Remutaka Rail Trail

The Remutaka Rail Trail is an 18 kilometer walking path through forest landscape connecting Kaitoke with Cross Creek, featuring multiple tunnels and bridges along the way. The route traces the historic railway line through varied terrain with several camping locations and rest stops.

The railway line was built in 1878 using the Fell rack system to handle steep mountain grades before later closure and conversion into a walking trail. This specialized rail system allowed trains to climb slopes that standard railways could not manage.

Cross Creek developed as a railway community where workers and their families built homes and established lives during the line's active years.

Bring a torch for the unlit tunnel sections, as the uneven surfaces can be difficult to navigate in the dark. Camping facilities with toilet amenities are available at multiple stops along the route to rest during your walk.

The trail preserves visible sections of the original Fell rack rail system embedded in the ground as you walk. These remnants show the ingenious solution that made it possible for trains to operate where standard railways could not reach.

Location: Upper Hutt City

Location: South Wairarapa District

Address: Kaitoke, Upper Hutt

GPS coordinates: -41.14452,175.19713

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:41