A Trail offered by The Wairarapa Moana Wetlands Project allows you to experience a gentle and scenic 67 km cycling loop through South Wairarapa countryside. Departing from Featherston, this ride leads you down Western Lake Road, onto East-West Access Road, and eventually turns onto Kahutara Road to circle Lake Wairarapa and return to Featherston. It’s a leisurely day ride (3-4 hours) where you’ll enjoy lake views, wetland scenery, historic locations and quiet rural roads. This ‘Loop Around the Lake (Wairarapa Moana) forms part of the Wairarapa Valley Cycleway.
Perfect for all kinds of explorers
Touring Cyclists This 67 km sealed-road loop is ideal for road bikes, touring bikes, and e-bikes. It’s largely flat or gently undulating, letting you focus on the scenery and stops along the way.
Scenic & Leisure Riders Soak in expansive lake vistas, lush wetlands, and pastoral farmland. The route runs close to Wairarapa Moana, offering a quiet alternative to more traffic-heavy road circuits.
Adventure Seekers Combine this loop with other regional trails (like the Remutaka Cycle Trail) for a longer multi-day riding experience.
Trail highlights:
Length: ~67 km loop
Difficulty: Moderate (due to distance)
Surface: 100% sealed road (quiet country roads)
Access Points: Featherston (start and end)
Amenities: Toilets, food and water in Featherston; road signs; occasional refreshment stops along route
Know before you go
Check the weather forecast — strong winds can influence the lake sections.
Bring spare tubes, tools, hydration, and snacks.
Route is fully sealed, but roads can be narrow and rural.
Appropriate for road bikes, touring bikes, e-bikes. Not ideal for off-road or racing bikes.
Toilets and water in Featherston; limited services mid-loop.
Cellphone coverage may be patchy in rural zones.
Dogs are not recommended due to road cycling conditions.
This trail links to…
Wairarapa Valley Cycleway – part of this wider touring route, connecting Featherston with Martinborough and beyond.
Start and finish your journey in Featherston, following Western Lake Road down the eastern edge of Lake Wairarapa. Continue across the East–West Access Road, then loop back via Kahutara Road to return to Featherston. The sealed road route is best suited for road bikes, touring bikes, e-bikes and racing bikes.
Travelling to Wairarapa by train? Visit Metlink to plan your trip. Bring your bike on the Wellington–Featherston service for a car-free day ride straight from the station.
Length: 67 km loop (Featherston → Western Lake Road → East-West Access → Kahutara Road → Featherston)
Difficulty: Moderate (distance rather than terrain)
Access Points: Featherston (start/finish)
Amenities: Toilets, food, and water available in Featherston; limited services mid-loop; stunning lake and wetland viewpoints
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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