Ōtaki Forks is the main western entrance to Tararua Forest Park, set about 19km inland from Ōtaki township where the Waiotauru River and Waitatapia Stream join the Ōtaki River. The confluence creates a network of deep river pools in a forested valley, making it one of the most popular swimming and camping destinations within reach of Wellington — around 1 hour 30 minutes by car.
Practical Information
| Location | Ōtaki Forks, Tararua Forest Park — 19km from Ōtaki township, Kapiti Coast |
|---|---|
| Drive time | Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Wellington |
| Access | Via Ōtaki Gorge Road from Ōtaki township — sealed road to the carpark |
| Facilities | DOC campsite, toilets, cooking shelter (Boielles Campsite), carpark, swing bridge |
| Camping | School House Flat campsite (up to 150 sites), open late October to late April. Boielles Campsite has flush toilets and a cooking shelter. |
| Camping fees | DOC fees apply — check doc.govt.nz for current pricing |
| Water quality | No formal LAWA monitoring — river conditions vary with rainfall |
| Cost | Day visits free; camping fees apply |
About Ōtaki Forks
Ōtaki Forks sits at around 180m elevation where the Ōtaki River gorge opens into a broad valley of river terraces and regenerating bush. The Waiotauru River enters from the northeast and Waitatapia Stream from the southwest — both tributaries of the main Ōtaki River, which continues upstream into the Tararua Ranges. The area has been a popular recreational destination for well over a century, and the DOC campsite at School House Flat makes it easy to turn a day trip into an overnight stay.
Tararua Forest Park, established in 1954 as New Zealand’s first forest park, covers over 1,150 square kilometres of the Tararua and Ruahine ranges. Ōtaki Forks is one of its main western entry points and provides access to a range of tracks from short loops to multi-day tramping routes.
Swimming
The best swimming at Ōtaki Forks is in the deep pools beneath the swing bridge over the Ōtaki River, about a 20-minute walk from the main carpark in the direction of Waitewaewae Hut. Boielles Campsite, a short distance from School House Flat, is also well regarded for river swimming and sits at the start of several day walks. The School House Flat campsite is right beside the river with a natural swimming area adjacent to the camping ground.
River levels can change quickly after rain in the Tararua catchment. Check conditions before entering the water and avoid swimming when the river is running high or discoloured. There is no formal water quality monitoring at this site.
Walks and Tracks
Several short walks start from the carpark. The Arctus Loop is an easy 50-minute circuit from the swing bridge, suitable for most ages. The walk to the swing bridge itself is about 20 minutes from the carpark. For longer trips, the Waitewaewae Track leads deeper into the Tararua Ranges. Serious trampers use Ōtaki Forks as the starting point for multi-day Southern Crossing routes across the ranges.
Where to Learn More
Useful resources
- DOC — Ōtaki Forks Area: official Department of Conservation page with tracks, facilities, campsite information and current conditions
- DOC — Ōtaki Forks Campsite: campsite booking details and facilities for School House Flat
- Wikipedia — Tararua Forest Park: background on New Zealand’s first forest park and the Ōtaki Forks area
FAQ
How far is Ōtaki Forks from Wellington?
About 1 hour 30 minutes by car — travel to Ōtaki via State Highway 1, then follow Ōtaki Gorge Road for approximately 19km inland.
Where is the best swimming hole at Ōtaki Forks?
The deep pool beneath the swing bridge over the Ōtaki River is widely considered the best spot, about a 20-minute walk from the main carpark. Boielles Campsite also has good swimming.
Do I need to book the DOC campsite?
School House Flat generally operates first-come, first-served during summer. Check doc.govt.nz for any booking requirements and current fees before visiting.
Is the road to Ōtaki Forks sealed?
Yes — Ōtaki Gorge Road is sealed all the way to the Ōtaki Forks carpark.
Can I have a campfire?
Campfires are permitted at Ōtaki Forks but only on the riverbed and away from tent sites. Check the DOC website for any fire restrictions in place, particularly during dry summer periods.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are generally not permitted in Tararua Forest Park beyond the conservation area boundary. Check the DOC website for the specific rules applying to the Ōtaki Forks area.
For more swimming spots in the Wellington region, see the Swimming in Wellington guide. The Pakuratahi River at Kaitoke Regional Park is another forested river swimming experience closer to Wellington.
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