Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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Trelissick Park

Wellington, Wellington

Submitted by Richele McKenzie

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Beginner

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I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 5 ?

Gnarl Factor: 19 ?

5.0km

110m

110m

74m

  

  

  

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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: +7.7%

Average Downhill Gradient: -7.7%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

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.

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

AK

Alice Kearton

has completed Trelissick Park 12 times in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

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

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

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