Overview

Wellington City Council, in partnership with Trails Wellington is proposing to develop a new shared-use trail connecting Martin Luckie Park to Island Bay.

The trail will provide a safe, traffic-free walking and cycling connection between Berhampore and Island Bay, passing through Wellington Town Belt land on the eastern side of the Berhampore Golf Course. It will improve access to key community destinations including Wellington Zoo, Martin Luckie Park, Wakefield Park, South Wellington Intermediate School, and the Island Bay and Berhampore communities.

The Wellington Town Belt Management Plan identifies the potential for a walking and cycling link to be created on the eastern side of Adelaide Road using parts of the Town Belt and connecting to Martin Luckie Park. The proposed trail aligns with the idea of creating this link and provides a specific route location and design.

This project is supported by international funding through the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI), which selected Wellington as one of 10 global cities to deliver safer and more connected cycling infrastructure.

What’s being proposed?

We’re proposing to build a shared-use trail between Martin Luckie Park and the Dover Street car park, connecting into an existing path network that leads toward Wakefield Park and Island Bay. The trail will allow people to walk, jog or cycle between suburbs using a compact and low-maintenance surface.

  • Trail type: 1.5 metre sealed track, with potential to widen to 2 metres if additional funding becomes available
  • Length: Approx. 0.7 km
  • Use: Shared path for walking, jogging and cycling
  • Route: From Lavaud Street entrance to Martin Luckie Park, across the eastern side of Berhampore Golf Course, connecting to the existing trail network near Dover Street
  • Design consideration: The route has been carefully aligned to minimise interference with golf fairways and tees as much as possible

This trail will become part of the Wellington Town Belt trail network, which connects Town Belt green spaces from Central Park to Oriental Bay. It will also link into the city’s wider cycling and walking network, providing better walking and cycling access between Newtown, Berhampore, and Island Bay.

  • View a map of the shared path

    The trail starts at the main entrance to Martin Luckie Park on Lavaud Street, crosses the eastern side of Berhampore Golf Course, and connects to an existing trail near the Dover Street car park. This 0.7 kilometre route will link to Wakefield Park and Island Bay.

    Open 

Information for specific groups of users

The trail crosses through sections of Berhampore Golf Course, including parts of active holes. The proposed alignment has been planned with consideration for how the space is used for both golf and disc golf. It aims to avoid key tee areas where possible and follows a route that supports safe and respectful shared use.

Open sightlines and natural separation help maintain visibility and reduce potential conflict between users. Signage is intended to support awareness and safe behaviour, and will be developed as the design progresses. People walking or biking on the trail will need to stay alert in areas of active play, and players will be encouraged to take trail users into account.

No fencing is planned. The design approach relies on clear visibility, signage, and shared-use etiquette to manage safety.

Yes, dogs are allowed but must be kept on-leash and under control. Dog owners should follow on-site rules and clean up after their pets, especially in shared areas like the golf course.

The trail will be a 1.5 metre wide sealed surface, providing a smooth and durable path suitable for prams, wheelchairs, and other mobility aids. While narrower than some fully accessible shared paths, the surface and gentle gradient make it usable for a wide range of users. If additional funding becomes available we will look to construct a 2 metre wide track.

Motorbikes and trail bikes will not be permitted on the trail. Signage and physical design features will discourage unauthorised vehicle access.

Why we're doing this

This project is part of Wellington’s commitment to creating connected, accessible and low-carbon recreation and transport opportunities that make it easier for people of all ages to get around and to be active.

This trail is funded by the Bloomberg Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure (BICI) — an international grant awarded to 10 cities globally to build safer, more connected cycling infrastructure. The funding supports cities to build safe, sustainable, and connected cycling infrastructure. For this project, the BICI grant covers the construction of a 1.5 metre wide sealed shared-use track between Martin Luckie Park and Island Bay.

The trail will:

  • Provide an attractive, off-road alternative to roads for local trips
  • Create safer connections between Newtown, Berhampore, and Island Bay
  • Support access to recreational destinations, schools and public transport
  • Contribute to a larger citywide network of walking and cycling trails

What we want your feedback on

We’re seeking your feedback on the proposed trail route between Dover Street and Martin Luckie Park. Feedback is open until 4 August, 2025.

Several possible routes were considered, and through assessing these options we’ve identified this alignment as the preferred option. The proposed trail is designed to provide access through the area for people walking and biking, while fitting into the surrounding landscape and continuing to support both Golf and Disc Golf users.

As we move toward finalising the design, we want to hear your views on how this proposed trail can:

  • provide a positive recreation and active transport opportunity
  • minimise impact on the local environment (ensuring the values and natural feel of the Town Belt are protected)
  • respect the needs of existing users

Your feedback will help us ensure the trail is designed in a way that reflects local values and supports safe, enjoyable shared use.

What are the next steps?

Following the close of consultation, the feedback will be reviewed and a recommendation on the trail will be taken to the Council’s Kōrau Mātinitini | Social, Cultural, and Economic Committee for a decision. This step will include an opportunity for people to make oral submissions.

If approved, detailed track design and environmental impact assessment will be undertaken, and any necessary resource consents will be applied for. Construction of the trail is anticipated to begin in late 2025.