Wild Coast Trail section

Walking time

Varies

Length

18.6km

Uses

Walking/Running, Mountain Biking

Type

Shared trail

Walking difficulty

Intermediate: Easier tramping track

Mountain Bike Grade

Intermediate: Grade 3

Profile

33m highest point

Dogs

About the ride

The final section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail takes in the rugged beauty of the wild South Coast. This challenging ride is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. It is arguably the most scenic, with sheer cliffs plunging into the sea and the chance to see orca, dolphins, and seals in the water nearby. On a clear day you’ll see all the way to the snow-capped peaks of the Kaikōura Ranges.

The trail can be ridden in either direction. It runs along the coast through Ōrongorongo Station, one of the longest running farms in New Zealand. There are no significant hills, but the terrain is uneven and often rocky, with streams to cross. Due to the coastal environment and changeable weather, sand drifts are common. At the southernmost point, Turakirae Head, you’ll see raised beaches formed by tectonic uplifts over the past 7,000 years.

If you’re coming from the Ocean Beach (Wairarapa) side, from Turakirae Head you’ll turn north to the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River, where the Remutaka Cycle Trail officially ends and the Wainuiomata Coast Road takes you back to Petone.

Bike hire and shuttle services are available through Wildfinder, Green Jersey or the Partner Directory.
By car - Parking is available at Ocean Beach and Ōrongorongo.
By bike - To begin at Ocean Beach, continue your ride from Section 3. If you’re starting at Ōrongorongo, the Wainuiomata Connector Ride runs through Wainuiomata to Petone. It is possible to ride around the coast from Eastbourne to Ōrongorongo, but you will need to get permission to cross two areas of private land.

The South Coast is remote, with no shops or car access and limited or zero cellphone coverage.
Check the weather forecast on MetService ahead of time and plan accordingly. The weather is extreme and changeable.
Heavy rains can make some streams impassable, and sand drifts and rock fall are common.
There are toilets at Corner Creek Campsite, Mukamukaiti picnic area, and Ōrongorongo River car park.
There is untreated water at Corner Creek Campsite and Mukamukaiti picnic area. There is no food available on this section, so be sure to take what you need.
A mountain bike is required for this section.
Pack food, water, warm clothing, bike pump, repair kit, and First Aid kit.
Squeeze gates are located at Ōrongorongo Station and Windy Point. You may need to unload your bike panniers to get through.
For regular trail updates follow the Remutaka Cycle Trail Facebook page.

Camping is available at Corner Creek Campsite, a Standard DOC site with unpowered tent sites.

Alternatively, look for accommodation options in the Wairarapa.

TBS Photography

Cyclists at Cape Palliser