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WAINUIOMATA Connector Ride
Connecting the Wainuiomata Coast to the Hutt River, the Wainuiomata Connector Ride makes the most of its natural environment. An all onroad route, this new-for-2020 bike ride flirts with valleys, forests, coasts, rivers and hillside.
Starting at the Ōrongorongo River car park at the end of Coast Rd in Wainuiomata, this new 28km route travels over the Te Hikoi Arawera/Wainuiomata Hill Shared Pathway and finishes in Lower Hutt.
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Once here you can easily get back to Petone by hooking onto the Hutt River Trail (an easy scenic walking and cycling path that runs alongside the Hutt River from Petone to Upper Hutt).
The Wainuiomata Connector Ride is a Grade 3-4 trail ride which utilises rural road from beginning to end.
Wainuiomata River near the Coast Road © Getty Images
More mountain biking, please
Championed and maintained by local enthusiasts in Waiu Park, the Wainuiomata Trail Park is set in native bush and wetland 20 minutes from central Wellington. There is a decent selection of beginner and family tracks as well as a skills’ area.
Visit Wainuiomata
1. Get back to nature
Mountains to the east, coastline to the west, you’re never too far from rugged forests, wild beaches, rivers and native bush.
2. Bring your rugby ball
Wainuiomata has a reputation for producing talented rugby league players, with many spawning from the local Wainuiomata Rugby League Club.
3. Meet kiwi
Book in at one of the rough-hewn huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley and come dusk, go in search of elusive kiwi.
4. Embark on a bush walk
Stretch out your body poles (your legs) on one of the walks in Remutaka Forest Park.
5. Jump on a horse
See the rugged landscape from a different saddle than your bike. Coastal View Horse Treks soak up the views over the valley and as far as Wellington City.
Sleep in a lighthouse
Wake up to the sound of crashing waves at the Lighthouse in Island Bay. Just 15 minutes from Wellington City centre, this three-floored lighthouse offers a unique seaside stay.
Lighthouse, Island Bay © Lou Hatton
