It’s an excellent bike or walk for families with children who can be coaxed along by the next railway ruin, old rail bridge or tunnel (take a torch), with the Summit hut making the perfect spot for a picnic!  

The trail follows the old rail route established in 1878 that carried passengers up the steep incline, providing plenty of fabulous photo opportunities.  

The trail can be approached from the Wellington or Wairarapa side. From the Wairarapa side you can ride from the Cross Creek car park to the Summit and return in 3-4 hours. From the Wellington side you can ride from the Kaitoke car park to the Summit and return in 2-3 hours. 

You can also ride the Remutaka Rail Trail from end to end starting from either Maymorn or Cross Creek, including Featherston, allowing about 3-5 hours.  

Carry on through Wairarapa extend your ride. Head onto Greytown from Featherston using the Tauherenikau Suspension Bridge.   

For a more challenging ride, check out the Remutaka Cycle Trail, one of New Zealand’s Great Rides that connects Wellington to Wairarapa, with multiple access points. 

****Essential Upgrade Works Underway for Remutaka Cycle Trail - temporary weekday closures affect the 2km section between Cross Creek Yards and Cross Creek Carpark while safety upgrades are being completed. The track closures will be kept to a minimum, and mainly Monday to Friday.  Weekend closures will be kept to the minimum possible. Works are expected to continue until September 2026. Check this page for the latest updates before travelling.