Ōtaki Forks short walks
Located in Ōtaki Forks area and Tararua Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region
Introduction
These easy walks are great for kids - there's a campground and hut nearby to stay at too.Dog access
Image gallery
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Waterfall on the Fenceline Loop Image: Neil Dixon | Creative Commons
![Waterfall on the Fenceline Loop.]( "Waterfall on the Fenceline Loop.")
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View of Otaki Forks Campsite (School House Flat) from the Fenceline Loop Image: Neil Dixon | Creative Commons
![View of Otaki Forks campsite.]( "View of Otaki Forks campsite.")
Arcus Loop
Time: 50 min return
The Arcus Loop commemorates the Arcus family who farmed the Ōtaki Forks locality from the 1930s. The walk begins on Boielle Flat and crosses the Waiotauru River footbridge, then works its way across the river terraces and gullies as it climbs to join the Field Track. There are good views of the campground and river.
Fenceline Loop
Time: 1 hr 30 min - 2 hr
The Fenceline Loop passes through regenerating forest above the campground and gives some good views of the Waiotauru Valley. The track crosses a slip 10 minutes from the carpark, care should be taken in this area.
Waiotauru Walk
Time: 40 min return
The Waiotauru Walk is an easy walk from the Waiotauru carpark up-valley to the site and relics of Seed and O’Brien’s sawmill.
Ōtaki Forks is 19 km inland from Ōtaki township – approximately 1 hr 30 min drive from Wellington or Palmerston North. The easiest turnoff from SH1 is at Ōtaki Gorge Road, just south of the SH1 bridge over the Ōtaki River. The last 5 km of the Ōtaki Gorge Road is unsealed, narrow and windy – drive carefully.
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 | |