Remutaka Cycle Trail

Feel a world away from the business of the city on this trail which 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

This 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 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, 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. 

Descending into the Wairarapa region, Wellington’s rural neighbour which offers detours into the wine country around Martinborough, and nearby Featherston. 

The Remutaka Cycle Trail(opens in new window) then continues through farmland, around bird-filled lakes, before beginning a reasonably challenging cycle around the rugged south coast. A good-weather venture, the Wild Coast section rewards riders 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 predominantly easy (grade 2); it is wide and smooth with gentle climbs and descents. The coastal section can be sandy, rocky and remote, making it grade 3 (intermediate), and suitable for experienced cyclists. 
• 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 point are Petone and the Wainuiomata Coast Road. Regular bus and train services access various stops along the trail, although the remoter Wairarapa and coast 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 trail can be cycled year around. However, the Wild Coast section is very exposed, only ride when the weather is fine. Locals and tour operators will happily offer advice.

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 and at Corner Creek(opens in new window) near the start of the southe coast section. 

Useful links

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

Remutaka Cycle Trail(opens in new window)

Wellington NZ(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)