Today we walked a couple of trails in the Remutaka Forest Park (12 kms from Wainuiomata, no cell phone coverage), the Middle Ridge track (one way) and then we joined the five mile loop to take us across to the popular Orongorongo track to the river. We then returned to the main car park via the Orongorongo track. 

This Forest park is strictly on-lead for doggos as it is home to our kiwis.

Follow the Wainuiomata Coast Road to the entrance of the Remutaka Forest Park : Catchpool Valley Entrance.  Once you get to the park entrance, just keep going straight ahead until you come to a large car parking area.  There’s a toilet block on the right (bring your own bog roll). The map board is also towards the top right of the car park. 

We started the walk from the path on the left. Entrance by the info shack building.  You would use this entrance if you were walking the Five Mike track clockwise.  

Just over the other side of the bridge is the entrance to the Middle Track. 

The Middle track is 1.6km long (one way) and walked in this direction has a steep uphill at the very beginning, climbing quickly to the ridge line at 218m.  The track shouldn’t be done when either wet or when there’s been recent rain.  

It’s a bit rugged in places and best described as a tramping track. Good shoe grip / hiking shoes recommended.  

Up on the ridge line, it’s a beautiful track with plenty of Manuka.   Nice views through the Bush.  There are also some slippery sections along the flat ridge line, probably just sections of the track that don’t get enough sun in winter.  The track then descends to join both the Five Mile track and Clay Ridge Track. 

Nice Views of the Valley.  We wouldn’t recommend joining the track from the opposite direction as the steep downhills wouldn’t be that safe. 

At the end of the Middle Ridge track you can take a right hand turn and be back on the Five Mile Loop within 500m. This then joins onto the main Orongorongo track to the river. 

About 5km long (one way), a popular out and back track that is an easy grade involving one down hill to the river at the end of the track  

The Orongorongo track follows alongside the Catchpool stream. It’s a mixed podocarp Forrest track that seemed to also have a lot of Nikau palms and tree ferns.  Big Tawa and Northern Rata trees too. 

The track itself is pretty gentle.  Elevation change is about 150m from lowest to highest point.  

Very popular so be prepared to share the track with plenty of other walkers, dogs on lead, and trail runners.  

There are a few bridges (a few bouncy) on the track, some have gaps that a dog with a small paw could hurt themselves with.  You might want to carry your small doggo over these. 

The trail descends into the Orongorongo river which looked like an amazing swimming area with swimming holes. Bathroom block nearby, bring your own bog roll. 

We had a fantastic day out here with Donna and her labradoodle puppy Fern, and Joan and her pocket rocket doggo Luca.   Our Luna was super happy having a day out in the Bush and a swim at the river.   

All up we walked about 15km, over about 4 hours or so.   A great day out.  

Don’t forget to let someone know about your trip intentions.