Rimutaka Cycle Trail

RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
RIMUTAKA
Cycle Trail
ORONGORONGO
PETONE
115km
2-3 DAYS
Trail Info
Summit Tunnel © Caleb Smith
BELOW LEFT: Caspian terns © Rod Morris,
Department of Conservation
BELOW RIGHT: Seal Colony at Cape Palliser
© Destination Wairarapa
2-3 Days
Starting on Wellington’s doorstep, this trail winds
the Rimutaka Rail Trail, one of the most
through the Rimutaka Ranges to the Wairarapa
popular and historic trails in the region.
Valley and the mouth of the Orongorongo River.
After emerging in the Wairarapa,
F
rom the head of Wellington
large river and great swimming spots to
Harbour, the Rimutaka Cycle
cool off on a hot summer’s day as the
Trail cuts through the
trail gradually climbs to the head of the
bush- clad Rimutaka Mountain Range,
passing through tunnels on an old
Hutt Valley.
115km
famous for vineyards and sheep farming,
TRAIL GRADES:
the trail follows a country road past
PETONE FORESHORE TO
Lake Wairarapa to Ocean Beach. The
MAYMORN - GRADE 2 (EASY).
final section is the shortest, but also
35km trail with an easy grade.
the most adventurous. Aptly named The
MAYMORN TO CROSS CREEK
Wild Coast, it skirts around Turakirae
- GRADE 2-3 (EASY TO
INTERMEDIATE) 25km into New
Beyond the valley the trail enters the
Head, where the Rimutaka Range
Tunnel Gully area in the Pakuratahi
dives into the pounding Pacific Ocean.
Forest on what was once the main
The trail then runs west to the mouth
GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE)
The first stage is an easy riverside cycle
railway line between Wellington and the
of the Orongorongo River where the
36km on-road ride alongside Lake
path called the Hutt River Trail. There are
Wairarapa. Riders will then cross the
Wainuiomata Coast Rd provides a road
Wairarapa and farmland.
plenty of scenic picnic areas beside this
northern end of the Rimutaka Range on
link back to the city of Wellington.
OCEAN BEACH TO ORONGORONG0
rail trail, and skirting around the wild
southern coast.
Zealand’s bush-clad past.
CROSS CREEK TO OCEAN BEACH -
RIVER MOUTH GRADE 3-4
LOOK OUT FOR...
(INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED)
An 18km adventurous ride along the
Turakirae Head
Wairarapa Moana Wetlands
remote and exposed south coast.
MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE:
Heading towards the coast on the Cross
Onoke and the surrounding reserves,
The southernmost point of the trail is
Creek to Ocean Beach section of the
this wetland is home to indigenous and
Turakirae Head, which has the unique
migratory waterbirds including banded
geological
and Cross Creek and around the
dotterel, Caspian tern, bar-tailed godwit
formation of
south coast are remote and have
and the pied stilt.
raised beaches.
little or no cell phone coverage.
The headland is
DRINKING WATER: Carry enough
home to a colony
water and food for your trip, as after
of up to 500 fur
the first section there are no shops.
trail is Lake
Onoke, part of
the Wairarapa
Moana Wetlands
Park. Comprising
the beds of lakes
Wairarapa and
68
The area is a historically productive food
and material resource for local Maori,
and a place of spiritual importance.
seals.
The areas between Tunnel Gully
Petone
Maymorn
Cross Creek
Ocean Beach
25km
1
© AA Traveller 2015
Harcourt Park
Porirua
2
MAP LEGEND53
open section
CROSS CREEK
busy road section
Wainuiomata
Eastbourne
e
point of interest
d
ng
a
aR
k
a
ut
Rim
start / finish point
Lake Wairarapa
Western Lak
e
Wellington
Harbour
2
Featherston
Summit Tunnel
LOWER
HUTT
PETONE
Rimutaka Rail Trail
UPPER HUTT
Hutt River Trail
r
ive
tt R
u
H
1
2
Tunnel
Maoribank MAYMORN Gully
Silverstream Bridge
18km
Kaitoke
2
Te Marua
58
Orongorongo
36km
a
Ro
i-SITE Visitor
Centre
Waituna Cottage
town
café/restaurant
iver
ahanga R
Ruam
toilets
r
ive
go
R
car park
CORNER CREEK
Ocea
on
accommodation
ngo
r
n Bea
ch
Lake
Onoke
camping
Lake Ferry
shelter
O ro
ORONGORONGO
Turakirae Head
Palliser Bay
“The Rimutaka Cycle Trail is a fantastic way to
explore the landscapes and history of the Wellington
region. The trail terrain is varied, without being
too challenging, and takes you through bush,
open countryside and rugged coastline, for an
unforgettable cycling journey - all on the doorstep of
the capital city.”
1
state highway
Rowena’s City Lodge
• 5min to Courtenay Pl, Te Papa,
stadium, central city
• Camp sites available
• Free off-street parking
• Tariff: $17-$80
Secure Bike
(1-2 persons)
Lock-up
Jonathan Kennett
115 Brougham St, Mt Victoria, Wellington
Ph/Fax: 04 385 7872
www.wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz
Reservations: 0800 80 14 14
Wellington City
after Duke of Wellington, British military hero • on SH 1
UPPER HUTT
ASURE 83 By The Sea Motor Lodge
WELLINGTON’S
83 The Esplanade, Petone, Lower Hutt
KIWI HOLIDAY PARK
P: 04 569 8121 Reservations Freephone: 0800 500 757
E: info@83bythesea.co.nz • www.83bythesea.co.nz
10 MINUTES TO FERRY
Stay and start the Rimutaka Cycle Trail at
Petone Beach
• Cafés & restaurants 5-minute walk
• 10km to Interisland Ferries
• Supermarket 5 minutes
• Free parking for cars, vans, trailers
• Long-stay parking by arrangement
• Bike-friendly
Gateway to the south...
• Power sites $22 (sgl), $40 (dbl), extra $16, child $10
• Family Cabins $70 (dbl), extra $15, child $10
• ECO Cabins $80 (dbl), extra $15, child $10
• Kitchen Cabins $90 (dbl), extra $15, child $10
• Tourist Flats $105 (dbl), extra $15, child $10
e. harcourtholidaypark@xtra.co.nz
45 Akatarawa Rd,
Upper Hutt
p. 04 526 7400
Phone for reservations: 04 526 7400 www.harcourtholidaypark.co.nz
WATCH VIDEO
69
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
35km
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
RIDING THE TRAIL
Petone Foreshore to
Maymorn, 35km
The first section of the trail runs
mostly along the banks of the Hutt
River, through parkland on the fairly
easy-grade paths of the popular Hutt
River Trail.
Beginning at Petone Wharf, riders
then head along the foreshore to the
mouth of the Hutt River, historic site
of the Hikoikoi pa, one of the largest
Maori settlements in pre-European
New Zealand. The trail then follows
the river northeast through the parklike public corridor on both sealed
and gravelled pathways.
old railway route. From Ladle Bend Bridge
the trail travels through plantation forestry
to Summit. From Summit the trail descends
along the path of the historic Fell Locomotive
Incline. With three railway tunnels on the
descent, including the 576m Summit Tunnel,
some form of light is advisable. Riders
emerge from the ranges at Cross Creek, into
the expanse of the Wairarapa.
Cross Creek to
Ocean Beach, 36km
Some riders may opt to turn northeast on
Western Lake Rd to the town of Featherston
(12km) to finish their day’s ride. The trail,
however, turns southwest and runs
alongside the shore of Lake Wairarapa
Eventually leaving the riverbank at
Te Marua, riders follow a short road
section to the entrance to Tunnel
Gully to begin the second part of
the trail.
on Western Lake Rd. This section is a
gentle descent on a sealed public road,
easily ridden, with some care required
for occasional motor vehicles. Riders will
travel through rich farmland, where sheep
and cattle have grazed since Europeans
first settled in the 19th century.
Towards the coast riders pass Lake
Onoke, part of the Wairarapa Moana
Wetlands Park, before reaching the big
blue of Cook Strait at Ocean Beach.
Ocean Beach to mouth of
Orongorongo River, 18km
On a clear day, the snow-capped peaks
of the South Island’s Kaikoura Ranges
are visible across the water. Much of the
land is part of the Orongorongo Sheep
Station. The landscape is one of stark and
rugged beauty, but do keep an eye on the
weather while planning and riding, as this
section is exposed to strong winds. After
exploring Turakirae Head, the trail runs
north to the mouth of the Orongorongo
River where there is a road link back
to the city of Wellington. This section
provides the most challenging trail
conditions with rocky and sandy sections.
The final section runs along the South
Coast, with the Cook Strait on your left
and hill country to your right.
Wild coast track around Turakirae Head © huttvalleynz.com
Maymorn to Cross
Creek, 25km
Beginning with Tunnel Gully, riders
travel through the historic Maymorn
Tunnel and lush green bush to
Kaitoke. After a short public road,
it’s back into the bush to follow the
Wallaceville
Motor Lodge
Just 30 minutes from Wellington City
and 5 minutes from Upper Hutt City.
Rimutaka Cycle Trail Tunnel Gully
Entrance 9.4kms away.
You will fall in love with the view from every room.
16 spacious and exceptionally quiet motel rooms.
Secure Bike Storage
Expires Dec 2016
• STUDIIO $120
0* (1 Doublle, 1 Single))
• SPA SU
UITE $1
140* (1 Kinng Bed)
• FAMIL
LY STUD
DIO $14
40* (1 Douuble, 2 Singlees)
• FAMIL
LY DELU
UXE $19
90* (1 Kinng, 1 Doublee, 1 Single)
* The rattes on th
his advert are for direct bo
ookings
only. PHONE 0800 001
1 456. Promo Co
ode
MUST be quote
ed at the time of booking
2 Wallaceville Road, Upper Hutt
Call us free on 0800 001 456
and make your reservation
www.wallacevillehouse.co.nz
E: info@wallacevillehouse.co.nz
70
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
71
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
NEARBY DESTINATIONS
The Rimutaka Cycle Trail is right on
urban vibe and a compact city centre
Harbour on the East by West Ferry.
Fuel up for your ride on Petone’s
the doorstep of Wellington, New
that is easily explored either on foot or
Either head directly to the trail head
Jackson St, a popular and picturesque
Zealand’s capital, and recently named
two wheels.
at Petone, or allow time to visit the
boulevard of boutiques, cafés, bars
eastern beach suburbs via Days Bay,
and restaurants. Grab a bite to eat and
riding around the bays to the Petone
a locally roasted coffee and you’ll be
foreshore.
set to go!
‘The coolest little city in the world’ by
Vogue. Famous for cuisine, culture and
shopping, Wellington has a relaxed
When you’re ready to hit the trail, take
your bike and cruise across Wellington
Mountain Bikes, Mt Victoria © Positively Wellington Tourism
Upper Hutt
After the Hutt River • 33km NE of Wellington on SH 2
136 Akatarawa Rd, Birchville, Upper Hutt
PH: 04 526 6948 E: tranquility@xtra.co.nz
www.tranquilityhomestay.co.nz
Secure storage for bicycles.
Bed & Breakfast nestled on 0.4ha
among native trees, lawn and garden.
Wellington CBD 25min.
Upper Hutt CBD 3min. Close to
The Lord of the Rings locations.
Ferry and airport pick-up for a small
cost. 4 bedrooms: single/twin shared
facilities, queen with ensuite & spa
bath, double with ensuite.
Pets by arrangement.
Tariff: B&B $80-$145 (single/double).
On the Cycle Trail.
RESERVATIONS: 0800 27 07 87
72
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
ALONGSIDE
THE TRAIL
There’s plenty to see from
attraction-packed riverside
cities to bush-clad ranges
and historic features.
A
t Petone, the head of Wellington
Harbour and the start of the trail,
stop in at the Petone Settlers Museum.
Situated near the site of the first contact
Hutt Valley
between local Maori and the settlers
of the New Zealand Company, it’s the
perfect way to kick off a ride that’s rich
Wellington’s thriving arts and
in history as well as nature.
cultural scene continues in
the Hutt Valley. The Dowse
Along the Hutt River section of the trail,
Art Museum’s creativity spans
you’ll pass the site of Pito-One pa, one
of pre-European New Zealand’s largest
multimedia, fashion and painting,
Maori settlements, and the Boulcott’s
while the Petone Settlers
Museum is an architectural gem.
ABOVE, LEFT: The New Dowse
© www.huttvalleynz.com
RIGHT: Cross Creek Railway Station
© Ross Henderson, DoC
The Great Outdoors
Upper Hutt is the gateway to the
Rimutaka Forest Park and the
Kaitoke Regional Park.
Farm Memorial, in remembrance of
a clash from those volatile early days.
Park the bike and pick up a set of
Lord of the Rings fans will want to take a
golf clubs at one of Hutt Valley’s nine
short detour to Harcourt Park, filming
riverside golf courses. Enjoy nine or 18
location for the ‘Gardens of Isengard’
holes in this beautiful fertile river valley.
where Middle-earth’s two most powerful
wizards walked and talked.
ABOVE: Pukaha Mt Bruce © Destination
Wairarapa / Mike Heydon
73
Head chef Kristan Mulcahy chats to diners from the open
kitchen at Grill Meats Beer © Positively Wellington Tourism
RIGHT: Harvest Festival fun in the Wairarapa © Destination
Wairarapa
The Rimutaka Cycle Trail is a
the waterfront, to the café-filled
Village in the Wairarapa may be
Greytown is also growing in stature
haven for foodies and wine-lovers
central city, Wellington is renowned
small in size but it’s huge in style
as a destination for the connoisseur.
par excellence. Wellington has
for its sophisticated food scene,
and boasts distinctively boutique
FilmmakerJames Cameron’s Food
more cafés, bars and restaurants
its excellent coffee (there are 17
and hand-crafted wines. Especially
Forest organic deli (fresh from
per capita than New York and the
coffee roasters here) and varied
well-regarded for its pinot noir, there
the Cameron family farm) and the
options available are extraordinary.
craft beers (over 200 are on offer).
are over 20 wineries here, many with
award-winning Greytown Butcher are
From fine establishments along
The elegant Martinborough Wine
restaurants serving the best of the
standouts, while the Main St Deli is a
region.
popular spot for lunch.
Masterton
after Joseph Masters • 100km NE of Wellington on SH 2
Town
Centre
A perfect location to base yourself when cycling in the Wairarapa
• Bike locker
• Swimming pool
• Cycle-friendly
• Walking distance to town
centre, shops, cafés and
restaurants
• 17 executive studio, 1 and
2-bedroom suites
• Free wireless internet
210 Chapel Street, Masterton Ph: 06 378 7745 Fax: 06 378 9467
Email: info@discovery.co.nz • www.discovery.co.nz
Kuripuni
restaurants
& shopping
Discovery
Motor
Lodge
HIG
MASTERTON’S FINEST
MOTOR LODGE
2
To Wellington
Reservations 0800 222 880
Ph: 06 377 7485 • 274 High Street, Masterton
Email: info@bkschardonnay.co.nz
Reservations: 0508 26 76 92
HILLCREST ST
MICHAEL
ST
CHAPEL ST - HIGHWAY 2
CORNWALL ST
POWNALL ST
Napier
Palmerston North
RENALL ST
The
Warehouse
QUEEN ST
The Quiet One
RUSSELL ST
Wellington
■ Large swimming pool
■ Relaxing peaceful
location
■
■
■
■ No traffic noise
■
■ Town centre 3min drive ■
74
Reservations Freephone: 0800 188 515
119 Cornwall Street, Masterton
Phone: 06 378 2939 Mob: 027 891 2020
Email: info@cornwallparkmotel.co.nz
www.cornwallparkmotel.co.nz
QUEEN ST
Cornwall
Park Motel
WATCH VIDEO
Extensive play area
Recently refurbished
Studio & family units
Free WiFi
LCD TVs with Sky
■
■
■
■
■
BBQ
Bike locker
Bike wash facilities
Laundry facilities
Trip Advisor - rated 9/10
• Cycle hire
• Bike wash station
• Bike locker
• Close to the 18-hole golf course and
only 3 minutes walk from indoor pool
complex, museums and QEII Park and mini
putt, miniature railway, boats, adventure
playground, deer park and much more.
5 Oxford St, Masterton
Ph: 06 378 6454
Email: info@mawleypark.co.nz
www.mawleypark.co.nz
DIXON ST
• Spa bath suites
QUEEN ST
•Leave your car securely
while cycling
2
CHAPEL ST
Self-Rated
• Cycling-friendly • Secure cycle storage
• Bikewash facilities
• 18 ground-floor studio, 1 & 2-brm suites
• Sky Guest Select 50+ channels
• Free ultra fast Broadband (conditions apply)
• 7 suites with double corner spa bath
• LED TVs • Near restaurants
To Napier
2
Pak n Save
+
www.bkschardonnay.co.nz
H ST
Book online:
BYPASS ROAD
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
FINE WINE, CRAFT BEER AND FOOD TO WRITE HOME ABOUT
RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
things to do...
WAIRARAPA
A
exotic trees are well worth exploring
the trail to finish their day’s ride in the
designer clothing, exclusive interior
picturesque township of Featherston.
homewares and furniture, and artisanal
C’est Cheese delicatessen has the
sweet treats. Join a tour to Stonehenge
makings of a delicious antipasto platter
Aotearoa, about 10km from Greytown.
to refuel after time in the saddle.
Martinborough Village is the heart of
Featherston’s Fell Locomotive Museum
the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail. It’s a
provides a fascinating background to
10km ride from Featherston, or a shuttle
• Cycle locker
the distinctive Rimutaka Incline rail
can pick you up. Spend a glorious day
• Laundry service
system, which the path of the cycle trail
cycling between the vineyards and olive
now follows.
groves sampling the region’s specialities
• 15 new stylish studio units set in a
quiet location in the heart of Greytown
Masterton is home to filmmaker Sir
and there are plenty of accommodation
• King/queen-size beds
Peter Jackson and is New Zealand’s
options to choose from if you wish to
• Sleeps 1 to 4 • All ground level
foremost sheep farming district. See
spend the night.
• Plenty of parking • Free WiFi
conservation in action at nearby Pukaha
Martinborough began life as Wharekaka,
• Tariff: from $115 (2 persons)
Mt Bruce National Wildlife Centre where
but Irishman John Martin took it over
tuatara, brown and white kiwi, kokako
and laid out the streets based on the
and takahe are all resident.
Union Flag. Some of the names – Venice,
Greytown is the Wairarapa’s oldest town,
Panama and Suez – serve as reminders
and some would say the prettiest. The
of Martin’s travels.
fter crossing the bush-clad
Rimutakas into Wairarapa,
on the Greytown Historic Walk. Enjoy
many riders opt to turn off
the array of boutique stores, including
LEFT: Fell Locomotive Museum in Featherston © Destination Wairarapa
ABOVE: Shopping, Greytown © Destination Wairarapa / Mike Heydon
Greytown
after Governor Sir George Grey • 80km NE of Wellington
#$&)ZMVXL90
138 Main St, Greytown • Ph: 06 304 9346
E: info@greyfriars.co.nz
Reservations 0800 304 340 • www.greyfriars.co.nz
Martinborough
old colonial buildings and avenues of
after merchant John Martin • 84km NE of Wellington
RESERVATIONS: 0800 809 162
www.theclaremont.co.nz
FREEi
WiF
MOTEL, STUDIOS & APARTMENTS
• 21 units including studios,
1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments
• 1ha landscaped gardens
• Pool and private spa
• 10 digital channels
• Grass tennis court, giant chess
set, children’s play area
• Guest BBQ
E: host@theclaremont.co.nz
P: 06 306 9162
38 Regent St, Martinborough
The Highwayman Motel
• Walking distance to town centre,
shops, cafés and restaurants
• Free wireless broadband in
every room
• Can accommodate groups of 70+
• Charge-back from local
restaurants
46 High St, Masterton
Email: info@highwayman.co.nz
Web: www.highwayman.co.nz
RESERVATIONS PHONE: 06 377 4144
Z
2-bedroom apartments, studios and motel units • Quiet & green location
• Hire cycles • Cyclists welcome • Bike locker available • Bike washing facility
Tariff: from $125 • Seasonal rates apply
Bike hire & cyclist-friendly
75