Wainuiomata Connector Ride
This route will be OPEN SOON - signs and enhancements are being finished first
Opening soon
This ride will be a "Heartland Ride" in the Ngā Haeranga New Zealand Cycle Trail network of trails. Check out the latest on Hutt City Council's project page.
This will be an on-road rural valley and urban route connects the two ends of the Remutaka Cycle Trail and offers riders adventure and recreational options along the way.
With the full 2–3 day Remutaka Cycle Trail most commonly ridden clockwise, most riders will soon begin this connector route from the ‘Wild Coast’ section at Ōrongorongo River mouth and finish at the Hutt River Trail in Petone.
Wild Coast to Wainuiomata Town Centre
19km, 1.5-2hrs
The ride starts at the mouth of the Ōrongorongo River, the end point of the Wild Coast section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
From the car park, the trail heads west along the coast to reach the Wainuiomata River mouth from where the route turns inland into Wainuiomata Valley and begins the unnoticeably gentle climb up Coast Road – a scenic and enjoyable ride for those used to riding on rural roads with passing traffic.
Just under 4km from the start, the route passes the entrance to East Harbour Regional Park. From here, it’s possible to detour up to Baring Head/Ōrua-pouanui (around 20 minutes’ uphill ride) from where there are magnificent Cook Strait views and a handsome lighthouse.
Staying on the Coast Road, the Wainuiomata Connector continues winding up through a picturesque rural valley flanked by the bushy hills of Remutaka Forest Park to the east, and East Harbour Regional Park to the west. The valley floor presents a kaleidoscope of rural life – lush paddocks and livestock, horses, and farmhouses and dense green forest to the various colours of landscaped gardens and exotic trees.
Around the 8km mark, the trail passes Coastal Views Horse Treks, followed by Wellington Adventures Quad Biking Expeditions – two options for off-trail adventure. Around here you can also easily detour into Remutaka Forest Park via Catchpool Valley with toilets, a camping area and main trails 2km in.
Around the 16km mark, the route passes Wainuiomata Golf Club, where a café is open on weekends and casual golfers are welcome. A little further on you’ll reach the outskirts of the Wainuiomata township, and continue riding along Main Road to Queen St with its village green, takeaways and shops.
STAY THE NIGHT
You'll find accommodation in Wainuiomata or over in the Hutt Valley. For something close to nature, there's camping in Catchpool Valley or stay at the Wellington TOP 10 Holiday Park.
Wainuiomata Town Centre to Petone
9km, 45-60mins
After enjoying Queen Street, the route follows a cycleway along Wainuiomata Road to the foot of the beloved Wainuiomata Hill – often travelled by riders on this journey as a descent and one of the steepest roads in the Wellington region. The 1.7km ride to the summit is via Te Hikoi Ararewa/Wainuiomata Shared Path, a wide and smooth dedicated cycle and walking trail that goes up and over the other side. Once you’re settled into granny gear, you’ll be good to go!
At the Wainuiomata Hill summit, the pathway crosses the busy main road via the landmark Pukeatua Bridge where there’s a grand view back over Wainuiomata and in the other direction across Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington Harbour and the Hutt Valley.
Cyclists riding mountain bikes can also take a short detour to Waiu Street and ride to the summit via the Wainuiomata Mountain Bike Park with a range of mountain biking trails including Jungle Gym as the easiest uphill alternative.
From Pukeatua Bridge, the shared pathway heads downhill eventually peeling off to the left to shortcut on to Gracefield Road. The route continues on a shared pathway, turning right on to Bell Road, then a quick left to follow Waiwhetu Stream.
After crossing Seaview Road, the route follows the stream to meet the estuary of Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River, which it follows briefly 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.
This route is well signposted, though this map will help prevent wrong turns, help you time your ride, and identify points of interest along the way.
Riders who've begun the Remutaka Cycle Trail in Petone and come through the Wairarapa around the Wild Coast will be very glad to encounter grocery stores and takeaways in Wainuiomata, the first food outlets for around 100km. Once back in Hutt Valley there are many options in Petone.
Public toilets are located in the East Harbour Regional Park and Remutaka Forest Park / Catchpool Valley car parks, and in Wainuiomata's town centre.
RIDE THE REMUTAKA CYCLE TRAIL
Explore Wellington’s 115km wild ride starting and looping back here after the Wairarapa wine country and our big coast
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SHARE YOUR RIDE
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