Pakuratahi Forest
The Pakuratahi Forest covers the western side of the Rimutaka ranges north of Upper Hutt and includes lands in the Kaitoke basin as well as the main Pakuratahi catchment. At just over 8,000ha this future water collection area is a key link in the chain of large forests covering the Akatarawa, Tararua, Rimutaka and Orongorongo ranges. Mainly native bush, the forest also contains some 775ha of exotic plantation stands in the northern part, just south of SH2.
The area is best known for its walking, swimming, mountain biking and the historic structures of the 1870s Rimutaka Railway.
Please note: Recent activity has resulted in Greater Wellington installing barriers at the Tunnel Gully end of Station Drive. This area is still accessible, however, by pedestrians, horse riders and mountain bikers.
Please note:
A culvert replacement project will take place on the upper portion of the Rimutaka Incline walkway commencing tomorrow Tues 10 Jan, its expected to be completed by Thursday or Friday this week.
Recreation access will remain open throughout the period.
Onsite personnel will provide safe access to the public and ensure there safety
If you have any queries please contact Dean Hearfield on 027 248 1658
Please note:
Rimutaka Trig Track is closed due to track maintenance. Scheduled to re-open on 1st July 2012.
If you have any queries please contact Bronek Kazmierow on 830 4405 or Dean Hearfield 027 248 1658.
- Getting there and staying safe
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Pakuratahi Forest is accessible by private vehicle and public transport.
- Look after your forest
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Look after the Pakuratahi Forest for today and for future generations.
- Forest interest groups
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There are several different clubs and organisations with an interest in the Pakuratahi Forest
- Forest news
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Recent happenings in the Pakuratahi Forest, including current logging activities.
Please note:
A culvert replacement project will take place on the upper portion of the Rimutaka Incline walkway commencing tomorrow Tues 10 Jan, its expected to be completed by Thursday or Friday this week.
Recreation access will remain open throughout the period.
Onsite personnel will provide safe access to the public and ensure there safety
If you have any queries please contact Dean Hearfield on 027 248 1658
- Horse riding
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The SH2 underpass at the top of Kaitoke Hill connects the Pakuratahi Forest and plantation forests in Kaitoke Regional Park. This creates extensive opportunities for horse riding.
- Hunting
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Greater Wellington issues hunting permits for up to six months for deer, goat and pig hunting in the Pakuratahi Forest
- Mountain biking
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The old railway formation and forestry tracks provide for a range of mountain bike rides here.
- Mt Climie track
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The Mt Climie track gives you the opportunity to see the changes in vegetation in the northern Rimutaka Range with increase in altitude and exposure to wind
- Rimutaka Rail Trail
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Running 18km from Kaitoke to Cross Creek, the Rimutaka Rail Trail is a popular recreation route used by around 40,000 walkers, runners and cyclists each year
- Rimutaka Trig Track
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This track is closed until further notice due to the extensive roadworks near the summit of the Rimutaka Hill Road (SH2).
- Tunnel Gully
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Nestled at the foot of Mount Climie north of Upper Hutt, Tunnel Gully Recreation Area is popular for picnics, mountain biking and walking through the remnant native bush
- Contact the ranger
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Dean Hearfield