Raukawa Lodge
Located in Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley and Remutaka Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region
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Introduction
This is a serviced 14-bunk hut on the far side of the Ōrongorongo River. It is locked and must be booked in advance to gain access.This is a popular site so book well in advance.
Facilities
- Cooking
- Heating
- Mattresses
- Toilets - flush
Image gallery
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Raukawa Lodge Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Raukawa Lodge.]( "Raukawa Lodge.")
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Inside Raukawa Lodge Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Inside Raukawa Lodge.]( "Inside Raukawa Lodge.")
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Raukawa Lodge kitchen Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Raukawa Lodge kitchen.]( "Raukawa Lodge kitchen.")
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Raukawa Lodge bunk room Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Raukawa Lodge bunk room.]( "Raukawa Lodge bunk room.")
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Raukawa Lodge sleeping platform Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Raukawa Lodge sleeping platform.]( "Raukawa Lodge sleeping platform.")
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Inside Raukawa Lodge Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Inside Raukawa Lodge.]( "Inside Raukawa Lodge.")
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Fire at Rauwaka Lodge Image: Wendy Newton | DOC
![Fire at Rauwaka Lodge.]( "Fire at Rauwaka Lodge.")
This lodge is sole occupancy and locked – refer to your booking confirmation for how to obtain the access code.
It is on a river terrace on the east side of the Ōrongorongo River – wet feet are part of the adventure. Check river levels before crossing.
Facilities provided:
- gas cooking, crockery, pots and cooking utensils
- wood heating with wet back for hot shower
- cold tap water
- flush toilet
- 14 bunk beds.
You need to bring:
- candles or torches for lighting
- matches or lighter
- toilet paper.
Fees
The fees are for up to 14 people.
- Weekdays: $135 per night
- Weekends* (Friday or Saturday): $160 per night
- Peak: (23 December – 16 January): $160 per night
*Weekend pricing only applies October – April.
Fees from 1 July 2023
The fees are for up to 14 people.
- Off-peak (9 February – 25 December): $155 per night
- Peak (26 December – 08 February): $185 per night
Bookings
Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2023.
2023/24 bookings
Bookings for the 2023/24 season have been delayed. The new opening date will be confirmed 31 May 2023.
All bookings operate on a first-come first-served basis. We do not operate waiting lists for bookings for future seasons, or currently booked-out facilities.
Bookings are required all year.
A $10 service fee applies to phone and in-person booking. This is a limited service – book online first. An in-person booking is dependent on there being space available.
If this lodge isn't available at the time of booking, consider Coast Road Cabin at the entrance to the Catchpool Valley.
Track to this lodge
The lodge is a 2 hour walk via the Ōrongorongo Track.
Then a 10 min walk from Turere Bridge (end of Ōrongorongo Track). From the picnic area and toilet near the bridge, cross to the true left of the Ōrongorongo River following the markers. Walk downstream for about 250 m, passing the Tararua Tramping Club hut on the way.
Raukawa Lodge is clearly marked with alarge orange triangle, sign and can be seen in the bush from the river.
Check the flow of the Ōrongorongo River before you go, as flash floods are common. Avoid crossing the river when it's in flood or if there has been sustained rainfall in the area
Look out for the warning signs of an unsafe river: water flowing faster than walking pace, discoloured water, debris in the river, and the sound of rocks rolling in the river bed.
If you aren’t sure it’s safe, don’t risk it – wait for the river to drop (this often happens quickly once rain stops), or change your plans and return another day.
Learn how to cross a river safely on the Mountain Safety Council river skills webpage.
Contacts
| Kapiti Wellington Visitor Centre | |
| Phone: | +64 4 384 7770 |
| Email: | wellingtonvc@doc.govt.nz |
| Address: |
18 - 32 Manners Street Wellington 6011 |
| Postal Address: |
PO Box 10420 The Terrace Wellington 6143 |
| Full office details | |