Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer

North Island

Wildfinder

from

NZ$220

per person

Two cyclists ride past a mossy rail tunnel entrance on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Experiences

Cycle Trails

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Wellington

Duration: 3-4 hours cycling

Travel Time: 6 hours

Distance: 28 kms

Difficulty: 3

Details

Scenic eBiking Through the Remutaka Ranges

Explore the breathtaking Remutaka Ranges on an electric bike as you ride through lush native forests and along the historic rail trail. This eBike adventure is designed for riders of all levels, offering flexible distances from 18 to 37 kilometres. Experience the thrill of cycling over bridges, through tunnels, and up a gentle incline while learning about the region’s rich rail history through fascinating information boards.

After a leisurely picnic at the summit, enjoy an exhilarating yet manageable downhill ride to Cross Creek, surrounded by stunning farmland. From there, you can either relax and await your shuttle or extend your journey to Featherston for a rewarding drink at a café or pub. With all equipment, transport, and a packed lunch provided, this six-hour tour offers a seamless and memorable cycling experience.

Overview

Distance: Kaitoke to Featherston: 28 km
Cycling Time: 3-4 hours
Total Duration: 6 hours

Cyclists riding through a mossy tunnel on the Remutaka Cycle Rail Trail

Cyclists riding across a long swing bridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail surrounded by native bush

Cyclist emerging from a tunnel on the Remutaka Cycle Trail surrounded by native ferns in Wellington

Cyclists cross a high swing bridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail surrounded by dense green hills

Group of cyclists riding along a gravel path surrounded by forest on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Two cyclists riding e-bikes through native bush on the Remutaka Incline near Kaitoke, Wellington

Cyclist crossing a swing bridge on an e-bike along the Remutaka Rail Trail with Wildfinder

Cyclists crossing a suspension bridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail rail trail section

Two cyclists viewing rusted historic machinery at the Summit Yards on the Remutaka Incline Trail

INCLUSIONS

Transport: Round-trip shuttle transfers from Wellington Station or Port to Te Marua or Kaitoke and back, with pick-up at Cross Creek (2:00 PM) or Featherston (2:15 PM).
Equipment: Comfortable eBike (electric bike) with a helmet, repair kit, and headlights for tunnels, customised to your height and preferences.
Provisions: Packed lunch and water included for a convenient and enjoyable experience.
Safety and Guidance: Maps, information boards, a first aid kit, and a GPS tracker provided for your safety and navigation.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Duration and Difficulty: The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including 3–4 hours of cycling. Choose between an easy route (18–28 km) or a slightly more challenging one (25–37 km).
What to Wear: Dress appropriately for cycling and the weather, including sturdy footwear, sunscreen, and a rain jacket.
Punctuality: Ensure timely arrival for shuttle pick-ups at Cross Creek (2:00 PM) or Featherston (2:15 PM).
Cycling Confidence: This tour is suitable for all fitness levels, but riders must feel confident handling a bike on easy-to-moderate terrain.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

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

Note: **Refunds exclude credit card, payment or booking fees if applicable, which are non-refundable.

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

Frequently asked questions

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.

There are a few spots along the Hutt River Trail. It’s recommended to carry at least two filled bottles each day, especially since there are no water stops along the Wild Coast/Orongorongo sections.

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.

The trail varies in difficulty:

Days Bay to Maymorn: Grade 2 (easy)
Maymorn to Cross Creek: Grade 2–3 (easy–intermediate)
• Cross Creek to Ocean Beach: Grade 3 (intermediate)
• Ocean Beach to Orongorongo: Grade 3–4 (intermediate–advanced)
• Orongorongo to Days Bay: Grade 3 (intermediate)

The trail can be ridden year-round. Each season offers different experiences:

Summer: Warm weather, but can be windy.
Autumn and Spring: Variable conditions.
Winter: Cooler temperatures, potentially calmer winds, and clear views over the Cook Strait to the Kaikoura Ranges.

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.