more stats
2,303 ft
Distance
22 ft
Climb
-163 ft
Descent
00:02:31
Avg time
-141 ft
Altitude change
1,149 ft
Altitude min
1,302 ft
Altitude max
1,302 ft
Altitude start
1,161 ft
Altitude end
-6.1%
Grade
-27%
Grade max
22.9%
Grade min
190 ft
Distance climb
1,841 ft
Distance down
272 ft
Distance flat
00:02:31
Avg time

Pōhatu (Upper Section) Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • E-Bike
  • Riding Area
  • AKA
    Pōhatu
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (4 votes)
  • Global Ranking
    #34675 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #103693 in E-Biking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM
  • Direction
    Downhill Only
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm, Drop, Jump, Gap Jump
  • Year Opened
    2022
  • Land Owner
    Wellington City Council

Pōhatu (Upper Section) starts at the summit of Mākara Peak, sharing the same riding corridor with the start of Ridgeline, before branching left and down towards North Face.

It's quite wide, and probably easier than the middle and lower sections of Pōhatu, so a good option for riders wanting to try out a grade 4 trail. There are quite a few lips and hips that can be boosted by capable shredders, or rolled if you prefer to keep your tyres on the dirt.

Local Trail Association

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 4 rides
  • 13 miles average
6 Months
  • 170 rides
  • 13 miles avg distance
All
  • 1,072 rides
  • Last: Jun 14, 2026
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Pōhatu (Upper... Trail Reports

Status:
on May 30, 2026
Variable
Avg: 4.41 (12 votes)
Your vote: 0

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  • 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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  • Downhill Primary
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        Directions to p-hatu-upper-section trailhead (-41.288640, 174.707310)

        Photos

        16 more »
        36 |
        Apr 13, 2025 @ 3:03pm
        Apr 13, 2025
        28 |
        Apr 13, 2025 @ 3:03pm
        Apr 13, 2025
        28 |
        Apr 13, 2025 @ 3:03pm
        Apr 13, 2025
        29 |
        Apr 13, 2025 @ 3:03pm
        Apr 13, 2025

        Videos

        7 more »
        youtuber Pohatu @ Makara Peak MTB Park
        5:06 | 259 | Jun 24, 2024 , Wellington
        youtuber Back in Wellington, Pohatu Trail, New Zealand
        3:49 | 241 | Dec 26, 2022 , Wellington
        youtuber Full Pōhatu |  The wait is FINALLY over!
        4:55 | 418 | Jan 3, 2023 , Wellington
        youtuber Upper Pōhatu *BRAND NEW* @ Makara Peak MTB...
        2:18 | 278 | Dec 25, 2022 , Wellington

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        3 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Pōhatu (Upper Section)

        Where is Pōhatu (Upper Section) located?
        Pōhatu (Upper Section) 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 -41.28864, 174.70731.
        How hard is Pōhatu (Upper Section)?
        Pōhatu (Upper Section) is rated as Advanced difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 6.1%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        What is the elevation gain for Pōhatu (Upper Section)?
        Pōhatu (Upper Section) has 22 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 163 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 1,149 ft to 1,302 ft.
        Is Pōhatu (Upper Section) a point to point trail?
        Yes, Pōhatu (Upper Section) is a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Only. The trail type is singletrack.

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