Trails Wellington and Korimako Track Builders are proposing new mountain biking and walking trails in the Wellington Outer Green Belt above the suburb of Crofton Downs. The proposed trails would be on the eastern side of Te Wharangi Ridge, linking up to the Skyline Track that runs along the ridgetop.

The initial proposal is for three grade 4 and 5 descending bike-priority trails suitable for advanced and expert trail riders, and a shared dual direction walking/biking trail, suitable for easy walking and grade 2 biking.

In October we held some preliminary engagement to understand how Wellingtonians would like the area to be used, and whether you supported the initial proposal.

The feedback from this preliminary engagement will be used to shape any proposals that might be recommended to councillors for approval.

The next steps are:

• Review the proposals suggested by Trails Wellington and Korimako Track Builders in the light of the engagement feedback and ideas, and develop revised trail options to reflect that engagement.
• Invite submissions from the public on the revised trail options.
• Seek approval in principle of a recommended trail plan from the Council’s Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural and Economic Committee. This step would include an opportunity for people to make oral submissions.
• If approved, carry out the detailed track design and environmental impact assessment. If the trails are feasible and meet the assessment criteria, apply for necessary resource consent.
• Approved and consented trails would be gradually built over time depending on available resources and the community’s needs.

We need to consider the needs of all trail users in the nearby suburbs and wider community, how the proposed trails might provide a fun recreational opportunity while balancing the impact on the environment, and the needs of other users of the area. Note that completion of Tracks 1, 2 and 4 would depend on the land shown on the map as ‘future reserve’ coming into Council ownership, the timing for this is currently unknown.

As the new trails proposal sits outside the two relevant Council plans (the Outer Green Belt Management Plan and Open Space Access Plan), the proposal will need to be considered by the Council’s Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural and Economic Committee for a decision, after the public consultation outlined above.

To give feedback fill in the short survey below. If you have any questions email trailsengagement@wcc.govt.nz.

This information is gathered so we can hear the views of the community (especially those living locally in Crofton Downs and Ngaio) and gauge the level of support for – or concerns about – the track proposal. A summary of the feedback will go to the Kōrau Mātinitini Social, Cultural and Economic Committee to help inform its decision.

If you would like the opportunity to give an oral submission, please indicate this in the survey and we will be in touch with dates closer to the time.

Submissions close October 31 2024.