The Akatarawa Road Loop is one of the Wellington region’s best long-distance road cycling routes — a 100-kilometre circuit linking Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa through native forest on the winding Akatarawa Road, which traverses the foothills of the Tararua Range between Upper Hutt and Waikanae. Since Transmission Gully opened, traffic on Akatarawa Road has dropped significantly, making it a quieter and more enjoyable ride than in previous years.
Practical Information
| Total distance | ~100 km loop |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | ~1,421 m |
| Start/Finish | Upper Hutt (or Waikanae) |
| Grade | Challenging — sustained climbing |
| Surface | Sealed road (narrow and winding on Akatarawa Road section) |
| Duration | 4–6 hours depending on pace |
| Cost | Free |
About the Route
Akatarawa Road leaves Upper Hutt heading northwest, climbing into the bush-covered foothills of the Tararua Range before descending to Waikanae on the Kāpiti Coast. The road is narrow and winding — not suitable for large vehicles, but excellent for cyclists who value a quiet, scenic road away from highway traffic.
Since Transmission Gully Motorway opened, traffic on Akatarawa Road (along with Paekakariki Hill Road and old SH1) has reduced substantially. This has made the Akatarawa Road section more pleasant for cyclists, with longer gaps between vehicles on what was already a low-traffic route.
The loop typically starts from Upper Hutt, climbs Akatarawa Road to Waikanae, then returns via the Kāpiti Coast and State Highway 2 back to Upper Hutt — or is ridden in reverse. Fit road cyclists complete it in 4–6 hours.
Along the Way
Staglands Wildlife Reserve and Café sits alongside Akatarawa Road and is a popular stop for riders — native birds, wildlife encounters, and a café make it a worthwhile break point mid-climb. The Jock Atkins Waterfall is another landmark along the road. At the Upper Hutt end, Karapoti Road provides access to the Karapoti Track — a classic mountain biking route into the Akatarawa Forest.
What Visitors Say
“One of the best rides in the region — native bush the whole way up, views over Kapiti at the top, and much quieter traffic since Transmission Gully opened.” — RideWithGPS community, Akatarawa Loop
Where to Learn More
Akatarawa Loop — RideWithGPS has a community route map with elevation profile and turn-by-turn navigation for the full loop.
Akatarawa Forest — Greater Wellington covers the broader forest park accessible from the road corridor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Akatarawa Road safe for cyclists?
Yes — it’s a low-traffic road, especially since Transmission Gully opened. The road is narrow and winding, so ride predictably and be visible, particularly through blind corners.
How long is the full loop?
Around 100 kilometres with approximately 1,421 metres of climbing. Most fit road cyclists complete it in 4–6 hours.
Where does the loop start?
Typically from Upper Hutt, but it can be ridden from Waikanae or Paraparaumu on the Kāpiti Coast. Upper Hutt train station makes it accessible without a car.
Are there food and water stops?
Staglands Wildlife Reserve has a café on the Akatarawa Road section. Waikanae township has shops and cafés at the Kāpiti Coast end of the climb.
What is the road surface like?
Sealed throughout, but narrow and winding on the Akatarawa Road section. Road bikes and gravel bikes are both suitable.
Is there mountain biking in Akatarawa Forest?
Yes — Karapoti Road from the Upper Hutt end gives access to the Karapoti Track and other Akatarawa Forest trails. These are separate from the road cycling loop.
The Akatarawa Road Loop is part of the cycling tracks in Wellington. The Hutt River Trail provides a flat warm-up through Upper Hutt before the climb. For another classic Wellington region climb, Paekakariki Hill Road offers views over the Kāpiti Coast.