The Catchpool Valley entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park
Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Rimutaka Forest Park. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts - bookings can be made via the online booking system or by contacting the Wellington Visitor Centre.
Within Catchpool Valley are attractive short walks and access to longer bush tramps, a well maintained campground, and pleasant picnic and barbecue facilities. There is also a field centre, toilets, and a 24-hour emergency telephone.
The Catchpool Valley is undergoing a transformation as pine trees planted by the former New Zealand Forest Service are removed to enable the return of native forest.
View the Catchpool Valley and Orongorongo Valley brochure (PDF, 3109K).
Attractions and facilities include picnic areas, a campground, booked huts and a wide range of walks. The move from pine trees to natives is a major feature of the area.
The walks in the Catchpool Valley are suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There is also a specially marked dog exercise area just past the park entrance gate.
You can book the huts in the Rimutaka Forest Park's Orongorongo Valley, either online or by contacting the DOC Wellington Visitor Centre. You can also stay at the campground at Catchpool.
Find out how you get to Catchpool and Orongorongo valleys, what safety and other rules you need to follow, and view a map.
In the Rimutaka Forest Park you can enjoy some of Wellington's finest mountain biking, not to mention the native birdlife and walking tracks.
View a video about the Catchpool and Orongorongo valleys in the Rimutaka Forest Park and Turakirae Head near Wellington.
Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide activities and services in Catchpool & Orongorongo valleys.
NZ weather
We recommend you use the latest NZ topographic maps if you are embarking on a major tramp. Find out how to get these maps on the Land Information New Zealand website.
Check, Clean, Dry between waterways and stop the spread of didymo.
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code:1. Plan your trip2. Tell someone3. Be aware of the weather4. Know your limits5. Take sufficient supplies
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