Akatarawa Road — Upper Hutt to Waikanae TararuaTwisties.
Distance
40 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
600 m
Akatarawa Road — Upper Hutt to Waikanae Tararua Twisties.
Wellington's favourite Sunday blast — a tight, technical sealed road over the Tararua foothills linking Upper Hutt with the Kapiti Coast. The Akatarawa climbs from Brown Owl up a forested valley to a 450 m saddle, then drops through Reikorangi to Waikanae. Single-lane in places, blind and bumpy — a true rider's road, not a cruise.
Quick facts
SurfacePaved
Distance40 km
Days1
Total climb600 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
Upper Hutt — Brown OwlStart · Start at Brown Owl on the Upper Hutt side. The Akatarawa Road is tight and single-lane in sections — a popular but demanding ride.
Akatarawa ValleyScenic Point · Forested valley climb past the old Akatarawa cemetery and Staglands wildlife reserve. Watch for cyclists and oncoming traffic on blind bends.
Akatarawa Saddle (450m)Mountain Pass · The highest point, crossing the Tararua foothills. Bush on both sides; the surface can be greasy after rain.
ReikorangiScenic Point · Descend into the rural Reikorangi valley behind Waikanae. The road opens out and the corners ease.
WaikanaeEnd · Emerge on the Kapiti Coast at Waikanae. Beach and coffee a few minutes further west.
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