New Zealand Walk: Rimutaka Rail Trail popular with both walkers and cyclists
Built in 1878, this rail route between the Hutt Valley and Featherston is now a gently graded 18 km walk, run or mountain bike ride, with opportunities for camping, swimming and fishing.
A rail route established in 1878 between the Hutt Valley and Featherston carried passengers up the steep incline from the Rimutaka summit to Featherston until the opening of the Rimutaka rail tunnel in 1955.
The innovative Fell mountain railway system pulled trains up the steep slope of the Rimutaka Incline.
The rail trail is a gently graded 18 km walk or mountain bike ride. This makes it an ideal trip for families with children. The trail is also popular with dog walkers.
Interpretation panels telling the colourful stories associated with the former rail line have been installed along the trail which also features restored railway bridges and historic tunnels (take a torch).
There are plenty of photo opportunities along the trail, and a viewing platform located between the Summit and Siberia Tunnels offers a panoramic view of the old Fell engine route coming up from Cross Creek to the Summit.
Enjoy swimming and fishing in the nearby Pakuratahi River and picnic or camp in the pleasant surrounds of Ladle Bend and Summit.
DOC and the Wellington Regional Council now jointly manage the incline as the Rimutaka Rail Trail. DOC manages the Incline section from the Summit to Cross Creek carpark in the Rimutaka Forest Park, and Greater Wellington Regional Council manages the section from Kaitoke to the Summit in the Pakuratahi Forest.
Getting there
Turn off SH 2, 9 km north of Upper Hutt, the turn off is signposted to Pakuratahi Forest. The carpark is 1 km along a metal road.
You can also access the trail from Cross Creek in the Rimutaka Forest Park, about an hour and 15 minutes drive from Wellington across the Rimutaka Hill Road. Turn onto Moore Street, Featherston, continue into Western Lake Road, and turn right onto Cross Creek Road.
Track overview
18 km (Kaitoke to Cross Creek carpark) one way
Walking and tramping
4 hour 30 minute walk from Kaitoke Easy: Walking track Mountain biking
1 hour bike from Kaitoke Easy: Grade 2
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times.
History and culture
For 77 years specially built Fell engines climbed the Rimutaka