Last updated October 2026
The Ōrongorongo Track is the most popular walk in Remutaka Forest Park, an easy route from the Catchpool Valley car park over a saddle to the Ōrongorongo River, with swimming holes at the end. DOC grades it Easy to intermediate and allows 2 hours one way for the 5.2 km track.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had two alerts: a section at Jacob’s Ladder “has been rerouted due to the risk of an imminent collapse”, and a large fallen tree that walkers may need to duck under.
Check the DOC page for updates before setting out. It is ideal for families who are happy with a few hours’ walking.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Ōrongorongo Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Catchpool Valley main car park, next to the small information shelter
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Wellington (DOC gives Catchpool Valley as about 30 km from Wellington)
- Walking time
- 2 hours one way
- Track length
- 5.2 km one way
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Track type
- Walking track
- Facilities
- Toilets at the river beyond Tūrere Stream
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (reroute at Jacob’s Ladder due to collapse risk; fallen tree across the track). Check DOC before you go.
About Ōrongorongo Track
For the first hour and a half the track climbs through mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest beside Catchpool Stream. The damp valley floor supports plenty of nīkau, tree ferns, kāmahi and tawa.
Higher up, on the drier slopes of Cattle Ridge, the forest opens out and is mostly hard beech. As the track reaches its highest point, on the saddle between Catchpool Valley and the Ōrongorongo River, look for a grove of huge northern rātā towering above the canopy.
The track ends at Tūrere Stream, where there are swimming holes. Continue past the stream to the river to find toilets. It makes a pleasant day trip, returning the same way to the car park.
Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park, a 22,000 ha park covering much of the Remutaka Range. The Remutaka Forest Park Trust began releasing North Island brown kiwi into the park in 2006, and DOC notes bellbirds, tūī, kākā, kererū and ruru live here.
Current Alerts
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had rerouted a section at Jacob’s Ladder, where the track descends steeply to the Ōrongorongo River valley, about five minutes before the curved bridge when coming from Catchpool.
DOC says the slip cannot be seen from the track, the reroute is well signposted, and it is a temporary tramping track with some large, unformed steps. Turn back if you find yourself on rough, uneven track with deep cracks. DOC lists this as a long-term alert.
A separate alert, current on the same date, noted a large tree down across the track that can be passed, though you may need to duck under it.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC also had an alert for the Remutaka Forest Park area: 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.
Track Conditions
DOC warns of steep drops right beside the track in places, so supervise children closely. The track is muddy in parts, especially in winter or after rain, so wear sturdy shoes with good grip and pack warm clothes and a raincoat.
There is no cell phone reception on the track, only in the car park and a little on the river bed at the end.
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. Tell someone your plans.
Getting to Catchpool Valley
DOC says Catchpool Valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata and about 30 km from Wellington. Take the Coast Road 10 km to the park entrance, then drive 2 km up the Catchpool Valley road to the car park and information area.
If water is running over the ford on the road, leave your car before the ford and walk the Nga Taonga Nature Walk to the car park.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Ōrongorongo 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 Ōrongorongo Track take?
DOC allows 2 hours one way for the 5.2 km track, so about 4 hours return.
Is the Ōrongorongo Track open?
When we checked on 18 October 2026, it was open, but DOC had a long-term reroute at Jacob’s Ladder and an alert about a fallen tree. Check the DOC page before you go.
Is it suitable for families?
DOC describes it as popular, easy and ideal for families. There are steep drops beside the track in places, so watch children closely.
Where does it start?
At the Catchpool Valley main car park, next to the small information shelter.
Can I swim at the end?
There are swimming holes at Tūrere Stream at the end of the track.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, on a leash. DOC lists the Ōrongorongo Track as dogs on a leash only.
Are there toilets?
DOC notes toilets at the river, a short way past Tūrere Stream.
Is there phone reception?
Not on the track. DOC says there is reception in the car park and a little on the river bed at the end.
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.