Papatahi Crossing
Track category
Tramping track
Time:
12 hrs or 2 days to Battery Stream
Description
Aerial view of Papatahi and the
Wharepapa River
The Papatahi Crossing is suitable for fit and experienced trampers only. It climbs from the Orongorongo River and up over Papatahi (902 m) to the Wairarapa side of the Rimutaka Forest Park. It can be started from either the Wellington or Wairarapa side.
From Wellington, start from Catchpool Valley along the Orongorongo track or from Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata along the Whakanui track. Follow the Orongorongo River to North Boulder Creek and climb up the spur to the top of Papatahi. Descend to the Wharepapa River, and cross the river to get to Wharepapa hut. Follow the track, crossing Battery Stream and out to Onoke Road.
Plan and prepare
This is a direct crossing of the Rimutaka Range via Papatahi (902m). It leaves the mid-Orongorongo Valley at North Boulder Creek, descending to the Wharepapa River and Battery Stream on the Wairarapa side of the park. It is not an easy track and requires a very full day for a fit party from the Catchpool carpark. Most parties are recommended to overnight at, or near, Shamrock Hut.
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.