Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Rimutaka Incline
Submitted by Rita Onosa
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 26
Gnarl Factor: 9
36.0km
390m
390m
439m
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Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Submitted by Rita Onosa
Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023
Open
Grunt Factor: 26
Gnarl Factor: 9
36.0km
390m
390m
439m
Front country - easily accessible
Out and Back
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Native bush
Riverside
Open farmlands
Gravel Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +7.7%
Average Downhill Gradient: -7.6%
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5:00
Slow
4:00
Moderate
2:45
Fast
Start from the car park on a well maintained gravel road undulating through pretty bush, on a slight gradient for the first approx 10 km when you come across a nice clearing with toilets and picnic facilities. From the summit follow the track and reach the viewing platform which offers panoramic views of the old Fell engine route coming up from Cross Creek to the Summit.
Follow the track through Siberia tunnels and onto Cross Creek. There is a pit toilet at Cross Creek. From Cross Creek head over a small bridge and into a nice easy undulating single track through native bush which will take you to the Wairarapa end of Cross Creek Road. Then turn around and re-trace your steps.
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.
From the north: Head south on SH2 from Featherston across the Rimutaka Hill then turn left following the signpost to Pakuratahi Forest. The carpark is 1 km along a metal road. Lots of carparks and toilets available.
From the south: Head north on SH2 and turn right before the Rimutaka Hill, following the signpost to Pakuratahi Forest
16 km
12 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Make navigation of this route super-easy by using the Capra app on your phone. View on Capra .
Generally good.
Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Headtorch and spare batteries.
There are a few streams along the way but would recommend you carry your own supply.
There are a few stream crossings but noting major. The track is well maintained. Take extra care in the tunnels as it can get really slippery.
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Rimutaka Incline
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Great run if you are after an easy gradient and decent kms. Drags a bit for the final stretch back to the carpark…but the kiosk was open and the cold ginger beer was a great post run treat 🙌🏻
January 23, 2023
I ran from the Upper Hutt side and added the cycle track to Featherston when I got to the other side. My garmin put the one way trip at about 17km, 18km if you go to the main road. I haven submitted this run as I was picked up early about 3km from Featherston (my ride thought it was getting too dark to be out.....) someone needs to complete this run for me and submit it. Its an easy 28km run. I can't re-do it because I live in alexandra!!
May 31, 2021
5th April 2021
Started at the Upper Hutt end and we walked over to Siberia. Didn't go across the swing bridge as it was too windy.
Will like to have another go and organise someone to pick us up at the other side.
April 7, 2021
Decent time on your feet type training run. As everyone else says flat till the wairarapa side when you cross the swing bridge. Just watch you don't crash into mountain bikes without lights in the tunnels!
May 31, 2020
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