Explore New Zealand's Remutaka Cycle Trail on a supported, self-guided cycling holiday from Wellington. Choose from two- to six-day tours travelling through the Hutt Valley, historic Remutaka Incline, Wairarapa countryside and Wild Coast. Longer itineraries include additional destinations such as Martinborough and Cape Palliser. Packages feature accommodation, luggage transfers, transport and trail support, with mountain bike and eBike hire available at an additional cost.
Explore the Remutaka Cycle Trail from Wellington
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is one of New Zealand's Great Rides, connecting Wellington's Hutt Valley with the Remutaka Ranges, Wairarapa countryside and the southern coastline.
The route combines riverside cycle paths, historic railway corridors, quiet rural roads and more demanding coastal tracks. Riders encounter different landscapes and cycling conditions as they travel from the Wellington region towards the Wairarapa and Wild Coast.
One of the main attractions is the historic Remutaka Incline, which follows a former railway route through forest, tunnels and bridges before descending towards Cross Creek.
The Wild Coast provides a contrasting experience, with exposed coastal tracks, rocky shorelines and opportunities to see New Zealand fur seals.
Our supported multi-day tours allow travellers to explore these sections over several days, with accommodation and luggage transfers arranged as part of their selected itinerary.
Explore Remutaka Multi-Day Cycling Holidays
Compare our two- to six-day Remutaka Cycle Trail tours, including shorter cycling adventures and longer holidays visiting Martinborough, Cape Palliser and the Wairarapa. Each itinerary offers different daily distances, accommodation arrangements and sightseeing opportunities.
Compare Remutaka Multi-Day Cycle Trail Tours
Our Remutaka cycling holidays offer different durations, daily riding distances and opportunities to explore the Wairarapa. Compare the five itineraries below to find a tour that suits your cycling experience, available time and preferred destinations.
| Tour | Duration | Main features | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail | 2 days | Hutt Valley, Remutaka Incline, Wairarapa and Wild Coast | Experienced cyclists comfortable with longer daily distances |
| 3 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail | 3 days | Full trail with two nights in country hotels | Cyclists wanting to spread the journey across three days |
| 4 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail with Cape Palliser | 4 days | Remutaka Cycle Trail, Wairarapa and Cape Palliser | Travellers wanting additional time and a coastal excursion |
| 5 Day Remutaka Cycle Trail with Martinborough & Cape Palliser | 5 days | Remutaka Incline, Martinborough, Cape Palliser and Wild Coast | Cyclists interested in combining the trail with Wairarapa attractions |
| 6 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail with Martinborough & Cape Palliser | 6 days | Full trail, Martinborough, Cape Palliser and additional time in the Wairarapa | Travellers wanting a longer cycling holiday with more time in Martinborough |
Plan Your Remutaka Multi-Day Cycling Holiday
Find out what to expect on a Remutaka cycling holiday, including trail difficulty, accommodation, transport, luggage transfers and bike hire options. Explore the differences between itineraries and discover the best time of year to cycle the trail.
Our multi-day cycling holidays range from two-day journeys covering the main trail to longer itineraries incorporating additional Wairarapa destinations.
Two- and three-day tours focus on cycling the Remutaka Cycle Trail, including the Hutt Valley, historic railway incline and Wild Coast. The three-day option spreads the journey across more riding days, with overnight country hotel stays.
Four-day tours provide additional time to explore the Wairarapa and include a Cape Palliser excursion.
Five- and six-day tours extend the holiday with visits to Martinborough and Cape Palliser, combining cycling with opportunities to explore local towns, wineries and coastal attractions.
Each itinerary has different daily cycling distances, accommodation arrangements and included experiences. Travellers should compare the individual tours before choosing the most suitable holiday.
The Remutaka Cycle Trail includes a combination of easy, intermediate and more challenging cycling sections. The level of difficulty depends on the route, daily distance, weather conditions and individual cycling experience.
The Hutt River Trail follows established riverside paths, while the historic Remutaka Rail Trail offers a gradual climb along a former railway corridor. These sections are generally more accessible to recreational cyclists.
The Wairarapa section includes quiet country roads and rural landscapes, with some longer riding distances.
The Wild Coast is the most demanding part of the journey. Riders encounter rougher surfaces, exposed coastal conditions and sections requiring greater bike-handling confidence.
Our multi-day tours offer different daily distances and, on selected itineraries, options to shorten more demanding sections using arranged transfers.
Travellers should consider both the cycling grade and daily distances when selecting a tour. Electric mountain bikes are available for hire at an additional cost, although electric assistance does not remove the need for suitable riding skills on rough terrain.
Our supported Remutaka cycling holidays combine independent riding with practical assistance throughout the journey.
Depending on the selected itinerary, packages include:
- Accommodation for the duration of the tour
- Breakfasts, lunches and selected additional meals
- Luggage transfers between overnight stops
- Transport to and from designated trail locations
- Route maps and detailed itinerary information
- Daily briefings and weather updates
- GPS tracking and emergency communication equipment
- Local transport and trail support
Mountain bike and electric bike hire are available at an additional cost. Travellers bringing their own bicycles should check suitability for the trail's varied terrain.
Accommodation, meals, daily riding distances and included activities vary between tours. Refer to the individual holiday itinerary for confirmed inclusions and optional extras.
The Remutaka Cycle Trail can be explored throughout the year, although weather conditions influence the cycling experience, particularly along the exposed Wild Coast.
Spring (September to November) brings longer daylight hours and generally milder temperatures, although wind and rain remain possible.
Summer (December to February) offers longer days and warmer temperatures, making it a popular period for multi-day cycling holidays. Strong winds can still affect exposed sections.
Autumn (March to May) often provides comfortable cycling temperatures and is a good time to combine the trail with visits to Martinborough and the Wairarapa wine region.
Winter (June to August) brings shorter daylight hours, colder temperatures and potentially challenging weather conditions, especially along the coast.
The Wild Coast is exposed to changing weather throughout the year. Tour operators may adjust routes or arrange alternative transfers when conditions make particular sections unsuitable.
Travellers planning a cycling holiday should allow for seasonal conditions and select an itinerary appropriate for their experience.