more stats
3.3 miles
Distance
660 ft
Climb
-456 ft
Descent
00:40:00
Avg time
204 ft
Altitude change
1,159 ft
Altitude min
1,363 ft
Altitude max
1,159 ft
Altitude start
1,365 ft
Altitude end
1.2%
Grade
-45.8%
Grade max
31.9%
Grade min
2 miles
Distance climb
1 mile
Distance down
1,581 ft
Distance flat
00:40:00
Avg time

Dress Circle Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Gravel Bike
    • Adaptive Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Porirua East
    Porirua
  • Difficulty Rating
    Access Trail or Doubletrack Rate
  • Local Popularity
    60 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 70 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Dirt/Gravel Road
  • Bike Type
    XC, Gravel, Adaptive MTB
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Black Diamond
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • Land Owner
    Greater wellington regional council

This track more-or-less traverses the ridgeline all the way from Round Knob through to Belmont Trig, summiting several hills including Cannons Head.
Although there are no big climbs or descents on this track, there is a series of small hills. When travelling from north to south the cumulative altitude gain is about 200m - even though the two track ends differ in altitude by less than 40m.
Most of the track surface consists of hard-packed dirt and rock, with a fair amount of grass covering in many places.
There are several exits from this track. At the northern end is Round Knob. At or near the southern end is: Belmont Trig, Belmont Trig South, and Horokiwi Bridleway. Along the way you could also take: Cannons Head, Middle Ridge, or Takapu Ridge.

source: Tracks.org
Access Info

Belmont trig, Takapu road, old coach road

Much of this track is fully exposed to the wind from every direction, so prepare accordingly

Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
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6 Months
  • 6 rides
  • 28 miles avg distance
All
  • 32 rides
  • Last: May 21, 2026
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Dress Circle Trail Reports

statusdatedescription
May 3, 2026 @ 10:18am (Pacific/Auckland)
May 2, 2026
Aug 24, 2025 @ 10:00am
Aug 24, 2025
 Some disruptions due to lambing. Must stay on the designated route that is well-marked.
Sep 28, 2024 @ 6:37pm
Sep 28, 2024
 Good condition, a few wet areas and a bit of mud in the trees.
Aug 21, 2022 @ 12:41am
Aug 21, 2022
 A little slippery on the uphill parts. Sheep shit to dodge.
Dec 10, 2021 @ 9:55am
Dec 10, 2021
 Quite a few soft patches as there have been cattle and sheep in most areas. Excessive amounts of cow shit to dodge!
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Status:
on May 3, 2026
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  • Unknown
  • Snow Groomed
  • Snow Packed
  • Snow Covered
  • Snow Cover Partial
  • Freeze/thaw Cycle
  • Icy
  • Prevalent Mud
  • Wet
  • Variable
  • Ideal
  • Dry
  • Very Dry
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Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to dress-circle trailhead (-41.163630, 174.897290)

        Photos

        3 more »
        51 |
        Jan 26, 2026 @ 2:56pm
        Jan 26, 2026
        34 |
        Aug 21, 2022 @ 12:41am
        Aug 21, 2022
        44 |
        Aug 21, 2022 @ 12:41am
        Aug 21, 2022

        Videos

        no videos have been added for Dress Circle yet, add a video.

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        Frequently Asked Questions About Dress Circle

        ▼ Where is Dress Circle located?
        Dress Circle is located in Porirua East, Porirua, New Zealand. It is part of the Porirua East trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -41.16363, 174.89729.
        ▼ What is the elevation gain for Dress Circle?
        Dress Circle has 660 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 456 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,159 ft to 1,363 ft.
        ▼ Is Dress Circle a point to point trail?
        Dress Circle is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.
        ▼ How long is Dress Circle?
        Dress Circle is 3.3 miles long. The trail type is dirt/gravel road.

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