Last updated July 2026
Akatarawa Forest is a 15,000-hectare regional park in the hill country between Upper Hutt and the Kāpiti Coast. Managed by Greater Wellington Regional Council as a working forest with both native and exotic plantation areas, it offers wilderness-style recreation including walking, mountain biking, horse riding, hunting and fishing in designated zones. Access is via Akatarawa Road and several other entrances, with vehicle gates open 6am to 6pm in winter and 6am to 8pm during daylight saving. The park has limited facilities and parts may close at short notice due to logging, pest control or safety issues such as unstable trees.
Practical Information
| Location | Akatarawa Valley, hill country between Upper Hutt and Kāpiti Coast |
| Access | Via Akatarawa Road and other entrances from Upper Hutt or Kāpiti; vehicle gates 6am–6pm winter, 6am–8pm daylight saving |
| Admission | Free for general foot access; permits required for horse riding, hunting, motorised recreation and some other activities |
| Important | Active logging and occasional closures; check Greater Wellington website for current notices before visiting. Dogs welcome in most areas but must be under control and on lead in specified sections of Cannon Point Walkway |
| Managed by | Greater Wellington Regional Council |
| Facilities | Limited; wilderness camping possible in some areas with ranger approval |
About Akatarawa Forest
Akatarawa Forest covers rugged hill country between Upper Hutt and the Kāpiti Coast. The name Akatarawa translates as “trailing vines” and the area has a long history of Māori use for hunting, food gathering and travel routes. European settlement brought extensive logging of native timber such as rimu, followed by inter-planting of exotic species from the 1930s onward. Remnants of the sawmilling era, including old tramlines and the Birchville Dam built in the 1930s, remain visible today.
The forest mixes native bush with plantation pine and provides habitat for native birds. Because it functions as a working forest and future water collection area, recreational access is managed alongside operational needs. Visitors should expect remote, wilderness conditions with few facilities and the possibility of track closures.
Historic features include the Cannon Point area, named after a distinctive tree from the 1850s sawmilling period, and the Birchville Dam that once supplied water to Upper Hutt. The park also hosts the annual Karapoti Classic mountain bike event, New Zealand’s longest-running MTB race.
Walking and Tramping
Tracks range from short walks to challenging multi-hour routes through native forest and along rivers. The Cannon Point Walkway is a popular moderate option that passes through Karapoti Gorge and reaches the large northern rātā tree. Parts of the walkway cross private land where dogs must be on a lead. Wilderness camping is available in suitable sites, though areas can be affected by fallen trees or flooding. Always check current track status on the Greater Wellington website.
Mountain Biking
Akatarawa Forest is renowned for its mountain biking trails and is home to the Karapoti Classic event held each March. Riders can choose from the 50 km, 20 km or children’s 5 km courses. The network includes old logging roads and purpose-built trails through regenerating bush and pine plantations. Shared tracks require awareness of other users including walkers and horse riders.
Other Activities
Horse riding requires a permit and is available on designated trails. Hunting permits cover deer, goats and pigs with strict safety and distance rules from tracks and boundaries. Motorised recreation including 4WD, quad bikes and trail bikes is permitted with individual permits and adherence to the user code. Fishing is possible in suitable streams. Feral cattle have been sighted in parts of the forest; maintain a respectful distance.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers and mountain bikers describe the forest as a rugged, less-crowded alternative to more developed parks, praising the scenic gorge sections and the impressive northern rātā tree while noting the need to check for closures.
Visitors appreciate the wilderness feel and variety of trails but caution that conditions can change quickly due to logging or weather, and that permits are essential for horse riding or hunting.
Where to Learn More
Greater Wellington – Akatarawa Forest: official page with current track status, notices, activity details and permit information.
Greater Wellington – Permit applications: details on permits required for horse riding, hunting and motorised recreation.
Wikipedia – Akatarawa Forest: overview citing Greater Wellington sources on history and management.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Akatarawa Forest?
It lies in the hill country between Upper Hutt and the Kāpiti Coast, accessed primarily via Akatarawa Road.
Is general access free?
Yes, foot access is free. Permits are required for horse riding, hunting, motorised recreation and some other activities.
Why check the website before visiting?
Active logging, pest control and safety issues such as unstable trees can cause track closures that change frequently. The Greater Wellington site publishes current notices.
What is the Cannon Point Walkway?
A moderate walking track starting from Karapoti Road that passes through Karapoti Gorge and features a large northern rātā tree; dogs must be on a lead in the southern section.
What mountain biking events are held here?
The Karapoti Classic, New Zealand’s longest-running mountain bike race, takes place each March with 50 km, 20 km and children’s options.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome in most areas but must be under control. They must be on a lead on the southern portion of the Cannon Point Walkway where it crosses private land.
Is camping available?
Wilderness camping is possible in some areas; contact the park ranger for suitable sites as conditions can change.
What other activities require permits?
Horse riding, hunting and motorised recreation all require permits. Check the Greater Wellington permit page for details and conditions.
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