Remutaka Rail Trail Explorer - eBike Cruise Ship Shore Excursion

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

Discover the Remutaka area’s rich rail history and natural beauty on an eBike (electric bike) day trip. The flagship of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this trail is suitable for riders of all levels, 28km of easy / moderate riding.

Cycle through native forest, over bridges and through tunnels while enjoying views of the landscape and the old railway system. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch at the Summit and embark on a fun descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, home to some of New Zealand’s most scenic farmland. Then ride along the country side into Featherston to the Royal Hotel.

You will be provided with everything for your adventure - transport to and from your cruise ship, eBikes with trunk bags for your personal effects, and all food - so all you need to do is wear appropriate clothing and be ready to ride!

Additional Info

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please provide the following at time of booking, so we can make sure your day goes smoothly:

Info regarding your dietary requirements - eg "no seafood please", "gluten free", "vegetarian"

Your approximate height (for bike sizing) - inches or cm are fine.

Trips are subject to favourable weather conditions. If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund at your discretion.

Please wear appropriate clothing for outdoor activity. During the warmer months, this means shorts and a t-shirt for riding, and a light jacket in reserve. During the colder months you may prefer long pants or tights (nothing baggy that may catch on the bike!), with a tshirt, fleece and light jacket in reserve. Closed shoes - running shoes are perfect - must be worn at all times.

Please let us know your dietary restrictions at the time of booking. If we do not receive them, we will provide a standard lunch with anything goes.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Knowledgeable and friendly host, who will provide information regarding the trail and what to expect throughout the day.

All transport - shuttles to and from Wellington port.

eBike (electric bike) - please let us know if you prefer a mountain eBike or step through eBike.

All taxes/fees are included in the headline price - no hidden extras.

Helmets and other safety gear, racks and a pannier bag for your personal effects.

All food and water provided - Please let us know your dietary restrictions or if you eat anything!

Excludes on-trail guide - our friendly staff will brief you and answer any questions you may have, but the trail is really easy to follow and full of information stations, so a guide isn't really necessary.

What To Expect

Wellington

9.15am We'll pick you up from the cruise ship port in Wellington, we'll then drive to the start of the trail

•Admission Not Applicable

Start point for your 28km ride. Start your adventure with a very gradual incline through native bush. Pass through tunnels (headlights provided!) and over bridges, while checking out information boards detailing the enormous task of constructing the old fell railway system. Reach the summit - a large grassy plateau perfect for a picnic or cold drink - then enjoy a fun (but easily controllable!) descent to Cross Creek in the Wairarapa, surrounded by some of NZ's most scenic farmland. Then follow a beautiful track through the countryside to the Royal Hotel in Featherston.

4 hours•Admission Not Applicable

Options

Mountain Bike

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

9 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

This tour is what we loved most about our cruise to NZ.
Paul C,
Mar 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
Picked us up at the dock with a little over an hour drive to the trailhead. Unloaded the bikes and sent us on our way with a map and an emergency beacon, food, and water. The old "rail trail" is spectacular with its tunnels and bridges and scenery. Being an old railbed, grades are minor and with E-bikes, really doesn't matter. The last section before you get to the pick up point is a little "technical", but was the best part IMO. Weather was dramatically different once we got to the pass. Bring a cheap rain poncho and shoes that you don't mind getting muddy and wet... just in case. My bike battery was almost dead when I got it, but had just enough to get me to their outpost along the way to swap me out. It was at the outpost we learned that they offer days long tours and If/when we ever get back to NZ, that'll be what we do!
Spectacular Experience and challenging ride
John F,
Mar 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00
We had a great time and the views were spectacular. The trail was very manageable for most ability groups. However, I would rate this a moderate overall ability rating. The last section of trail that is very narrow and had a few technical challenges such as quick turns and loose rock. The wind is a variable that needs to be communicated on your website. Great care needs to be taken with gusty winds playing a role in safety. Lunch was very good and more than enough. The tour guides were very informative and pleasant. We really enjoyed our experience. It is well worth going into featherston and purchased some cheeses at the store across from the Royal Hotel meeting spot. Well done!
Fun E-bike Experience
LeAnn H,
Nov 17, 2024
- Viator
5.00
Dave was fantastic. He picked us up at the Port and dropped us off after our E-bike experience. The E-bikes were very good. Since it was chilly and rainy we ate a hot lunch in Featherton instead of our packed lunch.
One of the best experiences we’ve had!
Amy O,
Apr 9, 2024
- Viator
5.00
This was an awesome experience start to finish! Isaac picked us up right next to the boat and we headed up the mountain. We got great instructions on how to use the e-bikes and headed out with the lunch, snack and water that was provided. We had lunch at the summit and had the whole thing to ourselves. The only item I would want people to know is that the last 2 km are a little rustic/rough and we started to question if we had gone the right way but we stuck with Issac’s instructions and it all worked out. I would definitely recommend this trip, the views were spectacular!
Great ride near Wellington
Mark W,
Mar 21, 2024
- Viator
5.00
A litlte confusing getting off the ship as we didn't know they could pick us up right there on the pier but the staff were VERY responsive and helpful. The bikes were great and the ride to the starting point was good. Beautiful trip through the trail, across the swinging bridge and along the river. Overall it was a really fun day and we would highly recommend it.