Image: DOC
Raukawa Lodge.
Raukawa Lodge

Located in Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley and Remutaka Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region

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.

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. 

  • 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 2025.

All bookings are first-come first-served. We do not have waiting lists for bookings for future seasons or facilities that are already booked-out.

Bookings are required all year.

Book Raukawa Lodge online.

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.

The Ōrongorongo River is not safe to cross in all conditions. If the river is flooded, rising or there is rain forecast, do not attempt to cross. Contact DOC to arrange a refund instead, by contacting the Nelson Visitor Centre

You will be eligible for a refund if you had to cancel your stay due to river safety.

Note: The Ōrongorongo track does not lead all the way to this hut. The river needs to be followed via the instructions below.

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 a large 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.

If you want to light a fire (eg for cooking) while in the Remutaka Forest Park, visit www.checkitsalright.co.nz. This will tell you the current fire status and if you need a fire permit. At times of high fire danger, there may be a total ban on fires. Please respect any fire restrictions, they keep native wildlife and visitors safe.