitness and equipment, and check any access restrictions or permissions that may apply.

Columbus Coffee Cart
Crofton Downs Mitre 10 Carpark
Very close to the start of the track!

Chillax Espresso
Next to Countdown, Crofton Downs, 124 Churchill Drive.
Very friendly staff. Nice coffee. Clean loos.

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Trail Legend

Tobias Wevers

has completed Trelissick Park 9 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Tobias Wevers

This is a great local daily stretch, lots of opportunities to add some elevation to a run while staying out of the worst of the winter weather. If you run with your dog, it's one of the longest off-lead areas around Wellington City.

Tobias Wevers

August 29

David Haunschmidt

Great trails, with some technical rooty sections. Good place to run on a windy day. Often can be busy with dog walkers off leash, especially weekends and 5-7pm weekdays.

David Haunschmidt

December 16, 2024

Tony Sharpe

Really nice. Wellington has lots of these hidden gems. Busy on a Saturday morning. Recommend for a moderate stretch, gets the heart rate up nicely

Tony Sharpe

October 10, 2020

Joe Benbow

As Richele says, dogs are allowed completely off-lead so this is a great urban option for furry friends. I went on a cold, wet day and found it to be fairly sheltered from the wind, a bit slippery and muddy in places but still an enjoyable run. It's surprisingly easy to lose your direction and I went off track a couple of times but it's hard to get too lost, so just rolled with it.

Joe Benbow

September 2, 2020