Mt Lowry
Regional Ride
Wellington, North Island
Following a ridge from the Wainuiomata saddle to the summit of Mount Lowry, this is a difficult climb through classic bush-covered hills. Much of the track is narrow and twisting, with a surface consisting of root-infested leaf detritus.
The initial short, sharp climb is followed by rolling hills for about 1km. Then the real work begins - an altitude gain of 135m over a distance of 0.9km, at an average grade of 15%, made all the more difficult by the uneven track surface. There are a few steps and several sections where there would be steps if not for the tree roots.
The climbing effort is worthwhile, though, with a great technical descent either returning the same way or continuing on to Rata Ridge.
There is a lookout near the start of the track, plus several other lookouts along the way, providing spectacular views over Wellington harbour and the Wainuiomata valley.
