Activities in Rimutaka Forest Park
Tracks and walks
A network of tracks provides good access to many areas suitable for walking and hunting.
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.
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.
Hunting
Recreational hunting is encouraged except in the Catchpool Valley, within 200 metres of the Orongorongo River and the Landcare research area where, because of a high level of public use, discharging of firearms is prohibited.
Horse riding
Access to the Cattle Ridge road and Mid Slope road in the Catchpool Valley is now available outside logging operation working hours.
Access
- Weekends: Saturday 13:00 – Sunday dusk.
- Weekdays: 18:30 – dusk.
- There is a combination padlock on the gate. Contact Peter Blaxter or the Catchpool field base if you require the combination.
- For a guide to open tracks refer to yellow highlighted route/s on the map.
- Horse riding is not permitted anywhere else in the Park.
- This access may be subject to change as logging in the area progresses. Please check the website for updates.
Please follow Health & Safety rules and guidelines
- Observe all instructions and signs from the logging crew.
- High Vis must be worn at all times while in the area.
- Be aware, as vehicles may be on the Cattle Ridge road at the same time as you.
For further information contact Peter Blaxter, Programme Manager Visitor Assets,
email: pblaxter@doc.govt.nz
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