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Home > New Zealand National Parks & Forests > North Island > Rimatuka Forest Park

Rimatuka Forest Park

Rimatuka Forest Park is an intriguing recreational forest park. It's popular with people of every age. The forest park forms North Island's southernmost range. It is a part of the continuous chain of mountains ranging from Wellington to East Cape. The range is comparatively short but deceptively uneven. It begins from Palliser Bay on the south coast all along the eastern side of the Hutt Valley and ends at the Rimutaka Saddle.

This reserve is easily accessible. This makes it more attracting and interesting. If you are on a hunt for a place for some solitude and peace, do visit Rimatuka Forest Park. It's going to be a real delight.

Rimutaka Forest Park is a far stretched region covering an area of 22,000 Hectares. It comprises the magnificent Rimutaka Range. The area greatly interests the Trampers, Hikers and Hunters.

Rimutaka Forest Park Features

Catchpool Valley happens to the best picnicking, swimming and walking zone of the park. The main features which make the park all the more fascinating are :

  • Well-formed tracks
  • Clear mountain streams
  • The beautiful flora and fauna
  • Spectacular landscape

The Rimutaka Forest Park is home to several native birds such as Bellbirds, Kiwi, Tui, Kaka, Kereru and Ruru. Amongst the animals Red Deer, Goats, Pigs and Possums are present in the wood. Recreational hunting is allowed in certain areas. Beech Forest comprising huge native trees rule the range.

A steep incline in the northeastern side of the park was created for a rail route in 1878. This helps in providing an enhanced mountain biking experience to the visitors.

Earlier the Maori used Rimutaka range as shelter during the tribal wars. It served as a major food source for the natives.

Rimutaka Forest Park Tracks

Some of the chief interesting tracks which provide an easy entry to many areas which are suitable for walking and hunting are:

  • Catchpool Loop Walk
  • Five Mile Loop track begins from car park and ends at the top of the Catchpool Valley
  • Mt Matthews from the Orongorongo Valley is apparently the tallest peak in the Rimutaka range
  • Catchpool Valley's Nature Trail
  • Nga Taonga Nature Walk
  • Orongorongo Track provides one of the most amazing walks in New Zealand
  • Rimutaka Rail Trail

You got to visit the beautiful wood to experience the delight and enthrall.



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