Overview
Available languages
6 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover the Remutaka area’s rich rail history and natural beauty on an easy, all-inclusive, 6 hour mountain biking day trip. The flagship of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels. Cycle through native forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the natural landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun (but easily controllable) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland.
You will be provided with everything you will need for your adventure - transport to and from Wellington Station, bikes with trunk bags for your personal effects, and all food - so all you need to do is wear appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!
Please note this day trip is for a Regular Mountain Bike, if you would like to ride an eBike instead, please book the other day trip: 'Remutaka Rail Trail eBike Explorer Cycle Tour'.
Additional Info
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.
Which pickup location would you like to be picked up from? Choose from either 9.15 Wellington Port (cruise ship guests only) or 9.30 Wellington Station (main entrance)
What To Expect
Wellington
We'll pick you up at either 9.15am from Wellington Port (cruise ship guests only) or 9.30am from Wellington Station (main entrance) and shuttle you to the start of the trail at at Kaitoke.
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.
Options
Mountain Bike
Capable & comfortable Mountain Bike
What‘s Included
Lunch and water provided - Please message us your dietary restrictions or if you eat anything ASAP!
All equipment - mountain bikes, helmets and other safety gear, lights and a pannier bag.
All transport - shuttles to and from Wellington
All taxes/fees are included in the headline price - no hidden extras.
Ecludes on-trail guide - our friendly staff will brief you and answer any questions you may have
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
51 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great outing n scenery unbelievable
eddielim2016,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very scenic and a once in a lifetime experience. Isaac was top class.
Perfect Cruise Shore Excursion – Beautiful Ride on the Remutaka Rail Trail
Melanie M,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00My 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! 🚴♀️🌿
Well organised. Staff...
paul k,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Well 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
Go for it!
Milan S,Dec 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful 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.
Get your heart racing
Kim W,Apr 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A 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.
Ingrids Wellington Adventures
Ingrid S,Apr 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thouroughly enjoyed the variety if ride & scenery. Well signed. Firat self guided ride Ive ever done in an another country
Great ride 👌
imc0j,Jan 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great 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!
Gorgeous ride
Jessica C,Jan 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00First 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 :)
Great Day
Kim C,Oct 3, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Our 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.
Exceptionally Well Organised Rail Trail Cycle Trip ~ Worth The Trip to Wellington Itself!
Chester C,Sep 24, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00Many 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.
Related Experiences
Operated by Cycle Remutaka