A welcome retreat
Wellington entrepreneur and molecular biologist Kyle loves to hit the Mākara trails to escape the busyness of life.
Kyle Webster’s mission in life is to lead teams that use science and technology to improve people’s lives, and he loves nothing more than doing that from his Wellington base.
As the co-founder of science search engine start-up Litmaps, Kyle has switched his focus to his role as managing director of Clipco, working and consulting on advanced science and technology projects in the United States from New Zealand.
To unwind from the workload and daily pressures, what Kyle also loves about Wellington is being able to get into nature in a flash.
Spoilt for choice
Kyle’s go-to biking spots are either Mākara Peak Mountain Bike Park just out of Karori or Brooklyn’s Waimapihi Polhill Reserve.
Mākara’s 40km of mountain biking trails makes it the largest trail network in the lower North Island, weaving through 250ha of regenerating native bush with tracks for riders of all ages and abilities. Kyle’s favourite trail is Upswing for good reason.
“It has a remarkable suspension bridge that feels amazingly refreshing to glide across in the middle of your climb towards the peak.”
His other go-to ride is Highbury Fling, one of Waimapihi’s oldest and most popular trails that travels through trees and birdlife and is part of the 7km intermediate loop.
It’s one of my favourite things about Wellington that sets it apart from many other places – I can live in a suburb and work in town, but within 10 minutes, I can be out on a trail.
Kyle Webster
Breaking free
If Kyle decides to walk or run, he opts for the likes of Skyline Walkway, one of the capital’s premier trails that rewards users with panoramic views across the Wellington region.
“I love the state of flow you get from these undulating trails. The variation in challenge going up and downhill, and the relaxing surroundings of the bush combined with the periodic vistas either glimpsed through the trees or when you break out onto a section of ridgeline."
Whether walking, running or mountain biking, Kyle can usually be found on the tracks mid-morning on weekdays.
“I mostly go alone. It’s my breakout of a stressful work day and a great opportunity to get some exercise into a busy schedule.”
Time out
On the way back to work, Kyle’s first stop is for a coffee or a pint at Kelburn’s Cable Top Eatery, perched at the top of Wellington Cable Car and boasting spectacular views over the city.
Sometimes he frequents Kelburn Village Pub for a refreshing beer and/or a pie from German bakery Brezelmania.
What's your wild?
The Wellington region is full of trails for all walks of life. Discover some of these, and where to treat yourself after, through the eyes of locals.
