Mountain Bike Trails in Western Hills

Cemetery

Pleasant climb (or easy descent) to Skyline. There are a few narrow sections and 3 really tight switchbacks which only expert riders will be able to get around without dismounting. It gets steep towards the top. Nice ride through native bush and plantation pines.

K Hole

Formally known as 98DH.Shuttle friendly DH track. Now ends with a gap jump since the old track was rerouted.

K2

K2 (named for Karori Park Grade 2, not after the extreme 8000m mountain), is a true grade 2 trail ideal for beginners and kids. Starting at the Sunshine Ave car park, the wide all weather trail climbs up gently through a mixture of regenerating native bush and large old pine trees before descending with some undulations and gentle turns to keep things interesting. Follow the K2 green signs as the trail crosses over Waihine (an intermediate to advanced trail), and other walking tracks several times, so the first time riding may be a bit confusing until it beds in.

Karori Park Perimeter Track

This is a smooth and flat beginner's loop around the perimeter of Karori Park. It is popular with kids on bikes, walkers, and runners. The track is sufficiently wide to accommodate all users, consisting of two surfaces; the outer surface is asphalt, while the inner surface is hard-packed sand and fine gravel.

Kau Kau Compassion

New (2019) single-track that by-passes a couple of steep climbs on the main trail. Easy gradient. Nothing exciting on it but it's a much easier climb for us old fellas. Popular with walkers and not much passing room.

Kau Kau Compassion Extension

New gentle graded track for that final push to the summit. Single track through regenerating bush. Links with main walking track from south.

Kau Kau Southern Approach

New Skyline reroute

The Skyline track has been rerouted to avoid private property. The trail now runs along the eastern side of the ridgeline, past a watertank and past the end of Montgomery Avenue.

Old Coach Rd (From Sirsi Tce)

Old Coach Road

A steady descent/ascent that makes for a good "interval" session if desired.

Old Coach Road to Kaukau Summit

Mix of open and bush single track and 4WD track.

Opau Loop Track

A mixture of gravel road, farm track, and a little bit of single track. Takes you gently down into the Opau catchment, returns alongside the Opau wetland and climbs steeply back to the ridgeline on the Opau Bay access road. Advanced.

Opau West Wind

Opau Wind Track

Percy Dyett

Access point to 98DH and Wahine from Percy Dyett Drive.

Silversky

Narrow 1.4km track linking Crofton Downs up to Skyline.

Skyline

This dual use track runs North and South along the ridge between Old Coach Road in Johnsonville and Makara Saddle in Karori. Although only graded as "Intermediate", the climbs are steep and some of the switchbacks and single track sections are more "Advanced" to "Expert" level.

Wahine

This trail starts across the road from the bottom of Varley's and ends as it joins into K2, which leads to Karori Park. The trail is quite open for the most part, some roots that can be a bit tricky climbing when wet. There are multiple "additional" lines to cut out some corners or make it a bit steeper/fun. The trail is mostly covered in pine needles and can get quite greasy in winter but most of the time it has great traction.