Perfect for a weekend bikepacking mission, this route mostly follows the Remutaka Cycle Trail taking in the Hutt River, an historic railway, rural Wairarapa, the wild Pacific Coast, and a wind through Wainuiomata.
From Wellington the ride heads around the harbour to Seaview before climbing over the Wainuiomata Hill and cruising down through a pretty rural valley to the remote coast. Around Turakirae Head (home to a seal colony), it continues along the so-called ‘Wild Coast’ and past Wairarapa Moana/Lake Wairarapa. After climbing up and over the Remutaka Ranges via the fabulous old rail trail, the route follows dedicated cycle paths back to Wellington through the ever-changing scenes of the Hutt Valley.
The sexy curves of the 90m Siberia Gully swing bridge (Jonathan Kennett)
Highlights
- the aptly named ‘Wild Coast’ between the Orongorongo River & Palliser Bay
- rural & lake scenery along Wairarapa Moana
- stories & relics along the historic Remutaka Rail Trail
- the rather photogenic 90m Siberia Gully swing bridge
- easy riding & interesting sights along the Hutt River Trail
- riding around Wellington’s harbour edge
- trailside refreshments in Wellington, Petone, Lower Hutt & Upper Hutt
Connecting bikepacking routes
The Akatarawa Loop is a 1–2-day (160km) addition connecting with the Kapiti Coast at Upper Hutt. It’s detailed in the Kennett Brothers’ Bikepacking Aotearoa guide along with a couple of additional options for returning to Wellington. (This is their home turf, after all…)
Heading around Windy Point on the Wild Coast section (bennettandslater.co.nz)
A more detailed route description and map for this ride can be found in the Kennett Brothers guidebook, Bikepacking Aotearoa.
