The Wainuiomata Connector Ride links up the start and end points of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, creating a full-loop adventure. It passes through valleys, forests, coastlines, and rivers. It offers plenty of opportunities for side trips and places to stop. The on-road riding surface is good and you can ride it at any time of year.
Remutaka Cycle Trail is typically ridden clockwise. Most riders choose to begin the Wainuiomata Connector Ride from the Wild Coast Section and finish up at the Hutt River Trail section in Petone. It features a short but steep climb up Wainuiomata Hill (rising 90m over 1.7km) and a few short rises along Wainuiomata’s Coast Road.
The roads and passing traffic on the Coast Road section make this trail suitable for riders with a good fitness level and road sense. A touring bike is good for this trail, as 80% of the route is on sealed roads.
Wild Coast to Wainuiomata Town Centre (19km, 1.5 to 2 hours)
Starting at the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River, you’ll head west along the coast to reach the Wainuiomata River mouth. The trail turns inland towards Wainuiomata Valley for a slight climb up Wainuiomata’s Coast Road.
Just under 4km from the start, the route passes the entrance to East Harbour Regional Park. From here, you can detour 20 minutes uphill to Baring Head Lighthouse for magnificent views over the Cook Strait.
Staying on the Coast Road, the Wainuiomata Connector winds through rural valley hills. The valley floor features lush paddocks, livestock, horses, farmhouses, and forest.
At about 8km you can detour into Remutaka Forest Park via Catchpool Valley. You’ll find a camping area and more trails to explore after about 2km.
At 16km the route passes Wainuiomata Golf Club. The café is open on weekends and casual golfers are welcome. A little further on you’ll reach the outskirts of Wainuiomata, a large suburb of Lower Hutt. Continue riding along Main Road to Queen Street to find a spot for food.
Wainuiomata Town Centre to Petone (9km, 45 minutes to 1 hour)
From Queen Street, take the cycleway along Wainuiomata Road to the start of Wainuiomata Hill. The 1.7km ride to the top follows the Te Hikoi Ararewa (Wainuiomata Shared Path). This is a wide and smooth dedicated cycle and walking trail that goes up and over the other side.
In this direction, the trail climbs gradually — put your bike on the lowest gear and you’ll be good to go. If you’re riding over Wainuiomata Hill from the Gracefield Road side, be prepared for a steeper climb to the top.
If you’re on a mountain bike, you can take a short detour to Waiu Street and ride to the summit via the Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park. It has a range of mountain biking trails including Jungle Gym which is the easiest uphill alternative.
At the Wainuiomata Hill summit, the pathway crosses a busy main road via the Pukeatua Bridge. It offers great views over Wainuiomata, Wellington Harbour, and the Hutt Valley.
From Pukeatua Bridge, the shared pathway heads downhill. It eventually turns left to shortcut onto Gracefield Road. It then follows Waiwhetu Stream via Bell Road. After crossing Seaview Road, the route follows the stream to meet the estuary of Te Awa Kairangi . It briefly goes upstream to the Waione Bridge. Here you’ll be back to the start of the Remutaka Cycle Trail where it begins its journey up the Hutt Valley.
ROAD CONDITIONS
This route links two ends of the Remutaka Cycle Trail at Lower Hutt and Upper Hutt. Expect some gravel sections.
FITNESS & SKILLS
This is a grade 4 ride suitable for riders with a good fitness level and road sense, with passing traffic along the road.
TYPE OF BIKE
If you’re riding the full Remutaka Cycle Trail, you should use a mountain bike with good tread. E-mountain bikes, with enough battery capacity, are also suitable. Riders should ideally have basic mechanical skills and carry a tool kit and spares.
FOOD & WATER
Check out cafes and stores in nearby Wainuiomata
GETTING THERE
Regular bus and train services run to Lower Hutt and the surrounding areas. By train, take the Hutt Valley Line from Wellington Railway Station to Petone Station (bicycles carried at certain times). Remutaka Cycle Trail shuttle operators can also provide transport.
CELLPHONE COVERAGE
Cellphone coverage can be patchy along Coast Road but is good in Wainuiomata town centre and Lower Hutt.
TOILETS
Public toilets are available in the East Harbour Regional Park, Remutaka Forest Park car park, the Catchpool Valley car park, Wainuiomata town centre and Waiu Park.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Check the weather forecast on MetService ahead of time and plan ahead. This coastal corner of the Wellington region is exposed, so check the forecast, plan your ride and beware of headwinds.
Also check out WellingtonNZ
