Wairarapa Cycle Trails
Wairarapa has some great biking routes, from mountain bike parks, cycleways, routes and trails to one of New Zealand's Great Rides - The Remutaka Cycle Trail
If you're in Wellington and have a bike you can bring it over on the train or if you're from further afield/don't have a bike on you, one (or twenty-one or more) can be hired.
The Remutaka Cycle Trail is a ‘Great Ride’ on Nga Haerenga, the NZ Cycle Trail. Extending from Wellington to the Wairarapa, this ride takes in urban and rural landscapes with exceptional experiences on the historic Remutaka Rail Trail and the Wairarapa south coast
The Wairarapa section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail can be experienced with 1-3 days of riding depending on ability and easily tied in with other Wairarapa activities you might choose to experience.
Check-out Green Jersey's various multi-day guided cycling tours of the Remutaka Cycle Trail here.
Because this ride is best done over a period of days it is suggested you stop for the night at some of the fantastic accommodation along the way; heading south from Featherston & Cross Creek, take a look at Te Rakau or if you want something a bit special then Wharekauhau Country Estate is the place.
Heading into Featherston check out some Featherston accommodation options.
In Martinborough wine village there is the Martinborough Hotel.
From Waipukurau to Masterton this 202km ride generally takes about two days and feeds nicely into another Nga Haerenga 'Great Ride', the Remutaka Cycle Trail.
Route 52 touring route takes you through some pretty amazing country towns and farmland and offers some fine country hospitality options for any overnighters.
You'll be biking in some pretty remote places so do take with you plenty of food, water, tools and spare clothes.
The last 46 km from Alfredton to Masterton is a great stretch of riding; it’s mostly downhill. Accommodation options start appearing about 40 minutes out from Masterton:
- JD's Lavender Farm is just before the Te Ore Ore Road turn to Masterton at 78b Bideford Road and still retaining the rural aspect
Call in to Masterton Golf Club, the towns premier course, home to Sir Bob Charles and is open to casual players.
At the intersection of Te Ore Ore Road and State Highway 2 is Mawley Holiday Park which is bordered by the Waipoua River. The main entrance is off Oxford Street just to the right.
There is an enormous range of places to stay in Masterton. It's easy to book Masterton accommodation online.
Activities and Shopping in Masterton include:
- Trust House Recreation Centre – indoor pools and gymnasium
- The Wool Shed – historic story telling of the Wairarapa’s shearing heritage
- Aratoi Museum of Art & History – a modern gallery with touring exhibits
- Queen Elizabeth Park Paddle Boats - cruise Queen Elizabeth Park's lake, feed the ducks and spot the eels
- Regent 3 Cinemas – for the latest movie releases
- The Screening Room for a film and a meal or a glass of local wine
- Hedley’s Books – a traditional old style book store
Restaurants in central Masterton:
- Farriers - contemporary restaurant with wood fired pizza as a specialty
- Ten O’clock Cookie Bakery Café – an award winning bakery of fine cakes and pastries
- Entice – a very popular cafe adjoining the art gallery and looking across to Queen Elizabeth Park
For more information on all the things to do in and around Masterton and the Wairarapa, drop in to the Masterton isite Visitor Information Centre on the corner of Dixon and Bruce Street, Masterton.
From Masterton through Gladstone and out to Martinborough before heading to Featherston via East/West Access Road and Western Lake Road this 67km ride generally takes around 6-8 hours.
This touring route links up perfectly with the Wairarapa section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail beginning at Cross Creek along Western Lake Road.
Activities and Shopping in Masterton:
- Trust House Recreation Centre – indoor pools and gymnasium
- The Wool Shed – historic story telling of the Wairarapa’s shearing heritage
- Aratoi Museum of Art & History – a modern gallery with touring exhibits
- ConArt - artists working and displaying on site in a colourful shipping container village
- Queen Elizabeth Park - pedal boats and mini golf
- Regent 3 Cinemas – for the latest movie releases
- The Screening Room - the latest movies with an outstanding restaurant
- Hedley’s Books – a traditional old style book
Restaurants in central Masterton:
- Ten O’clock Cookie Bakery Café – an award winning bakery of fine cakes and pastries
- Entice – a very popular cafe adjoining the art gallery and looking across to Queen Elizabeth Park
- The Farriers - extensive menu for lunch and dinner with inside and outside seating
Gladstone accommodation:
- Summit Lodge, 4 Admiral Road, Gladstone, an up market lodge style accommodation
Restaurants in Gladstone:
A diversion from the route at Gladstone will take you to the locally famous Gladstone Inn (The Gladdy) where excellent pub lunches can be had.
Accommodation in Martinborough:
Take a look at some fantastic options here.
Activities in Martinborough:
- Martinborough Wine Merchants - where you can buy wine from across the region in one place
- Martinborough Wine Walks - off the beaten track vineyard tours going where most don't tread
- Martinborough Wine Tours - get off the bike and get driven cellar door to cellar door
- Cycle the vines – dozens of world class wines within easy riding walking distance
- Mural Circuit - there are some beautiful and fun murals around Martinborough and best explored on your bike
- A round of golf - a beautifully scenic course on the edge of town
On the way into Martinborough check out:
- Olivo – tours, tastings and sales of outstanding olive oils
Restaurants in Martinborough:
- Union Square – delicious meals in the historic hotel
- Cafe Medici – great cafe food in central Martinborough
- Neighbourhood Coffee House & Roastery - coffee beans roasted on-site
- Martinborough Brewery – a boutique brewery with an excellent snack menu
- Vineyards with restaurants are dotted through Martinborough
A diversion to Lake Ferry on the coast is a must and will probably mean you stay the night.
Lake Ferry accommodation:
Featherston accommodation:
There is a range of accommodation available in Featherston and can be easily searched here.
Activities in Featherston:
- The Fell Locomotive Museum – tells the stories of the engineering marvel of the Wellington Wairarapa train which crossed the Rimutaka Ranges.
- C'est Cheese - probably the best little cheese shop around.
- Book Stores - an excellent array of book shops demonstrate why Featherston is a Booktown
For more information on all the things to do in and around the Wairarapa talk to the staff at an isite Visitor Information Centre.
The Woodside Trail is a 5km route for walkers and cyclists extending from South Greytown to Woodside Station. The fully fenced trail has a slight incline to the train station, with views of paddocks, Tararua mountains and stands of oak trees.
Join the trail from Cotter Street, Greytown, off Humphries Road.
The Trail is suitable for walking, prams, and road and mountain bikes. It is not suitable for racing bikes, horses or motorbikes, and dogs must be on a leash at all times.
Rahui Coastal Loop is a 65km loop over tar sealed and gravel roads, coastal cruising and native bush, and of course some hills - with a night in the country and a night at the coast.
Bring your own bike, hire their e-bikes or mix it up. A really nice way for friends to share their love of biking, regardless of level. Perfect for a bunch of mates, hen's parties, couples, work groups or overseas guests wanting to escape to the country and do something fun and new. Get on your bike and ride!
You must be able to ride a bike confidently over some rough terrain and be over the age of 18.