Coast to the Remutakas
Follow Wellington Harbour and the Hutt River before crossing the Remutaka Ranges on the historic rail trail through native forest and mountain scenery.
Overnight in Wine Country
Finish your first day in Martinborough Wine Village, with comfortable overnight accommodation and continental breakfast included.
Ride Among the Vines
Spend your second day cycling through Martinborough’s vineyards and surrounding countryside, with time to stop for tastings and a leisurely gourmet lunch.
This two-day, one-night self-guided tour combines the most popular sections of the Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride with an overnight stay and a relaxed day exploring Martinborough Wine Village.
Beginning in either Wellington or Martinborough, your first day takes you from the coast and river valley into the spectacular scenery of the Remutaka Ranges. Follow sections of the Te Ara Tupua harbourside trail and the picturesque Hutt River Trail before joining the historic Remutaka Rail Trail through native forest and mountain landscapes.
The trail follows the route of the former railway across the ranges and features the historic Remutaka Incline, which operated until 1955. After crossing into the Wairarapa, longer route options continue through open farmland towards Featherston, Woodside or Greytown.
At the end of your ride, settle into your overnight accommodation in Martinborough Wine Village. The village is home to a selection of excellent restaurants, providing plenty of options for an enjoyable evening meal.
Your second day offers a relaxed contrast to the mountain riding of Day 1. Cycle through Martinborough’s vineyards and surrounding countryside, following quiet rural roads at your own pace. Stop at local vineyards, explore the village or enjoy a leisurely gourmet lunch before beginning your return journey to Wellington.
With several starting points, finishing points and riding distances available, the tour can be shaped around your preferred level of challenge. Whether you choose the complete ride from Wellington or a shorter rail-assisted or shuttle-supported option, this tour brings together coastal scenery, cycling history, native forest, Wairarapa farmland and Martinborough’s celebrated wine village.
Optional extras
- Spare e-bike battery – $160
- Fell Locomotive Museum visit – $30 per person
- Private guide – price available on request
- On-trail support callouts – $120 per callout
What to bring
- Comfortable cycling clothes suitable for the forecast conditions
- Windproof and waterproof jacket
- Closed-toe shoes
- Cycling gloves
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Lunch or money to purchase food
- Cash or a payment card for train and bus tickets
Jeans are not recommended. Cycling gloves are available to purchase if required.
Day 1: Wellington to the Wairarapa
Your first day combines harbour views, riverside trails, native forest and the spectacular mountain scenery of the Remutaka Ranges.
Starting from Wellington
Meet at the Switched on Bikes Wellington Waterfront Depot at 8.30am. Once fitted with your bike and equipment, ride out of the city along the new Te Ara Tupua trail beside Wellington Harbour.
Continue past Petone Foreshore and join the Hutt River Trail, following the picturesque Te Awa Kairangi/Hutt River towards Upper Hutt. From there, the landscape changes as you enter the Remutaka Ranges on the historic Remutaka Rail Trail.
The full ride from Wellington to Featherston is approximately 82km. You can also continue along trails and country roads to Woodside Station, near Greytown, for a total distance of approximately 93km.
Shorter rail-assisted option
For a shorter day, take your bike on the train from Wellington to Upper Hutt or Maymorn.
From Maymorn, ride approximately 35km across the Remutaka Rail Trail to Featherston. You can finish there or continue another 10.4km to Woodside Station.
Starting from Martinborough
Meet at the Green Jersey Martinborough depot at 8.30am. We will shuttle you and your bike to Maymorn or Upper Hutt to begin your ride.
Choose to finish at:
Cross Creek Carpark
The Royal Hotel in Featherston
Woodside Station
The White Swan Hotel in Greytown
The Remutaka Rail Trail follows a historic railway route through the mountains and native forest. Along the way, you will experience the famous Remutaka Incline, which operated until 1955.
Longer ride options continue from the rail trail through Wairarapa farmland, following the Tauwharenikau Trail towards Woodside and the Woodside Trail to Greytown.
At your selected finishing point, we will collect you and your bike and transfer you to your overnight accommodation in Martinborough Wine Village. A continental breakfast is included the following morning.
Martinborough has several world-class dinner venues within and around the village. Dinner is not included, so we recommend reserving a table in advance.
Day 2: Explore Martinborough Wine Village
After breakfast, spend your second day exploring Martinborough Wine Village and the surrounding countryside by bike.
Martinborough is surrounded by vineyards and open Wairarapa farmland, making it an ideal place for an unhurried day of cycling. Follow the village’s quiet country roads, visit local vineyards or venture further into the countryside on a ride of up to 45km. Shorter routes are also available if you would prefer a more leisurely pace.
Unlike the longer trail ride on Day 1, today is yours to shape around the places you would most like to visit. Stop at vineyards along the way, explore the village or simply enjoy cycling through the rural landscape. There is plenty of time to take breaks and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.
Pause for a leisurely gourmet lunch before continuing your ride through the wine village. You can make the day as active or relaxed as you like, whether that means covering the full distance or enjoying a shorter cruise between a few selected stops.
With quiet roads, vineyard scenery and the freedom to ride at your own pace, Day 2 provides a relaxed contrast to the mountain trails and native forest of the previous day. It is a fitting way to complete your two-day Remutaka Cycle Trail and Martinborough adventure.