Last updated October 2026
The Big Bend Track follows the Ōrongorongo River in Remutaka Forest Park, linking the end of the Ōrongorongo Track at Tūrere Bridge with the Whakanui Track at Whakanui Creek.
DOC grades it Intermediate and allows 1 hour 30 minutes one way from Tūrere Bridge for the 3.1 km track. It also leads to two bookable DOC huts, Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut. DOC notes a slip between the Tūrere curved bridge and Tūrere Lodge, so take extra care on that section.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Big Bend Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Tūrere Bridge at the end of the Ōrongorongo Track, or the junction with the Whakanui Track at the Ōrongorongo River
- Distance from the city
- About 19 km from Wellington
- Walking time
- 1 hour 30 minutes one way from Tūrere Bridge
- Track length
- 3.1 km
- Grade
- Intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Huts
- Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut (DOC, bookable)
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (reroute at Jacob’s Ladder on the Ōrongorongo Track, the usual approach). Check DOC before you go.
About Big Bend Track
Big Bend is a connecting track. Most people reach it by walking the Ōrongorongo Track from the Catchpool Valley car park; the Big Bend Track begins where that track ends, at Tūrere Bridge near the river.
From there it follows the Ōrongorongo River to Whakanui Creek. You can also start from the Wainuiomata end by walking the Whakanui Track from the end of Sunny Grove; the Big Bend Track is signposted where the Whakanui Track meets the river.
You can return the way you came, or make a loop using the Whakanui Track and the Mt McKerrow Track.
Huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley
Two DOC huts sit near the Big Bend Track. Tūrere Lodge is a serviced 32-bunk hut with four sole-occupancy bunk rooms, and Haurangi Hut is a serviced 10-bunk hut booked by one group at a time.
DOC says both are locked and must be booked online in advance; you get the access code after booking. Backcountry Hut Passes and tickets cannot be used at Haurangi Hut. Check the DOC hut pages for current fees and availability.
Track Conditions
DOC’s track page notes a slip between the Tūrere curved bridge and Tūrere Lodge and asks walkers to take extra care there. There are steep drops beside the track in places, so supervise children, and it is muddy in parts, especially in winter or after rain.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had alerts for the Ōrongorongo Track, which most people use to reach the Big Bend Track: 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. DOC listed this reroute for Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut too.
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”.
DOC also had an alert for the Remutaka Forest Park area, listed for the Whakanui and McKerrow tracks used in the loop: 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. Check DOC’s operation area map to see whether it covers this track.
If you want to light a fire, for example for cooking, DOC says to check the current fire status and whether you need a permit at checkitsalright.co.nz. Total fire bans may apply at times of high fire danger. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Big Bend Track: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Big Bend Track take?
DOC allows 1 hour 30 minutes one way from Tūrere Bridge.
How do I get to the start?
Most people walk the Ōrongorongo Track from Catchpool Valley to Tūrere Bridge. You can also come from Wainuiomata via the Whakanui Track.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Intermediate.
Are there huts on the track?
Yes. Tūrere Lodge and Haurangi Hut are serviced DOC huts that must be booked in advance.
Can I make a loop?
Yes. DOC suggests a loop using the Whakanui Track and the Mt McKerrow Track.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash. DOC lists the track as dogs on a leash only.
Are there any hazards?
DOC notes a slip between the Tūrere curved bridge and Tūrere Lodge, steep drops in places and muddy sections.
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.