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.

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.

Shuttle transportation:Morning pickup at 9:30 AM from Queens Wharf Wellington (pick up location is outside the East by West Ferries Office, 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011)Return shuttle from Featherston (2.15pm) back to Queens Wharf Wellington (arriving approx. 3.30-3.45pm)Comfortable mountain bike, including a helmet and repair kit, customised to your height and preferences.Packed lunch and water.Maps and detailed information about the route.First aid kit and GPS tracker for safety.

Overview FAQs

Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer from Wellington

North Island

Wildfinder

from

AU$177

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 mountain bike day trip departs central Wellington for Kaitoke, then follows the 28 km Remutaka Rail Trail over the historic Incline to Featherston. It departs at 9:30am, with 3–4 hours cycling and around 6 hours overall, returning to Wellington mid-afternoon. The tour includes return transfers, mountain bike, helmet, packed lunch, water, maps, repair and first-aid kits and GPS tracker, and suits reasonably fit independent riders.

Cycle from Kaitoke Across the Remutaka Incline to Featherston

After your morning shuttle from central Wellington to Kaitoke, set out independently along the route of the former railway into the Remutaka Ranges. The trail climbs gradually through native bush, passing historic tunnels, bridges and interpretation panels that reveal the extraordinary engineering behind the old Fell railway. Headlights are provided for the tunnels, and the broad grassy Summit makes a natural place to stop for your packed lunch before crossing into the Wairarapa.

From the Summit, enjoy a controlled descent towards Cross Creek, where the landscape opens into rolling Wairarapa farmland. From Cross Creek, continue along the connecting trail and quiet-road cycle path for the final stretch to Featherston, completing approximately 28 km. Your 2:15pm shuttle then returns you directly to Queens Wharf in Wellington, with arrival expected around 3:30–3:45pm, making the entire route possible as a convenient one-way day trip.

Overview

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

Cyclist with headlamp at entrance of Remutaka Cycle Trail tunnel

Cyclist riding through a forest trail on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Cyclists riding across the Pakuratahi Bridge on the Remutaka Incline Trail

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

Two cyclists riding through the historic Summit Tunnel on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Cyclists ride along Western Lake Road on the Remutaka Cycle Trail at sunset

Cyclist and dog crossing a swingbridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail near Wellington

Cyclists riding across the Siberia Gully Swingbridge on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Cyclist exiting a forest tunnel with headlight on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Shuttle transportation:
- Morning pickup at 9:30 AM from Queens Wharf Wellington (pick up location is outside the East by West Ferries Office, 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011)
- Return shuttle from Featherston (2.15pm) back to Queens Wharf Wellington (arriving approx. 3.30-3.45pm)
Comfortable mountain bike, including a helmet and repair kit, customised to your height and preferences.
Packed lunch and water.
Maps and detailed information about the route.
First aid kit and GPS tracker for safety.

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 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.

A reliable mountain or hybrid bike with front suspension and at least 2.0” wide tires is recommended. Ensure the bike is in good condition.