Lighthouses and Lakes Supported Day Trip*:
*This is the only day trip that is not Wellington pick-up
Distance 25km, riding time 3-5 hours, total duration of 3-9 hours
Start by heading down to the East by West Ferry terminal at Queens Wharf, for a 10.00am sailing across Wellington harbour to our base in the beautiful Days Bay. The ferry fare is included in the price - just show the staff your booking confirmation. They'll meet you at the wharf in Days Bay, with your bikes, food, maps and info, and give you a briefing on what to expect from your adventure. You can then jump on your bike and start exploring!
From Days Bay, you'll head south through the seaside village of Eastbourne, with its many bays and cafes. Check out the Eastbourne Heritage Trail detailing the history of the area and the Wahine disaster, or perhaps take a short bush walk up into the hills above the village with spectacular views and native birdsong. From Eastbourne, venture out along the coastal trail, passing by surf breaks and popular fishing and diving spots, to Pencarrow Head - home to lakes Kohangapiripiri and Kohangatera (NZ's last relatively unmodified wetland system) and NZ's first lighthouse, with plenty of side trails available if you wish to explore further. Carry on past beached shipwrecks to Baring Head, with its World War II bunkers and amazing views of the Kaikoura Ranges, then reach the end of the trail at the Orongorongo Valley, from where you can visit Wellington's largest fur seal colony at Turakirae Head before meeting the 4.30pm shuttle. They'll then drive you back to your doorstep in Wellington, via Wainuiomata with fantastic views out over Wellington Harbour.
Important Notes:
- This trail crosses a very small stretch of private land - the owners are cyclist friendly, but always be courteous and considerate
Includes:
- Ferry pass (10.00am)
- Capable and comfortable mountain bike with helmet and repair kit, customised to your height and riding preferences
- Packed lunch and water
- Maps and information
- First aid kit and GPS tracker
- Shuttle from Orongorongo (4.30pm) back to Wellington (5.30pm)
Remutaka Explorer Supported Day Trip:
Distance 18/25km, riding time 3-4 hours, total duration of 6 hours
Discover the Remutaka Ranges' rich rail history & natural beauty. The flagship day trip of the Remutaka Cycle Trail, this is suitable for riders of all levels and can be lengthened or shortened to suit you. 18/25km of easy/moderate riding.
You will be shuttled up to either Maymorn (for a 25km, slightly more challenging ride) or Kaitoke (for an 18km easy ride), where you 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. You can either wait for the shuttle at Cross Creek, or continue biking down toward Ocean Beach, and they'll pick you up along the way before driving you back to Wellington.
Includes:
- 9.00am shuttle from your doorstep in Wellington to Kaitoke
- Capable and comfortable mountain bike with helmet and repair kit, customised to your height and riding preferences
- Packed lunch and water
- Maps and information
- First aid kit and GPS tracker in case of emergency
- Shuttle from Cross Creek (2.00pm) back to Wellington (3.30pm)
Source to Sea Supported Day Trip
Distance 39/46km, riding time 3-5 hours, total duration of 4-9 hours
Follow the meandering Hutt River downhill from its source at Kaitoke or Maymorn (for a shorter ride) to its end at Seaview, then ride around the coastline to the beautiful Days Bay. You can either drop your bikes off at The Boatshed and go for a paddle on a kayak or SUP, jump on the ferry back to Wellington, or take your 5.30pm shuttle back to your doorstep. 39/46km of moderate riding, suitable for riders with reasonable levels of fitness.
Includes:
- 9.00am shuttle from your doorstep in Wellington to Kaitoke or Maymorn
- Capable and comfortable mountain bike with gel seat, helmet and repair kit, customised to your height and riding preferences
- Packed lunch and water
- First aid kit
- Ferry pass back to Wellington CBD, or shuttle back to your doorstep (customer's choice)