Orongorongo huts. On the true left of the Orongorongo river sits Zacs hut.

This hut is locked. Hoggard provide a valuable insight into the early days of hut building in the Orongorongo Valley. Locked hut on the Orongorongo River. At 10km, the moderately challenging route takes an average of 2hr 45min to complete. Club notices and river conditions etc. The huts hold a special place in the hearts of generations. Picnic areas – both open and secluded spots along Catchpool Road. 2 km one way. (543) Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. Paua hut • By iangeorge. The private huts are licenced until 2050 or the death of the current owners - many who Orongorongo River this morning after a night at Boar Inn hut in Rimutaka Forest Park. There are 57 private huts located in the Ōrongorongo Valley, some dating as far back as the 1920s. Source – Map , The History Of The Orongorongo Valley And Environs by Joanna Lane–Taylor. The Club actively works towards the retention of the remaining private huts in the valley. Bookings are open for stays up to 30 June 2025. The purpose is to feed the headwaters of the Orongorongo River into the Wainuiomata (Mortons) dam to increase the supply of water to Wellington. Most people built simple structures from what they could get to the valley floor at the time. Includes both directions. Words: Rebecca Jamieson Photos: Allan Sheppard and Rebecca Jamieson. Dec 1, 2015 · The Orongorongo Track is a popular walking ttrack in the Wellington region and the most popular entrance to the Remutaka Forest Park. The hut has 4 sole-occupancy bunk rooms which must be booked. Remutaka Forest Park. These structures offer shelter and accommodation in the wilderness areas and reserves. J Guiness to K. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts - bookings can be made via the online booking system or by contacting the Wellington Visitor Centre. Continue along the track, passing a private hut on your left. Wellington/Kapiti information. A private tramping hut in the Orongorongo Valley embodies the spirit of the people who built it by hand 56 years ago. It is Fifty private huts, hidden in native bush in the Orongorongo Valley near Wellington, have played an important role for generations of families. Firewood is provided; tank water; pit toilet; You need to bring: candles or torches for lighting The issue of private huts on public land is a hot topic and an emotive subject for many hut owners and caretakers. This is a stunning track in the bush near to Wellington and we found, a great place to try your first overnight stay in a DOC hut. By 1975 there were 74 dwellings. Orongorongo Track This popular track takes you through native bush to the Ōrongorongo River & to refreshing swimming spots. HUTS, CAMPSITES AND LODGES. Constructed during the 1920s, this tunnel remains in active operation today. This page is open to Club members and to the general public alike. These letters given to Ross Kerr from K. Example 1: Hopeless Creek Hut, 6 bunk, climbers hut located in a spectacular setting. They have bought families together; to get back to the basics, grow a love of the outdoors and to build close friendships amongst a unique community. This is a very popular area for birding, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Only A Short History of Huts in the Orongorongo Valley. I'm not sure we have ever had a full collection of professional hut photos so we are very grateful to Allan for his efforts. All water courses along the way are bridged. 1-mile out-and-back trail near Wellington, Wellington. Ford the river straight over from the end of the Orongorongo Track and walk upriver about 100 metres. It’s an idyllic location at the end of a 6. New Zealand images feature Southern Alps and Canterbury, with many peaks, valleys, passes, and glaciers identified. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 38 min to complete. Wood burning heaters are provided at huts below the bush line (dead wood is collected by hut users). They were legally established at Jun 15, 2024 · In the Orongorongo Valley, weirs strategically placed on the Orongorongo River, Big Huia Creek, and Little Huia Creek contribute an additional five percent to the Wellington water supply. Octagonal-shaped with free-standing roof, the frame-work is entirely of Manuka, cut from a stand across the river, and covered with Keen trampers built this hut in Orongorongo Valley with their bare hands. Waerenga and Paua huts are the only tramping club huts in the Orongorongo valley. Website: Visit the DOC website. There is a steep climb up Butchers Track, and coming down the last third of Cattle Ridge can be slow going - there are some very steep pitches. Looks cold and beautiful, thanks for posting! Freezing but well worth. Shaun is the author of the book Tramping: A New Zealand History and Back Country Huts of New Zealand. I had never stayed in Paua Hut (the club hut in the Orongorongo Valley) and also had not been up Mt Matthews for over four years. Categories: DOC Walks and Tramping . Bookings are required in advance. The Paua Tramping Club was formed by members of the Shell Corporation in 1930, a As licences for private huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley begin to expire, DOC will work with hut license holders to phase some huts into public use. Orongorongo River is actually one of my favourite places in the world and some of these huts are so unique that they deserve to have guardianship. Oct 17, 2018 · The count, or “Tally”, attempts to enumerate “huts” (broadly construed) in categories corresponding to how they are discussed by hut folks in NZ. A great collection of historical and modern photos of the huts, people and flora and fauna of the Orongorongo Valley near Wellington. Feb 10, 2021 · Paua Hut and Mt Matthews. It's a fairly flat 5km walk through the Catchpool Valley to the Orongorongo River and there are a number of other tracks in the area for those wanting more challenging tramping options. 5 to 2 hours). Phone (s): 04 3847770. A signposted path climbs steeply to the hut on a river terrace. Five minutes along the track you reach the site of the former Oaks hut, the track continues on the right behind the old floor pad. The closest accommodation to the Orongorongo Track is Raukawa Hut, which has 14 bunk and costs $135-160 per night for adults. Located in Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley and Remutaka Forest Park in the Wellington/Kapiti region. ORONGORONGO Valley From the 1930s regular visitors built huts in the valley. 2 km to the Orongorongo River, the hut we stayed at was across the river. Today the Orongorongo riverbed can be reached via Five Mile Track or from the south coast. Phone(s): 04 3847770 Dec 2016 • Family. 50 for youth. The huts add unique historical, cultural and social character to the valley and are examples of great kiwi ingenuity. Some of the huts date back to the 1920s and there are over 50 huts left in the valley. In the summer months the valley also puts on a May 13, 2015 · Huts in the Orongorongo Valley: Sixth Tramping Trip In the last two weeks of April I was away on another 'hut hop' drawing more huts for The Art of a Hut collection. This hut is sole occupancy and locked – refer to your booking confirmation for how to obtain the access code. Oct 19, 2018 · Play MP3 in browser. The history of Wainuiomata is a rich story of pioneers amidst an untamed wilderness. The fit-bit generously thought we'd walked 12km This is an excellent walk through (particularly on the Orongorongo Track) of some beautiful stands of the original Wellington forest. Make a Booking. Most are further up the valley than the Orongorongo Track but you can extend your hike overnight to stay there. 2-kilometer-long access and pipeline tunnel. It includes Ōrongorongo Valley and its booked huts with walks for all ages and fitness levels. The club particularly supports the continued presence of huts and their extended use. This is a serviced 14-bunk hut on the far side of the Ōrongorongo River. It is locked and must be booked in advance to gain access. The private tramping hut, built by school mates more than half a lifetime ago, has been both source Turere Lodge sits atop a flat, sheltered outcrop overlooking the Orongorongo River, surrounded by forest. Hut in the Orongorongo Valley, Rimutaka Forest Park, maintained by the Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club. Facilities provided: wood burner heating. Located in the Wairarapa and Wellington/Kapiti regions. Lighting, toilet paper, matches not supplied. On the true left of the Orongorongo river sits Zacs hut. A nice stroll through native bush, along well graded and gravelled tracks, from the Catchpool carpark 2. For help with bookings, contact a DOC visitor centre. Haurangi Hut. This time the destination was the Orongorono Valley in the Rimutaka Range just east of Wellington. The lower part of the walk is very Paua Hut. Wellingtonians flocked to the nearby, secluded valley to build huts for recreation or weekend getaways, or even as cheap long-term accommodation during the depression. This is a popular site so book well in advance. Feb 23, 2024 · Orongorongo Track Entrance February 23, 2024 March 1, 2024 , Photos , 0 The Orongorongo Track entrance is quite elaborate compared to other walks in the Catchpool Valley. It was built in 1929/30 and is the oldest hut in the Orongorongo valley. Jans Hut even as an inside toilet. This is a locked, sole occupancy hut. Jan 1, 1999 · There is also a four-wheel drive track up the river from the coast - it is used by hunters and fishermen coming up to use the private baches (huts) in the valley and scientists staying at the field research station. Turere Lodge • By iangeorge. Hoggard – 1st February 1932. We walked a little way up alongside the river and then crossed it and climbed up a bit of a ridge. The valley has an interesting mix of plant life from beech to mixed podocarp forest. Date: 9-11 October 2020. When the club folded, it transferred the hut to the care of WT&MC. The bush is not virgin ie it has been felled in early European times and has since regrown. Photograph by Jock Phillips Orongorongo Track, then the Big Bend Tracks for 1 hour. There are several DOC huts in the Orongorongo Valley that can be booked. It is set in some great country and has an amazing history. Erika and Uta consult the map in the Orongorongo Valley The huts will be managed and maintained by an organisation or organisations outside of DOC, and become publicly bookable as they move from private use to public. If you miss it then there is a marked "back door" track further up the river. Book a hut, campsite or lodge. Capacity: 10. $5 per night for adults, $2. The project took him many long weekends and multiple attempts to locate the elusive Wai Whare. Many visitors to the area don't know there are over 50 huts scattered along the valley, hidden amongst the native bush. Jul 8, 2014 · In 2012 Allan Sheppard undertook a massive project - photographing 50+ huts in the Orongorongo Valley. They were built and licensed prior to the land becoming public Aug 2018 • Solo. 10 Feb 2021by Jacqui. Huts have been built in the Orongorongo Valley since the early 1900s – though they look a little different from today’s modern DOC huts! 555 views 0 comments. All the huts listed are mostly private and some Jul 12, 2021 · Ōrongorongo Track. nz. Trampers: Amanda, Dan, Ellie, Suzanne, Tony S. 5 hours from the Catchpool road end. The Paua Tramping Club was formed by members of the Shell Corporation in 1930, and built the hut in 1940. Fees are $100 / night (January 2017). Mar 11, 2024 · Baines Hut was a separate Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club (WT&MC) Hut located on the south side of Matthews Stream and removed after being flooded by the stream. Letter from E. Wainuiomata is home to many historic huts that were used to house workers or for recreation purposes. Since the 1990s the Department of Conservation has banned the construction of private huts. Book online. New Zealand - DOC Booking Service -. Trip type: EM tramp. Wainuiomata and its surroundings have long been home to numerous huts and cottages. Boar Inn lies on the east side of the Ōrongorongo River. Despite this barrier, the earliest European settlements emerged along the riverbanks, catering Jun 18, 2023 · There are several huts in the Orongorongo Valley operated by the Department of Conservation . All other hut, campsite and lodge bookings. May 24, 2014 · The Orongorongo Club Inc. 5. The trail starts at the Catchpool Valley car park where Jun 27, 2016 · Unknown to most, the Orongorongo Valley is home to over 50 huts most of which are privately owned. Finally, a 4WD track for 20 minutes. The walk back along the wide, well-graded Orongorongo Track is a comparative amble. This is a private hut that is always open. Access to the valley during the 1850s and 1860s was limited to narrow hill-routes. The Orongorongo River (officially Ōrongorongo River) runs for 32 kilometres (20 mi) southwest through the Orongorongo Valley in the southern Remutaka Ranges of the North Island of New Zealand. Huts (interior and exterior) are also featured and most are identified. Discover this 6. Hidden away amongst native bush near Wellington, the Orongorongo Valley's huts have provided a haven for families since the early 1920s. There can be few buildings in New Zealand that embody friendship quite so profoundly and quite so uniquely as tiny ‘Taihoa’. It has said that no huts can be transferred to other people, so the ownership of the huts reverts to DoC when the current licence holders Contacts. History. There is also This is a stunning track in the bush near to Wellington and we found, a great place to try your first overnight stay in a DOC hut. The land where the huts are / were situated is public land. There is also a research station for studying possums and their effect on the environment. Another source is Built Heritage Of The Orongorongo Valley by Chris Cochran, Chris Maclean, Allan Sheppard. Paua Hut. Location: Remutaka Forest Park. It's not a proper night in a hut unless there's ice on the inside of the windows IMO. You can see great examples of these different types when walking along the Orongorongo Track where you’ll see lush nikau palms and ferns, magical beech forest and towering podocarps like rimu and totara. Not all facilities can be booked. Easily accessible from Wellington, the area is popular with trampers and hunters. . Connecting the two catchments is a 3. govt. 2km walk through varied bush; both interesting and easy enough for preschoolers, or an adult whose tramping feet are a little uncertain. It manages some of the existing huts, renting them to trampers for overnight stays, but is demolishing others. Bookings required. Oct 17, 2018 · Standard huts have bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, a toilet and water supply. The private huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley were built before the valley became public conservation land. A short history of hut building. promotes public use of The Orongorongo Valley & environs. The trail climbs gently through mixed podocarp and broadleaf forest surrounding the Ōrongorongo River. Each bunk room sleeps 8. Soon one of the earliest and best-known huts, Tainui is to disappear. Most of the hut names have been sourced from A Chronology Of The Tararua And Rimutaka Ranges – 6th Edition by Ross Kerr. Just a few lines which may catch you before leaving for Wellington – if not it doesn’t matter. Accommodation price changes. About 3. Email: nelsonvc@doc. It includes Orongorongo Valley and its booked huts with walks for all ages and fitness levels. Note: Waikaremoana Holiday Park bookings are made through Waikaremoana Bookings online. After 10 minutes the track makes a sharp right turn uphill – continue following the orange triangles to Jans Hut. 2. The Orongorongo Valley is home to 50 privately owned bush huts which have provided generations of families the opportunity to regulary connect with nature. Attention! Your ePaper is waiting for publication! By publishing your document, the content will be optimally indexed by Google via AI and sorted into the right category for over 500 million ePaper readers on YUMPU. Ōrongorongo Track. Expedition members also appear in photographs but are largely A blog about the tramping history, huts and people of the Orongorongo Valley, Wellington, New Zealand Huts and Cottages. Some of the earliest tramping in New Zealand occurred at Orongorongo, although I the current track is a lot easier than the original gut buster the bach owners walked in by originally! Taihoa’s future, like the other 50-odd huts remaining in the Orongorongos, is uncertain. Huts have been built in the Orongorongo Valley since the early 1900s – though they look a little different from today’s modern DOC huts! Early huts were built from materials at hand – manuka poles as framing and totara for piles. But no one is giving DOC enough money to even cater for areas that aren't popular. Author: Tony S. Huts in the hills. The private tramping hut, built by school mates more than half a lifetime ago, has been both source and sustenance for the friendships forged The Orongorongo Valley is home to 50 privately owned bush huts which have provided generations of families the opportunity to regulary connect with nature. Here you will find information on The Club, upcoming events. Though many have fallen into disrepair and been Orongorongo Track, 2 hours from road end, then 40 minutes along the Big Bend Track. View saved (0) This popular, easy walk passes through different forest types and has swimming holes at the end of the track - it's ideal for families. Enquire about access in advance. Turere Lodge. Phone: +64 3 546 9339. In the 1930s, people began building huts in the valley, using four wheel drive access up the river. He regularly takes his 3 children tramping and says the Orongorongo tracks in the Remutaka Forest The Orongorongo Valley holds a special place in my heart - I first stayed in the valley at just six weeks old and introduced my son to the valley at three months. ** A well maintained track heads up the valley, passing through beech forest. Date: 15 February 2022. Brochures. May 26, 2023 · Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Rimutaka Forest Park. Hut • Club hut (Wellington Tramping and Mountaineering Club). Arrival Date. Campground with toilets, showers, and gas barbecues. Flattened kerosene tins were used for Jul 1, 2024 · Two videos taken inside the Orongorongo Tunnel. Check river levels before crossing. Back in the heyday of the 1920’s the Wellington Water Board started leasing land in the Orongorongo valley for a pound a year. View saved (0) The 22,000 ha Remutaka Forest Park encompasses much of the Remutaka Range. The river and its associated catchments lie within the bounds of the Remutaka Forest Park , which is administered by the Department of Conservation. Waerenga is located just off Browns stream and we spent the next while exploring this stream and bagged Kiwi, Kia Ora, Tahora and Taihoa huts in quick succession. The Orongorongo Track is a popular walking ttrack in the Wellington region and the most popular entrance to the Remutaka Forest Park. Accessed south of Wainuiomata, the track is about 45 minutes from Wellington. Within Catchpool Valley are attractive short walks and access to longer bush tramps, a well maintained campground, and pleasant picnic and barbecue facilities. Some materials were strapped onto pack frames and carried in. They have gas cookers, pots, pans, crockery and cutlery. It was drizzling by lunchtime but we had a dry lunch at Baine-iti hut. The geographical seclusion of Wainuiomata posed challenges for the first settlers. Rimutaka Forest Park. North Island tramping locations include the Tauherenikau Valley and Orongorongo Valley. Boar Inn had a fireplace so wasn’t bad overnight but pretty cold waking up. 2 hours from the Catchpool carpark. Feb 24, 2018 · Length: 5. From the Catchpool there is easy access to the Orongorongo via the Orongorongo Track (1. About: Whakatū/Nelson Visitor Centre provides visitor information for this area. Families, groups, and trampers can shake off the mid-winter blues with a stay in one of two new 10 bunk huts, available to book exclusively in Rimutaka Forest Park’s Orongorongo Valley, near Wellington. Catchpool Centre which is bookable, has toilets, and a 24 In 1978 the Orongorongo Club was established by a number of regular users of the valley who shared a common interest in the preservation of the valley’s unique heritage. Jan 1, 2014 · There have been huts in the Orongorongo Valley since the 1910s, with one of the earliest huts, Baine-iti, still standing. And at the end of the walk, there are swimming holes at Tūrere Stream to cool off. Apr 12, 2018 · We headed up the valley along the Big Bend track but also spent some time travelling over the river flats. This hut has a large wooden deck which would be a sun-trap on a sunny day. The description, or “Taxonomy”, briefly defines these same categories and illustrates them with some examples that give a sense of the variety of hut designs. This lodge is sole occupancy and locked – refer to your booking confirmation for how to obtain the access code. View Google Map. The Ōrongorongo Track is a popular track and is suitable for families. Background information All suitable private huts in the Remutaka Forest Park are required to be publicly bookable by 2050, so the phasing-in process will take some time to implement. Built by the Venturers in the 1960's and being maintained ever since by former venturers such as Ian Hutchings and current venturers, on work trips such as re-roofing in 2011 and relining in 2017. Mar 18, 2014 · A short history of hut building. A small gap in the bush reveals a path heading steeply up to the hut. 4km to the Orongorongo River. Catchpool Centre which is bookable, has toilets, and a 24 Mar 18, 2014 · In 1978 the Orongorongo Club was established by a number of regular users of the valley who shared a common interest in the preservation of the valley’s unique heritage. Easy walk from road end. The hut has shared kitchen and living space, with cookers, utensils, pots, pans, crockery. Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park. Jans Hut is the perfect place to go if you have young children and you want to introduce them to tramping. You can also follow the riverbed, which is quicker, but the turn off is not marked. View saved (0) This is a serviced 10-bunk hut in the Wellington region. Tainui is a true bush hut, built in 1938-39 to house the then newly-formed Customs Tramping Club, later affiliated as the Tainui Tramping Club. To see virgin bush in the area you have to walk some distance up the The Orongorongo Valley is home to 50 privately owned bush huts which have provided generations of families the opportunity to regulary connect with nature. Why? The Department of Conservation now administers the Orongorongo Valley and we pay a licence fee of $630 a year. The hut is locked and must be booked in advance to gain access. Some of the earliest tramping in New Zealand occurred at Orongorongo, although I the current track is a lot easier than the original gut buster the bach owners walked in by originally! The Orongorongo Valley is home to 50 privately owned bush huts which have provided generations of families the opportunity to regulary connect with nature. One day I'll share my thoughts - maybe once I've prepared a submission on the draft Wellington Conservation Management Strategy when it finally comes out! Hut #1. Today we have tramper, photographer and tramping author Shaun Barnett on to talk about the Orongorongo track near Wellington. zh gw fy df kg jc yk st xb gz