3 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail in Country Hotels

North Island

Wildfinder

from

NZ$790

per person

Cyclist crossing a shallow stream along the Remutaka Cycle Trail in the rail trail section

Experiences

Cycle Trails

Family-friendly Tours

Multi-Day Short Tours

North Island

Start: Wellington

Duration: 3 days

Distance: 144 kms

Difficulty: 3

Details

Experience Nature, History, and Comfort on the Remutaka Trail

Cycle through the lower North Island and experience the Remutaka Cycle Trail in style with welcoming country hotels along the way. Each day offers a new adventure, from river valleys to rugged coastlines, with plenty of chances to pause and take in the view. With flexible support and comfortable stays, this is cycling at its most rewarding.

The trail combines natural beauty with rich local history, guiding you through rail tunnels, historic sites, and charming villages. You’ll discover artisan treats, breathtaking harbour views, and perhaps even spot wildlife along the coast. By evening, relax in boutique hotels that add warmth and character to your cycling experience.

Ride Through Scenic Remutaka Cycle Trail

Our all-inclusive package ensures you’re well-fed with delicious meals and snacks while providing seamless logistics, bike setups, and shuttle options to tailor your experience. Whether you’re seeking a leisurely escape or a cycling challenge, the Remutaka Cycle Trail offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

At the end of your journey, you’ll leave with more than just cycling memories—you’ll carry a true taste of New Zealand’s landscapes, history, and hospitality. This three-day adventure blends the thrill of the ride with the comfort of country living, creating a getaway that feels both energising and restorative.

Trek mountain bike with pannier parked by the sea in Wellington

Cyclists riding through a mossy tunnel on the Remutaka Cycle Rail Trail

Cyclists navigating the Hutt River section of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Cyclists riding through the Summit Tunnel on the Rimutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Wallaceville Country Hotel in Upper Hutt during sunset with manicured lawns and scenic hills in the background

Wallaceville Country Hotel lit up at dusk in Upper Hutt surrounded by palm trees and garden paths

White gazebo in the garden of Wallaceville Country Hotel surrounded by trees and lush greenery

Couple cycling along the Wild Coast section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail with dramatic mountains in the background

Cyclists crossing a suspension bridge on the Remutaka Rail Trail with forested hills in the background

Cyclist crossing a small bridge surrounded by lush forest on the Hutt River Trail

Two cyclists crossing a swingbridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Exterior of The Royal Hotel in Martinborough at twilight with warm lighting

Luxurious dark-toned bedroom suite at The Royal Hotel in Martinborough

Cosy fireplace at Brac & Bow with wine glasses and wood stack at The Royal Hotel Martinborough

Elegant hotel room at The Royal Hotel Martinborough with chandelier and antler wall decor

Vintage-style bathroom at The Royal Hotel with black tiles and clawfoot tub

Cyclists enjoying the view over Lake Wairarapa on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Blue Remutaka Cycle Trail marker along a quiet country road

Two cyclists resting on a rock by the Wild Coast riverbed in Wairarapa

Cyclist biking along a rugged trail with dramatic cliffs on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

INCLUSIONS

Bike Accessories and Upgrades: Helmet, night-riding lights, bike lock, repair kit, carrier racks, and pannier bags provided. Optional bike upgrades include mountain bikes with front suspension or eBikes with high-capacity batteries and comfortable seats.
Accommodation and Meals: Two nights in country hotels: Wallaceville House and The Royal Hotel (or similar, based on availability). Includes breakfast and lunch daily, with snacks and water provided during the ride. Dinner recommendations: Brewtown (Day 1) and Brac & Bow (Day 2). Alcohol not included, but BYO options are available with luggage transfers.
Transport and Transfers: Shuttle service to and from the trail or ferry passes. Luggage and food transfers along the trail.
Safety and Support: GPS tracker, locator beacon, and shuttle support with first-aid-trained drivers.
Information and Briefings: Maps, detailed itineraries, and daily weather updates and briefings.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Accommodation and Pricing: Accommodation depends on availability, with alternatives of equal quality provided if needed. Pricing is based on twin-share accommodation. Solo travellers incur a solo supplement fee and an additional fee for single occupancy. Odd-numbered groups do not incur extra fees for solo accommodation.
Trail Conditions and Customisation: Dynamic landscapes may cause temporary outages on the trail, with contingency options available if needed. The coastal section can be challenging; pick-up options are available at no extra cost. Finish times and drop-off locations can be adjusted upon request.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

Cancel more than 28 days before travel: Full refund**
Cancel 7-28 days before travel: 75% refund**
Cancel 24 hours to 6 days before: 50% refund**
Cancel within 24 hours or no show: No refund.

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

Please see more information on refunds and cancellations in Go New Zealand's terms and conditions.

Itinerary

Day 1: The Hutt River Trail

Your journey begins with the choice of a 10am shuttle from Wellington/Hutt Valley or a 10am scenic ferry ride across Wellington Harbour to our base in Eastbourne. If you’d prefer to start at Petone Wharf, just let us know! However, please note that this option doesn’t allow for the Pencarrow Lighthouse extension, and parking for long-term stays can be tricky if you’re driving.

Upon arrival, we’ll have your bikes prepped and ready, plus a quick briefing on the day ahead. If you’re keen for a longer ride, set off on a 17km round trip along the Pencarrow Coast to see the stunning Pencarrow Head lighthouses and serene lakes. Once you’ve explored, head back to Eastbourne to pick up the main trail.

From here, follow the tranquil harbourfront road to reach the start of the Hutt River Trail. This picturesque ride takes you through the Hutt Valley, with plenty of opportunities to pause at picnic spots or take a dip in one of the swimming holes. Continue past Upper Hutt to your accommodation at Wallaceville House, a charming country hotel. For dinner, consider visiting Brewtown, a vibrant spot brimming with craft breweries, a distillery, and excellent food options. Upper Hutt also offers a great selection of restaurants.

Distance: 32 kms

Day 2: Remutaka Rail Trail to Featherston

Kickstart your day by heading back to the trail, where you’ll ride through the lush Pakuratahi Forest to the Remutaka Rail Trail, stopping at our base at Wildfinder Kaitoke for a drink or snack. From there, follow the historic rail line with its gentle gradient, passing through tunnels (headlights provided!), over bridges, and past fascinating information boards that showcase the challenges of building the old fell railway system. Keep your eyes peeled for trout in the streams and native birds in the treetops as you ascend through this vibrant ecosystem.

At the Summit, you’ll find a grassy plateau dotted with remnants of an old township and railyard – a perfect picnic spot. Then, enjoy a fun and scenic descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, surrounded by breathtaking farmland. A quiet country road leads you onwards to Featherston, a charming town full of character. Don’t miss the Fell Locomotive Museum or Featherston’s many bookshops. For cheese lovers, a visit to ‘C’est Cheese’ is a must!

You’ll spend the night at the beautifully restored Royal Hotel, which features luxurious Victorian-style rooms. For dinner, the on-site restaurant Brac & Bow comes highly recommended for a delicious end to the day.

Distance: 51 kms

Day 3: The Wild Coast: Featherston to Orongorongo

Cyclist riding along the Wild Coast section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail with ocean and mountain views

Begin your final day by cycling south from Featherston along quiet country roads through the picturesque Wairarapa countryside. Take a break by the serene Lake Wairarapa, the North Island’s third-largest lake, before continuing your adventure down to Ocean Beach and on to Orongorongo.

This stretch of the trail is simply stunning, with the chance to spot orcas, dolphins, or seals along the coastline. While this rugged coastal track is a highlight of the trail, it can be a bit challenging. For those who prefer to skip this section, we offer complimentary pick-up from Ocean Beach. This keeps things flexible, allowing us to tailor the experience based on your preferences and the weather forecast.

At 3:30pm, we’ll collect you from the trail’s endpoint at Orongorongo and shuttle you back to Wellington or the Hutt Valley. Alternatively, we can drop you at Days Bay, where you can unwind by the beach with a gelato, coffee, or something stronger. From here, you can finish your journey with a scenic harbour cruise back to Wellington. The tour usually wraps up around 4:30pm, but we’re happy to discuss alternative timings to suit your plans. If you need a shuttle to the airport, you’ll arrive around 5pm.

Distance: 61 kms

Frequently asked questions

The trail varies in difficulty:

Days Bay to Maymorn: Grade 2 (easy)
Maymorn to Cross Creek: Grade 2–3 (easy–intermediate)
• Cross Creek to Ocean Beach: Grade 3 (intermediate)
• Ocean Beach to Orongorongo: Grade 3–4 (intermediate–advanced)
• Orongorongo to Days Bay: Grade 3 (intermediate)

The official start point is in Petone, next to the wharf. However, many riders prefer starting from Days Bay, accessible via ferry from Wellington CBD or by shuttle.

The official trail is 115km. Most riders complete it over 2 to 5 days, depending on fitness and available time.

Coverage varies:

Hutt River Trail: Generally good.
Remutaka Incline Trail: Around 75% coverage.
Coastal sections: Limited coverage; Spark offers the best service in these areas.

It’s advisable to carry a secondary communication device, such as a Spot Tracker or EPIRB.

Yes, public toilets are available at various points, though facilities are limited between Cross Creek and the Wild Coast. Refer to the trail maps for exact locations.

The trail can be ridden year-round. Each season offers different experiences:

Summer: Warm weather, but can be windy.
Autumn and Spring: Variable conditions.
Winter: Cooler temperatures, potentially calmer winds, and clear views over the Cook Strait to the Kaikoura Ranges.

eBikes are suitable for the trail and can make the ride more accessible, especially for longer distances or challenging sections. Ensure your eBike is fully charged and consider carrying a spare battery if possible.

A reliable mountain or hybrid bike with front suspension and at least 2.0” wide tires is recommended. Ensure the bike is in good condition.

A form of ID (driver’s license, passport), payment method (cash, EFTPOS, or credit card), and optionally a camera and extra food and water.

Closed shoes (e.g., sneakers), shorts or tight-fitting pants, a t-shirt for riding, a fleece or light jacket for resting, and waterproofs in case of rain.