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)

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.

Bike Accessories and Upgrades: Helmet, night-riding lights, bike lock, repair kit, carrier racks, and pannier bags provided. Optional bike upgrades include mountain bikes with front suspension or eBikes with high-capacity batteries and comfortable seats.Accommodation and Meals: Comfortable stays with daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, and water provided. Dinner recommendations are included (alcohol not provided but BYO is allowed).Transport and Transfers: Shuttle service to and from the trail or ferry passes. Luggage and food transfers along the trail.Safety and Support: GPS tracker, locator beacon, and shuttle support with first-aid-trained drivers.Information and Briefings: Maps, detailed itineraries, and daily weather updates and briefings.Not IncludedBike rental – if you don't have your own you can choose from mountain bikes or e-bikes for an extra chargeMountain Bike | Our mountain bikes combine quality components, front suspension, gel seats and adjustable geometry for a comfortable and capable ride across varied terrain. They are the recommended choice for most riders exploring the Remutaka Cycle Trail.NZ$120* for 2 daysElectric Bike (eBike) | Choose a step-through frame, such as the Merida Espresso CC or Sinch Jaunt EZ 2.0, or a mountain bike frame, such as the Merida eBig Nine or E-Green S One Sport. Each eBike offers a high-capacity battery, a powerful and reliable motor, durable mountain bike components and a comfortable gel seat, providing extra assistance when the trail becomes more demanding.NZ$160* for 2 days*Prices 2026-2027 & subject to change

Important Information

Accommodation and Pricing: Accommodation depends on availability, with alternatives of equal quality provided if needed. Pricing is based on twin-share accommodation. Solo travellers incur a solo supplement fee and an additional fee for single occupancy. Odd-numbered groups do not incur extra fees for solo accommodation.Trail Conditions and Customisation: Dynamic landscapes may cause temporary outages on the trail, with contingency options available if needed. The coastal section can be challenging; pick-up options are available at no extra cost. Finish times and drop-off locations can be adjusted upon request.

Overview Itinerary FAQs

2 Day Full Remutaka Cycle Trail from Wellington

North Island

Wildfinder

from

NZ$490

per person

Cyclist riding along the Wild Coast section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail with ocean and mountain views

Experiences

Cycle Tours & Trails

Multi-Day Short Tours

North Island

Start: Wellington

Duration: 2 days

Distance: 108 kms

Difficulty: 4

This fully supported two-day cycling adventure starts in Wellington or the Hutt Valley and covers the Remutaka Cycle Trail through the Hutt Valley, historic Remutaka Incline, Wairarapa and rugged Wild Coast. Ride approximately 77 km on Day 1 and up to 46 km on Day 2, with an earlier coastal pickup available. The package includes accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, trail support and return transport; bring your own bike or add bike hire.

Cycle from Wellington to the Wairarapa and Wild Coast

Begin with a 10am start and follow the Hutt River Trail through the Hutt Valley towards Pakuratahi Forest and the historic Remutaka Rail Trail. The old railway route climbs gently through native bush, passing tunnels, bridges and reminders of the remarkable Fell railway before reaching the grassy Summit. From here, descend towards Cross Creek and ride through rolling Wairarapa countryside to your overnight accommodation near Lake Wairarapa, completing approximately 77 km on the first day.

Day two swaps railway heritage and farmland for one of the trail’s wildest landscapes. Ride quiet backroads past Lake Wairarapa before reaching Ocean Beach and the exposed South Coast, where rugged tracks follow the shoreline towards Orongorongo with opportunities to spot fur seals, dolphins and occasionally orca. Complete the full 46 km route for a 3:30pm pickup, or use the complimentary 1pm Ocean Beach pickup to shorten the day to around 28 km if conditions or energy levels call for an easier finish.

Experience the Full Remutaka Cycle Trail

See how dramatically the scenery changes as the Remutaka Cycle Trail carries you from riverside paths and native bush to historic railway tunnels, open Wairarapa countryside and the rugged South Coast. The video offers a taste of the terrain and landscapes you’ll encounter across the two-day journey, including the historic Remutaka Incline and remote coastal sections that make completing the full trail such a varied and memorable cycling adventure.

This two-day cycling escape blends the thrill of discovery with the comfort of knowing everything is taken care of. It’s more than just a ride—it’s a chance to slow down, soak up New Zealand’s natural beauty, and create memories that will stay with you long after the trail ends.

Cyclist rides through a shallow stream on the Remutaka Cycle Trail in Hutt Valley

Entrance to a tunnel surrounded by native bush on the Remutaka Cycle Trail in Hutt Valley

Historic wooden rail bridge surrounded by forest along the Remutaka Cycle Trail in Hutt Valley

Cyclists riding through the Summit Tunnel on the Rimutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Cyclists navigating the Hutt River section of the Rimutaka Cycle Trail in Wellington

Cyclist crossing a shallow stream along the Remutaka Cycle Trail in the rail trail section

Cyclists riding through native forest on the Remutaka Rail Trail with Wildfinder

Cyclists enjoying a scenic forest ride on the Remutaka Rail Trail with Wildfinder

Cyclists riding through dense native forest on the Remutaka Rail Trail with Wildfinder

Cyclists crossing a suspension bridge on the Remutaka Rail Trail with forested hills in the background

Cyclists crossing a swing bridge on the Remutaka Rail Trail with Wildfinder

Cyclists riding the Remutaka Cycle Trail between Cross Creek and Featherston at sunset: Credit Caleb Smith Photography

Cyclist biking along a rugged trail with dramatic cliffs on the Remutaka Cycle Trail

Bike Accessories and Upgrades: Helmet, night-riding lights, bike lock, repair kit, carrier racks, and pannier bags provided. Optional bike upgrades include mountain bikes with front suspension or eBikes with high-capacity batteries and comfortable seats.
Accommodation and Meals: Comfortable stays with daily breakfast, lunch, snacks, and water provided. Dinner recommendations are included (alcohol not provided but BYO is allowed).
Transport and Transfers: Shuttle service to and from the trail or ferry passes. Luggage and food transfers along the trail.
Safety and Support: GPS tracker, locator beacon, and shuttle support with first-aid-trained drivers.
Information and Briefings: Maps, detailed itineraries, and daily weather updates and briefings.

Not Included

Bike rental – if you don't have your own you can choose from mountain bikes or e-bikes for an extra charge
- Mountain Bike | Our mountain bikes combine quality components, front suspension, gel seats and adjustable geometry for a comfortable and capable ride across varied terrain. They are the recommended choice for most riders exploring the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
  NZ$120* for 2 days
- Electric Bike (eBike) | Choose a step-through frame, such as the Merida Espresso CC or Sinch Jaunt EZ 2.0, or a mountain bike frame, such as the Merida eBig Nine or E-Green S One Sport. Each eBike offers a high-capacity battery, a powerful and reliable motor, durable mountain bike components and a comfortable gel seat, providing extra assistance when the trail becomes more demanding.
  NZ$160* for 2 days

*Prices 2026-2027 & subject to change

Accommodation and Pricing: Accommodation depends on availability, with alternatives of equal quality provided if needed. Pricing is based on twin-share accommodation. Solo travellers incur a solo supplement fee and an additional fee for single occupancy. Odd-numbered groups do not incur extra fees for solo accommodation.
Trail Conditions and Customisation: Dynamic landscapes may cause temporary outages on the trail, with contingency options available if needed. The coastal section can be challenging; pick-up options are available at no extra cost. Finish times and drop-off locations can be adjusted upon request.

Cancel more than 28 days before travel: Full refund**
Cancel 7-28 days before travel: 75% refund**
Cancel 24 hours to 6 days before: 50% refund**
Cancel within 24 hours or no show: 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.

Itinerary

Day 1: The Hutt River Trail and Remutaka Incline

Your ride begins at 10am with two scenic options – join our shuttle from Wellington or the Hutt Valley, or cruise across the harbour to our Eastbourne base. If you’d prefer to start at Petone Wharf, just give us a heads-up. Please note that parking there can be limited for long stays.

Once you’re set up with your bikes and given a short rundown of the day ahead, set off along the coast-hugging road towards the start of the Hutt River Trail. This riverside path winds its way through the Hutt Valley and into the peaceful Pakuratahi Forest. Take a break at our Wildfinder Kaitoke base for a cool drink or snack before continuing onto the historic Remutaka Rail Trail.

This part of the journey follows the route of an old railway, gently climbing past tunnels (we’ll provide lights), bridges and interpretation boards that share the stories of the once mighty Fell Railway. At Summit, stretch out on the grassy plateau and enjoy a picnic or cold drink before coasting down the fun, sweeping descent to Cross Creek, surrounded by rolling Wairarapa farmland.

From there, it’s a relaxing ride along quiet country roads to your accommodation at Prairie Holm Cabins, just a short stroll from Lake Wairarapa. Settle into this tranquil garden retreat and tuck into a delicious self-serve dinner prepared by our local Eastbourne caterers – a generous cheeseboard will be waiting in the fridge, along with your evening meal and dessert (some light assembly or heating may be required).

Distance: 77 kms

Distance: 77 km
Meals Included: Lunch, Cheeseboard, Dinner & Dessert

Day 2: Wairarapa Countryside & The Wild Coast

Wake up to birdsong and rural views before setting off on your second day’s ride. The route continues along quiet backroads, skirting the edge of Lake Wairarapa, New Zealand’s third-largest lake. It’s the perfect spot to take a break and soak in the serenity.

From there, head down towards Ocean Beach, and onto the wild and rugged South Coast. This section is one of the trail’s most stunning – with waves crashing on the rocks below, and a good chance of spotting fur seals, dolphins, or even orca out at sea. The trail winds along the coastline to Orongorongo, where the ride finishes.

This part of the track can be rough and a bit challenging in places, depending on the weather and your riding experience. If you'd like to wrap up early, we offer a complimentary 1pm pick-up from Ocean Beach – totally flexible and decided the evening before based on how you're feeling and the forecast.

At the end of your ride, we’ll collect you from Orongorongo at 3:30pm and shuttle you back to your accommodation in Wellington or the Hutt Valley. Fancy a relaxing wind-down? We can also drop you at Days Bay, where you can treat yourself to a coffee, gelato, or something stronger before a final scenic ferry back into Wellington.

The tour wraps up around 4:30pm, with airport transfers arriving by 5pm.

Distance: 46 kms

Distance: 46 km (28 km if finishing at Ocean Beach)
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Frequently asked questions

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 official trail is 115km. Most riders complete it over 2 to 5 days, depending on fitness and available time.

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 Wild Coast section is the most challenging part of the trail, with rugged terrain and exposure to coastal weather conditions.

There are a few spots along the Hutt River Trail. It’s recommended to carry at least two filled bottles each day, especially since there are no water stops along the Wild Coast/Orongorongo sections.