3 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail with Country Hotel Stays

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.

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.

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.