Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. Follow the Coast Road for 10 km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then follow the Catchpool valley road for 2 km to the car park and information area.

If the water is flowing over the ford on the road, park before the ford and use the Nga Taonga Nature Walk to reach the car park.

The gate to Catchpool valley is open:

• 6 am – 8 pm from 28 September until 7 April
• 6 am – 6 pm from 8 April until 27 September

• Portable generators are excluded from the park. 
• Fires may not be lit in Catchpool Valley.
• There is mobile phone reception.
• Always take warm, waterproof clothing, food and drink, even on short walks. 

Weather

Check the weather forecast – the weather in the Remutaka Forest Park can change rapidly.

The Ōrongorongo River rises quickly and can take several days to drop to a level that is safe to cross.

Let someone know before you go

Before you go into the Ōrongorongo valley, advise someone:

• where you are going
• when you are returning
• what they should do if you fail to meet your deadline, and
• who they should contact such as employer and so on. For example, if you get delayed in a hut by bad weather or flooded river.