Remutaka Rail Trail mountain bike from Wellington: 28km ride

Native forest, railway tunnels, a summit picnic, and a long descent through farmland

The Remutaka Rail Trail mountain bike ride is a 28km day trip from Wellington that takes you through native forest, over historic railway bridges and through tunnels, with a picnic lunch at the summit and a descent to Featherston. The ride suits all levels with reasonable fitness. All bikes, helmets and transport are included, and you're briefed on the trail before setting out on a self-guided route.

Step-by-step itinerary

Remutaka Rail Trail mountain bike tour

• Drive 30 minutes to trail start
• Briefing on trail and bike
• Cycle 28km through Pakuratahi Forest
• Pause at railway info stations
• Picnic lunch at summit station
• Descend to Cross Creek with views
• Cycle to Featherston Royal Hotel
• Shuttle back to Wellington

The experience

You'll start with a 30-minute drive from Wellington to Kaitoke, where staff brief you on the trail and fit your bike. The 28km ride itself is self-guided: you cycle through Pakuratahi Forest, following an old railway line that climbs toward the Remutaka summit. Along the way you pass information stations explaining the "Fell" railway system (a New Zealand first and one of only a handful worldwide), and ride over bridges and through tunnels that are part of that engineering history. The trail is easy to moderate, and you set your own pace.

At the summit, a large grassy plateau next to the old station is where you stop for a picnic lunch (dietary requirements are arranged when you book). After eating, the descent to Cross Creek is described as exhilarating but easily controllable, and it opens onto views of Wairarapa farmland. You follow the countryside to Featherston, where a shuttle picks you up at the Royal Hotel and drives you back to Wellington, arriving around 3:30pm at the East by West office on Queens Wharf.

All equipment (mountain bikes, helmets, safety gear, lights and a pannier bag) is provided and fitted to your height. The shuttles to and from Wellington are included, as is water on the trail. You'll need moderate fitness and should wear closed shoes. The operator sends guidance on layering for the season. Trips run subject to weather, and if poor conditions force a cancellation, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

What’s included

• Mountain bike, helmet and safety gear fitted to your height.
• lunch and water on the trail (dietary requirements arranged at booking).
• all transport shuttles from Wellington to Kaitoke and from Featherston back to Wellington.
• trail briefing and bike instruction before you start.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Under 12: can't be booked

GroupUp to 22

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Wildfinder

Is this one for you?Book this if you have moderate fitness and want to ride at your own pace through forest and farmland without a guide alongside you. The self-guided format means you control the speed and the stops, and the fixed shuttle schedule means the whole day (drive, ride, lunch and return) fits into six hours from Wellington.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the Fell railway system I'll see on the trail?

The Fell railway was a first for New Zealand and one of only a few examples worldwide. Information stations along the Remutaka Rail Trail explain the engineering involved in constructing it, and you'll see the remnants of the historic station at the summit where you stop for lunch.

Do I need mountain biking experience to ride the Remutaka Rail Trail?

The trail is suitable for riders of all levels with a reasonable level of fitness. The 28km is easy to moderate terrain, and you're briefed on the trail and how the bike works before you start. You ride at your own pace on a self-guided route.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my booking?

Trips are subject to favorable weather conditions. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you'll be offered an alternative date or a full refund, your choice.

How long does the whole day take from Wellington?

The day is about six hours total: 30 minutes driving to the trailhead, the 28km ride itself, a lunch stop at the summit, and 30 minutes driving back to Wellington, arriving around 3:30pm at the Queens Wharf office.

Are there any fitness requirements I should know about?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The ride is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. The operator will ask about your fitness and any health concerns when you book.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

All mountain bikes, helmets, safety gear, lights and a pannier bag are provided and fitted to your height; all transport shuttles from Wellington are included; lunch and water are provided; and all taxes and fees are in the headline price with no hidden extras. You need to wear closed shoes (running shoes work) and bring appropriate outdoor clothing layered for the season.