Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer Cycle Tour
Description
Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty on a mountain bike. The flagship daytrip of the Remutaka Rail Trail, this is suitable for riders of all levels with a reasonable level of fitness. 28km of easy/moderate riding. Cycle through native forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland. Follow the countryside to the Royal Hotel in Featherston. Please note: for those arriving by cruise ship, the pick up and drop off location is approx. 1.4km from the cruise terminal, which is a 20-25 minute walk from the ship. Please check that your sailing times allows for this, we will not be held responsible if you miss your boat! If your sailing is outside of our tour times, please contact us at info@wildfinder.co.nz to enquire about other options.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We'll drive 30 minutes from the East by West office in Wellington out to the start of the Remutaka Rail Trail to Wildfinder Kaitoke. From here you'll be breifed on the trail and how the bike works before heading off on your self guided adventure!
Start point for your 28km ride at Kaitoke, on the trail, you’ll start by cycling through the native bird-filled Pakuratahi Forest. Follow an old railway line over bridges and through tunnels, while pausing, if you like, to check out information stations detailing the enormous task of constructing the “Fell” railway system - a first for New Zealand at the time, and one of only a few around the world. Once you reach the summit, you will stop for a picnic lunch on a large grassy plateau next to the remnants of a historic station. After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating (but easily controllable!) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, with views of some of New Zealand’s stunning farming heartland. Follow the path along the countryside to Featherston and we'll see you at the Royal Hotel.
We'll pick you up at the Royal Hotel in Featherston, before we shuttle you back over the Remutaka ranges, down the Hutt Valley and back to Wellington (arriving approx. 3.30pm back at the East by West ferry office at Meridian Building, waterside 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011)
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please provide the following at time of booking, so we can make sure your day goes smoothly:
- Info regarding your dietary requirements - eg "no seafood please", "gluten free", "vegetarian"
- Your approximate height (for bike sizing)
- Trips are subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund at your discretion.
- Please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activity. During the warmer months, this means shorts and a t-shirt for riding, and a light jacket in reserve. During the colder months you may prefer long pants or tights (nothing baggy that may catch on the bike!), with a tshirt, fleece and light jacket in reserve. Closed shoes - running shoes are perfect - must be worn at all times.
Reviews(51)
Very scenic and a once in a lifetime experience. Isaac was top class.
Hey Eddie! Firstly it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope Manchester United can get back to the top and we can start celebrating again!!! I'm so glad despite the weather that you enjoyed your day with us. Thank you for taking the time to review us and I hope you got to Auckland okay. All the best, Isaac
My husband and I recently did the Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer Cycle Tour during our trip to New Zealand on Anthem of the Seas, and it was one of the highlights of our visit. The team picked us up directly from the port, which made the whole experience incredibly easy and well organised from the start. Everything ran smoothly, and we always felt like we were in good hands. The ride itself was absolutely beautiful. The Remutaka Rail Trail is stunning, with amazing scenery the whole way along. It was such a fun way to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors. The picnic lunch provided was fantastic and a really nice touch during the ride. The team also made sure we were back at the ship with plenty of time before departure, which we really appreciated as cruise passengers. A wonderful experience all around — highly organised, friendly team, beautiful trails, and a great day out. Highly recommend! 🚴♀️🌿
Thanks so much for your lovely review Melanie! So glad you had such an enjoyable experience out on the trail with us. Hope you enjoyed your cruise! -Alex.
Well organised. Staff polite and informative including describing how to call for assistance when there is no cellular service. Route to be taken clearly explained including where those who may feel uncomfortable have the option of taking a slightly different route or the option of walking. For those not used to cycling any sort of distance they can hire an e-bike, instruction on there use is given. The route itself has some beautiful scenic views with opportunities to take photos
Kia ora Paul, We are so glad that you had such a good trip, and felt everything was well explained. Thank you for your posiive review, we hope to see you again soon. Nga mihi, Elijah
Beautiful ride on what was formerly a railway track. Impossible to take a wrong turn along the way. Weather was perfect which was a big plus. The ride is very easy, downhill or flat most time. E bike not needed iny my opinion. Isac from the operating agency was a really nice guy. I enjoyed the provided snack. I wish the trail was longer but that's nobody's fault naturally.
Hey Milan, Thanks for leaving your review, I agree the trail could go for another 20kms at least!! Surely those men back in 1870's who built the track taking 4 years could have thought about us in the future wanting to ride a bit further!! :) It was great to meet you, all the best! Isaac
A real mountain biking experience without the hassle. They take care of everything for you. The bikes were excellent quality. They provided a helmet as well as a lunch and a bottle of water. The scenery is spectacular.
Hey Kim, Thanks for your review! We appreciate all the feedback and when it's 5/5 it really makes our day!! Cheers Isaac
Thouroughly enjoyed the variety if ride & scenery. Well signed. Firat self guided ride Ive ever done in an another country
Hey Ingrid, Thank you for your positive review! I'm glasd you enjoyed your first ever self guided tour, and hope it inspires you to do more :) Cheers Isaac
Great ride through beautiful nature. We started at Maymorn to add a few extra kms to the ride. It was a little steep, even for us as quite experienced riders, but we enjoyed it. We crossed some tunnels and bridges, all with it's own historic value. Great ride, I can recommend it. Just for those that are not too fit, please take the ebike, it'll make your ride much more enjoyable. Thank you team Wildfinder!
Thank you for leaving your review! We agree... on a normal bike that start can be steep, but on an eBike piece of cake!! Glad you enjoyed the tour and we hope to see you again one day. Cheers Isaac
First part incline is very easy. After summit, be sure to take it slow and avoid a wipe out, especially if you are like me and don’t know what loose rocks can do. And walk the bike if you want to. Save some time to ride the 10km gravel path to Featherston :)
Hey Jessica, thank you for your positing this review and I couldn't agree more, wiping out is never fun... Hope we see you again one day :) Cheers Isaac
Our guide was wonderful. It was a fantastic day for a bike ride. The ride was beautiful, so far it has been the highlight of our trip.
Heya Kim! Many thanks for your kind review and for coming out on an adventure with us! Were super glad we could make it a great experience :)
Many thanks to Dave, Isaac, Alex and the rest of the Wildfinder team. This was an incredibly well organised rail trail cycle, with communication from the team a standout. Prior to the cycle: Excellent communication from Isaac and Alex regarding pick up times, locations, and forecasted weather conditions. Received confirmation updates even up till the night before. The team were very accommodating and organised transport from Wellington Station to an early drop off location Maymorn (for an extended ride). Day of the cycle: Dave and Isaac ensured all equipment were checked and fitted, including mountain bikes, helmets, lights, first aid kit, repair kits, and emergency equipment. Appreciated the big emphasis on safety, including an explanation of emergency SOS GPS use (provided). Received a briefing on the entire cycle track and terrain, with maps and instructions. As a big bonus, the team were also kind enough to provide water and a packed lunch for you to enjoy on your travels. The ride itself was an incredible experience, words cannot do it justice. The trail was well signed. The swingbridge, summit, and lookout were an absolute highlight (excellent spot for lunch). Can get windy at some points, worth bringing a jacket. After the cycle, Alex and Dave were at the Cross Creek Carpark pick up location ready to transport you back home. Summary: Wildfinder did an exceptional job organising this cycle and ensuring I was kept in the loop throughout the process. They have a big emphasis on safety which was consistent throughout. The ride was spectacular, and worth the detour to Wellington in itself. I would highly recommend this team and tour to anyone keen for a ride.
Hey Chester, Thank you for such a lovely review! We are extremely happy that we were able to provide you with the most amazing experience! Safety is our number 1 priority when it comes to all of our guests and try our best to ensure this at all times. Great to hear how much you enjoyed the Remutaka Trail! Its definitely has a hidden gem feel about it! We hope to see you again sometime in the future for another Remutaka Adventure! Until then take care of yourself! Cheers Wildfinder!
