6 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail with Martinborough & Cape Palliser

Kick things off with a scenic start – either hop on our 10am shuttle from Wellington or the Hutt Valley, or enjoy a leisurely cruise across Wellington Harbour to our Eastbourne base. Prefer to start from Petone Wharf? That’s no problem – just let us know in advance (though do note the Pencarrow extension isn’t accessible from this point, and parking can be limited if you’re arriving by car).

Once we’ve fitted your bikes and given a quick briefing, you’re ready to roll. If you're keen to stretch your legs, take a detour south along the rugged Pencarrow coastline. This optional 17km return trip leads you to historic lighthouses and peaceful lakes – it’s well worth the effort.

The main trail winds around the harbour before joining the Hutt River Trail – a beautiful ride alongside the river, dotted with picnic spots and swimming holes. Cruise through the Hutt Valley to Upper Hutt and settle in for the night at Wallaceville House, a tranquil countryside hotel. For dinner, check out Brewtown – a lively hub of craft breweries and a distillery – or explore the dining scene in Upper Hutt.

After breakfast, rejoin the trail for a stunning ride through Pakuratahi Forest. Stop in at our Wildfinder Kaitoke base for a refreshing drink or snack, then follow the historic Remutaka Rail Trail. This gentle climb passes through tunnels (lights provided!) and over bridges, with interpretive panels sharing the history of the old Fell Railway.

Take in the sights and sounds of native bush, spot trout in the clear streams, and reach Summit – a peaceful grassy plateau that once buzzed with railway activity. It’s the perfect spot for a break before an exhilarating descent to Cross Creek, surrounded by lush Wairarapa farmland.

From here, pedal along quiet rural roads to Featherston. Browse the town’s quirky bookshops, pop into the Fell Locomotive Museum, and treat yourself at C’est Cheese – a must-visit for cheese lovers! Your home for the night is the beautifully restored Royal Hotel, with Victorian charm in every room. We highly recommend dining at the hotel’s restaurant, Brac & Bow.

Begin your day on the new Five Towns Trail, crossing the impressive Tauherenikau suspension bridge and riding on to Greytown. Take your time exploring this charming village – we’re big fans of Blackwell & Sons for classic bikes and Schoc Chocolates for artisan treats. Don’t miss the Cobblestones Museum for a dose of local history.

From Greytown, ride through open countryside to Martinborough, a picturesque town renowned for its wine and boutique vibe. You’ll stay at The Martinborough Hotel, a heritage gem full of character right in the heart of the village. Dine at the hotel or take your pick from the many fantastic restaurants just a short stroll away.

Today’s yours to enjoy at your own pace. Explore Martinborough’s renowned vineyards, boutique stores, or just unwind with a long lunch and a good local drop. There’s no fixed schedule – follow your tastebuds and make the most of this laid-back wine country escape.

We’ll pick you up from Martinborough at 9.30am and shuttle you to Pirinoa. From here, ride through peaceful farmland toward the dramatic Cape Palliser coastline. A highlight of the day is the Putangirua Pinnacles – towering rock formations made famous in The Lord of the Rings. Lock up your bikes and take the 3km return streambed walk (around 45 minutes each way) – it’s an unforgettable experience.

Back on the bikes, ride past the fishing village of Ngawi and on to New Zealand’s largest fur seal colony, before tackling the lighthouse steps for unbeatable coastal views.

At 3pm, we’ll collect you and shuttle you to Lake Ferry – a rustic village on the shores of Palliser Bay. Spend the night at the modern Te Wheke Lakeside Villas (with any overflow at the nearby hotel). For dinner, head to the local restaurant and try their famous fish and chips, all while enjoying views across to the Kaikoura Ranges.

Start with a peaceful ride through Wairarapa’s open farmland. If you’d prefer a shorter day, you can take the optional 10.30am shuttle from Lake Ferry and join the route further along – just let us know the day before.

Make your way to Ocean Beach, then trace the rugged southern coastline to Orongorongo. This section is breathtaking – orca, dolphins, and seals are often spotted just offshore. While a highlight of the trail, this coastal stretch can be rough in places, so we keep things flexible: if you’d prefer, we can pick you up at Ocean Beach at 1pm at no extra charge.

Finish your journey at Orongorongo at 3.30pm, where we’ll shuttle you back to your accommodation in Wellington or the Hutt Valley. Or, opt for a relaxing stop in Days Bay – grab a coffee, gelato, or something stronger while soaking up the final views before a scenic ferry back to Wellington. The tour officially wraps up around 4:30pm, though we’re happy to adjust if you have other plans. For those heading to the airport, expect to arrive by 5pm.