Brothers in arms
Brothers Miha, Manawa and Te Maihi all love ‘messing around’ on Wellington’s Matairangi/Mount Victoria trails
Nearby trails make it easy to get outdoors
Ride to the top of Matairangi/Mount Victoria and you'll be rewarded with 360 degree views over Wellington, which the brothers say is the best part.
The Wellington born-and-bred brothers just love the outdoor lifestyle, particularly surfing and mountain biking.
Living in Southgate and attending nearby schools, 12-year-old Te Maihi at South Wellington Intermediate and older brothers Manawa (16) and Miha (18) at Rongotai College, the fact that the Matairangi/Mount Victoria trails are easily accessible after school is a bonus.
Mount Victoria offers mostly intermediate and above downhill trails as well as adjacent walking trails.
Miha enjoys Mount Victoria’s hospital jumps especially, describing the trail as a great place to chill with his friends.
“I try to ride every day, and I love a good ride - after being cooped up in a classroom the whole day it feels really nice to finally get out and just have a good time with some mates. After rides, I feel happy,” says Manawa.
Time to recharge
The brothers can be found at One Sushi in Kilbirnie for their favourite, chicken katsu, before or after their rides up Mount Victoria. They’ll either enjoy a well-deserved rest beside the trails or a break in the restaurant on their way home.
Lending a hand
Miha, Manawa and Te Maihi have grown up riding Wellington’s trails and the older two’s passion has extended to track building and mentoring younger riders.
They roll up their sleeves on dig days run by Trails Wellington and Matairangi Trail Builders on Mount Victoria to help maintain and improve the trails they love to ride. Manawa is also part of a development squad run by Get Lost Cycling, a specialist bike workshop in Mount Victoria that also runs the Mt Vic enduro race.
Miha is also a mountain bike instructor on Matairangi/Mount Victoria, working with groups of seven to 10-year-olds with WORD, which helps kids build confidence, make friends and enjoy riding.
Their extensive knowledge of the capital’s trail network means they have other favourite go-to places as well.
My friends and I love riding. We go out as often as we can and love messing around on all the great trails Wellington has to offer.
Manawa
Options galore
Mākara Peak, in Karori, has many super-fast, rocky tracks perfect for weekend rides, says Manawa, and other trails for beginners and intermediates.
Miha describes Jailbreak at Miramar as a good ride, flowy and fast.
Further afield is Ōtaki’s Dirt Farm, which gives Wellington riders used to steep techy trails a chance to ride big jumps like the ones on Sky Burial.
“The trails in Wellington are super awesome and very accessible which makes it easy for me to ride after school,” says Manawa.
Explore the neighbourhood
Whether you're fueling up for a ride on Matairangi/Mount Victoria or ready to wind down after a stroll to the summit, some well-deserved refreshments never go amiss. Grab a coffee and cheese scone at nearby Tomboy café on Majoribanks Street, or link up to the Southern Walkway and finish your walk with an ice cream at Oriental Bay.
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.
