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.
How was your ride?
Let us know by completing our survey and go into the monthly prize draw to win cycle books from the Kennett Brothers. Your feedback helps us build a better trail.
Remutaka Cycle Trail Survey