Sam's Gully

Sam's Gully, Makara Peak

Nestled in the middle of the Makara Peak mountain bike park (of Sally Alley for those who know Makara Peak) is a lovely area of grass and bush owned by 1st Karori Scouts known as Sam's Gully. Sam's gully was first visited by a party of Scouts led by the owner Sam Bradnock and the group leader. It consists of a grassy area and a stream and is an ideal place to camp. In the summer months it is visited by scouts for a campfire and has been used in the past for survival camps and Duke of Edinburgh award skills weekend.

In 2025, Sam's Gully has undergone a significant restoration project led by the 1st Karori community.

Facilities

Sam's Gully is a basic campsite with limited facilities. 

• Two flattened areas suitable for 6-person tents

• Campfire area

• Long drop (please bring your own toilet paper)

• Stream access (please bring your own bucket)

• Derelict hut (do not use)

Location

Sam's Gully is accessed via the "Sally Alley" mountain bike track in the Makara Peak reserve. The closest road access is St Albans's Ave, Karori

Getting there

1. ⁠Depart from St Albans Ave entry to the Mtn. Bike Park. 

2. Take Snake Charmer 4WD track for ~10mins

3. Left onto Big Tom's Wheelie track (#205)

4. Cross the path onto Sally Alley

5. Left into on an unmarked track which takes you to the gully.

In the image below, Red takes you to the long drop, Blue to the stream and Yellow to the old hut. 

Your visit

• Sam's Gully is private land, so please notify the Group Leader at 1stkaroriscouts@gmail.com prior to your visit. 

• There is no fee to visit Sam's gully. 

• Remove all rubbish after your visit.

Fires

• Notify your intention to light a fire to Karori Fire Brigade on 04 476 3640

• Bring up buckets of water from the stream to extinguish the fire

• Bring your own firewood

• DO NOT cut down trees for firewood.