Hutt River Trail section | Remutaka Cycle Trail

Walking time

Varies

Length

35.2km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding

Type

Shared trail

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Easy: Grade 2

Profile

133m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

2 adults and 2 children bike alongside the Hutt River.

About the ride

This first section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail is a mostly flat ride through parkland along Te Awa Kairangi . The section is mostly wide sealed paths, with occasional gravel sections making it suitable for all ages and abilities.

Starting at the Petone Foreshore and riding along the river to Te Marua, you’ll pass some interesting cultural sites, including Māori pā and early European settlements. Hikoikoi Reserve, Avalon Park, and Harcourt Park are great picnic stops, while Taita Rock and Whakamoonie swimming holes are safe spots to take a river dip.

When you reach Te Marua, you’ll leave the river and ride 2km on the road to reach Maymorn and the start of section two.

Along the way there’s plenty to explore including the Petone Settlers Museum, Jackson Street’s many cafés and shops, The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, and Brewtown in Upper Hutt.

Looking out over the Petone wharf towards Wellington.

Bike hire and shuttle services are available.
By bike - Ride 14km on the road from Wellington CBD to Petone, or 20km from Wellington Airport.
By car - Drive 15 minutes from Wellington CBD to Petone, or 30 minutes from Wellington Airport. Street parking is available in Petone as well as many of the parks and reserves which access the ride along the Hutt River Trail.
By train - Take the Hutt Valley Line from Wellington Railway Station to Petone Station, or start the trail further up at Ava, Melling, Pomare, Manor Park, or Silverstream stations.

Check the Metlink timetable for information and updates and their policy on taking bikes

Check the weather forecast on MetService ahead of time and plan accordingly.
There are toilets at The Esplanade, Lower Hutt, Avalon Park, Fraser Park, Moonshine Park, Awakairangi Park, and Birchville Picnic Reserve.
You can get artesian water from drinking fountains at the Jackson Street / Buick Street intersection in Petone and the Dowse Square in Lower Hutt. There are also drinking fountains in Harcourt Park.
Cellphone coverage is available for the entire Hutt River Trail.
Horse riding is permitted on formed service roads. Keep off the grassed river berm, stop banks and pedestrian trails.
For regular updates follow the Remutaka Cycle Trail Facebook page.

Silverstream Retreat offers accommodation just 100m off the trail in Lower Hutt, or stay at the Wellington Top 10 Holiday Park. Alternatively, stay at one of many hotels or Airbnbs in the Hutt Valley region.