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5,082 ft
Distance
254 ft
Climb
-480 ft
Descent
00:14:09
Avg time
-228 ft
Altitude change
535 ft
Altitude min
908 ft
Altitude max
908 ft
Altitude start
679 ft
Altitude end
-4.5%
Grade
-70.1%
Grade max
48.8%
Grade min
2,215 ft
Distance climb
2,156 ft
Distance down
709 ft
Distance flat
00:14:09
Avg time
Nikau Valley Details
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Activities
- Mountain Bike
- E-Bike
- Hike
- Trail Running
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Riding AreaMākara Peak Mountain Bike Park
Wellington -
Difficulty Rating
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Voted DifficultyBlack Diamond (5 votes)
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Local Popularity65 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 65 in E-Biking
- 40 in Trail Running
- 85 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionDownhill OnlyPopular Direction Shown
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingHard
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Trail VisibilityAlways easy to follow
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
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TTFs on TrailBridge, Drop
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Land Owner
Nikau Valley is one of the hidden gems in Makara Peak Mountain Bike Park. It's slightly out of the way, but with a narrow and rough track surface, that winds through some of the best regenerating bush in the park, you'll be rewarded with a true old-style Advanced (almost Expert in the wet) track that feels comparatively isolated, with an almost back country feel to it.
The first half of the track drops fairly steeply to the stream on the valley floor before some technical uphill brings you back to near the low point on Missing Link.
Built by Makara Peak Supporters in 2000/2001.
Access Info
From Sally Alley you can head down Missing Link and then up the 4WD track to Leaping Lizard and on to Nikau Valley. The easier option is to turn right and head up Three Brothers, Upswing and then turn left onto Upper Leaping Lizard shortly after the intersection with Aratihi.
Disclaimer
Limited mobile phone coverage down in the valley.
Local Trail Association
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Please consider joining or donating to the local trail association to supportDonate to earn trail karma!
trail development & maintenance.
Traditionally Indigenous Territory
Recent Activity on Trail
Past Week
- 1 rides
- 20 miles average
6 Months
- 22 rides
- 15 miles avg distance
All
- 290 rides
- Last: Jun 11, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Nikau Valley Trail Reports
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Trail Conditions
- Unknown
- Snow Groomed
- Snow Packed
- Snow Covered
- Snow Cover Partial
- Freeze/thaw Cycle
- Icy
- Prevalent Mud
- Wet
- Variable
- Ideal
- Dry
- Very Dry
Trail Flow (Ridden Direction)
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The colour categories are based on what percentage of riders are riding a trail in its intended direction.
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- > 90%
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- < 2 weeks
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- > 6 months
Trail Ridden Direction
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- Downhill Only
- Downhill Primary
- Both Directions
- Uphill Primary
- Uphill Only
- One Direction
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Directions to nikau-valley trailhead
(-41.300530, 174.702220)
Photos
5 more »
Routes with this trail
4 miles • 1,569 ft • 9 • Point to Point •
Alternative grade 4 (advanced) route to the summit from the end of . Taking in , the top of and and it...
10 miles • 2,165 ft • 26 •
Easy Intermediate Loop - longer distance, but suited to less tech riders
9 miles • 2,008 ft • 13 • Race •
Get the climb out of the way early, followed by great ridge line running, then a nice long downhill back home
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Nearby Trails
- Leaping Lizard 2,274 ft
- Supa Kanuka 2,274 ft
- Bailout 2,641 ft
- Possum Bait Line 2,641 ft
- Upper Leaping Lizard Alternate G4 Line 3,077 ft
Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park
- By simon-ob
MPS MP Trail Crew & contributors - #20862 - 6,474 views
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nikau Valley
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Where is Nikau Valley located?
Nikau Valley is located in Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park, Wellington, New Zealand. It is part of the Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park trail network. The trailhead is located at coordinates -41.30053, 174.70222.
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How hard is Nikau Valley?
Nikau Valley is rated as Advanced difficulty. The physical rating is Hard. The average grade is 4.5%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
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What is the elevation gain for Nikau Valley?
Nikau Valley has 78 m of elevation gain. The trail has 146 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 163 m to 277 m.
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Is Nikau Valley a point to point trail?
Yes, Nikau Valley is a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Only. The trail type is singletrack.
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