Hutt River Trail section
Remutaka Cycle TrailTake a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.
437m highest point
Unable to render element
This second section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail traces a historic railway through the Remutaka Range. A varied ride, it’s great for families and popular for day trips.
Day trips can start the ride at Maymorn, or for a slightly shorter ride, start from Kaitoke where you’ll find the Wildfinder bike rental hub. If starting from the Wairarapa side, you’ll begin at Cross Creek. Parking is available at all of these points.
From Maymorn to Summit the trail is wide and well-maintained, graded easy (Grade 2). There’s a gentle incline on gravel double track up to Summit, then it’s single downhill along the historic Fell Locomotive Incline, through the 500-metre Summit Tunnel and across the Siberia Gully swing bridge.
After Summit the trail becomes an intermediate/Grade 3 mountain biking track. It is narrow in places, with people travelling in both directions. It is prone to washouts and there are some exposed drop-offs to navigate carefully.
At the bottom you’ll emerge at the Cross Creek entrance and into the Wairarapa Valley. If this is the end of your ride, you can arrange a shuttle provider to meet you here or ride a further 10km to Featherston. Otherwise, continue on to section 3.
Caleb Smith Photography
Caleb Smith Photography
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 SurveyRemutaka Cycle TrailTake a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.
Remutaka Cycle TrailA gentle countryside ride along the shores of Lake Wairarapa, ending at the wild South Coast.
Remutaka Cycle TrailThe final and most scenic section includes a windswept ride along a remote and rugged coastline.
Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.
Belmont Regional ParkGet a taste of back country life on this half-day scenic walk or ride through mature native forest.
A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.
East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.
East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.
The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.
Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.
Spend the night at Powell Hut or continue on to the Mount Holdsworth summit on this one or two-day adventure in the Tararua Range.
The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Wairarapa region and Wellington.
Travel along a flat winding trail to the historic Pencarrow Lighthouse and the shores of Lake Kohangatera.
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.
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.