Saturday, ‎24 ‎February ‎2018. It's a fairly flat 5km walk through the Catchpool Valley to the Orongorongo River and there are a number of other tracks in the area for those wanting more challenging tramping options. Catchpool Stream is a tributary of the Wainuiomata River. Dogs on leash are permitted. Lower Dam Walk is a 3. The well graded, metalled track undulates gently along the valley floor, crossing bridges and passing interpretation panels. The track can be somewhat steep in places as it climbs a high hill, offering some scenic, though partially obscured, views of Waterworks Valley and the mountain range on the odd-numbered side of Sunny Grove. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts with walks for all ages and fitness levels. Hikes start from the Catchpool Valley. Wellington/Kapiti information. 2km / one hour walk from the Reservoir Road to the Lower Dam and wetlands return. Within Catchpool Valley are attractive short walks and access to longer bush tramps, a well maintained campground, and pleasant picnic and barbecue facilities. This is a basic Department of Conversation (DoC) campsite with toilets, cold showers, a cooking shelter and BBQs. The entrance to the park is on Coast Road, 12 km south of Wainuiomata. There is also a function building— the Catchpool Centre—toilets, and a 24-hour emergency telephone. 5 km long and is around 4. The Orongorongo Track is a popular walking ttrack in the Wellington region and the most popular entrance to the Remutaka Forest Park. nz. Insect repellent advisable and limited cell phone coverage. Jan 5, 2017 · Allow 2 hours comfortable walk in & 2 hours return, but you won't be disappointed. One popular option is the rail trail. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts - bookings can be made via the online booking system or by contacting the Wellington Visitor Centre. Department of Conservation says: “Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. This walk starts and ends at the Catchpool Valley Road end car park with an information area. You can start the trip to Mt McKerrow from Wainuiomata or the Catchpool Valley in the Remutaka Forest Park. Plan My Walk provides all the information you need to prepare for safe outdoor adventures in New Zealand. Description. There is also a basic expedition campsite at Graces Stream, along the Five Mile Loop. Places to stay Camping Catchpool Valley Campsite (80 sites) is The gate to Catchpool valley is open during summer daylight savings 6 am – 8 pm. The 22,000 hectare Remutaka Forest Park encompasses much of the Remutaka Range, which divides the Hutt Valley from the Wairarapa Plains. Catchpool Valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. The four-hour return Ōrongorongo Track reaches the river where Turere Stream flows into it. This is a standard campsite in the Wellington region. Arrival Date. The track follows Grace's stream through the beech forest, then crosses the ridge to join up with the Orongorongo Valley Track. Jan 22, 2018 · Rimutaka Forest Park offers a lot of things to do – from nature walks to picnicking, you could do a whole lot of activities that could keep you resplendent for a long time! For us though, we were looking forward to camp at their scenic campground, Catchpool Valley! Just a stone’s throw away from a stream and a lot of nature trails. Walk through a nikau grove and podocarp/broadleaf forest. Turere Bridge (end of Ōrongorongo Track) to Haurangi Hut via Ōrongorongo River . Rotary Park in Wainuiomata is basically a winding grassy pathway tracing Black Creek until it meets the Wainuiomata River. Time: 15 min. Catchpool Valley to Orongorongo river walk (from near Wainuiomata) Extremely easy two-hour walk through beautiful bush to a stony river (then back out the same way). Jans Hut is a 2 hour 30 minute walk via the Ōrongorongo Track. Gums Loop is an easy walk that spans 2. Do not use this river route when the river is in flood or when there has been sustained rainfall in the area. Big Bend Track is a connecting track. The private land is around 2. Categories: DOC Walks and Tramping Feb 23, 2024 · Looking at Catchpool Stream located in Catchpool Valley. The campsite is wheelchair-accessible. It was still autumn, but we noticed frost on the ground as we drove into the spacious carpark. Website: Visit the DOC website. A gradual ascent into the hinterland and only a sharp drop down Jacob's ladder, a zig-zagging drop, to the valley floor, for a rest or picnic. Gradually, Wainuiomata Road evolved from a challenging, winding pathway into the primary access route. Phone: +64 3 546 9339. Jul 10, 2024 · A new track has been created in Hine Road Recreation Reserve. The campsite has a large cooking shelter and emergency telephone. Overview. Graces Stream Campsite is a great little backcountry campsite not far from the start of the track. Catchpool Valley campsite is located alongside Catchpool Stream. Follow the Coast Road for 10km until you reach Remutaka Forest Park (there is a big sign on your left), continue down the Catchpool Valley Road until you Visit Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley. Feb 18, 2024 · We almost returned to where we started, but turned right into Sinclair Valley which was the part of the tour that was added on due to the path being blocked in the adjacent valley. Nights0. Seasonal restrictions. Middle Ridge Track is a leisurely 1-hour return walking track that seamlessly connects with two well-frequented tracks in the picturesque Catchpool Valley. Please note that the gate to Catchpool Valley is open during summer daylight savings from 6 am to 8 pm. It is overgrown and poorly marked in places. Conditions. This popular, easy walk passes through different forest types and has swimming holes at the end of the track - it's ideal for families. A gradual ascent into the hinterland and only a sharp drop down Jacob's ladder, a zig-zagging drop Catchpool Valley Campsite - This is a standard campsite in the Wellington region. Nga Taonga Nature Walk - Catchpool Valley - New Zealand Travel Reviews (87. Saturday, ‎8th May 2022. Picnic areas – both open and secluded spots along Catchpool Road. The Catchpool Loop Walk winds through a nikau grove and mixed podocarp/broadleaf rainforest. Built in 1878, the route between the Hutt Valley and Featherston is now a gently graded 18-kilometre walk, run, or cycle. 8 kilometers. Plenty of good carpark's & toilet area. Follow the Coast Road for 10 km to the Rimutaka Forest Park entrance, then follow the Catchpool valley road for 2 km to the car park and information area”. For the first hour and a half the track climbs through the mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest along Catchpool Stream. Brrrr, it was a chilly start along the Catchpool Loop Walk, but we soon Located in the Catchpool and Ōrongorongo Valleys, the Ōrongorongo Track provides a popular area for camping, hiking, and walking. Begin your walk from the Catchpool car park and follow the Cattle Ridge Track through a beautiful forest with views of the Remutaka Range and Ōrongorongo Valley. There are many bird species, including dozens of kererū and miromiro. The Five Mile Loop Track is located 12 km south of Wainuiomata near Lower Hutt. Jul 10, 2024 · It seems the walking track has been adjusted to accommodate mountain bikes, but it remains suitable for walking. Within Catchpool Valley are attractive short walks and access to longer bush tramps, two well-maintained campgrounds, picturesque picnic spots and free barbeque facilities. Return via the same track or create a loop by taking the Ōrongorongo Track back to the trailhead. The most popular option is from the Ōrongorongo Track, that begins from the carpark at the end of Catchpool Valley Road. 43 km walk through the scenery of Remutaka Forest Park. Location: 1039 Coast Road, Wainuiōmata, Lower Hutt. There are walks in the Catchpool Valley It’s an idyllic location at the end of a 6. This loop track is a lovely walk with a mix of dense bush with ferns in the undergrowth and more open beech forest areas. From Turere Bridge at the end of the Ōrongorongo Track, cross the Ōrongorongo River to Browns Stream, which is visible directly opposite the Turere Bridge. However, amidst housing plans for Wainuiomata, a tunnel connecting Seaview to the suburb emerged as the proposed access route. Their timber mill was on Moores Valley Road, but at the junction of Whitcher Grove which is outside of this photo. . If the water is flowing over the ford on the road, park before the ford and use the Nga Taonga Nature Walk to reach the car park. Located in the Catchpool and Orongorongo Valleys, the Orongorongo Track provides a popular area for camping, hiking, and walking. Extensive drive-in campsite in the Catchpool Valley: a hub for short walks and overnight trips into the Orongorongo Valley. Updated: Mar 6, 2022. It provides access to longer tramps in Ōrongorongo Valley. Catchpool Valley is undergoing a transformation as pine trees How to get to the Catchpool valley The Catchpool valley is a 45-min drive from Wellington. Turere Lodge is the largest and most popular of the DOC huts in Ōrongorongo Valley. Catchpool Centre can be hired for functions, conferences and family events. There are walking tracks for all ages and fitness levels in Remutaka Forest Park. Notes and advice The Orongorongo Track is the most popular in Remutaka Forest Park. (543) Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. 2km walk through varied bush; both interesting and easy enough for preschoolers, or an adult whose tramping feet are a little uncertain. It leads upstream through a nikau grove and mature podocarp/broadleaf forest to another bridge and the Ōrongorongo Track. The park covers 220 square kilometres (85 sq mi), encompassing the Catchpool Valley and the Ōrongorongo Valley at the southern end of the Remutaka Range. Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park. It’s just 12km south of Wainuiomata, and Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to the park. Booking. Aug 2018 • Solo. Use the Big Bend Track instead. The Catchpool Centre is 400 m further down the Catchpool Valley Road on your left. Although these huts are no longer present, the area now hosts a campground equipped with toilets, showers, and gas barbecues. Turere Bridge (end of Ōrongorongo Track) to Jans Hut. We walked to the larger of two weirs in the Wainuiomata River and learned that both weirs provide the same water supply as Morton Dam had when it was operational. At the time of writing the carpark gates are open summer 6 am–8 pm; winter 6 am–6 pm. 2 km track returns via same track. Aug 11, 2021 · Remutaka Forest Park is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). The Catchpool Loop Walk offers an easy 1. A wind proof jacket woul;d be advisable, plenty of water & good hiking shoes. This time we completed it as a day walk. Follow the Coast Road for 10 km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then follow the Catchpool valley road for 2 km to the car park and information area. It’s considered an easy walk, typically taking around 1 hour to complete and arrive at both the Orongorongo Valley Track or Middle Ridge Track for the return leg. Fees are $10/night for adults, $5/night for Visit Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley. The track begins with a 500m ascent through Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. Catchpool Valley is undergoing a transformation as Dec 6, 2015 · About a short drive from the bottom of the valley in Wauinuiomata is the Catchpool Loop Walk, which I,m glad to say is an easy days adventure for all the family. The entrance gates are open from 6 am to 8 pm in summer (October–April) and 6 am to 6 pm in winter (May–September). includes the Orongorongo Valley. Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. At the top of the hill turn right at the signpost to follow the ridge south along the eastern side of the Wainuiomata Valley until you reach the top. 0% from 1 reviews) - Detailed information panels by numerous specimens along the trail highlight interesting and little-know facts about the r… Popular access points are south of Wainuiomata and in the upper Hutt Valley. Jun 18, 2023 · Distance ≈15km (Orongorongo Track 5km, Orongorongo River Valley 15km, add 10k if walking up Coast Road between Orongorongo Station and Catchpool car park) How to get to the Orongorongo Valley. Catchpool Centre which is bookable, has toilets, and a 24 Know before you go. Jul 12, 2021 · Ōrongorongo Track is a popular family-friendly walk located in the Remutaka Forest Park. Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park with a well-maintained campground in close reach of tracks, picnic sites and swimming spots. Catchpool Valley campsite is a popular campsite in Catchpool Valley, with plenty of short and longer walks to explore. There are several tracks you can walk to get to the start. govt. Time: 50 min. This popular walk is maintained to a good standard so most people can enjoy the luxuriant forest. Just south of Wainuiomata. Includes both directions. This short walk features a brief, steep ascent in one segment, offering scenic vistas along the way. Catchpool Centre is also available for bookings, functions, conferences, and family events. The Big Bend Track starts from the end of Ōrongorongo Track at Turere Bridge near the river. The entrance to Catchpool Valley is open during summer (daylight savings) from 6am to 8pm, and in winter from 6am to 6pm. Camp beside Catchpool Stream close to walks in the Ōrongorongo Valley. It's a very full day from the Catchpool car park for fit parties. If walking from Western Lake Road the private land starts at Western Lake Road. It passes through both native bush and a plantation of gum trees. There is a river and swimming holes at Tūrere Stream at the end of the track. Nestled beside the stream is Catchpool Valley campsite, where you can camp overnight before embarking on adventures into the park. Follow the Coast Road for 12 km, then turn left into the Remutaka Forest Park entrance. The popular Catchpool Valley recreational area is just 30 kilometres from Wellington. This campsite allows tents and campervans and has a large range of amenities. Jun 17, 2024 · Catchpool Valley once featured private huts used for accommodation before entering the Remutaka Ranges. To conclude last year’s shared celebration of National Parks, the Department of Conservation, the US Embassy, and Rimutaka Forest Park Charitable Trust unveiled a series of native bird information panels for the Catchpool Valley of the Remutaka Forest Park, near Wellington. May 8, 2022 · Middle Ridge, Clay Ridge & McKerrow Loop - Remutaka Forest Park (Day Walk) Updated: May 11, 2022. Follow the Coast Road for 10km until you reach Remutaka Forest Park (there is a big sign on your left), continue down the Catchpool Valley Road until you Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to the Rimutaka Forest Park. Email: nelsonvc@doc. Papatahi Crossing is not an easy track. The gate to Catchpool valley is open during summer daylight savings 6 am – 8 pm. Make a Booking. Whakanui Track from its start at Sunny Grove road end in Wainuiomata, for approximately three-quarters of its length to the Ōrongorongo River. The campsite has a long drop and water is collected from the stream. There is a large standard campsite at the beginning of this walk at Catchpool Valley. At 10km, the moderately challenging route takes an average of 2hr 45 min to complete. It's a 3 hour walk via the Ōrongorongo and Big Bend Tracks to get to Huaruangi Hut. It's an easy grade and makes for a pleasant day trip to the Orongorongo Valley and back to the Catchpool car park. There is a dog exercise area nearby. Bookings are required. The Orongorongo Track begins at Catchpool car park, an open area with a visitor centre, picnic tables and the soothing soundtrack of the Catchpool Stream. Easily accessible being only 30km from Wellington, the valley is a popular recreational destination. There is also If it doesn’t sound like it’s for you, then check out all the other walks available in the Remutaka Forest Park, most of which start from the Catchpool Valley car park. From there, a number of day and multi-day tracks, ranging from walking tracks to routes, continue deeper into the Rimutaka Forest Park. Learn more → NEW CUSTOMER. Catchpool Valley is undergoing a transformation as Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. It leads out to a spacious grassy area featuring a small wooden bridge and a trail along the Wainuiomata River. The entire Catchpool Valley from its entrance at Coast Road to the upper car park, including all walks and tracks, picnic and camping areas except for designated 'dog exercise area'. The purpose is to feed the headwaters of the Orongorongo River into the Wainuiomata (Mortons) dam to increase the supply of water to Wellington. Easily accessible from Wellington, the area is popular with hikers and hunters. Richard Prouse and his family logged the Coast Road area which is visible in the photo towards the left and extending back to the hills. Established in 1972, the park contains several short walks and six huts that can be booked and accessed by longer Feb 2, 2022 · ‎Saturday, ‎7 ‎September ‎2019 Location: Catchpool Valley - 1039 Coast Road, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5373 This is a great walk for all ages and was our first overnight tramp as a family (we've written another blog about that). Constructed during the 1920s, this tunnel remains in active operation today. Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. Gums Loop is mostly flat and is graded as an easy walk. Nearby picnic areas along the Catchpool Stream provide sheltered spots to soak in the dense greenery. Place Category. City or ParkEnter City or Park Name. It is accessible at the entrance to Remutaka Forest Park in Catchpool Valley. 5. Allow 2 hours comfortable walk in & 2 hours return, but you won't be disappointed. Located in Catchpool Valley, this easy 3. May 26, 2023 · Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Rimutaka Forest Park. There is also This pleasant and easy walk begins below the carpark area, just beyond the bridge across Catchpool Stream. Create Account. The only section with gradient is the final 10-minute drop to the Orongorongo River. Feb 24, 2018 · Ōrongorongo Track to a Private Hut (Overnight Tramp) - Remutaka Forest Park. It’s a nice park for a stroll along the river or a walking the dog. The stream is located at the entrance to a number of walks in Remutaka Forest Park. It takes an hour to complete the round trip. The damp floor of the Catchpool Valley supports many nikau palms, tree ferns, kamahi and tawa New Interpretive Signs Unveiling of Bird Interpretation Panels, Rimutaka Forest Park . Many of the walks are through mature, native coastal bush with an abundance of fern trees, rewawera, matal and cabbage trees. During Wainuiomata’s early development, access from the Hutt Valley relied on rugged tracks navigating steep hills. It's a nice undulating walk through the native bush with beautiful scenery along the way. Depending on water flows there is usually somewhere to swim. 2 kilometers and brings you back along the same path. Campground with toilets, showers, and gas barbecues. Within the valley there are short walks, a campground, and picnic and free barbecue facilities. It is located in Catchment Valley where there are many walks which take you into the Remutaka Forest Park. In winter 6 am – 6 pm. Easy! Location: 40 minutes drive from Wellington city. Catchpool Catchpool Stream, a branch of the Wainuiomata River, meanders through the serene Catchment Valley. 2 hr one way Easy: Walking track. Birdlife is rich and you'll hear and see bellbirds, tui and kerere. From Hine Road and the end of Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata you can reach the Whakanui Track. Accessed south of Wainuiomata, the track is about 45 minutes from Wellington. There is no cellphone coverage in the Catchpool Valley, however a 24-hour emergency phone is available at the camping ground on Catchpool Road. The Catchpool Vally offers a wonderful range of walks in the Remutaka Hills, varying from short and easy strolls of a few kilometres to multi-day tramps. Dec 6, 2015 · A gradual ascent into the hinterland and only a sharp drop down Jacob's ladder, a zig-zagging drop, to the valley floor, for a rest or picnic. Phone (s): 04 3847770. 9 kilometers and begins at Catchpool Valley in Wainuiomata. The access gate to the Catchpool Valley closes at 6 pm in winter and 8 pm in summer. The Five Mile Loop Track spans 3. You need to have an account to make reservations or make any other purchases online. The Catchpool Stream run alongside the campsite and there is also plenty of grass for setting up games. Nestled within this serene valley, the track spans 3. It a little steep to start with, but after 20 minutes or so, you arrive at the ridge which passes through some beautiful manuka forest. From the car park go to the downhill side, across the lawn and across the footbridge to the start of the track. The loop is completed by returning down the Orongorongo Track. The walk can be extended by crossing over the swing bridge and then heading back to the car park via Gums Loop meadow. There and back is about one hour, but you can do a loop walk instead, if you return via the Five Mile Loop Track or the Ōrongorongo Jul 1, 2024 · Two videos taken inside the Orongorongo Tunnel. Without the extension, it’s a very easy walk and is suitable for bikes and wheelchairs. You can start from the Catchpool Campsite or the road end car park. Catchpool Centre which is bookable, has toilets, and a 24 Mar 15, 2024 · The campsite is close to a variety walks in the Ōrongorongo Valley and nearby Baring Head. It is suitable for families and larger groups and does not require crossing the Ōrongorongo River. At 10km, the moderately challenging route takes an average of 2hr 45min to complete. 2 km one way. The gate to Catchpool valley is open: 6 am – 8 pm from 28 September until 7 April. Just over half the walk is a track through forest and less than half is a straighter route / private road (Reservoir Road). It includes Ōrongorongo Valley and its booked huts with walks for all ages and fitness levels. The trail starts at the Catchpool Valley car park where the shelter makes an excellent lunch spot whatever the weather. The campsite features flush toilets and hot showers. Walking along the Ōrongorongo track to the river where we had lunch and then back out again. Great Wellington Regional Council created the new loop track which depending on which way you walk, runs near the bridge over the Wainuiomata River up to Sinclair Cemetery and The Garden of Remembrance, then loops back to Gums Loop Walk above Top Pool. Walking and tramping. It was such a fun day, the They logged Moores Valley, Reservoir Valley, and the Hine Road vicinity. Know before you go. Apr 20, 2023 · It’s about three hours walk with kids (I think) with big trees and some swing bridges (thrilling for the littlies!). About: Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre provides visitor information for this area. View Google Map. 5 km from Wharepapa Hut. Perfect for families seeking a day out, the track Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. The most popular access is via the Catchpool Valley. ‎‎‎. qk vk it qw pd zn vj nw fa af