What’s the mobile phone coverage like (Remutaka)?

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.

Shuttle transfer2:00pm shuttle from Cross Creek or 2:15pm shuttle from Featherston to KaitokeOne-way ride — no covering the same ground twiceAccess to a more challenging section of the trailMountain Bike27.5”–29” wheelsHydraulic disc brakesGel comfort seatErgonomic gripsHigh-powered front and rear lightsRear carrier rackQuality lightweight helmetRepair kit (spare tube, pump, essential tools)

Meeting Point: The adventure starts at the Kaitoke carpark, about a 45-minute drive from Wellington.Optional Add-ons: Upgrade with a gel seat cover for extra padding, a kids’ seat (for children up to 22kg), or insurance for mechanical issues and accidental damage.What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Overview Itinerary FAQs

Mountain Bike @ Kaitoke plus Shuttle from Cross Creek or Featherstone

North Island

Wildfinder

from

NZ$100

per person

Cyclists riding through dense native forest on the Remutaka Rail Trail with Wildfinder

Experiences

Cycle Tours & Trails

Cycle Hire

Transfers and Shuttles

Family-friendly Tours

Half-Day Tours

North Island

Start: Kaitoke, Upper Hutt

Locations: Upper Hutt, Wellington

Duration: 3-4 hours cycling

Travel Time: 5 hours

Difficulty: 2

Cycling the Famous Remutaka Incline

Starting at Kaitoke, just 45 minutes from Wellington, you’ll set off on a scenic ride along the historic Remutaka Incline. The trail is well-suited for all levels, with gentle gradients that let you take in the lush native bush and lively birdlife. With a quality bike fitted for your comfort, it’s an ideal way to explore one of New Zealand’s iconic trails.

Along the track, you’ll encounter old railway relics, including bridges and tunnels that add a sense of adventure to the journey. Headlights are provided so you can safely navigate through the darker stretches. Informative displays scattered along the route share stories of the railway’s past, adding depth to your ride.

Woman biking through the Remutaka Rail Incline Trail on a sunny day

Cyclist riding along the gravel trail at Summit on the Remutaka Cycle Trail near Kaitoke

Cyclists crossing the swingbridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail rail trail section

Two cyclists riding through native bush on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

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

Man biking across swingbridge on Remutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Shaded dirt path winding through native bush on the Remutaka Incline Trail

Woman cycling across a shallow stream on the Remutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Mountain bike parked near a tunnel entrance along a gravel trail in Kaitoke

Two mountain bikes parked beside a Wildfinder shuttle van

Scenic Descents and Shuttle Convenience

At the summit, a grassy plateau offers a perfect picnic spot with sweeping views across the ranges. This makes a welcome rest point before your descent, where the trail leads you down through dramatic landscapes towards Cross Creek. For those wanting a longer ride, continuing on to Featherston is an option.

Once at your finish point, a comfortable shuttle awaits to take you back to Kaitoke. This seamless return service ensures you can relax and relive the highlights of your ride. The combination of nature, history, and thoughtful support makes it an unforgettable cycling experience.

Overview

Distance Kaitoke to Featherston: 28 km
Distance Kaitoke to Cross Creek: 18 km
Cycling Time: 2-4 hours
Total Duration: 3-5 hours

Shuttle transfer

2:00pm shuttle from Cross Creek or 2:15pm shuttle from Featherston to Kaitoke
One-way ride — no covering the same ground twice
Access to a more challenging section of the trail

Mountain Bike

27.5”–29” wheels
Hydraulic disc brakes
Gel comfort seat
Ergonomic grips
High-powered front and rear lights
Rear carrier rack
Quality lightweight helmet
Repair kit (spare tube, pump, essential tools)

Meeting Point: The adventure starts at the Kaitoke carpark, about a 45-minute drive from Wellington.
Optional Add-ons: Upgrade with a gel seat cover for extra padding, a kids’ seat (for children up to 22kg), or insurance for mechanical issues and accidental damage.
What to Bring: Pack water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing for a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

Cancel 24 hours or more before travel: Full refund**
Cancel within 24 hours: No refund.

Note: **Any refund approved under our terms and conditions will be subject to a 5% admin & processing fee, which will be deducted from the refund amount.

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

Itinerary

Ready for an unforgettable day on two wheels? Explore the Remutaka Incline, one of New Zealand's most iconic trails, on this epic mountain biking journey from Kaitoke to the Wairarapa. Whether you're an experienced rider or a beginner, this trip offers a perfect mix of natural beauty, fascinating history, and effortless convenience.

Start Your Day Right at Kaitoke
Arrive at our Kaitoke base—just a scenic 45-minute drive from Wellington—between 10 am and 12 pm. From there, we'll equip you with top-notch mountain bikes tailored to your height and preferences. Think gel seats, front suspension, and quality components built for local trails. After a quick safety briefing and an overview of what’s ahead, you’ll be all set to hit the trail.

Immerse Yourself in Stunning Scenery and History
The ride begins with a gentle incline through lush native bush, where the sound of birdsong accompanies your journey. Along the way, you’ll cross historic bridges and pass through tunnels (headlights provided!), while stopping at information boards that tell the story of the old fell railway system—a monumental engineering feat.

A Perfect Picnic Spot at the Summit
After a leisurely climb, you’ll reach the summit, a grassy plateau that’s perfect for a well-earned break. Relax with a picnic or refreshing drink while soaking up the breathtaking views.

A Thrilling Descent to Cross Creek or Featherston
From the summit, enjoy a fun and manageable downhill ride to Cross Creek. If you'd like to explore further, continue to Featherston. Our shuttles will pick you up at 2 pm in Cross Creek or 2.15 pm in Featherston, getting you back to Kaitoke by 2.45 pm.

Why Choose Us?
We pride ourselves on providing high-quality gear designed for New Zealand's unique trails. You can count on our modern, comfortable bikes to make your ride smooth and enjoyable. Plus, our hassle-free shuttle service ensures you can simply focus on the adventure.

Get ready for an amazing day of biking through spectacular landscapes and uncovering a slice of New Zealand’s history. Pack your sense of adventure, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Frequently asked questions

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 Remutaka Cycle Trail is a 115km network from Petone to Orongorongo. The Remutaka Incline Trail (also known as the Remutaka Rail Trail) is a 25km section from Maymorn to Cross Creek.

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.

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 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.