Cross the Remutaka Range
Follow the historic railway route through native forest, tunnels and mountain cuttings before descending the famous Remutaka Incline into the Wairarapa.
Ride beside Lake Wairarapa
Cycle along quiet country roads through open farmland, wetlands and native bush, with expansive views across Lake Wairarapa and the surrounding ranges.
Explore the Wild South Coast
Experience the trail’s most adventurous section, riding past raised beaches, fur seal habitat and rugged coastline shaped by earthquakes and the Southern Ocean.
Experience the complete Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride on this three-day, two-night self-guided cycling adventure.
Beginning in Wellington or Martinborough, the tour brings together the trail’s most memorable landscapes. Ride beside Wellington Harbour and Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River, cross the Remutaka Range on the historic railway route, follow quiet country roads beside Lake Wairarapa and explore the rugged Wild South Coast.
Each day offers something completely different, from harbour views and railway tunnels to native bush, open farmland and a remote coastline shaped by earthquakes and the Southern Ocean. Your accommodation, bike hire, luggage transfers, route information and essential riding equipment are all arranged, leaving you free to enjoy the journey.
The final day provides a genuine sense of adventure. The Wild South Coast includes rougher Grade 4 sections, shallow stream crossings, sand and places where most riders will briefly walk their bikes. Weather conditions are carefully monitored, with alternative routes or transport arranged when necessary.
This is the classic Remutaka Cycle Trail experience for riders who want to complete the full Great Ride and discover the remarkable variety of landscapes surrounding Wellington and the Wairarapa.
Day 1: Wellington to Featherston - Up to 83km
Begin your journey beside Wellington Harbour before riding out of the city on Te Ara Tupua, the spectacular new harbourside trail connecting Wellington and Petone.
From Petone, follow the picturesque Hutt River Trail alongside Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River. The urban landscape gradually gives way to parks, native bush and the foothills of the Remutaka Range.
At Maymorn, join the historic Remutaka Rail Trail and follow the route once used by trains crossing between Wellington and the Wairarapa. Ride through restored railway tunnels, past historic features and across the summit before descending the famous Remutaka Incline towards Cross Creek and Featherston.
The complete ride from Wellington to Featherston is approximately 82 to 83km. Riders wanting a shorter first day can take the train from Wellington to Upper Hutt or Maymorn and begin riding from there. Starting at Maymorn reduces the cycling distance to approximately 35km.
If you begin the tour from our Martinborough depot, we will shuttle you to Maymorn for the ride across the Remutaka Range.
Your first night is spent in Featherston, with several good options available for an evening meal.
Day 2: Western Lake Wairarapa - Approximately 61km
Leave Featherston behind and ride south through the peaceful countryside of the southern Wairarapa.
Today’s route follows quiet Western Lake Road beside Lake Wairarapa, passing open farmland, wetlands and native bush. With distant mountain views and very little traffic, this is a wonderfully peaceful day of riding and a complete change of scenery from the railway tunnels and forest of the previous day.
The route continues towards the coast and the small settlement of Lake Ferry, where Lake Onoke meets Palliser Bay. Spend the night near the water and enjoy dinner at the historic Lake Ferry Hotel, including its famous fish and chips.
Day 3: The Wild South Coast - Approximately 60km
A morning shuttle takes you to Ocean Beach for the most adventurous and dramatic section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
Ride beneath towering coastal hills and follow the remote shoreline towards Turakirae Head. This wild landscape has been shaped by powerful earthquakes and the constant force of the Southern Ocean. Raised boulder beaches mark former shorelines, while groves of karaka trees provide evidence of historic Māori kāinga and campsites.
The coastline is also rich in wildlife. You may encounter New Zealand fur seals, wild horses and an impressive variety of coastal birds. Orca and pods of dusky dolphins are sometimes seen offshore.
This is the trail’s most challenging section, with unbridged streams, narrow areas, loose surfaces and patches of wind-blown sand. Most riders will walk their bikes for short sections. We carefully monitor the weather and trail conditions and will discuss alternative arrangements with you if the coast is not suitable for riding.
After leaving the wild coast, join the more developed trails around Wellington Harbour. You can continue riding around the harbour to the Wellington Waterfront Depot or finish at Days Bay and take the ferry across the harbour.
Your adventure ends back on the Wellington waterfront, completing three days of remarkably varied riding through some of the lower North Island’s most memorable landscapes.