Mount Climie
Regional Ride
Wellington, North Island
If you're looking for some hill work, then Mount Climie is the perfect choice. This gravel access road provides an almost relentless grind up 610m of altitude gain over 4.4km, for an average gradient on 14% – though some sections are more like 20%. There are only a couple of brief flatish and slightly down sections to provide relief from the climb. Then, when you think you've reached the top, there is another 50m of climbing to reach Mount Climie itself.
Some 750m from the start, there is a track that branches off at a sign-posted intersection. That is the southern end of Plateau Ridge. A further 350m up the hill is one end of the walking-only Tanes Track.
While climbing you'll get an occasional glimpse through the trees out over the Hutt Valley, giving an impression of the altitude being gained. As you climb up the road you might observe, through your oxygen-derived haze, that the predominant vegetation changes.
Near the top, the track rolls along the ridge past several communication towers before a short descent and final climb to the fenced communication tower enclosure at the end of the road. Walk around the fence for stunning views out over the Hutt and the Wairarapa. Beyond the fence there is a 200m section of single track through the moss and snow tussock to a knoll that looks towards the south, including views of Wellington Harbour in the distance. Looking towards the west, Mana Island is visible 30km away through a gap in the hills.
The descent is great fun. At no point is peddling required, as you can roll through the slight up hill bits, though a brake check before starting would be prudent.
