Wellington Regional Trails
2 bikers cycling along the track next to the road, on the Western lake Road Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

A gentle countryside ride along the shores of Lake Wairarapa, ending at the wild South Coast.

Walking time

Varies

Length

42.5km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Shared trail

Walking difficulty

Easy: Walking track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

96m highest point

Dogs

Yes
2 bikers cycling along the track next to the road, on the Western lake Road Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
2 bikers cycling along the track next to the road, on the Western lake Road Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
2 bikers cycling along the track next to the road, on the Western lake Road Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

About the ride

The third section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail takes you 42.5km through the Wairarapa countryside between Featherson and Ocean Beach, a small settlement perched on the wild South Coast. The trail surface is a mix of sealed country roads and off-road single tracks.

From Cross Creek, take the out-and-back route (10km each way) north-east into Featherston. The charming town is a great overnight stopover for those riding the Remutaka Cycle Trail and an ideal base to sample local wines, and experience the region’s country charm.

To continue the trail, return south-west on Western Lake road past Cross Creek and along the shores of Lake Wairarapa, passing sheep and cattle farms. There are beautiful picnic spots at All Saints Church and Wairarapa Lake Shore Scenic Reserve.

You’ll pass Lake Ōnoke, part of the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Park, where indigenous and migratory waterbirds flock. The final stop is on the South Coast at Ocean Beach where you’ll find rows of classic Kiwi baches. This is the start of section four of the cycle trail.

Bikers walking towards The Old Saints Church, Wairongomai, on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

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

Looking for more?

At start of items
An adult and child cycle along the Hutt River Trail.

Hutt River Trail section

Remutaka Cycle TrailTake a gentle ride along Te Awa Kairangi with swimming and picnic stops on the way.

Two bikers going through a dark tunnel on the Rail Trail Section on the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Rail Trail section

Remutaka Cycle TrailTake an invigorating ride tracing an historic railway line through stunning native bush.

Two cyclists on the beach in Palliser Bay, at the entrance to the Wild Coast Section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Wild Coast Trail section

Remutaka Cycle TrailThe final and most scenic section includes a windswept ride along a remote and rugged coastline.

Three people standing on top of Birchville Dam. Green trees and bushes surround them.

Cannon Point Walkway

Zigzag through the hills north of Upper Hutt to the historic Birchville Dam.

The trail around Pencarrow Lakes and Eastbourne Lighthouse. Green hills meet with the blue ocean and lakes, and the white lighthouse is in the distance.

Lighthouse Track

East Harbour Regional ParkA steep narrow track up to the old Pencarrow Lighthouse.

A dirt path cuts through green grass and hay paddocks on the Greytown to Woodside trail.

Greytown to Woodside Trail

The original Greytown to Woodside railway line provides a beautiful and family-friendly walking path.

The view from the ridgeline on the Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit in the Tararua Range.

Holdsworth roadend to Powell Hut/Mount Holdsworth

Spend the night at Powell Hut or continue on to the Mount Holdsworth summit on this one or two-day adventure in the Tararua Range.

The view of mountain ranges from a wooden deck.

Mount Holdsworth Jumbo Circuit

The multi-day circuit around Mount Holdsworth gives you the opportunity to explore the tops of the Tararua Range. Enjoy 360-degree views of the Wairarapa region and Wellington.

The rocky coastline, blue water, and mountains are at Red Rocks Coastal Walkway.

Red Rocks Track

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveAdventure along the ridgelines on the south coast for huge views of the Cook Strait and then down to the coastline to meet the fur seals.

The Fenceline Trail in Waimapihi Reserve. It travels alongside the fence of Zealandia, amongst trees, to the Brooklyn Wind Turbine.

Fenceline

Waimapihi Reserve, Brooklyn Turbine and Te Kopahou ReserveFollow the boundary of Zealandia Te Māra a Tāne ecosanctuary and tune into native birdsong.