5 Day Remutaka Cycle Trail with Martinborough & Cape Palliser

Your adventure begins at 10am with the choice of a relaxing harbour cruise from Wellington across to Eastbourne or a convenient shuttle from Wellington or the Hutt Valley. Prefer to start from Petone Wharf? Just let us know – though please note, the Pencarrow Lighthouse detour won’t be available from there, and long-term parking can be a challenge.

Once you're set up with bikes and a quick briefing, you’re free to hit the trail. For those after a longer ride, head south around the dramatic Pencarrow coastline – an optional 17km return ride to explore iconic lighthouses and tranquil lakes.

The main route follows a scenic road around the harbour before connecting with the Hutt River Trail – a peaceful ride through the Hutt Valley with plenty of great spots to picnic or take a dip along the way. Cruise through to Upper Hutt and settle in at Wallaceville House, a country-style hotel surrounded by nature. For dinner, Brewtown is a brilliant choice with its craft breweries and distillery, or check out other nearby Upper Hutt dining options.

Today you’ll cycle through the lush Pakuratahi Forest to reach the historic Remutaka Rail Trail. After a quick refreshment stop at our Wildfinder Kaitoke base, follow the gentle incline of the old rail line, complete with tunnels (we’ll supply lights) and bridges. Along the way, you’ll find fascinating info panels telling the story of the once mighty Fell Railway.

At the trail’s high point – Summit – enjoy a relaxed picnic on the grassy plateau surrounded by history and birdlife, then cruise down to Cross Creek on a fun descent. From here, pedal across peaceful farmland roads to Featherston.

Featherston’s known for its eclectic bookshops, heritage railway museum, and artisan cheese at C’est Cheese (a must-visit!). You’ll be staying at the elegant and historic Royal Hotel, with its beautifully styled Victorian rooms. For dinner, we highly recommend the in-house restaurant, Brac & Bow – a local favourite.

You’ve got two great route options today!

If you’d like to maximise time in Martinborough’s wine country, take the direct 19km ride along SH53. It’s the quickest way to get to the heart of the vineyards, boutiques, and eateries. Do note, though, that this is a busy road without a dedicated cycle path.

Looking for a more scenic (and leisurely) journey? Take the longer 35km route via the new Five Towns Trail. This delightful route crosses the Tauherenikau suspension bridge and leads you through Woodside to Greytown. Explore Greytown’s charming boutique stores (Blackwell & Sons and Mrs Blackwell's Village Bookshop are favourites), and indulge in handmade treats at Schoc Chocolates. From there, cycle quiet country roads into Martinborough.

Your stay tonight is at The Martinborough Hotel – a boutique beauty right in the heart of town. Whether you dine at the hotel restaurant or explore the excellent eateries nearby, everything’s within easy walking distance.

At 9.30am, we’ll shuttle you out to Pirinoa to start your ride towards the wild Wairarapa coastline. One of today’s highlights is the Putangirua Pinnacles, a towering geological wonder made famous by The Lord of the Rings. Park your bikes at the trailhead and take the 3km streambed walking track (approx. 45 mins each way) – it’s a breathtaking experience.

Back on the bikes, continue along the rugged coastline to the fishing village of Ngawi, then pedal on to New Zealand’s largest fur seal colony. Just before Cape Palliser Lighthouse, keep an eye out for seals lounging on the rocks. Climb the lighthouse steps for panoramic views of the coastline – totally worth it.

We’ll pick you up at 3pm and shuttle you to Lake Ferry for the night. Here you’ll stay in the stunning lakeside villas at Te Wheke (with overflow in the neighbouring hotel). For dinner, the local restaurant is a real treat – their ‘famous’ fish and chips served with views of the Kaikoura Ranges is the perfect way to end the day.

Your final day features a beautiful ride through open Wairarapa countryside, followed by one of the most dramatic stretches of the Remutaka Cycle Trail – the South Coast.

If you’d prefer a shorter ride, there’s a 10.30am shuttle from Lake Ferry that can drop you anywhere along the trail to Ocean Beach. Just let us know by the day before.

Continue along to Ocean Beach, then hug the coastline towards Orongorongo. The scenery here is simply outstanding – we’ve spotted dolphins, orca, and seals on this route. That said, the trail is quite rugged in places. If you'd like to finish early, we offer a free 1pm pick-up from Ocean Beach.

Otherwise, finish strong with a ride to Orongorongo, where we’ll collect you at 3.30pm and return you to Wellington, the Hutt Valley, or Days Bay. If time allows, relax by the beach with a well-earned coffee, gelato, or something stronger, before taking the ferry back across the harbour. The tour usually wraps up around 4.30pm – though we’re happy to adjust for airport transfers or other plans (ETA 5pm).