more stats
3,540 ft
Distance
64 ft
Climb
-308 ft
Descent
00:04:46
Avg time
-244 ft
Altitude change
507 ft
Altitude min
751 ft
Altitude max
751 ft
Altitude start
509 ft
Altitude end
-6.9%
Grade
-27.3%
Grade max
38.2%
Grade min
469 ft
Distance climb
2,694 ft
Distance down
374 ft
Distance flat
00:04:46
Avg time

SWIGG Details

  • Activities
    • Mountain Bike
    • Hike
    • Trail Running
  • Riding Area
    Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park
    Wellington
  • AKA
    Swirly Whirly Green Goat
  • Difficulty Rating
    Blue Rate
  • Voted Difficulty
    Blue (6 votes)
  • Local Popularity
    85 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • 50 in Trail Running
    • 40 in Hiking
  • Global Ranking
    #590 in Mountain Biking [+]
    • #72824 in Trail Running
    • #121416 in Hiking
  • Trail Type
    Singletrack
  • Bike Type
    AM, XC
  • Direction
    Downhill Only
    Popular Direction Shown
  • Climb Difficulty
    Blue
  • Physical Rating
    Moderate
  • Trail Visibility
    Always easy to follow
  • Family Friendly
    Yes
  • Dogs Allowed
    Yes
  • eBike Allowed
    Yes up to Class 1
  • TTFs on Trail
    Berm
  • Ride in Rain
    Yes
  • Year Opened
    2000
  • Land Owner
    Wellington City Council

The Swirly Whirly Green Goat (SWIGG) Track (SWIGG) is a flowing downhill single track that winds its way through regenerating native bush, back to the main entrance on South Karori Road.

The new section opened in 2019 features some of the biggest berms in the park. This is a great option for riders who have mastered Lazy Fern and looking for their next challenge, or more advanced riders looking for a different way to end their ride.

Originally built by the Victoria University Mountain Bike Club early 2000, it was extended by 250 metres in 2001. The top section was built in 2007/08, with the old track incorporated into Lazy Fern.

The 2019 extension saw SWIGG and Starfish being separated, with SWIGG extended to create a full grade 3 line down to the main entrance. This was work was done by TGL Contracting and funded by Wellington City Council.

Local Trail Association
Traditionally Indigenous Territory

Recent Activity on Trail

Past Week
  • 7 rides
  • 15 miles average
6 Months
  • 185 rides
  • 12 miles avg distance
All
  • 1,878 rides
  • Last: Sep 25, 2026
c1c2c3c4
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Status:
on Sep 19, 2026
Ideal
Avg: 4.54 (20 votes)
Your vote: 0

view (16,710)
close
      Directions to swigg trailhead (-41.295800, 174.717230)
      View on Discover Map

      Photos

      2 more »
      mtb
      63 |
      Nov 1, 2019 @ 3:45pm
      Nov 1, 2019
      mtb
      197 |
      Jun 10, 2019 @ 4:39pm
      Jun 10, 2019

      Videos

      11 more »
      youtuber SMASH SOME BERMS - SWIGG Mountain Bike Trail...
      mtb
      3:41 | 860 | Aug 29, 2020 , Wellington
      youtuber S.W.I.G.G(NEW) @ Makara Peak MTB Park
      mtb
      4:01 | 985 | Jun 16, 2019 , Wellington
      SWIGG | Mākara Peak MTB Park, Wellington |...
      mtb
      3:50 | 67 | Nov 23, 2025 , Wellington
      Wellington Enduro Series 2021- Round 3 Makara...
      mtb
      4:13 | 372 | Jul 20, 2021 , Wellington

      Trail Lists

      Routes with this trail

      34
      Makara Peak: Middle Peak Loop
      ★ 4.0 • 5 miles • 1,031 ft • 8 • Loop •
      This loop starts and finishes at the main car park on South Karori Road. It climbs at a steady gradient...
      221
      Skyline (The Full Version)
      ★ 3.8 • 24 miles • 4,609 ft • 42 • Point to Point •
      Starting at the in Johnsonville and finishing in Owhiro Bay. This track is a solid day's undertaking and...
      75
      Makara Peak alternative intermediate loop from Karori Park
      ★ 3.0 • 8 miles • 1,356 ft • 14 • Loop •
      Tired of and looking for an alternative to the usual intermediate or grade 3 lap of Makara Peak? Try...
      4.7 ★★★★★
      20 Ratings
      5 ★ 80%
      4 ★ 15%
      3 ★
      2 ★ 5%
      1 ★

      Reviews / Comments

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      Nearby Trails

      Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park

      Frequently Asked Questions

      ▼ Where is SWIGG located?
      SWIGG 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 -41.2958, 174.71723.
      ▼ How hard is SWIGG?
      SWIGG is rated as Blue difficulty. The physical rating is Moderate. The average grade is 6.9%. The climb difficulty is rated Blue.
      ▼ What is the elevation gain for SWIGG?
      SWIGG has 64 ft of elevation gain. The trail has 308 ft of elevation descent. The elevation ranges from 507 ft to 751 ft.
      ▼ Is SWIGG a point to point trail?
      Yes, SWIGG is a point to point trail. The direction is Downhill Only. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ How long is SWIGG?
      SWIGG is 3,540 ft long. The trail type is singletrack.
      ▼ Are dogs allowed on SWIGG?
      Yes, dogs are allowed on SWIGG. Please keep dogs on a leash where required and clean up after them.
      ▼ How do I access SWIGG? Where is the closest parking trailhead?
      The closest parking and trailhead locations to SWIGG are: View all parking locations in the area.
      ▼ How long does it take to ride SWIGG?
      Based on recorded activities, it takes an average of 4 minutes to ride SWIGG. The trail is 3,540 ft long. Actual times will vary based on fitness level, conditions, and pace. View recent activity logs for more details.
      ▼ How busy is SWIGG?
      SWIGG is a very popular trail. There have been 16,852 recorded activities on this trail. The trail has received 16,710 check-ins. View recent activity on this trail.

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