Remutaka Cycle Trail half-day rides

Starting at the Petone foreshore, fuel up with a coffee first from Seashore Cabaret. It’s an eclectic retro-themed café that serves up delicious coffee and food, with views across the harbour.

Then, jump on your bike to begin the first section of the trail. It’s a mostly flat ride with a mix of wide, sealed and gravel paths. It follows Te Awa Kairangi up towards the Remutaka Range.

Along the way, you’ll pass some cultural sites, including the historic Hikoikoi pā site. This was one of the largest Māori settlements in pre-European New Zealand. As you meander along the banks of the river, enjoy stops at Hikoikoi Reserve, Avalon Park and Harcourt Park. They’re perfect places for picnics. Avalon Park has a popular playground, featuring a miniature railway, flying fox, and water play.

The Dowse Art Museum just off-trail in Lower Hutt is also worth a stop. Its public art collection boasts 3,500 items. They have an ever-changing exhibition schedule as well.

As well as packing a picnic, make sure you bring your swimming togs. Taita Rock and Whakamoonie swimming holes are safe spots to cool off.

You have a couple of options. Ride as far as you feel comfortable then turn around to make your way back to the start. Head to either Manor Park (15km from Petone) or Silverstream station (17.5km from Petone) and take a train home. Alternatively, you can catch a shuttle by pre-booking your trip through Green Jersey or Wildfinder.

The second section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail is another popular ride. It’s suitable for families and those of different abilities. 

Take a train to Maymorn station to begin the 18km journey to the summit. Alternatively, drive to the car park at Kaitoke for a shorter 12km ride. It’s also where you’ll find the Wildfinder bike rental hub if you need to hire bikes. 

The Grade 2 trail traces a historic railway through the Remutaka Range. It’s a wide, well-maintained track that follows a gentle incline through regenerated forest. Check out the storyboards that highlight rail relics and retell tales along the way. 

The climb ends at “Summit” where you’ll find a recreation area ideal for picnics. If you have a head torch, it’s worth riding onto the old rail tunnel. The 500m long tunnel leads to a viewing platform beyond. From there turn around and head back to either Maymorn station or your car at Kaitoke. 

If you’ve got the time, stop off at Brewtown in Upper Hutt. Brewtown is the ultimate destination for craft beer, food, and entertainment. Some of Wellington’s top breweries have taken up residence there. There are also activities like go-karting, ice skating, escape rooms, and axe throwing.

Due to a landslip near Ocean Beach, it’s not currently possible to ride through the Wild Coast section. You can however do an in and out 24.5km trip from Ōrongorongo River mouth.

Drive or take a shuttle along Coast Road from Wainuiomata to Ōrongorongo River mouth to begin this ride. Alternatively, you could bike to and from the river mouth on the Wainuiomata Connector Ride. Begin the trail heading east towards Ocean Beach. When you reach Mukamuka Stream — or cannot bike any further — turn around and head back to where you started.

The trail runs along the coast through Ōrongorongo Station. This is one of the oldest farms in New Zealand. This remote section of the track is rated intermediate-advanced (Grade 3 to 4). It’s recommended for fit experienced cyclists only. As the name suggests, the Wild Coast trail is susceptible to sudden weather changes and storms.

There aren’t significant hills, but the terrain is uneven and often rocky, with streams to cross. Expect the trail to be covered in soft sand, and possibly large ruts through the shingle.

At the southernmost point, Turakirae Head, take note of the raised beaches. These were formed by tectonic uplifts over the past 7,000 years. It can be a tough ride, but the rugged beauty of the wild south coast makes it the most rewarding section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

It takes some perseverance but the 14km return trip to the summit and back from Cross Creek car park will reward you with epic views. 

It’s about a 15-minute drive from Featherston to Western Lake Road. From the car park there is a single track that takes you through native bush to the historic Cross Creek settlement. An old railway community used to live and work here from the 1880s to the 1950s. 

The old rail trail climbs through ridges in a native bush-clad valley. Stunning views are not the only thing you’ll encounter. There’s a series of eerie railway tunnels, the Siberia Gully swing bridge, and the summit recreation area. Here you can settle in for a picnic and a rest. 

Parts of the track are challenging, particularly near Cross Creek Station. The trail is narrow in parts, with uneven surfaces prone to washouts and exposed drop-offs. Don’t let that put you off – experienced riders will welcome the challenge. It’s safe to dismount and walk bikes for those less confident.