Getting there and staying safe

The Pakuratahi Forest includes several popular areas:

Remutaka Rail Trail (including the Incline)

Turn off SH2 9km north of Upper Hutt. The carpark is 1km along the sealed road. Or you can enter the Wairarapa end of the Rail Trail via Cross Creek Road (off Western Lake Road). Pedestrian and cycling access only beyond the carpark.

Cycling/walking

From the end of the Hutt River Trail at Te Marua you can continue on down the road past the Water Treatment plant and the Stuart MacCaskil Lakes to join onto an off road track that takes you to the start of the Remutaka Rail Trail via an underpass under SH2. See the map to your right for more details.

From Maymorn Trailway Station you can follow the walking/cycling track that takes you through Tunnell Gully and you can join the Trail on Incline Road or further up the trail.

Tunnel Gully and Mt Climie

Turn off SH2 onto Plateau Road at Te Marua, 6km north of Upper Hutt. Pedestrian and cycling access only beyond the carpark.

By public transport

Catch the 112 Te Marua bus from Upper Hutt Station to the turnaround area near the end of Plateau Road. Walk approximately 1km to reach Tunnel Gully.

Catch the train to Maymorn and walk or cycle 2km up the track and through the historic Mangaroa tunnel to Tunnel Gully. Follow the signs to the Remutaka Rail Trail via the Old Railway Line track and the Kaitoke Loop Road.

Remutaka Trig Track

Off SH2 just south of the summit of the Remutaka Hill Road. 

North Block

1. Remutaka Hill Road Summit, Ridgetop Track.
2. Marchant Road (Kaitoke Shelter) via the Puffer Track. A permit is required from the Department of Conservation as this track passes through the Tararua Forest Park.

Staying safe

Most parts of the forest are isolated, exposed to wind and rain and without cellphone coverage. Weather conditions can change quickly so please:

• check the weather forecast before your trip (southerly weather conditions make the Remutaka Rail Trail extremely cold)
• these are multi-use tracks so cyclists need to beware of and give way to walkers on the track
• walkers also need to be aware of cyclists on the track and all users should keep to the left
• wear strong lace-up footwear and carry warm and waterproof clothing and enough food and drink for your trip
• carry sun protection
• plan your route and tell someone your intentions
• take a torch for the tunnels