Remutaka Cycle Trail

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Remutaka Cycle Trail

Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride is part of Nga Haerenga, NZ Cycle Trails.

Starting at Petone Esplanade, follows the Hutt River Trail, over the Remutaka Rail Trail (Incline) to Lake Wairarapa, south to Ocean Beach, & around the rugged coast to Orongorongo. Multiple access points and a variety of terrain means there’s something for everyone on this Great Ride – from short and sweet outings, to more challenging multi-day rides. There’s plenty to see and do along the way, too, whether you’re into scenery, history, galleries and cafes, or fancy a detour into Wairarapa w**e country. It can be ridden in either direction, but is usually started in Petone and takes 2–3 days to complete. See the official website for details www.remutakacycletrail.com
Check the weather before you go: www.metservice.com/towns-cities/wellington/wainuiomata

06/11/2026

The Cross Creek upgrade is completed and officially OPEN from tomorrow (Saturday 7 Nov).
Our sincere thanks to Toby, Tyron, Briggs and the team from Department of Conservation - Wellington and Wairarapa for their mahi. Come for a ride!
Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
Department of Conservation
Wildfinder Switched on Bikes Green Jersey Explorer Tours
My Upper Hutt Wairarapa WellingtonNZ Greater Wellington Greytown Trails Trust Tour Aotearoa Go Bike NZ with Janet Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

04/11/2026

A major "short back and sides" trim for the Remutaka Incline - that railway-alignment feeling is back!
The steepest railway line in NZ since 1873.

28/10/2026

🚴‍♂️ Today in history: 29 October 1955 - 71 years ago - the last train made the journey on the Remutaka Incline 🚂

For 77 years, this remarkable 4.8-kilometre stretch of steep mountain railway between Summit and Cross Creek defied the odds. Relying on the world-famous Fell engine system with its unique centre rail, powerful locomotives and brake vans safely hauled generations of passengers, wool, beef, and dairy produce over the rugged ranges between Wellington to the Wairarapa, massively enabling regional growth.

Though the roaring steam engines and the bustling railway communities of Cross Creek and Summit faded away with the opening of the new rail tunnel in 1955, the spirit of the Incline lives on.

The old formation lives on as a much-loved part of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, and the 4.8km Incline section is the steepest Rail Trail in the world! Rather than steam locomotives carrying people, wool and livestock, it now welcomes over 70,000 cyclists, walkers and runners each year, who come to experience its rich history, dark tunnels, and regenerating native bush-clad slopes.

28/10/2026

🎉 Cross Creek upgrades are almost finished!
We're pleased to let you know that the section between Cross Creek Yards and Cross Creek Carpark is expected to reopen from 7 November.

⚠️ Before then, the track will remain fully closed until 4pm on Friday 6 November (including weekends), while the final gravel surface is laid.

A big thank you for your patience and understanding throughout these works. The finish line is in sight, and we're looking forward to seeing people back out enjoying the trail soon.

28/10/2026

Vitamin Sea
Wild Coast Track section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail - you never disappoint!! Snow on the Kaikoura ranges today for extra points.
Track update: the Kotumu Fan track is still holding together and there isn't too much sand on the track atm. Various improvements are planned for before Christmas - will post updates here.

22/10/2026

The trail is fully open this Labour Weekend, so enjoy the sunshine 🔆, nature 🌲and freshly cut-back Incline trail 🚜. Take care through Cross Creek section over the weekend; there is still work to be done to finish this upgrade next week. Enjoy!

21/10/2026

New signage is starting to blossom on the trail - from Silverstream all the way to the Featherston side of the Incline, with more to come over summer. Made possible by our magnificent partners Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington and MBIE.
It's been a long time coming, but worth the wait!

My Upper Hutt
Ngā Haerenga Great Rides of New Zealand
Green Jersey Explorer Tours
Switched on Bikes
Wildfinder
Remutaka Rail Trail Run and Walk
Wairarapa
WellingtonNZ

15/10/2026

Next week is a big work week on the trail, with gravel surfacing of the Cross Creek section next week PLUS vegetation cutback on the Incline between Siberia Bridge and Cross Creek Mon to Weds.
** FULLY OPEN ALL LABOUR WEEKEND **
Cross Creek will be closed the week after Labour Weekend to complete the gravel surface.

09/10/2026

We're almost there! OPEN weekends, Open with Stop/Go next week; and likely a Full Closure the week (19-23) after for the gravel - large machinery will be on the little track.

07/10/2026

Busy day coming up on our Rail Trail section a month from today 🚶‍♂️ 🏃‍♀️ 👣
Kaitoke to Summit

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Address

Petone Wharf, Petone, Wellington 6011
Lower Hutt
5012

Website

http://www.remutakacycletrail.com/

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