Published on : Wednesday, January 2, 2019
Publicized as a potential rival to the immensely successful Otago Rail Trail, the RemutakaCycle Trail appears like it could actually reach its potential.
In 2013, it was inaugurated by then Prime Minister John Key. The trail is expected to attract around 100,000 riders every year.
Back in 2015, Lonely Planet named the Remutaka trail as one of the “hottest” travel experiences of the world. The 115-kilometre trail runs next to the Hutt River, across the Remutaka Range through historic rail trail popular as the Remutaka Incline. Through Wairarapa countryside to the coast, Remutaka trail then follows the coast, via Baring Head, back to Wellington.
Two developments recently show the trail could soon be a step closer to reaching its true potential.
At the lighthouse complex, friends of Baring Head are upgrading the old keepers’ accommodation. Their main target is to make three houses available for riders and for those keen on lighthouse history.
Also, Greater Wellington Regional Council (GWRC) has made important progress with private landowners who have been unwilling to commit to the trail.
It formally concludes on the Wainuiomata coast, even though some riders pay no attention to signs in terms of private land and continue on to Pencarrow and Eastbourne and back to Wellington.
Hutt City Council city promotion manager James Lamb forecasts it will turn out to be a “must do” for international visitors wanting to do three or four Great Rides during their holiday.
After a hot and sweaty ride, cyclists can enjoy a cold beer and all the attractions of Courtenay Place, he said.