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

Self-Guided Remutaka Incline Mountain Bike & Shuttle

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

This self-guided mountain bike ride departs Kaitoke, Upper Hutt, following the Remutaka Incline one way to Cross Creek or Featherston, with daily shuttle pickup at 2:00pm or 2:15pm. Allow 2–4 hours cycling and 3–5 hours overall. It includes mountain bike hire, helmet, tunnel lights, repair kit and return shuttle to Kaitoke, and suits riders wanting an independent one-way trail adventure without backtracking.

Ride the Remutaka Incline from Kaitoke to the Wairarapa

Set out from Kaitoke and follow the former railway line as it climbs gently through native bush towards the Remutaka Summit. Historic bridges, railway relics and dark tunnels bring the story of the old Fell railway to life along the way, with high-powered bike lights provided for the underground sections. At the Summit, stop for a picnic and enjoy the mountain setting before crossing to the Wairarapa side of the ranges.

From the Summit, the character of the ride changes as you descend towards Cross Creek through a more dramatic section of the old railway route. Finish after 18 km at Cross Creek or continue to Featherston for a total ride of around 28 km. The scheduled shuttle collects riders at 2:00pm from Cross Creek or 2:15pm from Featherston, returning to Kaitoke at around 2:45pm, so you can experience the trail as a true one-way journey rather than cycling back over the same ground.

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

One-Way Cycling with an Easy Shuttle Return

The included shuttle is what sets this experience apart from standard bike hire at Kaitoke. Instead of reaching the Summit and turning around, you can continue over the Remutaka Ranges and descend into the Wairarapa, experiencing more of the historic railway corridor and a greater variety of scenery. Choose Cross Creek for the shorter 18 km journey or continue to Featherston if you want the longer 28 km ride.

Arrive at the Kaitoke base between 10:00am and midday, where your mountain bike is fitted to your height and preferences before you set off independently. With the afternoon return transport already arranged, you only need to reach your chosen pickup point in time for the scheduled shuttle. Modern mountain bikes with hydraulic disc brakes, gel comfort seats, ergonomic grips, lights and repair equipment are provided for the journey.

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.