Remutaka Cycle Trail

The Remutaka Cycle Trail traces the foreshore, riverside, historic railway and quiet backroads before heading around a remote stretch of the southern coastline.

Take in a remarkable array of sights and scenery; from urban streets with cafes, shopping and art, to forested hills, rural plains and spectacular sea cliffs. Easy detours explore the Wairarapa region with its wineries. The diversity of this Ngā Haerenga Great Ride of New Zealand(opens in new window) means it is difficult to beat.

Ride experience

The Remutaka Cycle Trail is divided into four diverse sections which can be ridden in 2–3 days or split into day rides dependant on ability.  

The full journey is commonly started in Petone(opens in new window), which is 15 minutes road or train journey from downtown Wellington. Starting on Petone foreshore, the Hutt River Trail section follows a leafy and leisurely pathway through two small, riverside cities – Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Easy detours lead to popular attractions such as Dowse Art Museum(opens in new window), and the craft beer hub, Brewtown. 

The trail climbs gently out of the valley and into the bushy hills along the Remutaka Rail Trail section, a much-loved local bike ride and walkway. It has peaceful picnic spots along with fascinating railway relics including eerie railway tunnels, and a suspension bridge. 

Journey from Cross Creek to the quaint town of Featherston, a gateway to the Wairarapa region. Detour by trail to Greytown or connect to the wine country around Martinborough by road.

Continue the trail along the Western Lake Road section, through farmland and around bird-filled lakes, before beginning a reasonably challenging cycle around the rugged south coast. The Wild Coast Track section is an advanced section with challenging terrain. On a good day it rewards trail users with epic views of the Cook Strait and the South Island’s Kaikōura Ranges, along with amazing geology, and a seal colony.

Need to know

• The Remutaka Cycle Trail is easy to intermediate (grade 2-3). With more family-friendly, grade 2 rides like the Hutt River Trail section and the Remutaka Cycle Trail section to the Summit. The Wild Coast Track section offers more challenging terrain with rocky sections, narrow ledges and some areas that may require bike carry. This is a grade 4 section, suitable for advanced riders.
• The trail can be cycled year around. However, the Wild Coast Track section is very exposed and shouldn't be ridden during of after heavy rain.  Locals and tour operators will happily offer advice.
• The full trail is achievable by reasonably fit and experienced riders on a mountain bike or E-mountain bike. There are easier day rides that can be achieved on a hybrid bike. 
• The trail’s start and end points are Petone and Ōrongorongo. Train services connect the Hutt River Trail section and Featherston to Wellington. The remoter Western Lake Road and Wild Coast Track sections will require pick-up or further riding.
• The trail is well signposted and has toilets at convenient intervals. Sections closer to urban areas offer services and good mobile phone coverage. More remote stretches require greater self-sufficiency including good planning, appropriate gear and food/water.
• The Wild Coast Track follows a remote stretch of coastline, where conditions can change quickly. It’s best enjoyed in settled weather, as heavy rain or rough seas can make some sections more challenging. Please check Department of Conservation(opens in new window) before planning your trip.

Transport & tours

Handy tour and transport options on this Great Ride are available through two of the trail’s official partners. Green Jersey Explorer Tours(opens in new window)’ variety of single or multi-day tours include bike and E-bike hire, shuttles, luggage transfers, and Wairarapa wine-country bike tours. Wildfinder(opens in new window) offers all-inclusive cycle tour packages, bike and E-bike hire, shuttles, bag transfers, accommodation, and food services. They're also happy to give free advice to self-guided cycle adventurers. 

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in Wellington, the Hutt Valley and Wairarapa. Accommodation providers partnered with the trail are listed on the Great Ride of New Zealand(opens in new window) and Remutaka Cycle Trail(opens in new window). There are also basic campsites on the Remutaka Rail Trail section and at Corner Creek(opens in new window) near the start of the Wild Coast Track section. 

Useful links

Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails(opens in new window)

Remutaka Cycle Trail(opens in new window)

WellingtonNZ(opens in new window)

Hutt Valley NZ(opens in new window)

Destination Wairarapa(opens in new window)

Department of Conservation(opens in new window) 

Great Rides app - Remutaka Cycle Trail(opens in new window)