A cycle trail that will take riders past the Wellington region's biggest fur seal colony is being opened today.
The Rimutaka Cycle Trail, a 115km route that starts and finishes in Lower Hutt, is being launched by Prime Minister and Tourism Minister John Key this afternoon.
The first three stages of the cycleway run from the Petone foreshore, over the Rimutaka Ranges into Wairarapa, through Featherston, and down to Ocean Beach.
A fourth stage, which is yet to be completed, will run from Ocean Beach to the Orongorongo River in Wainuiomata.
Among the highlights is the picturesque Turakirae Head, which is home to the largest New Zealand fur seal colony in the Wellington region.