Last updated October 2026
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is a 122-kilometre Great Ride of New Zealand stretching from Petone Wharf on Wellington Harbour, over the historic Remutaka Rail Trail, and out to the remote surf beaches of the Wairarapa coast.
One of New Zealand’s official Ngā Haerenga Great Rides, it combines flat harbour paths, a challenging mountain crossing through regenerating native bush, and a dramatic finish along an exposed coastal road. Most riders take two to three days to complete the full trail.
Practical Information
- Distance
- 122 km total (one way)
- Duration
- 2–3 days
- Grade
- Intermediate (challenging over Remutaka Summit)
- Start
- Petone Wharf, Lower Hutt
- End
- Orongorongo Station, Wairarapa coast
- Sections
- 4 (see below)
- Cost
- Trail is free; accommodation costs vary
- Official site
- remutakacycletrail.co.nz
About the Trail
The Remutaka Cycle Trail begins at Petone Wharf on Wellington Harbour and heads north through Lower Hutt along the Hutt River before climbing into the Remutaka Range via the historic Remutaka Incline. The incline is now a well-formed trail through native bush, rising over the summit before descending to the Wairarapa.
From the Wairarapa side, the trail continues south along the wild Palliser Bay and Wairarapa coast, passing through remote farmland and coastal bluffs to finish at Orongorongo Station on the rugged shores facing Cook Strait.
The trail is maintained through a partnership between four councils, two regional tourism organisations, and private landowners. It is open to cyclists, walkers and horse riders on the rail trail section before the tunnels.
The Four Sections
Section 1 — Petone to Maymorn: 35 km. Flat to gently rolling, following the Hutt River north through Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt to Maymorn. The most accessible section, suitable for families and beginners.
Section 2 — Maymorn to Cross Creek: 25 km. The mountain crossing. The trail climbs the historic Remutaka Incline through dense native bush to the summit, then descends steeply to Cross Creek on the Wairarapa side. The most challenging section of the trail.
Section 3 — Cross Creek to Ocean Beach: approx. 42 km. The trail winds through Wairarapa farmland and along the coast to Ocean Beach, with big open skies and remote coastline.
Section 4 — Ocean Beach to Orongorongo: 18 km. The final coastal stretch, finishing at Orongorongo Station on an exposed and dramatic stretch of Wairarapa coast.
History on the Trail
The Remutaka Incline section follows the formation of the original Wairarapa Line railway, which used the Fell braking system to negotiate the steep gradient from 1878 to 1955.
When the Remutaka Rail Tunnel opened in 1955, making the climb unnecessary, the old incline fell out of use and eventually became a walking and cycling trail. Interpretive signs along the incline tell the story of the railway, the workers who built it, and the communities that relied on it.
Closing the Loop: The Wainuiomata Connector Ride
The Remutaka Cycle Trail starts in Petone and finishes on the Wild Coast at the Ōrongorongo River mouth, and the Wainuiomata Connector Ride joins those two ends into a full loop. It is a 28.9 km Heartland Ride, graded 4 (advanced), taking up to 3 hours, and most people ride it as the last leg of a clockwise trip.
WellingtonNZ splits it in two: 19 km from the Ōrongorongo River mouth along the coast and up Coast Road to Wainuiomata town centre (about 1.5 to 2 hours), then 9 km over Wainuiomata Hill to Petone (about 45 minutes to an hour).
About 80% is sealed road, so a touring bike will do. The big effort is Wainuiomata Hill, which climbs 90 m over 1.7 km on the Te Hikoi Ararewa shared path, a wide, smooth path just for walking and cycling, before dropping past Gracefield Road and along Waiwhetu Stream to the Hutt estuary.
Coast Road has passing traffic and patchy mobile coverage, and the coastal section is exposed, so watch for headwinds. Dogs are not permitted.
There are toilets at East Harbour Regional Park, the Remutaka Forest Park and Catchpool Valley car parks, Wainuiomata town centre and Waiu Park, and food in Wainuiomata on Queen Street.
Where to Learn More
NZ Cycle Trail – Remutaka Cycle Trail: Official Great Ride details, maps, grading and trail services.
Visit Wellington – Remutaka Cycle Trail: Local information on the 122 km route connecting Wellington to the Wairarapa.
Remutaka Cycle Trail official site: Current trail conditions, accommodation listings and shuttle operators.
Ngā Haerenga NZ Cycle Trail: Wainuiomata Connector Ride: the official Heartland Ride page, with route notes and map.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Remutaka Cycle Trail take?
Most riders complete it in 2–3 days. Fit riders can push sections 1–2 in a single long day, but the coastal sections reward a slower pace.
Where does it start?
The official start is Petone Wharf in Lower Hutt, easily accessible from central Wellington.
How hard is the Remutaka Incline?
The incline climb is the most demanding part of the trail — a sustained ascent through native bush. E-bikes make it manageable; fit riders on standard bikes will find it a solid workout.
Is accommodation available along the route?
Yes — there are lodges, holiday parks and homestays at key stops. The official trail website lists current accommodation options.
Can I do just part of the trail?
Yes. Section 1 (Petone to Maymorn) is flat and family-friendly as a standalone ride. The Remutaka Incline section (Section 2) is also popular as a day trip with a shuttle back.
Are shuttles available?
Several operators offer vehicle and bike shuttles, particularly for the Remutaka Summit crossing. Check the official trail website for current providers.
Is the trail suitable for all ages and abilities?
The Hutt River section suits beginners and families, while the full trail requires intermediate fitness due to the mountain crossing and coastal exposure.
What is the best time of year to ride?
Spring through autumn offers the most reliable weather, though the trail can be ridden year-round with appropriate gear for wind and rain on the coast.
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. The trail’s lower section follows the Hutt River Trail north through Lower Hutt. For shorter rides closer to the city, the Wellington Waterfront Shared Path is flat and accessible from Petone.
Can I ride the Remutaka Cycle Trail as a loop?
Yes. The 28.9 km Wainuiomata Connector Ride (Grade 4, mostly sealed road) links the Wild Coast end back to Petone over Wainuiomata Hill.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.