4 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail with Cape Palliser

Kick off your cycle journey at 10am, either by joining our shuttle from Wellington or the Hutt Valley, or soaking up the views on a scenic harbour cruise to our Eastbourne base. If you’d rather begin at Petone Wharf, just let us know – although you won’t be able to access the Pencarrow Lighthouse loop from there, and parking can be a bit tricky if you're driving.

Once you’re all set up with your bikes and given a quick run-through of the day, you’re free to hit the trail. For those keen on a longer ride, head south along the dramatic Pencarrow coastline on a 17km out-and-back loop to see the twin lighthouses and shimmering lakes.

The main route takes you along a winding coastal road before connecting with the Hutt River Trail – a peaceful ride alongside the river with plenty of spots for a picnic or a swim. Follow the trail all the way to Upper Hutt and check in at Wallaceville House – a charming country-style hotel nestled in nature. For dinner, we recommend Brewtown, home to a vibrant cluster of craft breweries and a distillery, or explore other great dining options in Upper Hutt.

After breakfast, roll back onto the trail and cruise through the lush Pakuratahi Forest towards the start of the Remutaka Rail Trail. Stop in at our Wildfinder Kaitoke base for a snack or a cool drink before following the gentle gradient of this historic railway route.

You’ll ride through tunnels (head torches provided), cross scenic bridges, and learn all about the original Fell Railway via detailed storyboards along the trail. Keep an eye out for native birdlife and maybe even a trout in the streams below.

At the Summit, take a well-earned break on the grassy plateau surrounded by relics of the old railway town, then enjoy a smooth descent to Cross Creek on the Wairarapa side. From there, cycle north through peaceful countryside to Featherston. Be sure to browse the town’s famous bookshops, pop into the Fell Locomotive Museum, and definitely stop in at C’est Cheese if you're a fan of handcrafted cheese.

Tonight you’ll stay at the Royal Hotel – a beautifully restored Victorian-era hotel with stylish, individually decorated rooms. Brac & Bow, the on-site restaurant, is an excellent dinner choice.

We’ll collect you at 9am from Featherston and shuttle you out to Pirinoa, where your coastal ride begins. Today’s journey takes you through rural backroads out to the wild and windswept Cape Palliser coastline.

A major highlight is the Putangirua Pinnacles – a striking natural rock formation known for its role in The Lord of the Rings. Park your bikes at the car park and walk the 3km return streambed trail (around 45 mins each way). It’s an unforgettable detour – but please be aware the trail is occasionally affected by slips, so check for closures in advance.

Back on the bikes, continue to the fishing village of Ngawi and on towards the Cape Palliser lighthouse. Just before reaching the steps, keep an eye out for the local fur seal colony lounging on the rocks. The lighthouse climb is steep but short, and the views from the top are nothing short of epic.

We’ll meet you at 3pm and shuttle you to Lake Ferry, where you’ll unwind for the night in the modern Te Wheke Lakeside Villas (with overflow at the neighbouring hotel). Dinner is at the local restaurant – their famous fish and chips with views of the Kaikoura Ranges is hard to beat.

Your final ride is a real showstopper. Begin your day pedalling through peaceful Wairarapa farmland on quiet, flat roads. Prefer to skip this section? No problem – there’s an optional shuttle at 10:30am from Lake Ferry that can drop you at any point along the route toward Ocean Beach. Just let us know the day before.

From Ocean Beach, the trail hugs the rugged coastline, weaving past stunning cliffs and crashing surf. This stretch is truly wild – we’ve often spotted dolphins, seals, and even orca in these waters. It’s one of the highlights of the entire trail, but do be aware that the terrain is more challenging here.

If you'd prefer a shorter day, you’re welcome to request a 1pm pick-up from Ocean Beach at no extra cost. Otherwise, complete the full ride to Orongorongo, where we’ll collect you at 3.30pm.

From there, we’ll shuttle you back to your Wellington or Hutt Valley accommodation. Or, if you’d like a final wind-down, stop off at Days Bay for a relaxed beachside break – grab a coffee, gelato or a cheeky wine before a scenic harbour cruise back to Wellington. The tour usually wraps up around 4:30pm, and for those heading to the airport, arrival time is approximately 5pm.