Two bikers going through a dark tunnel on the Rail Trail Section on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

About the trail

All Great Rides of New Zealand promise spectacular natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. But there’s one that offers all this and more.

From railway tunnels, river swims, and rugged coastlines to historical sites, native bush and peaceful farmland, the Remutaka Cycle Trail has it all. The spectacular ride is one of 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand and winds through diverse grades and environments.

Running between the Petone foreshore and Palliser Bay on the Cook Strait, the trail can be cycled or walked in either direction. At 122km in length over four sections, the full ride can be completed in 2–3 days for a leisurely ride.

A cyclist is riding on a suspension bridge on the Remutaka Cycle trail in Upper Hutt.
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Starting at Petone Wharf, the trail runs along through the Remutaka Range into the rural Wairarapa region. From there, an out-and-back route takes riders into Featherston before tracking southward towards the Cook Strait and wild southern coast, ending at the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River. Here the Wainuiomata Connector Ride provides an on-road option to take you back to Petone, or ride along the coast with land-owner permission.

With many entry points and varying from easy to advanced levels, you can tailor your experience to suit, whether that’s a multi-day full-immersion adventure or a short family day trip. Tours and bike hire are available, and there are plenty of opportunities to hop off the trail and explore the regions.

2 bikers cycling along the track next to the road, on the Western lake Road Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
Two people are sitting on the ground with crossed legs, chatting and sharing tea. They are beside a small hut with a sign that reads "Summit height above sea level 1141 feet" on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
Cyclists going along the Siberia Gulley Bridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
Two cyclists on the beach in Palliser Bay, at the entrance to the Wild Coast Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Getting there

The trail starts in Petone, a 15-minute drive from central Wellington and less than 30 minutes from Wellington Airport (a 20 kilometre ride).

You can start your journey by biking directly from Wellington Airport to the city centre. Ride on-road to Petone (14 kilometres), get there by train from Wellington Station, or drive. 

If you’re driving, public parking is available at most entry points along the trail, or take a shuttle with one of our trail partners.

Regular train services link Hutt Valley, the Wairarapa region, and Wellington central. Only a limited number of bikes are allowed on the trains on a first-come first-served basis. Some peak hour services won’t carry them at all, so it’s important to check ahead and avoid peak times. Check the Hutt Valley or Wairarapa lines or ‘Plan My Journey’ on Metlink.

How was your ride?

Let us know by completing our survey and go into the monthly prize draw to win cycle books from the Kennett Brothers. Your feedback helps us build a better trail.

Remutaka Cycle Trail Survey