This track is managed in partnership with Find your Wild. Wellington Regional Trials – Remutaka Cycle Trail has information about distances and points of interest.

This track contains some of the most remote and spectacular scenery of the 115 km loop. The track can be ridden or walked in either direction and has no significant climbs.

The Wild Coast Track is mostly road and is well marked when it leaves the road. The track covers many different environments including:

• streams which will require crossing
• unsealed roads
• dunes
• shingle areas.

There are spots for camping, a picnic area with water, and a toilet on the track.

Detailed description

This description covers the track from the campsite at Corner Creek in the Wairarapa to the ending at the Wainuiomata Coast Road.

From the campsite at Corner Creek, start the Wild Coast Track by following the unsealed coastal road. The old road will pass through an open gate and from here the track enters private land at the Mukamuka Stream valley. This is the first and largest of the stream crossings.

The track will leave the road and come to a picnic and camping area. The track then crosses through shifting dunes. You'll then come to a second stream the which you'll need to ford. There are informal camping spots on the terraces next to this stream. This is the last opportunity for camping before the end of the Wild Coast Track.

You'll need to go through a large metal gate as you enter the Ōrongorongo Station.

The track then crosses three streams at the Kotumu Fan. This part of the track may have numerous washouts and require you to walk your bicycle for up to 1 km.

Continuing on the track, you'll pass Barny's Whare, a private bookable hut. At a marked junction, the track leaves the main farm track and heads towards the coast and a seal colony.

The track continues to the main entry and exit gate at the Ōrongorongo River, where there is a car park and toilet. Beyond this point is the Wainuiomata Coast Road. The main gate is a narrow metal squeeze gate designed to keep motorbikes out.

From Wellington, travel to the end of the Wainuiomata Coast Road.

From the Wairarapa, the track begins at Ocean Beach at Corner Creek.

Skills/experience needed for biking the track

This is an Intermediate: Grade 3 bike trail and will suit fit, experienced cyclists. You need the strength/fitness to lift your bike over obstacles, ride into strong wind, and cycle over rocky and sandy terrain.

Walking the track is a good alternative or biking another section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail.

Need to know

The track crosses working farms where stock and farm vehicles may be present. Keep to the track.

Stay 20 m away from seals.

Avoid crossing streams or rivers if they are flooded.

Washed out sections

Several sections of the track are passable but unrideable due to washouts. Keep away from washed out track edges as there is a risk of falling. Allow additional time for your journey.

Preparing for the trip

The area has little or no shelter from the weather, especially from the south. Check the forecast and pack plenty of warm, waterproof clothes.

Cell phone coverage is good but there are patches of poor reception. As the area is remote, consider packing a distress beacon.

If riding, you need a mountain bike in good condition. Take spare parts for the bike and a first aid kit.