Remutaka Cycle Trail

Visual: The video begins with the text ‘Remutaka Cycle Trail’ in purple font on the screen. A drone flies over the green hills of the Remutaka Range, following a cyclist on the path.

Audio: Cycle along Wellington’s great ride. The Remutaka Cycle Trail is a great way to explore our region’s diverse landscapes and rich pioneering history.

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Visual: The narrator addresses the camera on the rocky shore of Petone Beach. A white outline map flashes on the screen, showing the Remutaka Cycle Trail, stretching from Lower Hutt to the south shores of the Wairarapa region.

Audio: The multi-day Remutaka Cycle Trail begins in Petone on the shores of Te Whanganui a Tara. The journey takes you along the Hutt River, over the Remutaka incline and rail trail, then follows the shores of Lake Wairarapa, and along the rugged south coast.

Visual: The narrator stands amongst bushes near a river and talks to the camera. A purple map shows the section of the trail they will be doing, alongside an elevation map showing the gradient of the ride.

Audio: Today we’re doing the Remutaka Rail trail section from Kaitoke in Upper Hutt, through to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa region. Either there and back to the summit, or from point A to B, at about 18 kilometres long it makes for a perfect family day walk or cycle, but it’s best enjoyed by bike.

Visual: The narrator walks alongside a bike, with the ‘Wildfinder’ bike rental container behind them. The camera then swaps to a drone view as they cross a bridge.

Audio: The old railway route is regarded as a special part of New Zealand’s history and one of the 10 most significant railway heritage sites in the world.

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Visual: The narrator bikes along the path, following the moving camera. A drone shot sows them biking next to a river amongst lush green bush.

Audio: Your adventure starts with a very gradual incline through regenerating native bush the ride follows the Pākuratahi River, as it weaves its way through the mighty Remutaka Range.

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Visual: A bike goes through a shallow river and splashes water toward the camera. There’s a flying drone shot through the Pākuratahi River, followed by more drone shots of the lush native forests in the Remutaka Range. The narrator bikes through two long, dark tunnels, with their bike light on.

Audio: Remutaka is the name given to the spot at which Haunui-a-Nanaia rested on his journey of discovery across the lower north island. On your journey through this landscape, you’ll encounter impressive rail relics, historic bridges, and long tunnels. It’s dark in there, so bring a light.

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Visual: The narrator sits at a wooden bench and eats a sandwich, then puts their helmet back on and continues the ride through another dark tunnel.

Audio: The incline summit makes for the perfect lunch spot. Next, we venture into the vast summit tunnel, and into the Wairarapa.

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Visual: The narrator bikes out of the tunnel, talks to the camera, and then cycles across the Siberia gully swing bridge. The drone films them from above, as they cycle down the gorge. The narrator reaches the bottom, where they hand the bike to a ‘Wildfinder’ employee who puts their bike on a trailer.

Audio: From here there is a rapid descent down to Cross Creek, via the impressive Siberia Gully swing bridge. Allow about three to four hours for a typical day out on the rail trail, longer if you take into account for shuttles and transport.

Visual: The narrator sits at a table at Brewtown, eating a burger and fries. A few more drone shots of the vast green Remutaka Range appear on screen, followed by the ‘Find Your Wild’ logo.

Audio: Both Wairarapa and the Hutt Valley host award-winning local food and drink options for after the trail. So grab the whānau and hit the pedals find your wild on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

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