Remutaka Cycle Trail: Rail trail section

Walking time

Varies

Length

24.4km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Shared trail

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

437m highest point

Dogs

Yes (on lead)

About the ride

This second section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail traces a historic railway through the Remutaka Ranges. A varied ride, it’s great for families and popular for day trips.

Day trips can start the ride at Maymorn, or for a slightly shorter ride, start from Kaitoke where you’ll find the Wildfinder bike rental hub. If starting from the Wairarapa side, you’ll begin at Cross Creek. Parking is available at all of these points.

From Maymorn to Summit the trail is wide and well-maintained, graded easy (Grade 2). There’s a gentle incline on gravel double track up to Summit, then it’s single downhill along the historic Fell Locomotive Incline, through the 500-metre Summit Tunnel and across the Siberia Gully swing bridge.

After Summit the trail becomes an intermediate/Grade 3 mountain biking track. It is narrow in places, with people travelling in both directions. It is prone to washouts and there are some exposed drop-offs to navigate carefully.

At the bottom you’ll emerge at the Cross Creek entrance and into the Wairarapa Valley. If this is the end of your ride, you can arrange a shuttle provider to meet you here or ride a further 10km to Featherston. Otherwise, continue on to section 3.

Bike hire and shuttle services are available.
By car - Take State Highway 2 to Maymorn Station. If starting from Kaitoke the turn off to is signposted at Pākuratahi Forest with the carpark 1km along a metal road.
By train - Take the Wairarapa Line from Wellington to Maymorn Station. If taking a bike check the Metlink timetable for information, updates and their bike policy.

After the smooth journey to the summit, the trail becomes more challenging as you emerge through the tunnels and head down to Cross Creek.

The most challenging section is just beyond Cross Creek Station before you reach the carpark. The trail becomes narrow and uneven with an exposed drop off in places. Less confident riders are encouraged to dismount and walk this section.

There are toilets at Tunnel Gully, Ladle Bend, Summit, and Cross Creek.
There is no drinking water or food after Te Marua dairy, so make sure to make sure to bring enough with you.
A hybrid or touring bike is sufficient from Maymorn to Summit but a mountain bike is recommended for the Wairarapa side. E-bikes are welcome.
There is reasonable cellphone coverage at the start and end of this section, but it is patchy in the middle.
Check the weather forecast on MetService ahead of time and plan accordingly. The weather is extremely changeable. Bring warm and waterproof layers, even in summer.
Tell someone your plans before you go, and take a light for the rail tunnels, a bike pump, and repair kit.
For regular updates follow the Remutaka Cycle Trail Facebook page.

There is free camping at Ladle Bend, Summit, and Cross Creek. Fires are not allowed so bring a portable gas stove. Take your rubbish with you.
The camping at Ladle Bend is below the trail near the Pakuratahi River. For your safety, do not camp under the damaged pine trees to the left of the trail before the bridge.
More accommodation options are available on the Remutaka Cycle Trail Partner Directory.