Remutaka Trig
Rimutaka Summit from carpark on SH2
The one hour Remutaka Trig track is a great place to break any journey between Wairarapa and Wellington. It can be a fairly exposed and brutal spot in foul weather, but on a clear day you will get great views of Lake Wairarapa, Mt Climie, and across to the Tararuas.
| List Status | Official |
| Elevation | 725 m (2,379 ft) |
| Location/List | North Island, New Zealand |
| Region | Wellington |
| Location Coordinates | 41° 7′ 8″ S, 175° 13′ 48″ E |
| Nearest Town/s | Wellington
|
| Range | Rimutakas |
| Geology | Sedimentary |
| Translation | Correct name is Remutaka: to sit down and rest |
| Recommended Route | |
|---|---|
Duration  |
1 hours (return) |
| Distance | 1.3 km (0.8 mi) |
| Start/End Points | SH2 Rimutaka Summit |
| Difficulty |
Easy |
| Track conditions |
Path, Track |
| Season |
All year |
| Sights | Views , Views of Wairarapa and Tararuas |
| Hazards | High winds , occasional snowfalls |
Getting There
By Car
The start point for the Rimutaka Trig Track is just below the summit of the SH2 Rimutaka Road between Featherston and Upper Hutt. If you’re heading from Wellington to the Wairarapa, keep an eye out for the small carpark and Rimutaka track sign on the right of the final bend before you reach the highest point of the Rimutaka Rd. When the road is busy, it may well be safer to continue a short distance up to the larger carpark by the (now closed) summit cafe. This way you can turn around, descend back down the hill to the track start point, and then easily pull off to the left into the carpark.
The Remutaka Trig Track is also a featured stop on the Road Trip Pal NZ Wellington to Martinborough & Greytown (or Greytown to Wellington) tour. The app will guide you to the exact spot using a GPS-based audio tour that plays as you drive.
Google Earth Map
- You can also
view Rimutaka Trig in Google Earth
NZ Topographic Map
Our Recommended Route
The track up the Rimutaka trig is well defined and you can’t go too far wrong in terms of navigation (as long as you stay to the track that is!). After climbing the stairs to exit the carpark, simply follow the track as it zig zags up towards the trig (which you will see glimpses of on your way). There are a few well used shortcuts between the switchbacks, but obviously these are steeper and more slippery.
After about 1/2 an hour you’ll arrive at the trig. There isn’t much shelter or space at the summit, so you might want look for a lunch spot a little further down the track.
Height Profile
Images
