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

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

Scenic eBiking Through the Remutaka Ranges

Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty on an eBike (electric bike). The flagship daytrip of the Remutaka Rail Trail, this is suitable for riders of all levels with a reasonable level of fitness. 28km of easy/moderate riding.

We shuttle you from Wellington up to our site at Kaitoke in Upper Hutt, where you start your adventure with a very gradual incline through native bush. Pass through tunnels (headlights provided!) and over bridges, while checking out information boards detailing the enormous task of constructing the old fell railway system. Reach the summit - a large grassy plateau perfect for a picnic or cold drink - then enjoy a fun (but easily controllable!) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, surrounded by some of NZ's most scenic farmland. From Cross Creek you then follow a 2km single lane track to the Car Park. From here, you'll follow a quiet road (on a separate cycle path) as you head north 10km through Wairarapa farmland to the cafes and pubs at Featherston. We'll pick you up at 2:15pm before driving you back to Wellington.

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.