Rimutaka Incline

Pakuratahi Forest, Wellington, New Zealand

The famous Rimutaka Incline converted to a walking and biking track.

Intermediate

Bike and Foot

This track follows the famous Rimutaka Incline railway line. From part way through the Summit Tunnel down to the rail yards the slope is typically 1 in 15 - a modest gradient for a mountain bike, but extremely steep for a railway line.

Along the way there are three tunnels to pass through (in order, from the top): Summit Tunnel (576m long), Siberia Tunnel (108m long), and Prices Tunnel (98m long). It is advisable to take a light of some form for the Summit Tunnel. Although the Summit Tunnel is straight - so the other end is always visible - it can be quite a disorienting experience with only the light at the far end of the tunnel for guidence. The other tunnels are curved but are sufficiently short that they don't really require a light (though having a light wouldn't hurt).

About 0.4km down hill from the Summit Tunnel there is a lookout (down a spur) that provides sweeping views of the valley. The views are worth the short diversion.

Just below the Siberia Tunnel is Horseshoe Gully - otherwise known as "Siberia" due to the local micro-climate. There was a curved earth embankment across the gully until, in 1967, it was washed away. Now there is a deep gully that has signs stating "Steep, slippery approach to creek bed. Cyclists are advised to dismount and walk". Chances are you'll have to dismount to cross the creek and ascend the other side anyway. Note that the track on the summit side of the gully is about 25m upstream of the track on the Cross Creek side.

As would be expected from an old railway line, the track itself is fairly smooth and evenly graded with gentle curves. Nonetheless, watch out for the occasional rut and stone on the track - especially if descending at speed.

The bottom of the track is at the old rail yards that formed the Cross Creek Station and settlement. From there, either return back up the incline or continue along the Cross Creek track.

Rimutaka Incline, viewed from the lookout near the top

Warning sign at the top of Siberia gorge

Rimutaka Rail Trail (start-5:00) and Rimutaka Incline (5:01-end)

Top end ajoins the Rimutaka Rail Trail, starting from the summit plateau.

Bottom end is at the old rail yards, from which Cross Creek provides access to the exit road.

See Greater Wellington Regional Council and Wikipedia for further information.

5.60km

Double track

26 Oct 2009 by Ian

Ian