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1.1 miles
Distance
53 ft
Climb
-373 ft
Descent
00:09:50
Avg time
-321 ft
Altitude change
985 ft
Altitude min
1,309 ft
Altitude max
1,306 ft
Altitude start
984 ft
Altitude end
-5.6%
Grade
-35.6%
Grade max
18.6%
Grade min
787 ft
Distance climb
4,170 ft
Distance down
732 ft
Distance flat
00:09:50
Avg time
Upper Leaping Lizard 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 DifficultyBlue (13 votes)
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Local Popularity85 in Mountain Biking [+]
- 95 in E-Biking
- 65 in Trail Running
- 40 in Hiking
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Global Ranking
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National Ranking#1,247 in Mountain Biking · New Zealand [+]
- #210 in E-Biking
- #2,172 in Trail Running
- #2,055 in Hiking
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Trail TypeSingletrack
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Bike TypeAM, XC
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DirectionDownhill Only
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Climb DifficultyBlue
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Physical RatingModerate
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Dogs AllowedYes
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eBike AllowedYes up to Class 1
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TTFs on TrailBerm, Jump
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Ride in RainYes
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Year Opened2018
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Land OwnerWellington City Council
Originally built in 2003 by Makara Peak Supporters, an extension was funded by WCC and built by TGL in 2018 which links the summit to Aratihi and then onwards to the south west corner of the park.
The new section is a machine built flow trail with berms, rollers and table tops to keep riders of all abilities interested. The top section of trail crosses a short bridge over the top of the A2Z trench before winding it's way down the hill to meet the original Upper Leaping Lizard trail. Located on the north side of the peak, expect to be battered and blown around in a strong northerly.
The original trail is a bit narrower, with a rockier surface and is a touch more technical. Surfacing and drainage work was completed by TGL in late 2018, plus a bypass of a particularly steep section of the trail was built.
Access Info
Starting from the summit, it can also be accessed 50 metres uphill from the intersection of Upswing and Aratihi
Trail Supporters
- past supporters
- TGL Contracting
2018Builder
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
- 7 rides
- 13 miles average
6 Months
- 62 rides
- 16 miles avg distance
All
- 978 rides
- Last: Nov 3, 2026
| c1 | c2 | c3 | c4 |
|---|---|---|---|
January | February | March | April |
May | June | July | August |
September | October | November | December |
Upper Leaping Lizard 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 users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
The colour categories are based on what percentage of users are riding a trail in its intended direction.
- > 96%
- > 90%
- > 80%
- > 70%
- > 50%
- < 50%
- bi-directional trail
- no data
Trail Last Used
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- < 2 days
- < 1 week
- < 2 weeks
- < 1 month
- < 6 months
- > 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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Trail Popularity ?
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Directions to upper-leaping-lizard trailhead
(-41.288750, 174.707180)
Photos
10 more »
Videos
9 more »
Routes with this trail
★ 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...
★ 3.0 • 4 miles • 729 ft • 4 • Loop •
A great loop for riders looking for some variety or to extend their normal ride. This largely intermediate...
10 miles • 2,165 ft • 26 •
Easy Intermediate Loop - longer distance, but suited to less tech riders
beastloaf
The description is no longer accurate, the original section is now very smooth and boring. How are grade 3 riders going to progress if they've never seen a rock?
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Nearby Trails
- Zac's Track 36 ft
- Peak Flow 36 ft
- Ridgeline 52 ft
- Pōhatu (upper Section) 52 ft
- North Face 59 ft
Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park
- By simon-ob
MPS MP Trail Crew & contributors - #18778 - 6,331 views
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