New Zealand · Cycling Tours / Mountain Biking

3-Day Remutaka Cycle Tour from Welligton

3 Days Round trip from Days Bay Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Ride through the beautiful Pakuratahi Forest and along the historic Remutaka Rail Trail
  • 02 Look out for trout in the streams and native birds in the treetops
  • 03 Reach the summit plateau with remnants of an old township and railyard
  • 04 Follow the stunning wild coast past Ocean Beach and Orongorongo
  • 05 Spot orca, dolphins, and seals from the coastal trail

Ride the Remutaka Cycle Trail loop over three days, following the Hutt River Trail through the Hutt Valley, the beautiful Pakuratahi Forest, and the historic Remutaka Rail Trail. Look out for trout in the streams and native birds in the treetops as you climb to the summit, then continue into the Wairarapa for a relaxing country stay. Finish along the stunning wild coast via Ocean Beach and Orongorongo, where you may spot orca, dolphins, and seals from the trail. With accommodation, meals, luggage transfers, transport, and safety support arranged, this is a well-supported cycling adventure from Wellington.

Reach the summit - a large grassy plateau with the remnants of an old township and railyard, the perfect spot for a picnic or cold drink - then enjoy a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, surrounded by some of NZ's most scenic farmland.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Wellington, Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Days Bay to Maymorn via the Hutt River Trail

The Hutt River Trail - 42km

  • Starting your adventure couldn't be easier, with your choice of either a 10 am shuttle from your doorstep in Wellington or a scenic cruise across Wellington Harbour (flexible timing) to the start point in Days Bay. The operators will have your bikes ready to go and give you a quick briefing on what to expect for the day, while making sure your bikes are fitted and comfortable.
  • Jump on your bikes and follow a meandering road around the harbour edge to the start of the Hutt River Trail.
  • Ride this riverside trail through the Hutt Valley and on to Maymorn, where your luggage and a cold drink will be waiting for you. The operators will check in with you regarding your experience so far and the next day's plan. Then, you can settle in for the night in a relaxed country environment with a delicious meal. Accommodation for the first night will be at Arorangi Country Homestay - a beautiful bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of the Upper Hutt countryside, providing a relaxing atmosphere and comfortable beds, perfect after a day out on the trail.
2
Day 02

Maymorn to the Wairarapa on the Remutaka Rail Trail

The Remutaka Rail Trail - 45km

  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then saddle up for a ride through the beautiful Pakuratahi Forest and on to the Remutaka Rail Trail. You'll follow a historic rail line up a gentle incline, passing through tunnels (headlights provided!) and over bridges, while checking out information boards detailing the enormous task of constructing the old Fell railway system.
  • Keep an eye out for trout in the streams and native birds in the treetops - this is a very active and healthy little ecosystem!
  • Reach the summit - a large grassy plateau with the remnants of an old township and railyard, the perfect spot for a picnic or cold drink - then enjoy a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, surrounded by some of NZ's most scenic farmland.
  • Continue your journey along a quiet country road to your accommodation at Waiorongomai Station, an iconic sheep and beef station, a stone's throw from Lake Wairarapa. Your luggage, dinner, and drinks will be waiting, and the operators will check in with you again to see how you're getting on, then leave you to enjoy the evening.
3
Day 03

Wairarapa to Days Bay along the Wild Coast

The Wild Coast - 39km (Orongorongo) or 60km (Days Bay)

  • Wake up to the sounds of local birds and farm animals, then hit the road down to Ocean Beach and on to Orongorongo (and Days Bay if desired). This part of the trail is stunning - you can spot orca, dolphins, and seals from the course, and it is a great part of the country. Though beautiful and one of the highlights of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, the coastal track is also quite rugged and may be a challenge for some riders. Because of this, the operators provide options (at no extra charge) to get picked up from Ocean Beach, Orongorongo, or Days Bay so you can take on as much or as little of a challenge as you like. The operators usually leave this flexible and confirm the night before based on your experience so far and the weather forecast for the next day.
  • From whichever endpoint you choose, they can shuttle you directly back to your accommodation in Wellington or to Days Bay, where you can relax by the beach with a gelato or a coffee (or something a bit stronger) before finishing your adventure with a cruise back to Wellington.
Hutt River Trail, Pakuratahi Forest, Remutaka Rail Trail, Ocean Beach

Where this trip takes you

Hutt River Trail, Pakuratahi Forest, Remutaka Rail Trail, Ocean Beach

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Days Bay 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Either a Comfort Mountain Bike or an upgrade to an electric bike (eBike). The bikes feature quality components with front suspension, gel seats, and adjustable geometry for a rugged, capable, and comfortable ride.

  • All extra

What's Not Included

  • Please note that alcohol is not included, but feel free to BYO or the operators can purchase on your behalf.

What to bring

What do I need to wear/bring when riding?

  • Closed shoes - running shoes or sneakers, for example

  • Shorts or tight-fitting pants (so they won't get caught in moving bike parts)

  • T-shirt or other light tops (you may also want to bring a thermal during winter)

  • Fleece for when you're resting

  • Light waterproof jacket

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen

  • During winter, you may also wish to bring gloves and a woollen hat for resting.

  • Cellphone and/or camera

What else should I bring?

  • The tour operators will supply all the bike-specific gear you'll need, all of your food and water, and a means by which to carry this while out on the trail. They can transport anything else you like around the trail for you, for example:

    • Comfortable clothes for the evenings (it can get quite cold at night on day two - bring something warm so you can sit outside under the stars!)

    • Alcohol (the operators can't supply this themselves but are happy to take whatever you like around the trail for you)

    • Toiletries and other personal effects

    • Books or other evening entertainment

Know before you go

  • All-Inclusive Remutaka Cycle Trail 3 Day Tour

  • The Works! Supported and All-Inclusive 3 Day Remutaka Cycle Trail Tour

  • Complete the Remutaka Cycle Trail as a loop across three days of moderate adventure riding and two relaxing nights. The tour operators will organize everything so you can simply turn up and ride. You can ask for all the gear, logistical support, food, accommodation, information, and safety help. Just get to Wellington, and they will take care of the rest!

  • Please note that all accommodation is dependent upon availability. If these options are not available, they will discuss this with you at the time of booking.

  • Pricing is based on twin-share accommodation - solo cycle tourists or those wanting a room to themselves may incur a surcharge of $100 per day (this will be discussed with you at the time of booking).

  • Contact the company directly for the complete set of terms and conditions, as well as the cancellation and refund policy.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Days Bay, Lower Hutt 5013, New Zealand
Tour start
Days Bay, Lower Hutt 5013, New Zealand
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 3 days finish where they began, in Days Bay.

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NZD 1,098 /person
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