The Rimutaka Forest Park skyline from Wellington city
The 22,000 ha Rimutaka Forest Park encompasses much of the Rimutaka Range. Easily accessible from Wellington, the area is popular with trampers and hunters. The popular Catchpool Valley recreational area is just 30 km from Wellington.
A number of alerts have been issued for the Park.
Please view the Wellington Kapiti and Wairarapa alerts pages for more information.
Find out about the history and natural history of the Rimutaka Forest Park.
A network of tracks in Rimutaka Forest Park provides good access to many areas suitable for walking and hunting.
As well as the DOC huts on the Wairarapa side of Rimutaka Forest Park, you can stay at the campground in Catchpool Valley or book one of the Orongorongo Valley huts.
Find out how you get to Rimutaka Forest Park and review the safety and other rules you need to follow to protect yourself and the park.
Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Rimutaka Forest Park. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts.
View a video about the Catchpool and Orongorongo valleys in the Rimutaka Forest Park and Turakirae Head near Wellington.
Students can explore cultural sites, native bush, wildlife habitats, river catchments, mountain ranges and more in Rimutaka Forest Park.
Catchpool and Orongorongo Valleys: Looking to the future (PDF, 841K)
Rimutaka Forest Park environmental education resource
Rimutaka Forest Park - Catchpool and Orongorongo Valleys (PDF, 1,132K)
Controlling dogs in Rimutaka Forest Park (PDF, 797K)
Hunting in Aorangi, Rimutaka and Tararua Forest Parks (PDF, 749K)
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
History of the Rimutaka Incline
Rimutaka Forest Park Trust website
Follow the Outdoor Safety Code: 1. Plan your trip 2. Tell someone 3. Be aware of the weather 4. Know your limits 5. Take sufficient supplies
Safety