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
COVID-19 update
Posted 23/6/21
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
- Dogs must be on leads
- Wash your hands regularly
- Stay home if you are unwell
1080 operation, May-June 2021
Posted 23/4/21
We are undertaking an aerial possum control operation in the Akatarawa Forest, using the biodegradable pesticide, sodium fluoroacetate (1080). Non-toxic pre-feed application has occurred, and aerial baiting of 1080 is expected during the week of June 7.
This application is subject to suitable weather conditions, and delays may occur.
This may affect some park activities such as hunting, horse riding or motorised recreation. You will be notified about this if you hold a permit for one of these activities.
For more information on this predator control operation, or others in our region, head to our 1080 operations page or read the fact sheet.
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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