Orongorongo Track

This popular, easy walk passes through different forest types and has swimming holes at the end of the track - it's ideal for familiesThe Orongorongo Track is the most popular in Remutaka Forest Park. It's an easy grade and makes for a pleasant day trip to the Orongorongo Valley and back to the Catchpool car park.For the first hour and a half the track climbs through the mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest along Catchpool Stream. The damp floor of the Catchpool Valley supports many nikau palms, tree ferns, kamahi and tawa trees.As you climb up to the drier sides of Cattle Ridge, the forest is more open and consists mainly of hard beech. Look out for a magnificent grove of huge northern rata trees towering above the forest canopy as the track reaches its highest point in the saddle between Catchpool Valley and the Orongorongo River.There are swimming holes at Turere Stream at the end of the track. You can continue past the stream to the river where there are toilets.Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. 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. 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 parkBefore you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process (external site) on the AdventureSmart website.

This is a great track, I think one of the best for a day walk. I haven't done the longer tracks.It is well maintained.Remember it is isolated, you won't have cell phone reception anywhere and it's much cooler than surrounding areas.

An awesome spot with different track options for different fitness levels. Well signposted and clean toilets.

First bush walk .Loved it .Stayed in Turere lodge for the night .

The location is beautiful and it is easy enough to drive to the start. There are very informative displays about the animals which was unique. The trails all have signage but it is a bit confusing when a lot of the tracks overlap. However it was nice to have lots of options time wise.

A nice walk for the family. The DOC huts along the river are all pretty good. Do be aware the river can come up and if you are staying on the Eastern side, can leave you stranded.

5km loop was perfect for an easy walk, lush bush and nikau palms.

Nice walk in the bush through river valleys, great for family outings but some parts get a little steep. It gives access to a huge amount of tracks that sprawl over the ranges, many of which are spectacular, but long and winding.

The walk into the Orongorongo river is a great jaunt through beautiful forest. DOC suggest a walking time of 2 hours. We did it in just over an hour going in, and an hour coming out. The track is popular but everyone is super friendly. Lots of dogs (on leads).

Great day walk with multiple tracks. Great fauna along the way. Bring all the essentials for a weather change.