Walk or bike the Remutaka Rail Trail
Last updated on July 20th, 2026 at 03:53 pm
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Walk the day away on the Remutaka Rail Trail for some beautiful scenery and fascinating transport history! It is classed as one of the Great rides of New Zealand and, after walking it, I can see why!
Distance: 17.5km one way
Time: 5 hours walking, 1-2 hours biking
Suggested start: Kaitoke
Stay: day walk/bike or you can camp overnight
What’s it like – briefly?
Start off through forestry land near Kaitoke which soon becomes native forest. There are plenty of bridges, moss-laden bank cuttings, river scenes and of course tunnels scattered throughout the forest.
The rail trail is well graded and easy – given it was a railway line. But you will be surprised at how steep it is on the eastern side. The incline is 1 in 15 and special Fell engines were developed to cope with the steepness. Apparently, it was such a slow grunt for the engines that passengers used to get off and walk or picnic and catch up to the train further up the hill! I will leave it up to you to read all about it on the trail – there are lots of information boards.
Its an 18km (about 5 hours) walk. The bonus is that there are swimming and camping places so you really can make a day, or night, of it. Take a torch for all the fun going through the tunnels. I did count them at the time but have forgotten now – but there are at least five! The Siberia tunnel has the most pretty waterfalls at the eastern end – great for splashing hot faces!
Getting there and which way to walk?
Transport can be logistically challenging but it is do-able!
If you are on a bike its easy to do a few extra kms and plan your ride to start from the Maymorn train station, finishing at the Featherston train station, or vice versa.
Jump on the train between Masterton to Wellington to get to either off these stations – you don’t need to book the train ahead.
If you are walking its best to have two cars, drop one at one end and drive to the other – a bit of mucking around but its worth it…..
I recommend beginning on the Wellington side at the Kaitoke car park – 9 km north of Upper Hutt. The turn off is signposted to Pakuratahi Forest. The track finishes at the Cross Creek carpark at the end of Cross Creek Road, off Western Lake Rd. Its a 11km, 10 min drive to Featherston.
If you decide to do an up and back walk to save the hassle of organising cars, I highly recommend walking from the Wairarapa (Featherstone) side to the summit. It has the best tunnel, beautiful forest of varied types, a great swing-bridge, viewpoints, and the summit is a perfect rest place with plenty to see and read.
Can I take my kids?
Yes – as long as its not their first walk! It is 18kms so not a starter walk. Or, take two days and camp by the river as a great starter overnight hike and camp trip for the kids.
The easy way to do the trail? Take an e-bike tour from Wellington!
If you like biking – especially e-biking, and you’re in Wellington, then this is the trip for you – all organised and done for you. Just book and tell Isaac where you want to be picked up and you’re on your way with no logistics to deal with!
Enjoy the day and don’t forget to take something to swim in – if its summer!
You might find it interesting to read about other day walks or multi-day walks in the North Island of New Zealand! Tell me if I should include this one in the 12 great off the beaten path day walks in the North Island? Comment below!
Where to stay before or after your hike
In Wellington
Higher End – Ohtel Wellington, the Boulcott Suites, or for luxury – The Residence Suite at Bolton Hotel
Mid Range – The Intrepid Hotel, or Quest 256 Lambton, or Sojourn Apartment Hotel
Budget – Gilmer Apartment Hotel, or, Adina Citylife Wellington
Backpackers – Worldwide Backpackers, or, The Marion
In Martinborough (Wairarapa side)
High End – Whitimanuka Retreat or Petite on Regent
Mid range – The Martinborough Hotel or Swan House
Budget – Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park
4 bed villa – Paradise on Campbell
In Greytown (Wairarapa side)
Higher End – Bidwills Gem or Westwood Country House Guest Suites
Mid range – Chambre Damis or The Saddlery
Budget – Greytown Campground – I stayed in a cabin and it was absolutely great.
Things to pack when hiking in New Zealand
Apart from your backpack and food, these are the things I never go hiking without:
- Collapsible hiking poles
- Blister pads – an absolute lifesaver!
- A lightweight water bottle and filter – I personally use the Katadyn BeFree
- Merino socks
- An emergency survival blanket
- A headtorch
- A lightweight first aid kit and whistle
- A PLB (personal locator beacon) – this means search and rescue just becomes rescue and saves hours or days – especially essential if you hike alone!
- My downloaded AllTrails map on my phone
- A lightweight powerbank or solar charger for my phone
- Waterproof pack liner
Plus – your basic clothing:
- Hiking boots with good ankle support and grip
- Sun hat and / or warm beanie
- Sunglasses
- Base layer: top and leggings in polypropylene or wool, quick dry shorts or pants
- Mid layer: long sleeved top in wool or polar fleece
- Gloves in polypropylene/wool
- Socks in polypropylene or wool
- Wind and water-proof jacket with hood
- Waterproof over-trousers – optional but I always take them!
Frequently asked questions about walking and hiking in New Zealand
Q: What is “tramping” in New Zealand?
A: Tramping is the kiwi (NZ) word for hiking. Its fine to talk about hiking or bushwalking – they are all interchangeable.
Q: What is the best time of year to hike in New Zealand?
A: The warmer and dryer months are between November and April but the peak season is from December to the end of March. They also have longer daylight hours, and trails that are closed in the winter tend to be open by November.
Q: Are there dangerous animals or snakes in New Zealand?
A: No. New Zealand has no snakes, bears, or large dangerous land predators. Your biggest worry is meeting up with masses of sandflies near the coast, and maybe wasps during late summer.
Q: Is it safe to hike alone in New Zealand?
A: Yes, solo hiking is common and generally safe. However, you should know what you are doing – overseas travellers often underestimate the tracks and often rugged conditions in New Zealand. And because weather conditions can change dramatically, you should always check the forecasts, pack thermal layers as well as high quality water and wind proof gear, and leave your trip intentions with a friend or relative. I always take a PLB (personal locator beacon) as well – that saves the search if you need rescuing!
Q: Can I drink water directly from streams and rivers?
A: You should still filter, boil, or chemically treat backcountry water to avoid illnesses like giardia. Always carry water – and I always take a water filter with me – just in case. I use the Katadyn BeFree.
Q: Are DOC track times accurate?
A: Take the DOC estimated trail times with a grain of salt. The walking times are based on an average hiker’s pace but you can be slower or faster than that. Its a rough guide.
Q: What is an emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and do I need one?
A: A PLB is a lightweight safety device that emits a distress signal via satellite. If you get lost or are injured you can set it off and your position will be received by the appropriate services. I highly recommended you carry one w
Finally a few important links to use when you plan your trip. They are affiliate links, but I use them all for my travels, and if you do too it will help me keep producing this content – and at no extra cost to you. Cheers!
Plan for your trip
Flights – use skyscanner or booking.com to find and book your flight – I often find the same flight for a lot cheaper than booking direct with the airline!
Insurance – Use EKTA or SafetyWing. TBH I usually use EKTA – they accept any nationality, any age and its ok if you are already traveling – which is perfect for me!
Accommodation – use booking.com or Hostelworld. I use both.
Internet – buy a yesim eSim or Airalo before you go. I use both depending on where I am going.
Buses, trains, ferries – 12Go is always my first option for buses, ferries and trains
Car rental – use DiscoverCars – they are my ‘go-to’ car rental site
Hiking – I use AllTrails for online and offline hiking trails – it means you know exactly where you are on the trail and makes getting lost a lot harder!!
Tours and Activities – book with Viator or GetYourGuide. This is a great e-bike tour through the Rail Trail!
Thanks so much if you use one of these links – it costs you nothing but helps me keep writing!!
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