The inaugural Wellington Mountain Bike festival is set to commence this Friday, offering three days of racing, shuttle runs, food, beer, and entertainment across three distinct trail locations within the city.
A World-Class Destination
Local riders highlight Wellington’s extensive trail network – totaling up to 265km – as establishing the city as a premier mountain biking destination. Riders in the capital report being “spoilt for choice” with publicly accessible trails easily reached from nearly every part of the city.
Festival Locations
Organisers, Trails Wellington, considered nearly a dozen locations before settling on Wainuiomata, Matairangi / Mount Victoria, and Mākara Peak. According to co-founder Matt Farrar, the selection aimed to cater to a range of skill levels, with Wainuiomata offering technical challenges, Matairangi providing central city access, and Mākara Peak being a long-standing, popular park.
Economic and Environmental Benefits
The growing popularity of mountain biking is having a positive impact on the city. Mākara Peak mountain bike park ranger Mark Kent noted that “every second car coming into Karori on a Saturday has a bike on the back,” bringing economic benefits to local cafes and bars. Trail building efforts, alongside groups like Zealandia and Predator Free Wellington, are contributing to a resurgence of indigenous wildlife in the area over the last 25 years.
The Wellington Off Road Riding Department (WORD) provides skills courses for young riders aged seven to seventeen and operates its own race team, Prompt ForWORD. The festival will begin with a WORD-hosted youth ride at Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park.
A Community Spirit
Sixteen-year-old Ruben Armstrong plans to participate in the shuttles at Mākara and the Mt Victoria In’Duro Race. He emphasized the welcoming community atmosphere, stating, “It’s awesome, it’s so buzzy…everyone’s so friendly.” Chief executive Nic Johnson of WORD believes the festival will showcase the diverse riding options available in Wellington, noting that unlike destinations like Rotorua and Queenstown, Wellington offers a variety of separate trail areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What locations will be featured in the festival?
The festival will highlight trails in Wainuiomata, Matairangi / Mount Victoria, and Mākara Peak.
How many kilometers of trails are available in Wellington?
Local riders say up to 265km of trails are available in the capital.
What is the Wellington Off Road Riding Department (WORD)?
WORD runs skills courses for kids aged seven to seventeen and has its own race team, Fast ForWORD.
As the festival approaches, will the event successfully connect Wellington’s diverse mountain biking areas and foster a greater appreciation for the city’s outdoor spaces?
