Ride one of New Zealand’s greatest trails right from our doorstep. Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park in Upper Hutt is the perfect base for exploring the Remutaka Cycle Trail — with cabins and motel accommodation, bike-friendly facilities, and easy access to local shuttle services.
Discover the Remutaka Cycle Trail Adventure
Embark on the ride of a lifetime along the Remutaka Cycle Trail — a journey that will refresh your spirit, invigorate your body, and immerse you in the stunning natural beauty of New Zealand.
Breathe in the fresh air and leave everyday stress behind as you cycle through breathtaking landscapes — from the rugged terrain of the Wellington region to the serene coastal vistas of the Wairarapa. Follow trails winding alongside the Hutt River and through the historic Remutaka Ranges, uncovering rich heritage and unforgettable views along the way.
To help plan your adventure, view the
interactive Remutaka Cycle Trail map, which includes toilet stops, water points, key access points, and the full trail circuit via Google Earth.
Stay at Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park, your ideal base for exploring the Remutaka Cycle Trail and beyond. Located in Upper Hutt, our holiday park offers convenient, bike-friendly accommodation just minutes from popular trail access points. Harcourt Park and surrounding trails provide a peaceful connection to nature — this is more than just a ride; it's a lifestyle.
Sustainability at the Heart of Your Stay
Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park leads the way in eco-conscious tourism. We’re deeply committed to environmental responsibility and provide guests with eco-friendly facilities that make a difference.
- 10 Cabins: Designed with underfloor solar heating, solar water systems, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
- Renewable Energy: Community hot water is powered by a wood-fired boiler, while our laundry runs on bottled gas infinity systems.
- Battery-Operated Equipment: Our park grounds are maintained using solar-charged battery-powered tools to reduce noise and emissions.
- Onsite Solar Infrastructure: Powers equipment and offsets power use throughout the park — helping conserve energy for all guests.
- Recycling Programs: Conveniently placed recycling stations help minimize landfill waste and protect the environment.
When you stay with us, you’re not just enjoying a relaxing getaway — you’re supporting a more sustainable future.
Cycle. Explore. Relax.
After a day cycling through spectacular landscapes, native bush, and along the pristine Hutt River, return to the peaceful setting of our holiday park. Let the sounds of nature and birdsong welcome you back to comfort and rest.
Love New Zealand? Ride a bike. Think globally, cycle locally.
Experience the beauty, adventure, and sustainability of the Remutaka Cycle Trail — with Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park in Upper Hutt as your home base for accommodation, relaxation, and connection to the great outdoors.
Book your stay today and start your journey!
👉 See our full range of Upper Hutt accommodation here.
Welcome to the Remutaka (Rimutaka) Cycle Trail
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated cycling experiences, combining scenic beauty, rich railway history, and a relaxed, family-friendly ride. This Grade 2–3 trail follows the old Remutaka railway line through tunnels, forests, river valleys, and historic engineering sites.
Whether you're here for a short ride to the summit or tackling the full trail to Wairarapa, Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park is the ideal base to start your adventure.
Trail Overview
The Remutaka Cycle Trail forms part of the official NZ Cycle Trail (Nga Haerenga) network. It is suitable for confident beginners, families, recreational cyclists, and adventure riders.
- Total distance: ~71 km (Maymorn to Featherston)
- Trail difficulty: Grade 2–3 (easy to intermediate)
- Typical ride times: 4–8 hours for full section
- Surface: Smooth gravel with gentle railway gradients
- Best for: Family rides, e-bikes, mountain bikes, gravel bikes
Distances & Estimated Riding Times
- Maymorn Trailhead to Summit: 1–2 hours (16 km)
- Summit to Cross Creek: 1–1.5 hours (15 km)
- Summit return trip: 2.5–4 hours (32 km total)
- Full rail trail (Maymorn → Cross Creek → Featherston): 4–8 hours
How to Access the Trail from Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is easily accessible from our holiday park. Most riders start at the Kaitoke / Maymorn trailhead.
- Driving time: 10–15 minutes from the park
- Distance: approx. 11 km
- Parking: Free parking at Kaitoke trailhead
If you're riding directly from the park, ask us for more information on how to get there.
👉 For a full interactive map, including toilets, tunnels, access points and gradients:
View the official Remutaka Cycle Trail Map
Highlights Along the Trail
- Historic Tunnels: Several original railway tunnels — bring a torch or use bike lights!
- Summit Site: Iconic sign, information panels, and views across the valley.
- Pakuratahi Bridge: Stunning restored railway bridge near Kaitoke.
- Native Forest: A peaceful, bird-rich ride through regenerating bush.
- Heritage Railway Features: Old sleepers, retaining walls, and rail remnants.
- Cross Creek Descent: A scenic downhill run to the Wairarapa side.
What to Bring
- Helmet (required)
- Water (minimum 1–2 litres per person)
- Snacks / lunch for summit stops
- Bike lights for tunnels
- Warm layer & windbreaker (weather changes quickly)
- Bike repair kit (tube, pump, tools)
- Fully charged phone or camera
Safety & Useful Tips
- Check weather before riding — high winds can affect exposed sections.
- Mobile reception is good on the Upper Hutt side, weaker near Cross Creek.
- Tunnels can be slippery — lights recommended.
- Keep left and give way to walkers.
- Tell someone your planned route and return time.
- Most riders complete the trail comfortably on an e-bike or mountain bike.
Why Stay at Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park?
Our holiday park is a top choice for riders tackling the Remutaka Cycle Trail and exploring Upper Hutt. We offer:
- Bike-friendly accommodation: Motels, cabins, and powered sites.
- Secure parking & lighting: Peace of mind for cars, vans, and trailers.
- Quiet natural setting: Next to Harcourt Park and river trails.
- Close to amenities: Shops, cafés, bike repair, fuel.
- Flexible check-in: Late arrivals welcome.
Sustainability at the Heart of Your Stay
By choosing Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park, you're supporting a locally-owned, eco-conscious holiday park. Our cabins feature solar heating, LED lighting, and sustainable systems. We care for our grounds using battery-powered, low-noise tools and offer convenient recycling for all guests.
Start Your Remutaka Adventure
Whether you’re planning a scenic family ride, an adventurous summit trip, or the full Maymorn–Featherston journey, our team is here to help you get the most out of your visit.
Book your stay today and make Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park your home base for the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
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