10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. Light winds.
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1 / 3Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley
Big Bend Track
The Big Bend Track follows the Ōrongorongo River and connects the Ōrongorongo Track with the Whakanui Track.
Distance
3.1 km
Walking time
1 hr 30 min one way from Turere Bridge
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ungulate control for parts of Remutaka Forest Park
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Ōrongorongo Track reroute
Weather outlook
Wellington forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, clearing to fine spells early afternoon, then clouding over towards evening with drizzle on the ranges. Northerlies.
12 October 2026
Mainly fine, isolated showers at night. Northerlies.
13 October 2026
Occasional rain. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Rain becoming persistent in the morning. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Big Bend Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Big Bend Track
Big Bend Track follows the Orongorongo River to Whakanui Creek. It starts at Turere Bridge and connects the Ōrongorongo Track from the Catchpool car park with Turere Lodge, Haurangi Hut and Papatahi Hut. Time required It takes 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Turere Bridge. From there it is: 30 mins to Turere Lodge 1 hour to Haurangi Hut 1 hr 30 mins to Papatahi Hut
Essential information for Big Bend Track
The track ends before reaching Papatahi Hut. From the junction with Whakanui Track, enter the riverbed and follow the Ōrongorongo River upstream.
Huts and campsites
Turere Lodge (opens in browser) is the largest and most popular of the DOC huts in Ōrongorongo Valley. It is suitable for families and larger groups and does not require crossing the Ōrongorongo River. It must be booked in advance. Each room has eight bunks and is sole occupancy. Individual bunks are not available. Haurangi Hut (opens in browser) is also a popular hut and a good base for groups wanting to climb Mt Matthews or explore the upper reaches of the Orongorongo River. It must be booked in advance. As with most other DOC huts in the valley, the booking system is for booking the entire hut as sole occupancy. Individual bunks are not available. Papatahi Hut (opens in browser) requires several river crossings and should not be attempted when the river is in flood or there is sustained rainfall forecast as the Ōrongorongo River is prone to flash flooding. It must be booked in advance. As with most other DOC huts in the valley, the booking system is for booking the entire hut as sole occupancy. Individual bunks are not available. Do not head there if rain is forecast and check the flow before leaving home
Getting there for Big Bend Track
Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. Follow the Coast Road for 10 km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then follow the Catchpool valley road for 2 km to the car park and information area. If the water is flowing over the ford on the road, park before the ford and use the Nga Taonga Nature Walk to reach the car park. From the carpark follow the Ōrongorongo Track to Big Bend Track. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Big Bend Track
Dogs on a leash only.
Before you walk Big Bend Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.