Rimutaka Forest Park (officially Remutaka Forest Park) covers 115,000 hectares of largely unmodified native forest stretching from the Hutt Valley to the Wairarapa coast. For Wellingtonians, the main access point is the Catchpool Valley on the Wainuiomata side — about 45 minutes from the city — where the Ōrongorongo Track leads into one of Wellington’s finest day walks through native forest to river swimming holes. The Remutaka Rail Trail crosses the park between Kaitoke and Featherston for cyclists.
Practical Information
| Main access | Catchpool Valley, 12 km south of Wainuiomata via Coast Road |
|---|---|
| Distance from Wellington | ~45 minutes by car (via Wainuiomata Hill Road) |
| Key track | Ōrongorongo Track: easy, suitable for families, swimming holes at end |
| Cycling | Remutaka Rail Trail: 18 km, Kaitoke to Featherston — part of Remutaka Cycle Trail |
| Facilities | Car park, toilets and information area at Catchpool car park |
| Cost | Free (day visits) |
Ōrongorongo Track
The Ōrongorongo Track is the most popular day walk in Remutaka Forest Park — an easy to moderate route from the Catchpool car park through different forest types (regenerating kānuka, mature podocarp/broadleaf) to the Ōrongorongo River and its clear swimming holes. The track is well-formed and suitable for families with older children. DOC rates it as easy to moderate; the full valley walk and back takes 2–4 hours.
The Ōrongorongo Valley is remote-feeling despite its proximity to Wellington — the deep native forest and river give it a character more like the Tararua or Ruahine ranges than a city-accessible park. Camping is available at Catchpool for those wanting to extend the experience.
Other Tracks
The Cattle Ridge Track is a more challenging 12.9-kilometre loop combining three tracks through native forest with views over the Rimutaka Range — allow 4–5 hours. The Butcher Track offers views of Wellington Harbour and the Hutt Valley. The Whakanui Track connects to the Catchpool area and forms part of several longer routes deeper into the park.
Remutaka Rail Trail
The Remutaka Rail Trail follows the historic Fell railway route built in 1878 between the Hutt Valley (Kaitoke) and Featherston in the Wairarapa — 18 kilometres of gently graded trail through native bush, tunnels and historic railway infrastructure. It’s an easy grade, suitable for most cyclists, and forms the second section of the Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride (the first section is the Hutt River Trail). The trail includes the Remutaka summit tunnel and offers a unique way to cross the range between Wellington and the Wairarapa.
What Visitors Say
“The Orongorongo Track surprised us — we expected a suburban park walk but got an actual wilderness experience. Dense native bush, a crystal clear river, and nobody else around. 45 minutes from Wellington feels impossible.” — The Outdoor Den, Orongorongo Track review
Where to Learn More
Remutaka Forest Park — DOC has all track information, maps, facilities and conditions updates for the park.
Ōrongorongo Track — DOC has specific track information, difficulty, time and access details.
Remutaka Forest Park — AllTrails has community trail reviews, GPS maps and current conditions for all park tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Remutaka Forest Park from Wellington?
Drive via Wainuiomata Hill Road to Wainuiomata, then follow the Coast Road for 10km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then 2km to the Catchpool Valley car park. About 45 minutes from central Wellington.
What is the Ōrongorongo Track like?
An easy to moderate walk through native forest types to the Ōrongorongo River and swimming holes. Well-formed track, suitable for families with older children. Allow 2–4 hours return.
Are there swimming holes at Remutaka Forest Park?
Yes — the Ōrongorongo River has clear swimming holes reached by the Ōrongorongo Track. Water quality and levels vary with rainfall — check conditions before swimming.
What is the Remutaka Rail Trail?
An 18km cycling/walking track following the historic 1878 Fell railway route between Kaitoke (Hutt Valley) and Featherston (Wairarapa). Easy grade, through native bush and tunnels. Part of the Remutaka Cycle Trail Great Ride.
Is camping available?
Yes — Catchpool Valley has DOC camping. Book through the DOC booking system. Basic facilities (toilets, water). No powered sites.
Are dogs allowed?
No — dogs are not permitted in Remutaka Forest Park (or most DOC conservation areas). Check the DOC website for current rules.
Rimutaka Forest Park is one of the day trips from Wellington covered on Day Trips from Wellington. The Remutaka Cycle Trail uses the park’s rail trail as its second section. The Hutt River Trail is the first section of the same Great Ride.
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