Papatahi Hut
Located in Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley and Remutaka Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region
Introduction
This is a serviced 10-bunk hut in the Wellington region. The hut is locked and must be booked in advance to gain access.Highlights
This is a popular hut so book well in advance.
Facilities
- Cooking
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - non-flush
- Water from tap - not treated, boil before use
Image gallery
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Papatahi Hut Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![Papatahi Hut and surrounding bush.]( "Papatahi Hut and surrounding bush.")
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View from the deck at Papatahi Hut Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![View from the deck at Papatahi Hut.]( "View from the deck at Papatahi Hut.")
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Inside Papatahi Hut Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![People inside Papatahi Hut.]( "People inside Papatahi Hut.")
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Papatahi Hut kitchen - gas cooker, pots and plates are provided Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![Papatahi Hut kitchen.]( "Papatahi Hut kitchen.")
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Papatahi Hut Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![Front of Papatahi Hut.]( "Front of Papatahi Hut.")
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Papatahi Hut Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![Papatahi Hut and view.]( "Papatahi Hut and view.")
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Papatahi Hut and surrounds Image: Pete Blaxter | DOC
![Papatahi Hut and surrounds.]( "Papatahi Hut and surrounds.")
This hut is sole occupancy and locked – refer to your booking confirmation for how to obtain the access code.
Facilities provided are:
- cooker, pots, pans, crockery and cooking utensils
- wood heating
- cold tap water
- composting toilet
You need to bring:
- candles for lighting
- toilet paper
Fees
$100 sole occupancy
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to all phone, email and in-person bookings.
If this hut isn't available at the time of booking, consider Coast Road Cabin at the entrance to the Catchpool Valley.
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:
- Big Bend.
- Goat Stream and its large shingle fan on the true left.
- 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.
- Whakanui Track entrance on the true right.
- Matthews Stream and Mount Matthews Track on the true left.
- 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.
Tracks to this hut
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![Ōrongorongo Track]()
Ōrongorongo Track
Located in Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley and Remutaka Forest ParkThis popular, easy walk passes through different forest types and has swimming holes at the end of the track - it's ideal for families.Duration 2 hr one wayDifficulty Easy -
![Big Bend Track]()
Big Bend Track
Located in Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley and Remutaka Forest ParkThe Big Bend Track follows the Orongorongo River and connects the Orongorongo Track with the Whakanui Track.Duration 1 hr 30 min one way from turere bridgeDifficulty Intermediate
Location
NZTopo50 map sheet: BQ32
Grid/NZTM2000 coordinates: E1769108, N5423351
Check the flow of the Ōrongorongo River before you go. Do not cross the river when it's in flood or there has been sustained rainfall in the area.
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 |
| Full office details | |