Get away from Wellington or Wairarapa and explore the Remutaka Rail Trail. We can meet you at the trail head or collect you from either side of the hill.
This railway line was the earliest connection from Wairarapa to Wellington but was replaced by a tunnel 50+ years ago.
The Remutaka rail trail is the most popular section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail and offers an easy, diverse ride across a mountain pass. You can enjoy learning about the early history of this region, take a dip in the clean Pakuratahi River, creep through 5 tunnels and whizz down hill across the Siberia Curve Suspension Bridge.
The Remutaka Rail Trail is an excellent outing for all ages and abilities. This is a great ride for kids!
When you have finished the trail, hold onto your bikes for an afternoon around the vines – NO EXTRA COST.
Overview
This day ride can be between 17 kilometres and 50 kilometres in length. We can discuss this with you on the day.
Start points are Kaitoke (easiest, great for families with kids) or Maymourn Railway station (slightly tougher).
The first section of the trail is generally a 1:30 gradient, over 10 kilometres until you reach Summit Station.
The second section after you pass through a 480m long tunnel is a speedy descent from Summit to Cross Creek station. You will whizz down a 1:15 slope through two short tunnels and across a long suspension bridge.
Explore Cross Creek Station and head for the carpark along a flowing, easy single track. (from Kaitoke to Carpark is 17km, Maymourn to Carpark 24km).
A 10 km off-road trail takes you through to Featherston, where delicious cheeses and coffee await.
More adventurous riders can continue on a safe route to Greytown and a cool beer at the Whiteswan!
Remutaka Rail Trail Highlights
- Tunnel Gully Recreation Area and Mountainbike Trails
- 5 train tunnels
- Summit Station, a great place to stop for lunch
- Pakuratahi River - Bring your togs for a summer dip!
- Siberia Swing Bridge - opened in December 2019 this to destined to become an icon of the region.
- New Zealand native forest
- Compulsory visit to C'est Cheese, Featherston's well known cheese shop.
