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

North Island

Wildfinder

from

NZ$220

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

A Scenic Mountain Biking Journey Through the Remutaka Ranges

Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty on a mountain 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.

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.