Old Coach Road
Follow the historic stagecoach route
The Old Coach Road traces the original 1870s stagecoach route over the Rimutaka Range, connecting Wellington region with the Wairarapa through native forest and railway heritage sites. This gravel track follows the abandoned Rimutaka Incline railway formation, passing massive concrete viaducts, old railway tunnels, and the famous Siberia cutting where Fell locomotives once hauled carriages up impossible grades. The Cross Creek section requires careful navigation around washouts and steep drop-offs where the original road clings to the mountainside.
Suitable for any high-clearance vehicle in good conditions, though wet weather turns clay sections into skating rinks. The track operates year-round but winter brings ice and limited daylight for the 3-4 hour journey. No permits required and good cell coverage near both ends. Several DOC camping areas along the route provide overnight options. This is New Zealand transport history you can actually drive, with stunning Wairarapa valley views and enough railway relics to satisfy any heritage enthusiast.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 9.3 mi / 15 km |
| Duration | 3-4 hours |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1830 ft |
| Best season | Year-round |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Upper Hutt, Wellington |
| Land manager | Department of Conservation |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | doc.govt.nz |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Hilux or Prado on standard tyres handle Old Coach Road?
Yes — high-clearance 2WD is the minimum and most stock 4WDs will be comfortable. The gravel surface is manageable, but after heavy rain ruts and soft patches can appear, so ground clearance matters more than drive mode.
Is Old Coach Road accessible year-round or does winter close it out?
DOC lists it as year-round, but the Rimutaka Range gets serious rainfall and the track can deteriorate fast in winter. Check conditions with DOC Wellington before you go — what's passable in February can be a muddy mess in July.
Do I need a permit or is there a fee to drive Old Coach Road?
No permit required and no entry fee — it's managed by the Department of Conservation and open to the public. Standard NZ backcountry rules apply: pack out your rubbish, respect the land.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The steeper climbs through the Rimutaka Range are the main challenge, with loose gravel and limited recovery room on some corners. It's rated moderate, not gnarly — but a loaded rig on a wet day will keep you honest. Don't rush it.
Are there water crossings and how deep do they get?
Yes, there are water crossings on the route. Depth varies significantly with rainfall — after a decent downpour they can rise quickly. Check recent conditions before you head in; a crossing that's ankle-deep in dry weather can be axle-deep after a Rimutaka storm.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.