more stats
5,194 ft
Distance
257 ft
Climb
-294 ft
Descent
00:08:13
Avg time
-37 ft
Altitude change
695 ft
Altitude min
820 ft
Altitude max
820 ft
Altitude start
784 ft
Altitude end
-0.7%
Grade
-35.4%
Grade max
47.4%
Grade min
2,480 ft
Distance climb
2,480 ft
Distance down
230 ft
Distance flat
00:08:13
Avg time

Missing Link Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
  • Difficulty Rating
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (4 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    75 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 25 in Trail Running
    • 5 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #21607 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #116261 in Trail Running
    • #121341 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Both Directions
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Bridge
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Year Opened
    1999
  • Land Owner
    Wellington City Council

Old school singletrack that was one of the first built in the park by Makara Peak volunteers in 1998/1999.

It used to be the main singletrack route to the summit before Upswing was built. Is now largely left alone to age gracefully. Expect it to be narrow, rocky, pinch climbs, off camber and plenty of Makara rock.

Missing Link links the lower tracks to Aratihi, Leaping Lizard, Possum Track and Nikau Valley. It is narrow and has some nasty drop offs to be wary of. Most importantly Missing Link is a TWO WAY track so be careful on blind corners and ride like there is a walker / rider / elephant just around the corner.

Local Trail Association

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 0 rides
  •  
6 Months
  • 43 rides
  • 16 miles avg distance
All
  • 761 rides
  • Last: Jun 21, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Status:
on Jun 19, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.13 (16 votes)
Your vote: 0

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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
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  • Both Directions
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Slope Aspect
Direction the slope faces
Flat N NE E SE S SW W NW
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        Directions to missing-link-17894 trailhead (-41.296610, 174.710460)

        Photos

        0 more »
        18 |
        Feb 17, 2026 @ 6:56pm
        Feb 17, 2026
        23 |
        Feb 17, 2026 @ 6:56pm
        Feb 17, 2026

        Videos

        2 more »
        Missing Link - Grade 4 Trail at Makara Peak...
        9:32 | 195 | Feb 24, 2024 , Wellington
        Missing Link - Makara Peak, Wellington
        3:05 | 525 | May 13, 2015 , Wellington

        Routes with this trail

        4.8 5 miles 1,484 ft 5 Point to Point
        This climb used to be the primary singletrack route to the summit prior to and the suspension bridge being...
        5.0 6 miles 1,489 ft 16 Loop
        An Advanced grade loop taking you out to the wilds of Makara Peak. Harder than an Intermediate grade due...
        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...

        6 Reviews & Comments


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        Frequently Asked Questions About Missing Link

        Where is Missing Link located?
        Missing Link 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 -41.29661, 174.71046.
        How hard is Missing Link?
        Missing Link is rated as Advanced difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 0.7%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
        What is the elevation gain for Missing Link?
        Missing Link has 78 m of elevation gain. The trail has 90 m of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 212 m to 250 m.
        Is Missing Link a point to point trail?
        Missing Link is not a point to point trail. The direction is Both Directions. The trail type is singletrack.

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