Remutaka Rail Trail
The Remutaka Rail Trail cycleway traverses the old railway track over the Remutaka ranges. Built in the 1870s mainly with manual labor, it featured a “Fell” system with a third rail for engines and brake vans to grip for traction. The railway was superseded by the 9km Remutaka Rail Tunnel, opened in 1955.
The Fell Museum is open 10am to 4pm on weekends and public holidays. Group visits can be booked at fell.loco.museum@xtra.co.nz or by phone at 06 308 9379. Visit their website at www.fellmuseum.org.nz.
Featherston hosted a large soldier training camp during World War I and a Japanese Prisoner of War Camp in World War II. From Featherston, cycle along Wakefield Street and onto Underhill Road, crossing the Tauwharenikau River on New Zealand’s longest suspension bridge for a cycleway. Ride into Greytown on the little branch line, closed in 1955.
Step-by-Step Directions
- 0km: Start at the Maymorn carpark. Exit to the right and ride under the railway line, immediate left turn following the signs for Remutaka Cycle Trail.
- 0.5km: Proceed through gate and start on the trail. The first 600 metres include a steep hill that is not representative of the rest of the trail. After approximately 1 kilometre, you will enter the Mangaroa Tunnel (200m) – lights required!
- 2km: After the tunnel, continue until you reach a gate. You are in the Tunnel Gully Recreational Area, notable for the stand of large Eucalyptus Trees. Toilets are available in the area with Eucalypts. Continue through the gate and follow the sealed section of road for approximately 500m. Straight ahead is a white gate. Do not follow the road down the hill. Proceed through the gate, ride for about 2km. Note there are mountain bike trails that transect this trail, stay alert for riders crossing.
- 5km: You reach an intersection on the trail. Follow the Remutaka Cycle Trail signage left. After a short downhill, you have another short and sharp climb. When you reach the top, you will emerge onto a sealed road (Kaitoke Loop Road). Turn right down the hill. At the bottom of the hill, turn right (before S.H.2 – you will not ride on the state highway). Remutaka Cycle Trail/Rail Trail signs point the way. Follow this road to the Kaitoke carpark. You will pass the Kart Racing Track and Glider Club.
- 7km: Continue on the Remutaka Rail Trail for the next 17km. The first 10km is gentle uphill followed by 5km of steeper downhill and 2km of flowing single track. There are 4 tunnels along the way and a giant swing bridge. Wind can be ferocious on the descent and swing bridge; if windy, be prepared to dismount for a while. Take the time to read interpretation panels along the way—they describe a unique and important part of New Zealand’s rail history. Be aware that between the Cross Creek Rail Yards and the carpark, a 2km single track can be rough in areas and have some significant drop-offs. If you are unsure, dismount and walk these sections.
- 24km: Cross Creek Carpark. You’re making good progress! Ride 1km out to the Western Lake Road. Turn left towards Featherston. There is the option to ride on the road or a lime trail that runs parallel on the right-hand side of the road.
- 35km: You arrive in Featherston. Turn right onto Brandon Street and then take your third left on Lyon Street. Continue past the school to the Fell Locomotive Museum. Depart Featherston following Wakefield Street (it is opposite Bethune, where you entered the town). Wakefield Street becomes Underhill Road.
- 40km: Continue to follow Underhill Road. There is a cycle trail on the left in places, veering right towards the river. At the river, follow the cycle path. Cross the river on the amazing new swing bridge.
- 45km: Emerge on Underhill Road, Greytown, and ride 3km until you come to an intersection. Turn right and ride across the railway line.
- 50km: Woodside. Once across the railway line, you will see the Woodside Rail Trail entrance on your right. Follow this until the end, and you are in Greytown.
- 55km: At the end of the trail, ride left on Cotter Street, right on Humphries, and left on West Street. Keep your eye out for “Oggi, Domani,” a home-based ceramic painter really worth stopping in to see.
- 55km: Make a right turn on to Hastwell St, and you will see the White Swan. This is a great spot to stop for a coffee and a bite to eat before continuing your journey or returning.