Hutt River Trail section
Walking/Running, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding35.2km
Take a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.
View trailAbout the trail
All Great Rides of New Zealand promise spectacular natural beauty and unforgettable experiences. But there’s one that offers all this and more.
From railway tunnels, river swims, and rugged coastlines to historical sites, native bush and peaceful farmland, the Remutaka Cycle Trail has it all. The spectacular ride is one of 23 Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand and winds through diverse grades and environments.
Running between the Petone foreshore and Palliser Bay on the Cook Strait, the trail can be cycled or walked in either direction. At 122km in length over four sections, the full ride can be completed in 2–3 days for a leisurely ride.
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Starting at Petone Wharf, the trail runs along through the Remutaka Range into rural Wairarapa. From there, an out-and-back route takes riders into Featherston before tracking southward towards the Cook Strait and wild southern coast, ending at the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River. Here the Wainuiomata Connector Ride provides an on-road option to take you back to Petone, or ride along the coast with land-owner permission.
With many entry points and varying from easy to advanced levels, you can tailor your experience to suit, whether that’s a multi-day full-immersion adventure or a short family day trip. Tours and bike hire are available, and there are plenty of opportunities to hop off the trail and explore the regions.
Getting there
The trail starts in Petone, a 15-minute drive from Wellington CBD and less than 30 minutes from Wellington Airport (a 20 kilometre ride).
You can start your journey by biking directly from Wellington Airport to the CBD. Ride on-road to Petone (14 kilometres), get there by train from Wellington Station, or drive.
If you’re driving, public parking is available at most entry points along the trail, or take a shuttle with one of our trail partners.
Regular train services link Hutt Valley, Wairarapa, and Wellington CBD. Only a limited number of bikes are allowed on the trains on a first-come first-served basis. Some peak hour services won’t carry them at all, so it’s important to check ahead and avoid peak times. Check the Hutt Valley or Wairarapa lines or ‘Plan My Journey’ on Metlink.
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Visual: The video begins with the text 'Remutaka Cycle Trail' in purple font on the screen. A drone flies over the green hills of the Remutaka Range, following a cyclist on the path.
Audio: Cycle along Wellington's great ride. The Remutaka Cycle Trail is a great way to explore our region's diverse landscapes and rich pioneering history.
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Visual: The narrator addresses the camera on the rocky shore of Petone Beach. A white outline map flashes on the screen, showing the Remutaka Cycle Trail, stretching from Lower Hutt to the south shores of Wairarapa.
Audio: The multi-day Remutaka Cycle Trail begins in Petone on the shores of Te Whanganui-a-tara. The journey takes you along the Hutt River, over the Remutaka incline and rail trail, then follows the shores of Lake Wairarapa, and along the rugged south coast.
Visual: The narrator stands amongst bushes near a river and talks to the camera. A purple map shows the section of the trail they will be doing, alongside an elevation map showing the gradient of the ride.
Audio: Today we're doing the Remutaka Rail trail section from Kaitoke in Upper Hutt, through to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa. Either there and back to the summit, or from point A to B, at about 18 kilometres long it makes for a perfect family day walk or cycle, but it's best enjoyed by bike.
Visual: The narrator walks alongside a bike, with the 'Wildfinder' bike rental container behind them. The camera then swaps to a drone view as they cross a bridge.
Audio: The old railway route is regarded as a special part of New Zealand's history and one of the 10 most significant railway heritage sites in the world.
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Visual: The narrator bikes along the path, following the moving camera. A drone shot sows them biking next to a river amongst lush green bush.
Audio: Your adventure starts with a very gradual incline through regenerating native bush the ride follows the Pākuratahi River, as it weaves its way through the mighty Remutaka Range.
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Visual: A bike goes through a shallow river and splashes water toward the camera. There's a flying drone shot through the Pākuratahi River, followed by more drone shots of the lush native forests in the Remutaka Range. The narrator bikes through two long, dark tunnels, with their bike light on.
Audio: Remutaka is the name given to the spot at which Haunui-a-Nanaia rested on his journey of discovery across the lower north island. On your journey through this landscape, you'll encounter impressive rail relics, historic bridges, and long tunnels. It's dark in there, so bring a light.
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Visual: The narrator sits at a wooden bench and eats a sandwich, then puts their helmet back on and continues the ride through another dark tunnel.
Audio: The incline summit makes for the perfect lunch spot. Next, we venture into the vast summit tunnel, and into the Wairarapa.
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Visual: The narrator bikes out of the tunnel, talks to the camera, and then cycles across the Siberia gully swing bridge. The drone films them from above, as they cycle down the gorge. The narrator reaches the bottom, where they hand the bike to a 'Wildfinder' employee who puts their bike on a trailer.
Audio: From here there is a rapid descent down to Cross Creek, via the impressive Siberia Gully swing bridge. Allow about three to four hours for a typical day out on the rail trail, longer if you take into account for shuttles and transport.
Visual: The narrator sits at a table at Brewtown, eating a burger and fries. A few more drone shots of the vast green Remutaka Range appear on screen, followed by the 'Find Your Wild' logo.
Audio: Both Wairarapa and the Hutt Valley host award-winning local food and drink options for after the trail. So grab the whānau and hit the pedals find your wild on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
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Bike hire, tours, door-to-trail shuttles and baggage transfers are available for single or multi-day rides.
Wildfinder
Wildfinder offers all-inclusive cycle tour packages, bike and e-bike hire, shuttles, bag transfers, accommodation, and food services. They’re also happy to give free advice to DIY adventurers.
Green Jersey Explorer Tours
Green Jersey offers a variety of tour options to explore the trail, as well as shuttles and accommodation. They also have a range of bikes available for hire.
Find more providers in Partner Directory
How was your ride?
Let us know by completing our survey and go into the monthly prize draw to win cycle books from the Kennett Brothers. Your feedback helps us build a better trail.
Remutaka Cycle Trail Survey