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
18.6km
Uses
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking
Type
Shared trail
Walking difficulty
Intermediate: Easier tramping track
Mountain Bike Grade
Intermediate: Grade 3
Profile
33m highest point
Dogs
No
About the ride
The final section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail takes in the rugged beauty of the wild South Coast. This is a challenging, backcountry, Grade 4 ride. It is only suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. It is arguably the most scenic, with sheer cliffs plunging into the sea and the chance to see orca, dolphins, and seals in the water nearby. On a clear day you’ll see all the way to the snow-capped peaks of the Kaikōura Ranges.
This area is very remote, so be prepared before setting out on your journey. Make sure you read the know before you go section and monitor for weather-related closures on the Remutaka Cycle Trail Facebook page. This area has active slips and river crossings which are impacted by weather conditions.
TBS Photography
The trail can be ridden in either direction. It runs along the coast through Ōrongorongo Station, one of the longest running farms in New Zealand. There are no significant hills, but the terrain is uneven and often rocky, with streams to cross. Due to the coastal environment and changeable weather, sand drifts are common. At the southernmost point, Turakirae Head, you’ll see raised beaches formed by tectonic uplifts over the past 7,000 years.
If you’re coming from the Ocean Beach (Wairarapa) side, from Turakirae Head you’ll turn north to the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River, where the Remutaka Cycle Trail officially ends and the Wainuiomata Coast Road takes you back to Petone.
Getting there
- Bike hire and shuttle services are available through:
- By car: Parking is available at Ocean Beach and Ōrongorongo.
- By bike: To begin at Ocean Beach, continue your ride from Section 3. If you’re starting at Ōrongorongo, the Wainuiomata Connector Ride runs through Wainuiomata to Petone. It is possible to ride around the coast from Eastbourne to Ōrongorongo, but you will need to get permission to cross two areas of private land.
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At start of items
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.
Cannon Point Walkway
Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.
Greytown to Woodside Trail
The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.
Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut/Mount Holdsworth
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.
Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit
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.
Red Rocks Track
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.
Fenceline
Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFollow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.
Electric Avenue
Belmont Regional ParkAn adventurous downhill mountain bike ride with features to hone your skills along the way.