Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Trelissick Park
Submitted by Richele McKenzie
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 5
Gnarl Factor: 19
5.0km
110m
110m
74m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Richele McKenzie
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 5
Gnarl Factor: 19
5.0km
110m
110m
74m
Login as a VIP to see driving directions, distance and time.
Urban
Out and Back
Undulating, small hills only
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%
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0:45
Slow
0:30
Moderate
0:20
Fast
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).
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.
7 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
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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.
Perfect throughout.
Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map.
Currently no drink fountains. There is a Countdown supermarket in Crofton Downs.
Can get muddy after rain.
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.
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.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
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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
October 10, 2020
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.
September 2, 2020
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