Last updated November 2026
The Papatahi Crossing lets fit, experienced trampers cross the Remutaka Range over Papatahi (902 m), from the middle of the Ōrongorongo Valley to Western Lake Road on the Wairarapa side of Remutaka Forest Park.
DOC grades it Advanced and gives the route as 10 km and about 12 hours. You can start from the Catchpool car park via the Ōrongorongo Track, or from Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata via the Whakanui Track.
DOC says it is a very full day for fit parties and most should stay overnight at or near Papatahi Hut. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for ungulate control, including aerial shooting, in parts of Remutaka Forest Park, listed for Papatahi Hut and Wharepapa Hut.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Papatahi Crossing on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Catchpool Valley car park (Ōrongorongo Track) or Sunny Grove, Wainuiomata (Whakanui Track)
- Finish
- Western Lake Road, Wairarapa
- Distance from the city
- About 20 km from Wellington
- Walking time
- About 12 hours
- Track length
- 10 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs; landowner permission needed for dogs or firearms on the private land section
- Huts
- Papatahi Hut, Wharepapa Hut, Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut (DOC)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (ungulate control, including aerial shooting, listed for Papatahi and Wharepapa huts; reroute at Jacob’s Ladder on the Ōrongorongo Track). Check DOC before you go.
About Papatahi Crossing
DOC describes the route from Catchpool to Western Lake Road. Follow the Ōrongorongo Track into the Ōrongorongo Valley, then leave the river at North Boulder Creek and climb the spur to the top of Papatahi at 902 m.
From the top, descend to the Wharepapa River and cross it to reach Wharepapa Hut. The track then crosses Battery Stream and continues out to Western Lake Road.
The last part of the route crosses about 2.5 km of private land, starting about 4.5 km from Wharepapa Hut. If you walk from the Western Lake Road end, the private land begins at the road.
This is a serious crossing of the range, and DOC says most parties should stay overnight at or near Papatahi Hut in the Ōrongorongo Valley.
Huts on the Crossing
Papatahi Hut is a serviced 10-bunk DOC hut on the true right of the Ōrongorongo River, about 3 hours 30 minutes from the Catchpool car park. DOC says it is locked, booked by one group at a time, and must be booked online in advance.
Wharepapa Hut, on the Wairarapa side, is a basic five-bunk DOC hut with an open fire, which DOC lists as free. Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut, also bookable, are further down the Ōrongorongo Valley. Check the DOC hut pages for current fees and availability.
Private Land
DOC says landowner permission is required to take firearms or dogs across the private land at the Western Lake Road end.
Planning Your Trip
DOC’s Papatahi Hut page says flash floods are common on the Ōrongorongo River. Its advice is not to cross when the river is flooded, rising or rain is forecast, and to watch for fast, discoloured water, debris or the sound of rolling rocks.
If in doubt, wait for the river to drop or change your plans. Reaching Papatahi Hut involves several river crossings.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Remutaka Forest Park area, listed for Papatahi Hut and Wharepapa Hut: ungulate (goat, deer and pig) control in parts of the park from 10 August 2026 to 30 June 2027, including aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs. DOC’s operation area map shows where.
From Catchpool, the route follows the Ōrongorongo Track, where DOC also had alerts on that date: a section at Jacob’s Ladder “has been rerouted due to the risk of an imminent collapse”, and DOC says the reroute is well signposted and is a temporary tramping track with some large, unformed steps.
A separate alert said a large tree has fallen across the Ōrongorongo Track; DOC says it “can be passed but you may need to duck under it”.
Pack for changeable mountain weather, check DOC before you go, and tell someone your plans. Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan and share your trip.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Papatahi Crossing: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Remutaka Forest Park: park overview, dog access areas, hunting rules and other entrances to the park.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Papatahi Crossing take?
DOC gives the crossing as 10 km and about 12 hours. Most parties stay a night at or near Papatahi Hut.
Where does it start and finish?
From Catchpool Valley or Wainuiomata on the western side, to Western Lake Road in the Wairarapa.
How high is Papatahi?
DOC gives the high point as 902 m.
Which huts are on the route?
Papatahi Hut (serviced, bookable) in the Ōrongorongo Valley and Wharepapa Hut (basic, free) on the Wairarapa side.
Do I need to book Papatahi Hut?
Yes. DOC says it is locked and must be booked online in advance.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the crossing as no dogs, and landowner permission is needed for dogs or firearms on the private land.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced and says it is for fit, experienced trampers.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.