The Big Bend Track follows the true right of the Orongorongo River in the Rimutaka Forest Park. Category: Great Walk/Easy tramping track Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
Butcher Track begins about 10 minutes along the Orongorongo Track. A stiff climb brings magnificent views of Wellington Harbour. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 2 hr round trip
This walk crosses a footbridge over the Catchpool Stream, from a signposted point 15 minutes along the Orongorongo Track. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 30 min round trip
This track begins at the top of the Butcher Track in Rimutaka Forest Park and heads north along Cattle Ridge to join the Orongorongo Track near Turere Stream. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min one way
This tramping track links with other tracks in the Rimutaka Forest Park to take you up to Mt Mckerrow. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 2.5 hr to Mt McKerrow
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. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 1 hr 30 min round trip
Makara Walkway is a 6 km loop, climbing to vantage points with spectacular views, and returning along the beach. Makara Beach is 16 km north of Wellington. Category: Tramping track Distance: 6 km loop
This track takes you to the top of Matiu/Somes Island in Wellington Harbour, where you can see gun emplacements built during World War II, and enjoy 360 degree views. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 30 min return
A loop track around Matiu/Somes Island offers 360 degree views of Wellington harbour and the surrounding landscape. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 40 min loop track
This walking track from the Catchpool carpark at the entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park links up with two other popular tracks. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 1 hr return
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. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 1 day
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. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 6 hr
Catchpool Valley's Nature Trail is an alternative to the road from the Nga Taonga Trail. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 20 min one way
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. Category: Walking track Completion Time: 30 min to Catchpool Valley road
One of the most popular walks in New Zealand, this well developed track passes through different types of bush, leading to the Orongorongo Valley. Category: Walking track Distance: 5.2 km one way Completion Time: 4 hr return
The Papatahi Crossing climbs from the Orongorongo River and up over Papatahi to the Wairarapa side of the Rimutaka Forest Park. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 12 hrs or 2 days to Battery Stream
Tawa Grove in Catchpool Valley is a bush trail specially designed for disabled or elderly people. The walk begins from near the field centre. Category: Easy access walk Completion Time: 30 min round trip
This four hour tramping track takes you from Wainuiomata through to the Orongorongo River in the Rimutaka Forest Park. Category: Tramping track Completion Time: 7 hrs to Wainuiomata
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Easy access walks - North Island
Easy access walks - South Island
NZ weather
New Zealand topographic maps are available from DOC Visitor Centres
Read important notices about DOC managed areas in the Wellington region
Plan and prepare for your trip
The Great Walks
Wellington NZ website
Federated Mountain Clubs website
Stop the spread of didymoCheck, Clean, Dry all items before entering, and when moving between, waterways.
Safety information
Always contact the nearest visitor centre for the latest information about facilities and conditions.
