RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL PETONE ORONGORONGO RIMUTAKA 2-3 DAYS 115km Cycle Trail

Trail Info

Summit Tunnel © Caleb Smith BELOW LEFT: Caspian terns © Rod Morris, Department of Conservation BELOW RIGHT: Seal Colony at Cape Palliser © Destination

2-3 Days Starting on ’s doorstep, this trail winds the Rimutaka Rail Trail, one of the most 115km 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, famous for vineyards and sheep farming, TRAIL GRADES: the trail follows a country road past rom the head of Wellington large river and great swimming spots to PETONE FORESHORE TO Lake Wairarapa to Ocean Beach. The Harbour, the Rimutaka Cycle cool off on a hot summer’s day as the - GRADE 2 (EASY). fi nal section is the shortest, but also 35km trail with an easy grade. Trail cuts through the trail gradually climbs to the head of the F the most adventurous. Aptly named The MAYMORN TO CROSS CREEK bush- clad Rimutaka Mountain Range, Hutt Valley. Wild Coast, it skirts around Turakirae - GRADE 2-3 (EASY TO passing through tunnels on an old INTERMEDIATE) 25km into New Beyond the valley the trail enters the Head, where the Rimutaka Range rail trail, and skirting around the wild Zealand’s bush-clad past. Tunnel Gully area in the Pakuratahi dives into the pounding Pacifi c Ocean. southern coast. CROSS CREEK TO OCEAN BEACH - Forest on what was once the main The trail then runs west to the mouth GRADE 3 (INTERMEDIATE) The fi rst 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 RIVER MOUTH GRADE 3-4 LOOK OUT FOR... (INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED) An 18km adventurous ride along the Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Turakirae Head remote and exposed south coast. MOBILE PHONE COVERAGE: Heading towards the coast on the Cross The southernmost point of the trail is Onoke and the surrounding reserves, The areas between Tunnel Gully Creek to Ocean Beach section of the this wetland is home to indigenous and Turakirae Head, which has the unique and Cross Creek and around the trail is Lake migratory waterbirds including banded geological south coast are remote and have Onoke, part of dotterel, Caspian tern, bar-tailed godwit formation of little or no cell phone coverage. the Wairarapa and the pied stilt. raised beaches. Moana Wetlands The headland is DRINKING WATER: Carry enough The area is a historically productive food Park. Comprising home to a colony water and food for your trip, as after and material resource for local Maori, the beds of lakes of up to 500 fur and a place of spiritual importance. the fi rst section there are no shops. Wairarapa and seals.

68 Petone Maymorn Cross Creek Ocean Beach Orongorongo RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL 35km 25km 36km 18km

© AA Traveller 2015 1 2 Te Marua Harcourt Park 58 2 2 MAYMORN Tunnel Featherston Gully Rimutaka Rail Trail Porirua Bridge 2 Summit Tunnel MAP LEGEND 1 Hutt River Trail 53 CROSS CREEK open section Hutt River busy road section LOWER start / fi nish point PETONE HUTT Lake Wairarapa e point of interest g d n oa Wellington a R i-SITE Visitor Wainuiomata e R k Centre a a Waituna Cottage L Harbour k a n t r town

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“The Rimutaka Cycle Trail is a fantastic way to Rowena’s City Lodge explore the landscapes and history of the Wellington • 5min to Courtenay Pl, Te Papa, region. The trail terrain is varied, without being stadium, central city too challenging, and takes you through bush, • Camp sites available • Free off-street parking open countryside and rugged coastline, for an • Tariff: $17-$80 unforgettable cycling journey - all on the doorstep of (1-2 persons) Secure Bike Lock-up the capital city.” Jonathan Kennett 115 Brougham St, Mt Victoria, Wellington Ph/Fax: 04 385 7872 www.wellingtonbackpackers.co.nz Wellington City Reservations: 0800 80 14 14 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: [email protected] • 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 Gateway to the south... e. [email protected] • Free parking for cars, vans, trailers • Power sites $22 (sgl), $40 (dbl), extra $16, child $10 45 Akatarawa Rd, • Family Cabins $70 (dbl), extra $15, child $10 Upper Hutt • Long-stay parking by arrangement p. 04 526 7400 • ECO Cabins $80 (dbl), extra $15, child $10 • Bike-friendly • Kitchen Cabins $90 (dbl), extra $15, child $10 • Tourist Flats $105 (dbl), extra $15, child $10 Phone for reservations: 04 526 7400 www.harcourtholidaypark.co.nz WATCH VIDEO 69 RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL RIDING THE TRAIL

Petone Foreshore to old railway route. From Ladle Bend Bridge on Western Lake Rd. This section is a On a clear day, the snow-capped peaks Maymorn, 35km the trail travels through plantation forestry gentle descent on a sealed public road, of the ’s Kaikoura Ranges to Summit. From Summit the trail descends easily ridden, with some care required are visible across the water. Much of the The fi rst section of the trail runs along the path of the historic Fell Locomotive for occasional motor vehicles. Riders will land is part of the Orongorongo Sheep mostly along the banks of the Hutt Incline. With three railway tunnels on the travel through rich farmland, where sheep Station. The landscape is one of stark and River, through parkland on the fairly descent, including the 576m Summit Tunnel, and cattle have grazed since Europeans rugged beauty, but do keep an eye on the easy-grade paths of the popular Hutt some form of light is advisable. Riders fi rst settled in the 19th century. weather while planning and riding, as this River Trail. emerge from the ranges at Cross Creek, into Towards the coast riders pass Lake section is exposed to strong winds. After Beginning at Petone Wharf, riders the expanse of the Wairarapa. Onoke, part of the Wairarapa Moana exploring Turakirae Head, the trail runs then head along the foreshore to the Wetlands Park, before reaching the big north to the mouth of the Orongorongo mouth of the Hutt River, historic site Cross Creek to blue of at Ocean Beach. River where there is a road link back of the Hikoikoi pa, one of the largest Ocean Beach, 36km to the city of Wellington. This section Maori settlements in pre-European Some riders may opt to turn northeast on Ocean Beach to mouth of provides the most challenging trail . The trail then follows Western Lake Rd to the town of Featherston Orongorongo River, 18km conditions with rocky and sandy sections. the river northeast through the park- (12km) to fi nish their day’s ride. The trail, The fi nal section runs along the South like public corridor on both sealed however, turns southwest and runs Coast, with the Cook Strait on your left and gravelled pathways. alongside the shore of Lake Wairarapa and hill country to your right. Eventually leaving the riverbank at Te Marua, riders follow a short road Wild coast track around Turakirae Head © huttvalleynz.com section to the entrance to Tunnel Gully to begin the second part of the trail.

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

Just 30 minutes from Wellington City and 5 minutes from Upper Hutt City. WallacevilleWallaceville Rimutaka Cycle Trail Tunnel Gully Entrance 9.4kms away. Motor Lodge You will fall in love with the view from every room. 16 spacious and exceptionally quiet motel rooms. Secure Bike Storage

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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 ‘The coolest little city in the world’ by eastern beach suburbs via Days Bay, and restaurants. Grab a bite to eat and When you’re ready to hit the trail, take Vogue. Famous for cuisine, culture and riding around the bays to the Petone a locally roasted coffee and you’ll be your bike and cruise across Wellington shopping, Wellington has a relaxed foreshore. set to go!

Mountain Bikes, Mt Victoria © Positively Wellington Tourism Upper Hutt After the Hutt River • 33km NE of Wellington on SH 2

136 Akatarawa Rd, , Upper Hutt PH: 04 526 6948 E: [email protected] 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 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 ALONGSIDE RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL THE TRAIL

There’s plenty to see from attraction-packed riverside cities to bush-clad ranges and historic features.

t Petone, the head of Wellington AHarbour and the start of the trail, stop in at the Petone Settlers Museum. Situated near the site of the fi rst contact Hutt Valley between local Maori and the settlers of the New Zealand Company, it’s the Wellington’s thriving arts and perfect way to kick off a ride that’s rich 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 Farm Memorial, in remembrance of Museum is an architectural gem. The Great Outdoors a clash from those volatile early days. Park the bike and pick up a set of golf clubs at one of Hutt Valley’s nine Upper Hutt is the gateway to the Lord of the Rings fans will want to take a ABOVE, LEFT: The New Dowse short detour to Harcourt Park, fi lming riverside golf courses. Enjoy nine or 18 © www.huttvalleynz.com Rimutaka Forest Park and the location for the ‘Gardens of ’ holes in this beautiful fertile river valley. RIGHT: Cross Creek Railway Station Kaitoke Regional Park. © Ross Henderson, DoC where Middle-earth’s two most powerful ABOVE: Pukaha Mt Bruce © Destination wizards walked and talked. Wairarapa / Mike Heydon

73 RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL FINE WINE, CRAFT BEER AND FOOD TO WRITE HOME ABOUT

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-fi lled 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 fi ne 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. after Joseph Masters • 100km NE of Wellington on SH 2

To Napier Book online: www.bkschardonnay.co.nz 2 • Cycling-friendly • Secure cycle storage

• Bikewash facilities Town Centre • 18 ground-fl oor studio, 1 & 2-brm suites A perfect location to base yourself when cycling in the Wairarapa 2 • Sky Guest Select 50+ channels •Leave your car securely • Spa bath suites • Free ultra fast Broadband (conditions apply) + while cycling • Free wireless internet

• 7 suites with double corner spa bath • Bike locker DIXON ST CHAPEL ST Self-Rated • Swimming pool QUEEN ST • LED TVs • Near restaurants • Cycle-friendly • Walking distance to town Pak n Save Kuripuni • 17 executive studio, 1 and centre, shops, cafés and restaurants & shopping 2-bedroom suites restaurants Discovery Motor 210 Chapel Street, Masterton Ph: 06 378 7745 Fax: 06 378 9467 Lodge Email: [email protected] • www.discovery.co.nz

ST MASTERTON’S FINEST

HIGH MOTOR LODGE 2 To Wellington Reservations 0800 222 880 Ph: 06 377 7485 • 274 High Street, Masterton Email: [email protected] WATCH VIDEO Reservations Freephone: 0800 188 515

119 Cornwall Street, Masterton Cornwall Phone: 06 378 2939 Mob: 027 891 2020 Email: [email protected] Park Motel www.cornwallparkmotel.co.nz The Quiet One Reservations: 0508 26 76 92

Napier • Cycle hire Palmerston North

The • Bike wash station D Warehouse

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POWNALL ST MICHAEL only 3 minutes walk from indoor pool HILLCREST ST ST complex, museums and QEII Park and mini QUEEN ST QUEEN ST CHAPEL ST - HIGHWAY 2 Wellington putt, miniature railway, boats, adventure playground, deer park and much more. ■ Large swimming pool ■ Extensive play area ■ BBQ ■ Relaxing peaceful ■ Recently refurbished ■ Bike locker 5 St, Masterton location ■ Studio & family units ■ Bike wash facilities Ph: 06 378 6454 ■ No traffi c noise ■ Free WiFi ■ Laundry facilities Email: [email protected] ■ Town centre 3min drive ■ LCD TVs with Sky ■ Trip Advisor - rated 9/10 www.mawleypark.co.nz

74 RIMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL things to do...

WAIRARAPA

fter crossing the bush-clad exotic trees are well worth exploring LEFT: in Featherston © Destination Wairarapa Rimutakas into Wairarapa, on the Greytown Historic Walk. Enjoy ABOVE: Shopping, Greytown © Destination Wairarapa / Mike Heydon Amany riders opt to turn off the array of boutique stores, including the trail to fi nish their day’s ride in the designer clothing, exclusive interior Greytown picturesque township of Featherston. homewares and furniture, and artisanal after Governor Sir George Grey • 80km NE of Wellington 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 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 • 15 new stylish studio units set in a now follows. groves sampling the region’s specialities quiet location in the heart of Greytown Masterton is home to fi lmmaker 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 $115 (2 persons) #$&)ZMVXL90 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 138 Main St, Greytown • Ph: 06 304 9346 and takahe are all resident. Union Flag. Some of the names – Venice, E: [email protected] Greytown is the Wairarapa’s oldest town, Panama and Suez – serve as reminders Reservations 0800 304 340 • www.greyfriars.co.nz and some would say the prettiest. The of Martin’s travels. old colonial buildings and avenues of Martinborough after merchant John Martin • 84km NE of Wellington

RESERVATIONS: 0800 809 162 www.theclaremont.co.nz FREE E: [email protected] P: 06 306 9162 WiFi MOTEL, STUDIOS & APARTMENTS 38 Regent St, Martinborough

The Highwayman Motel • 21 units including studios, • Walking distance to town centre, 46 High St, Masterton 1, 2 & 3-bedroom apartments shops, cafés and restaurants Email: [email protected] • 1ha landscaped gardens • Free wireless broadband in Web: www.highwayman.co.nz • Pool and private spa every room • Can accommodate groups of 70+ • 10 digital channels 2-bedroom apartments, studios and motel units • Quiet & green location • Grass tennis court, giant chess • Charge-back from local set, children’s play area restaurants • Hire cycles • Cyclists welcome • Bike locker available • Bike washing facility Tariff: from $125 • Seasonal rates apply • Guest BBQ Z RESERVATIONS PHONE: 06 377 4144 Bike hire & cyclist-friendly 75