Papatahi Hut

Papatahi Hut is a 3 hour 30 minute walk via Orongorongo Track, then following the Orongorongo River. Several river crossings are required.

Turere Bridge (end of Orongorongo Track) to Papatahi Hut via Orongorongo River

Time: 70–90 min

Do not use this river route when the river is in flood or when there has been sustained rainfall in the area. Use the Big Bend Track instead.

Papatahi Hut is on a sharp bend on the Orongorongo River 6 km up stream from the Turere Bridge.

Follow the Orongorongo River upstream, crossing the river as required. Note the following landmarks as you go:

1. Big Bend.
2. Goat Stream and its large shingle fan on the true left.
3. Orange triangle marking the entrance to Haurangi Hut. (Grid ref: Topo50 BQ32, 672 228). At this point you are about half way to Papatahi Hut.
4. Whakanui Track entrance on the true right.
5. Matthews Stream and Mount Matthews Track on the true left.
6. Large slip face on the true left.(Grid ref: Topo50 BQ32, 686 229).

Just past the slip face is another shingle fan on the same side, and the river valley abruptly narrows. Continuing upstream 200 m, the river veers around an elbow with a manuka covered flat on the true right.

Look for a large orange triangle and marker poles near the entrance to an old 4WD track. Follow this for 100 m to the Papatahi Hut track, and climb the steps to the hut.

Turere Bridge (end of Orongorongo Track) to Papatahi Hut via Big Bend Track

Time: 1 hr

Papatahi Hut may also be reached via the Big Bend Track. This reduces the number of river crossings and is recommended following heavy rain.

From the Turere Bridge, follow the Big Bend Track approximately 60–80 minutes to its junction with the Whakanui Track. Turn right down to the Orongorongo River and follow the directions in the Orongorongo River route description above.

 $100 sole occupancy

Bookings are essential – the hut is locked and requires an access code to open.

Book Papatahi Hut online or contact Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre.

 If this hut isn't available at the time of booking, consider Coast Road Cabin at the entrance to the Catchpool Valley.

Check the flow of the Orongorongo River before you go. Don't cross the river when it's in flood or there has been sustained rainfall in the area.