Rail Trail section
Remutaka Cycle TrailTake an invigorating ride tracing an historic railway line through stunning native bush.
Walking time
Varies
Length
35.2km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding
Type
Shared trail
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Easy: Grade 2
Profile
133m highest point
Dogs
Yes (on lead)
Caleb Smith Photography
About the ride
This first section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail is a mostly flat ride through parkland along . The section is mostly wide sealed paths, with occasional gravel sections making it suitable for all ages and abilities.
Starting at the Petone Foreshore and riding along the river to Te Marua, you’ll pass some interesting cultural sites, including Māori and early European settlements. Hikoikoi Reserve, Avalon Park, and Harcourt Park are great picnic stops, while Taita Rock and Whakamoonie swimming holes are safe spots to take a river dip.
When you reach Te Marua, you’ll leave the river and ride 2km on the road to reach Maymorn and the start of section two.
Along the way there’s plenty to explore including the Petone Settlers Museum, Jackson Street’s many cafés and shops, The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, and Brewtown in Upper Hutt.
Caleb Smith Photography
Getting there
- Bike hire and shuttle services are available.
- By bike: Ride 14km on the road from Wellington city centre to Petone, or 20km from Wellington Airport.
- By train: Take the Hutt Valley Line from Wellington Railway Station to Petone Station, or start the trail further up at Ava, Melling, Pomare, Manor Park, or Silverstream stations.
- By car: Drive 15 minutes from central Wellington to Petone or 30 minutes from Wellington Airport. Street parking is available in Petone as well as many of the parks and reserves which access the ride along the Hutt River Trail.
Check the Metlink timetable for information and updates and their policy on taking bikes.
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 SurveyLooking for more?
At start of items
Western Lake Road section
Remutaka Cycle TrailA gentle countryside ride along the shores of Lake Wairarapa, ending at the wild South Coast.
Wild Coast Trail section
Remutaka Cycle TrailThe final and most scenic section includes a windswept ride along a remote and rugged coastline.
Hutt River Trail
Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.
Te Whiti Riser
A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.
Coast 35
Coast 35 connects Paekākāriki and Ōtaki through an off-road shared trail that runs parallel with the Kāpiti Expressway.
Ōtaki River Trail
Follow the banks of the Ōtaki River on this popular walking and biking trail, with views of the coastline, river, and the Tararua Range.
Pencarrow Coast Road
Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.
4 Degrees
Belmont Regional ParkThis trail is named after its gentle four degree gradient, making it an easy option for mountain bikers and walkers to access Old Coach Road.
Connect Four
Belmont Regional ParkA short two-way mountain bike track that links two popular riding routes in Belmont Regional Park.