Hutt River Trail section
Remutaka Cycle TrailTake a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.
Walking time
Varies
Length
25.4km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Shared trail
Walking difficulty
Easy: Walking track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile
437m highest point
Dogs
Yes (on lead)
About the ride
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
Getting there
- Bike hire and shuttle services are available.
- By train: Take the Wairarapa Line from Wellington to Maymorn Station. If taking a bike check the Metlink timetable for information, updates, and its bike policy.
- By car: Take State Highway 2 to Maymorn Station. If starting from Kaitoke the turn-off is signposted at Pākuratahi Forest with the car park 1km along a metal road.
Caleb Smith Photography
How was your
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?
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.
Cannon Point Walkway
Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.
Belmont Trig Track
Belmont Regional ParkGet a taste of back country life on this half-day scenic walk or ride through mature native forest.
Te Whiti Riser
A popular all-weather walking and mountain biking track overlooking Wainuiomata and Lower Hutt.
Bus Barn Track
East Harbour Regional ParkAn easy trail through mature beech forest and stunning kahikatea trees.
Kererū Track
East Harbour Regional ParkSee native kererū and orchids while enjoying views over Wellington from the hills above Days Bay.
Greytown to Woodside Trail
The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.
Hutt River Trail
Follow the picturesque Hutt River all the way from Petone to Upper Hutt on this easy, well-maintained trail.