Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer

North Island

Wildfinder

from

AU$173

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

A Scenic Mountain Biking Journey Through the Remutaka Ranges

Explore the natural beauty and rich rail history of the Remutaka Ranges on a scenic mountain biking adventure. Starting at either Maymorn for a more challenging ride or Kaitoke for a relaxed journey, you’ll enjoy an easy-to-moderate route through native bush, tunnels, and historic bridges. Information boards along the way bring the old fell railway system to life, leading you to the summit – a perfect spot to pause for a picnic or refreshing drink.

From the summit, descend to Cross Creek surrounded by picturesque Wairarapa farmland, or extend your ride to Featherston’s cosy cafes and pubs. The experience includes a shuttle to and from Wellington, a customised mountain bike, packed lunch, maps, and safety gear – everything you need for a memorable day exploring one of New Zealand’s most scenic cycling trails.

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

INCLUSIONS

Shuttle transportation:
- Morning pickup at 9:30 AM from the Wellington Railway Station
- Return shuttle 2:15 PM from Featherston to Wellington Station (arriving 3:30)
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.

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.

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.

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

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.