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Battle Hill

Battle Hill: A Regional Recreation Destination

Overview

Battle Hill Farm Forest Park is uniquely positioned to become one of the Wellington region’s premier outdoor recreation destinations. Located between Porirua, Kāpiti and the Akatarawa Forest, the park offers a combination of working farm landscapes, regenerating forest, historic significance, mountain biking opportunities, walking trails and future regional trail connections.

Mana Cycle Group (MCG) has advocated for the development of Battle Hill as a key recreation hub, with a particular focus on improving trail connections, expanding riding opportunities and integrating the park into a wider regional trail network.

The Vision

The long-term vision is to transform Battle Hill from a stand-alone park into a strategic gateway that connects people, communities and landscapes across the Wellington region.

This includes:

Strong connections north to Whareroa Farm Park.
Connections south through Pāuatahanui and the Transmission Gully corridor.
Improved access into the Akatarawa Forest.
Development of high-quality mountain bike and e-bike trails.
Integration with the proposed Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui (P2P) Trail.
Improved biodiversity outcomes through pest management and environmental restoration.

Proposed new tracks. Red - main road, Yellow - main trail, clockwise., Dark Blue - forestry roads.

Light Blue - new downhill, G3/4, Brown - boundary.

Battle Hill's Strategic Importance

Battle Hill sits at the centre of several major recreation opportunities:

Regional park visitor experiences.
Access into the Akatarawa Forest recreation network.
Future P2P Trail connections.
Mountain biking and e-bike recreation.
Walking, trail running and nature-based tourism.

The park already serves as a departure point for longer back-country rides and is increasingly attractive to e-bike users who can comfortably access larger areas of the surrounding landscape.

Proposed Mountain Bike and E-Bike Development

Following harvesting and replanting within Puketiro Forest, MCG identified significant opportunities for trail development.

Proposed Trail Network

E-Bike Climbing Trail

A purpose-built climbing track that:

Operates as a one-way uphill route.
Provides a Grade 3-4 riding experience.
Crosses the existing loop road (Brentford Road) at multiple points, allowing riders flexibility.
Creates a fun and engaging climb rather than simply a transport route.

New Descents

Two purpose-built downhill trails:

One Grade 4 trail.
One Grade 5 trail.

Future Planned Descents

One Grade 5 Enduro trail
One Purpose built DH trail

These trails would complement the existing Puketiro Loop Road, which can function as a Grade 3 descent (Orange Street).

Connector Trails

Future connectors would link:

Battle Hill to Whareroa Farm Park.
Battle Hill to Pāuatahanui.
Battle Hill to the Akatarawa Forest trail network.

Connection to the proposed Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui (P2P) Trail

The proposed Paekākāriki to Pāuatahanui Trail (P2P) represents one of the most exciting future opportunities for Battle Hill.

The proposed 38 km trail would:

Connect Pāuatahanui and Paekākāriki.
Traverse wetlands, dunes, valleys, ridgelines and forests.
Serve walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
Create a signature regional trail experience.
Link communities, parks and recreation destinations.

Battle Hill would form a key node within this wider recreation network, helping connect users to:

Porirua.
Kāpiti Coast.
Wellington.
Hutt Valley.
Existing MTB parks.
Future regional trail corridors.

Benefits for the Region

Recreation

Expanded riding and walking opportunities.
Options for beginners through to advanced users.
Increased opportunities for family recreation.
Development of a destination trail experience.

Economic Benefits

Increased visitor numbers.
Support for local tourism businesses.
Additional demand for accommodation, food services and outdoor recreation providers.
Potential attraction of national and international visitors.

Environmental Benefits

Improved pest management along trail.
Greater community involvement in restoration projects.
Increased awareness of native ecosystems.
Opportunities for environmental education.

Community Benefits

Improved health and wellbeing outcomes.
Expanded volunteer opportunities.
Stronger community connections.
Better regional access to outdoor recreation.

Future Outcome

The ultimate goal is for Battle Hill to become a recognised regional destination where recreation, conservation, history and community come together. Through strategic trail development, strong partnerships with Greater Wellington, mana whenua, community groups and a growing volunteer network, Battle Hill can serve as the backbone of a wider Wellington recreation network that benefits residents, visitors and future generations. Continued investment in trail improvements, wayfinding, environmental restoration and community involvement will help realise this vision and build long-term stewardship of the park.

Battle Hill Farm is on the hunt for volunteers - Click HERE register interest.

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