Hunting in Rimutaka Forest Park
Hunting in Aorangi, Rimutaka and Tararua Forest Parks (PDF, 749K)
Tramping Clubs and safety links
Butcher Track begins about 10 minutes along the Orongorongo Track. A stiff climb brings magnificent views of Wellington Harbour.
This walk crosses a footbridge over the Catchpool Stream, from a signposted point 15 minutes along the Orongorongo Track.
Five Mile Loop Track starts from the car park at the top of the Catchpool Valley. Cross the footbridge to the left of the car park. The track is well signposted.
Mt Matthews is the tallest peak in the Rimutaka range and the nearest to Wellington. The climb to the summit will take you 949 m above sea level.
At the top of Mt McKerrow in Rimutaka Forest Park trees block the views but on the way up you get panoramic peeks of Wainuiomata and the Hutt Valley.
Catchpool Valley's Nature Trail is an alternative to the road from the Nga Taonga Trail.
Nga Taonga Nature Walk begins in the clearing beside the Graces Stream footbridge. Along the trail you'll find information signs describing the forest plant life in the Catchpool Valley.
One of the most popular walks in New Zealand, this well developed track passes through different types of bush, leading to the Orongorongo Valley.
The Papatahi Crossing climbs from the Orongorongo River and up over Papatahi to the Wairarapa side of the Rimutaka Forest Park.
Built in 1878, this rail route between the Hutt Valley and Featherston is now a gently graded 18 km walk, run or mountain bike ride, with opportunities for camping, swimming and fishing.
Tawa Grove in Catchpool Valley is a bush trail specially designed for disabled or elderly people. The walk begins from near the field centre.
Mountain biking
Hunting
Horse riding
You can cycle along the Rimutaka Rail Trail, which follows the route of the former railway across the Rimutaka Ranges, learning the history of the area and enjoying panoramic views along the way. Refer to Rimutaka Rail Trail
Recreational hunting is encouraged. Refer to hunting in Rimutaka Forest Park.
Access to the Cattle Ridge road and Mid Slope road in the Catchpool Valley is now available outside logging operation working hours.
For further information contact Peter Blaxter, Programme Manager Visitor Assets, email: pblaxter@doc.govt.nz
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Find businesses that are DOC-approved to provide guided activities and tours 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)
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
History of the Rimutaka Incline
Rimutaka Forest Park Trust website
Orongorongo Club 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