Last Updated: 8th Aug 2024
Te Whiti Firebreak Calf Burn
Submitted by Cate Shave
Last Updated: 8th Aug 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
8.0km
430m
450m
320m
Last Updated: 8th Aug 2024
Submitted by Cate Shave
Last Updated: 8th Aug 2024
Open
Grunt Factor: 13 ?
Gnarl Factor: 31 ?
8.0km
430m
450m
320m
Urban fringe
Loop
Very hilly
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Open ridges/tops
Gravel Road
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +10.8%
Average Downhill Gradient: -11.4%
Login as a VIP to see the trailhead information.
1:45
Slow
1:30
Moderate
1:00
Fast
Start the run on the Te Whiti Riser Trail, but as soon as it crosses the Firebreak take that option (it will be to your left and be much steeper and less-formed, whereas you'll see the Riser Trail carry on a gentle gradient). Follow the Firebreak all the way to the top, and then turn right and continue along the ridgeline to the south, the lookout where the radio towers and hang gliding launch are.
Backtrack along the ridgeline to the north, until you hit the elevated picnic spot about 20m past the second exit for the Riser trail. You can enjoy more views into the valleys either side from here. Then backtrack 20m south and enter the Te Whiti Riser trail, and follow this back to the valley floor and your starting point.
Great views of Wellington Harbour, Matiu/Somes Island, and the Wainuiomata and Hutt Valleys.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
There is parking for about 8 cars in a small carpark just by the footbridge, plus plenty of street parking. The #121 bus route has stops nearby, at the corner of Riverside Drive and Guthrie Street.
3 km
6 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
The entrance to the Te Whiti Riser trail is well marked at each end, and the firebreak only goes one way - straight up!!
Perfect throughout.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
At about 6km there's a small waterfall you'll pass when heading back down the Te Whiti Riser trail, but otherwise take your own water.
If it's windy or wet, it would be very cold up on the ridgelines. If there's been a fair amount of rain the tracks will be muddy and slippery.
The Firebreak is very steep at points (up to 40% gradient) and would be slippery if wet, so take care with foot placement.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Te Whiti Firebreak Calf Burn
As a VIP member you can record private notes for this trail, see all of your times and more.
Already have an account? Login now
Super hard climb...very slippery without trail shoes. Would be impossible in the wet. Great fun rolling descent...again really needed more grippy shoes. Super views over the harder at the Paraglider launch point.
December 7, 2021
Don’t start/finish your run at the Te Whiti riser start point, make sure you start at the intersection of Guthrie St and Riverside Drive, and go across the little bridge behind the cricket nets.
It’s a pretty tough but shortish climb, only about 2km worth, great view of wellington and Lower Hutt from the top, and the downhill bomb to the finish is super fun!
October 26, 2021
Excellent workout on the hill up, but was very rocky and slippery especially on top. Recommend your grippiest shoes for this one! Spectacular views from the top and a nice descent back through the bush
August 26, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.
Send to your phone
Scan the below QR code to open this trail on your phone.
Tip: position the QR code in your phone camera screen.
