Remutaka Cycle Trail
There’s something for everyone on this exhilarating and historic 122 kilometres cycle trail connecting Wellington to the Wairarapa.
Stretching across 122 kilometres, there are plenty of ways to tackle the trail. If you’re time-poor, these single-day rides are an easy way to get a taster. Although its starting point is close to the city, the Remutaka Cycle Trail features a bit of everything. Stunning scenery, urban paths, and native forests to rail trails, tunnels, swing bridges, and wild coastline.
For added convenience, Wildfinder and Green Jersey offer bike hire and shuttle services.
Celeste Fontein
Petone foreshore is a flat sealed path that connects to other cycle trails.
Petone to Maymorn
Start your ride on the East By West ferry from the city to Days Bay. It’s then an 8km ride around the bays to join the beginning of the trail on Petone’s foreshore. Alternatively, drive or train to Petone and soak up the views of Wellington harbour. Nearby Jackson Street offers great food and shopping.
When you’re ready, begin your journey along The mostly flat 35.2km ride follows the river toward the Remutaka Range.
The Hutt River Trail Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
It’s an easy ride suitable for all abilities along a mix of wide sealed and gravel paths. You'll go past some cultural sites and Hikoikoi Reserve, Avalon Park, and Harcourt Park, all perfect places for picnics.
Take a break and head off-trail in Lower Hutt and check out the Dowse Art Museum. It boasts one of New Zealand's largest and most significant public art collections with more than 3,500 items.
Continue up the river valley to the end of the Hutt River Trail just after a small bridge. Take a hard right up Maymorn Road to get to the train station for your return journey to Wellington. Or, turn around and retrace your tracks back to the start.
By bike or by train, it’s worth a stop at Brewtown in Upper Hutt to quench your thirst and refuel. Just a few minutes from the train station, it’s the ultimate destination for craft beer, food and entertainment. As well as some of Wellington’s top breweries there are fun activities including go-karting, escape rooms, and axe throwing.
Caleb Smith Photography
Maymorn to Featherston
Discover history and heritage across 34.4km of trail. This day ride is part of the Rail Trail section. Take the train to Maymorn station on the Wairarapa Line from Wellington to connect to the trail. Or, you can drive to the starting point at Kaitoke for a shorter ride.
It’s a gentle incline on a well-maintained Grade 2 track to the summit. For most of the way the track follows the Pākuratahi River and passes by impressive tunnels and bridges. It's worth checking out the storyboards along the way to learn about the railway history.
Once you reach the summit, stop to rest, refuel, and take in the views. Heading towards Wairarapa, you’ll pass through five old railway tunnels, including the spooky Summit Tunnel (576m above sea level). Make sure you take a torch!
Caleb Smith Photography
After you encounter the impressive Siberia Gully suspension bridge, the trail becomes an intermediate or Grade 3 mountain biking track.
The most challenging section is just past Cross Creek Station. The trail narrows with uneven surfaces prone to washouts. Watch out for exposed drop-offs in places. Experienced riders may look forward to this challenging section, but if you’re a less confident rider then hop off and walk your bike.
At the bottom, you’ll come to the Cross Creek entrance. You'll pass by the historic Cross Creek settlement where the old railway community lived and worked.
Featherston is 10km down the road and is a great pitstop. You can sample locally-made cheeses at C'est Cheese, grab a coffee or bite to eat at Everest Café and enjoy refreshments at the Royal Hotel. Take a wander through the Fell Locomotive Museum, and visit one of the many secondhand bookstores.
To return to Wellington, retrace your steps. Or if you’re done for the day, jump on a train at Featherston station. Rest and relax on the journey through the Remutaka Range and back to either Maymorn or Wellington. Alternatively, stay the night at one of the Featherston-based accommodation providers.
Caleb Smith Photography
The Siberia Gully suspension bridge.
Featherston to Ocean Beach
It’s about an hour’s drive from Wellington to Featherston, or take the Wairarapa Line by train.
From Featherston, expect a gentle descent to the coast through countryside. You'll pass a small settlement of fishing baches perched on the rugged south coast of the Wairarapa. This is also where this section ends.
The 42.5 km trail is a mix of sealed country roads and off-road single tracks. It is rated intermediate or Grade 3 because it requires some on-road riding.
Caleb Smith Photography
Along the way you’ll meander through farmland and around bird-filled lakes. Take a break on the grassy area alongside Lake Wairarapa.
Further along you’ll pass sheep and cattle farms. You’ll also come across Lake Ōnoke, part of the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Park, where indigenous and migratory waterbirds flock.
The final part of the journey brings you into the settlement of Ocean Beach and the rows of classic Kiwi holiday homes. Organise a shuttle to return to your car, or return to Wellington by train from Featherston.
Plan your ride
Green Jersey and Wildfinder can help you plan your ride on the Remutaka Cycle Trail ride with equipment hire, shuttles, trail advice, and guided tour options.
Find out more about Green Jersey or Wildfinder
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Remutaka Cycle Trail half-day rides
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is one of the Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand. It promises spectacular natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. It can be split into shorter half-day sections. This allows riders of different abilities to enjoy this trail.
Hutt River Trail section
Remutaka Cycle TrailTake a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.
Rail Trail section
Remutaka Cycle TrailTake an invigorating ride tracing an historic railway line through stunning native bush.
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.