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.

What grade is the Remutaka Cycle Trail?

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)

When is the best time to cycle the Remutaka Cycle Trail?

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.

Transport: 9.30am pickup from Queens Wharf Wellington (pick up location is outside the East by West Ferries Office, 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011) and shuttle to Kaitoke (arriving approx. 10.15am). Return Shuttle from Featherston (2.15pm) back to Queens Wharf, Wellington (arriving approx. 3.30-3.45pm)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. Total distance is 28km.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.

Overview FAQs

Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer from Wellington

North Island

Wildfinder

from

NZ$240

per person

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

Experiences

Cycle Tours & Trails

Family-friendly Tours

Day Tours

North Island

Start: Wellington

Duration: 3-4 hours cycling

Travel Time: 6 hours

Distance: 28 kms

Difficulty: 3

This self-guided eBike day trip departs central Wellington at 9:30am for Kaitoke, then follows the 28 km Remutaka Rail Trail over the historic Incline to Featherston. Running year-round, allow 3–4 hours cycling and around 6 hours overall, with a 2:15pm return shuttle. It includes transfers, eBike and helmet, tunnel lights, lunch, water, maps, repair and first-aid kits and GPS tracker, and suits confident riders wanting electric assistance.

eBike from Kaitoke Across the Remutaka Incline to Featherston

After the morning shuttle from Queens Wharf in Wellington, arrive at Kaitoke around 10:15am and set out independently along the route of the former railway. The trail climbs gradually through native bush towards the Remutaka Summit, passing historic tunnels, bridges and information panels that reveal the story of the old Fell railway. Electric assistance makes the steady climb easier to manage, while supplied headlights let you tackle the tunnels before stopping for lunch on the grassy Summit.

From the Summit, enjoy the descent towards Cross Creek as the forested ranges give way to Wairarapa farmland. Continue from Cross Creek along the connecting trail and cycle path towards Featherston, completing approximately 28 km before the 2:15pm pickup. Your shuttle returns to Queens Wharf around 3:30–3:45pm, making this a convenient Wellington-to-Wellington day trip with the freedom of self-guided cycling and the logistics already taken care of.

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

Overview

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

Transport:
- 9.30am pickup from Queens Wharf Wellington (pick up location is outside the East by West Ferries Office, 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011) and shuttle to Kaitoke (arriving approx. 10.15am).
- Return Shuttle from Featherston (2.15pm) back to Queens Wharf, Wellington (arriving approx. 3.30-3.45pm)
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.

Duration and Difficulty: The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, including 3–4 hours of cycling. Total distance is 28km.
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.

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.

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.

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.