Image: Sharon Hart | Creative Commons
Papatahi Crossing.
Papatahi Crossing

Located in Remutaka Forest Park in the Wairarapa and Wellington/Kapiti regions

Fit and experienced trampers can cross the Remutaka Range via Papatahi (902 m) from mid-Ōrongorongo valley to the Wairarapa side of the Remutaka Forest Park.

This track is described from the Catchpool car park to Western Lake Road.

Start from the Catchpool car park along the Ōrongorongo Track or from Sunny Grove in Wainuiomata along the Whakanui Track.

Leave the Ōrongorongo River at North Boulder Creek and climb up the spur to the top of Papatahi. Descend to the Wharepapa River, and cross the river to get to Wharepapa Hut. Follow the track, crossing Battery Stream and out to Western Lake Road.

The last part of the track crosses private land. The private land is around 2.5 km long and is around 4.5 km from Wharepapa Hut. If walking from Western Lake Road the private land starts at Western Lake Road.

It's a very full day from the Catchpool car park for fit parties. Most parties should stay overnight at or near Papatahi Hut on the Ōrongorongo River.

On the private land on this track, landowner permission is required to take firearms or dogs across the private land.