Akatarawa Forest
http://www.gw.govt.nz/akatarawa
Akatarawa Forest
Karapoti Road, Akatarawa, Upper Hutt, 5372
Turn off State Highway 2 at Akatarawa Rd towards Waikanae and follow for 6km. Turn left onto Karapoti Road and follow this to the park entrance.
For more information about other entrances check the Getting there tab in left hand menu.
Opening hours
Daily from 8am until dusk
Dogs are welcome. Please keep them under control and remove droppings. Dogs are not permitted, on the southern portion (Tulsa Park and Zig Zag entrance) of the Cannon Point Walkway as it crosses private land.
Fireworks are prohibited in all Regional Parks and Forest areas.
Park notices
Logging in Valley View Forest
Posted 24/9/21
Logging operations have finished in Cruiser Drive but this area is still closed as road repairs are undertaken over the next month.
Harvesting is now underway in Lindsay’s Block at the end of Lindsay’s Road and is expected to finish in February 2022.
Clarks Creek Track between Valley View Road and McGhies Bridge will be closed from Monday to Friday 3am – 5pm for recreation, as shown on the map.
Download a map of the operational area
COVID-19 update
Posted 7/9/21
At Alert Level 2, we need to play it safe. Park trails are very busy at present, be aware of other walkers and bikers.
To prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Keep a 2m distance from people you don’t know
- The ranger’s office will remain closed at level 2
- Dogs must be on leads
- When using public facilities please wear a mask
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home if you are unwell
Road washout
Posted 19/7/21
Karapoti Road carpark entrance to the forest is closed to all vehicles due to a road washout and collapse in gorge. We're sorry for any inconvenience caused & thank you for your understanding.
1080 operation completed
Posted 6/7/21
We have recently undertaken an aerial possum control operation in the Akatarawa Forest, using the biodegradable pesticide, sodium fluoroacetate (1080). Aerial baiting of 1080 occurred on Friday 2 July. Following this, extra care should be taken in the area until further notice.
Hunting is not permitted, and visitors with dogs are advised to stay clear of the area until baits have become non-toxic and any possum carcasses have decomposed. This is expected to take three-four months.
For more information on predator control operations in our region, head to our 1080 operations page.
About
Covering 15,000 hectares of wilderness area between Upper Hutt and the Kapiti Coast, Akatarawa Forest is a rugged blend of native and exotic forest. Mountain, quad and trail bikers find a variety of gentle and challenging routes along the tracks and old logging roads. Popular for horse riding, fishing, hunting and tramping, the Akatarawa Forest provides enjoyable and testing terrain for 4WD-vehicle club trips. It is the home to the Karapoti Classic mountain bike race featuring the legendary Karapoti Gorge.
Things to do
Park history
History
The Akatarawa Forest covers hill country between Upper Hutt and Paraparaumu. Translated to English, Akatarawa means 'trailing vines'. Maori used the forest for hunting and food gathering as well as an access trail to and from the Hutt Valley. The indigenous (native) forest of the area, covering approximately 14,000 hectares, has changed considerably since European settlement. These changes have been brought about by the introduction of animals, fires and logging of native timber including rimu.
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