Orongorongo Valley

Image: Rich Childs | Creative Commons

Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley

Located in Remutaka Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region

This place is part of

Introduction

Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. It includes Ōrongorongo Valley and its booked huts with walks for all ages and fitness levels.

Highlights

  • Picnic areas – both open and secluded spots along Catchpool Road. 
  • Campground with toilets, showers and gas barbecues. 
  • Field base, toilets, and a 24-hour emergency telephone.

Video

Place overview

Facilities

  • Barbeque
  • Phone
  • Toilets
  • Information panels
  • Picnic tables

Activities

  • Camping
  • Horse riding
  • Walking and tramping

Brochures

Find things to do and places to stay Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley

About this place

Getting there

The entrance to Remutaka Forest Park is on the Coast Road, 12 km south of Wainuiomata in the Hutt Valley. 

The entrance gate to Catchpool valley is open during summer daylight saving 6 am – 8 pm. In winter 6 am – 6 pm.

Know before you go

  • Portable generators are excluded from the park. 
  • Fires may not be lit in Catchpool Valley.
  • There is no cell phone or radio communication in the Catchpool and Ōrongorongo valleys. An emergency phone is located outside the field base.
  • If the ford across the Catchpool Valley Road is flooded, do not attempt to drive through it. 
  • The Nga Taonga Trail provides alternative foot access if the ford is impassable.
  • 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.
  • 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 (employer etc.) if you get delayed in a hut by bad weather and/or flooded river.
  • Always take warm, waterproof clothing, food and drink, even on short walks. 

Contacts

Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre
Phone:   +64 4 384 7770
Fax:   +64 4 471 1117
Email:   wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz
Address:   18 - 32 Manners Street
Wellington
6011
Postal Address:   PO Box 10420
The Terrace
Wellington 6143
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