We'll meet you outside the front entrance of the East by West Ferry office at 9:30am. We'll be in a white van with 'Wildfinder' signage.Please noteif you are on a cruise ship and thiese timings don't work with your ships schedule. Please contact us directly via email.
Description
Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty on a mountain bike. The flagship daytrip of the Remutaka Rail Trail, this is suitable for riders of all levels with a reasonable level of fitness. 28km of easy/moderate riding.
Cycle through native forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland. Follow the countryside to the Royal Hotel in Featherston.
Please note: for those arriving by cruise ship, the pick up and drop off location is approx. 1.4km from the cruise terminal, which is a 20-25 minute walk from the ship. Please check that your sailing times allows for this, we will not be held responsible if you miss your boat! If your sailing is outside of our tour times, please contact us at info@wildfinder.co.nz to enquire about other options.
Tour Options
Mountain Bike
Capable & comfortable Mountain Bike
Itinerary
30 min
We'll drive 30 minutes from the East by West office in Wellington out to the start of the Remutaka Rail Trail to Wildfinder Kaitoke. From here you'll be breifed on the trail and how the bike works before heading off on your self guided adventure!
180 min
Start point for your 28km ride at Kaitoke, on the trail, you’ll start by cycling through the native bird-filled Pakuratahi Forest. Follow an old railway line over bridges and through tunnels, while pausing, if you like, to check out information stations detailing the enormous task of constructing the “Fell” railway system - a first for New Zealand at the time, and one of only a few around the world. Once you reach the summit, you will stop for a picnic lunch on a large grassy plateau next to the remnants of a historic station. After lunch, enjoy an exhilarating (but easily controllable!) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, with views of some of New Zealand’s stunning farming heartland. Follow the path along the countryside to Featherston and we'll see you at the Royal Hotel.
Wairarapa
60 min
We'll pick you up at the Royal Hotel in Featherston, before we shuttle you back over the Remutaka ranges, down the Hutt Valley and back to Wellington (arriving approx. 3.30pm back at the East by West ferry office at Meridian Building, waterside 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington 6011)
What's included
Included
Lunch and water provided - Please message us your dietary restrictions or if you eat anything ASAP!
All equipment - mountain bikes, helmets and other safety gear, lights and a pannier bag.
All transport - shuttles to and from Wellington
All taxes/fees are included in the headline price - no hidden extras.
Not included
Ecludes on-trail guide - our friendly staff will brief you and answer any questions you may have
Pick up from port. Cruise ship passangers to make their own way to pick up location.
Traveller Ratings
4.9
52 reviews
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50
4
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Important Information
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Please provide the following at time of booking, so we can make sure your day goes smoothly:
Info regarding your dietary requirements - eg "no seafood please", "gluten free", "vegetarian"
Your approximate height (for bike sizing)
Trips are subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund at your discretion.
Please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activity. During the warmer months, this means shorts and a t-shirt for riding, and a light jacket in reserve. During the colder months you may prefer long pants or tights (nothing baggy that may catch on the bike!), with a tshirt, fleece and light jacket in reserve. Closed shoes - running shoes are perfect - must be worn at all times.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer take?
Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer lasts about 6 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer cost?
Prices start at $128 per person for this Wellington experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Can I cancel Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is We'll meet you outside the front entrance of the East by West Ferry office at 9:30am. We'll be in a white van with 'Wildfinder' signage. Please note: if you are on a cruise ship and thiese timings don't work with your ships schedule. Please contact us directly via email. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 22 participants.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 52 verified reviews; it is run by Wildfinder.
Reviews(52)
U
U5195OKshelleyb
September 1, 2026
So glad I did it!
I am so glad that I did this! I felt really safe on my own as I was well set up with a tracker, first aid kit, a tire repair kit, map, water and lunch. I also met some nice people on the track who encouraged me along the way. It only felt scary when I did silly things with the bike and went too fast. I rode BMX bikes as a kid so I have some experience on bikes. If you don't have any experience you might want to practice on a mountain bike a bit before going on the trip and have a reasonable level of fitness. I would recommend borrowing a pair of their gloves, following the instructions they give you and be careful of others on the track in narrow places, especially people walking.
Operator response
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback! We are thrilled to hear you felt well prepared and safe out on the trail with our gear and setup. It sounds like your childhood BMX skills came in handy, even if the trail tempted you to pick up a bit of speed! We really appreciate your thoughtful advice for future riders regarding gloves, fitness, and trail etiquette around walkers. We do recomend to bring these items as they help the experience a lot!
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back for another ride soon!
E
eddielim2016
April 20, 2026
Great outing n scenery unbelievable
Very scenic and a once in a lifetime experience. Isaac was top class.
Operator response
Hey Eddie!
Firstly it was a pleasure to meet you. I hope Manchester United can get back to the top and we can start celebrating again!!!
I'm so glad despite the weather that you enjoyed your day with us. Thank you for taking the time to review us and I hope you got to Auckland okay.
All the best,
Isaac
M
Melanie_M
March 7, 2026
Perfect Cruise Shore Excursion – Beautiful Ride on the Remutaka Rail Trail
My husband and I recently did the Remutaka Rail Trail Mountain Bike Explorer Cycle Tour during our trip to New Zealand on Anthem of the Seas, and it was one of the highlights of our visit.
The team picked us up directly from the port, which made the whole experience incredibly easy and well organised from the start. Everything ran smoothly, and we always felt like we were in good hands.
The ride itself was absolutely beautiful. The Remutaka Rail Trail is stunning, with amazing scenery the whole way along. It was such a fun way to explore the area and enjoy the outdoors.
The picnic lunch provided was fantastic and a really nice touch during the ride. The team also made sure we were back at the ship with plenty of time before departure, which we really appreciated as cruise passengers.
A wonderful experience all around — highly organised, friendly team, beautiful trails, and a great day out. Highly recommend! 🚴♀️🌿
Operator response
Thanks so much for your lovely review Melanie! So glad you had such an enjoyable experience out on the trail with us. Hope you enjoyed your cruise!
-Alex.
P
paul_k
January 1, 2026
Well organised. Staff...
Well organised. Staff polite and informative including describing how to call for assistance when there is no cellular service. Route to be taken clearly explained including where those who may feel uncomfortable have the option of taking a slightly different route or the option of walking.
For those not used to cycling any sort of distance they can hire an e-bike, instruction on there use is given.
The route itself has some beautiful scenic views with opportunities to take photos
Operator response
Kia ora Paul,
We are so glad that you had such a good trip, and felt everything was well explained. Thank you for your posiive review, we hope to see you again soon.
Nga mihi,
Elijah
M
Milan_S
December 4, 2025
Go for it!
Beautiful ride on what was formerly a railway track. Impossible to take a wrong turn along the way. Weather was perfect which was a big plus. The ride is very easy, downhill or flat most time. E bike not needed iny my opinion. Isac from the operating agency was a really nice guy. I enjoyed the provided snack.
I wish the trail was longer but that's nobody's fault naturally.
Operator response
Hey Milan,
Thanks for leaving your review, I agree the trail could go for another 20kms at least!! Surely those men back in 1870's who built the track taking 4 years could have thought about us in the future wanting to ride a bit further!! :)
It was great to meet you, all the best!
Isaac
K
Kim_W
April 26, 2025
Get your heart racing
A real mountain biking experience without the hassle. They take care of everything for you. The bikes were excellent quality. They provided a helmet as well as a lunch and a bottle of water. The scenery is spectacular.
Operator response
Hey Kim,
Thanks for your review! We appreciate all the feedback and when it's 5/5 it really makes our day!!
Cheers
Isaac
I
Ingrid S
April 20, 2025
Ingrids Wellington Adventures
Thouroughly enjoyed the variety if ride & scenery. Well signed. Firat self guided ride Ive ever done in an another country
Operator response
Hey Ingrid,
Thank you for your positive review! I'm glasd you enjoyed your first ever self guided tour, and hope it inspires you to do more :)
Cheers
Isaac
I
imc0j
January 26, 2025
Great ride 👌
Great ride through beautiful nature. We started at Maymorn to add a few extra kms to the ride. It was a little steep, even for us as quite experienced riders, but we enjoyed it. We crossed some tunnels and bridges, all with it's own historic value. Great ride, I can recommend it. Just for those that are not too fit, please take the ebike, it'll make your ride much more enjoyable.
Thank you team Wildfinder!
Operator response
Thank you for leaving your review! We agree... on a normal bike that start can be steep, but on an eBike piece of cake!!
Glad you enjoyed the tour and we hope to see you again one day.
Cheers
Isaac
J
Jessica_C
January 16, 2025
Gorgeous ride
First part incline is very easy. After summit, be sure to take it slow and avoid a wipe out, especially if you are like me and don’t know what loose rocks can do. And walk the bike if you want to. Save some time to ride the 10km gravel path to Featherston :)
Operator response
Hey Jessica, thank you for your positing this review and I couldn't agree more, wiping out is never fun...
Hope we see you again one day :)
Cheers
Isaac
K
Kim_C
October 3, 2024
Great Day
Our guide was wonderful. It was a fantastic day for a bike ride. The ride was beautiful, so far it has been the highlight of our trip.
Operator response
Heya Kim!
Many thanks for your kind review and for coming out on an adventure with us!
Were super glad we could make it a great experience :)
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