The Tauwharenīkau Trail, developed by the Greytown Trails Trust, offers riders a gentle and enjoyable connection between two significant cycling routes, the Remutaka Cycle Trail and the beginning of the Wairarapa Five Towns Trail Network at Nuku Pewapewa’s Pou in Clifford Park, Featherston. This meaningful 11km link crosses the beautiful Tauwharenīkau River via a 150m suspension bridge, guiding you through peaceful rural surroundings and into the heart of South Wairarapa’s landscape.
Perfect for riders of all ages and abilities, the trail provides an easy and scenic way to transition from the Remutaka Rail Trail descent into Featherston, or to begin your Five Towns Trail journey with a sense of place, history and calm. As you approach Clifford Park, the striking pou of rangatira Nuku Pewapewa stands as a cultural marker and a reminder of the region’s deep Māori heritage.
Whether used as a connector or a relaxed standalone ride, the Tauwharenīkau Trail is an inviting introduction to the wider network being built across the Wairarapa, a small but significant step in the future 200km journey that will one day link all five townships.
Perfect for all kinds of explorers
Commuters The trail provides a safe, traffic-free connection from Featherston to Greytown, linking homes, local parks, and nearby transport options. Skip the car and enjoy a flat, easy route along back roads and off-road trails.
Tourists For visitors, the Tauwharenīkau Trail is a must-ride or walk. Marvel at the Tauwharenīkau Suspension Bridge, one of the longest cycle-path suspension bridges in New Zealand, and enjoy peaceful riverside scenery and rural landscapes along the way.
Walkers & Runners With a gentle profile reaching just 97 m at its highest point, the trail is ideal for an easy walk, jog, or training run. Quiet back roads and off-road sections provide a mix of shade, open farmland, and scenic viewpoints.
Cyclists Mountain bikers and casual riders alike will enjoy the easy trail, including the smooth, newly constructed paths and the stunning suspension bridge. Connect seamlessly to the Greytown Rail Trail at Woodside to continue your ride.
Pensioners & Seniors The easy terrain, wide paths, and tranquil surroundings make this trail perfect for older walkers or riders. Take your time, pause to enjoy the scenery, and explore the river and countryside at a relaxed pace.
Families Safe, mostly off-road, and scenic, the Greytown Rail Trail is ideal for families with children. Short loops, gentle gradients, and spots for a picnic or break ensure a fun day out for all ages.
Access Points: Clifford Park, Featherston → Woodside Station, Greytown
Amenities: Parking in Featherston, Greytown, and Woodside Station; toilets, water, food in towns; benches along the trail
Experience the best of the Wairarapa countryside
The trail begins at Clifford Park in Featherston, marked by a carved pou honouring Nuku Pewapewa, a 19th-century Māori chief who brought leadership and peace to the Wairarapa. From here, the trail winds through quiet back roads and farmland before crossing the Tauwharenīkau Suspension Bridge, a 150‑metre-long feat of engineering, braced to a nearby rail bridge and designed to withstand the high winds of the valley.
Continue along the river and through native bush to Woodside Station, where the trail connects seamlessly to the Greytown Rail Trail. Enjoy views of the Tararua Ranges, riverside scenery, and peaceful countryside along the way.
This trail links to…
Greytown Rail Trail – ride east from Woodside Station into Greytown village for food, cafés, and shops.
Start your journey at Clifford Park in Featherston, marked by the carved pou honouring Nuku Pewapewa, or access the trail at Woodside Station, Greytown. The path is suitable for prams, mountain bikes, leisure cyclists, and walkers, but not for racing bikes, horses, or motorbikes. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash.
Travelling to Wairarapa by train? Visit Metlink to plan your trip. Bring your bike and ride from Featherston Station to Clifford Park to begin, or start from Woodside Station to link with the Greytown Rail Trail.
Length: 11.1 km one-way (Featherston → Woodside Station)
Difficulty: Easy / Grade 2 mountain bike, mostly flat with minor undulations
Access Points: Clifford Park (Featherston), Woodside Station (Greytown)
Amenities: Parking in Featherston and Woodside, bench seats, scenic riverside views, access to cafés, shops, and cellar doors in Featherston and Greytown
Grab one of our sweet rides for the day or for the week and explore new territories like never before. With road, mountain, gravel, and e-bikes available there's something to suit everyone.
Discover stunning coastal roads, the Putangirua Pinnacles, Cape Palliser Lighthouse, and more with Green Jersey. Choose from guided or self-guided tours, or simply hire a bike and ride your own adventure. We take care of the details so you can focus on the journey.
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