Did you know that WTMC has Paua Hut on the banks of the Orongorongo River in the Rimutaka Forest Park? And that the hut is available for private booking by members and non-members?
Location
Paua Hut is accessed from the Catchpool carpark approximately 45 minutes drive from Wellington. The hut is 2 – 3 hours easy walk from the car park along a graded track to the Turere Stream Bridge at the Ororgorogo River then a further 700 m down the river.
The Rimutaka Trust website has more information on the park location and how to get there. Paua Hut is also marked on topomap.co.nz – so you’ll know how to find it.
To get to Rimutaka Forest Park, follow the instructions on the Rimutaka Trust website and park in the Catchpool car park.
Then walk the easy track to the Turere Stream bridge and head downstream.
You’ll need to cross the river three times. From the river, the landmark to look for is a clay bank about 10 m high on the left (true left) of the river. The river swings right here so you see the bank facing you as you walk downstream.
Paua Hut is tucked into the bush behind and on top of this bank.
A 4X4 track leaves the river, crosses a side-creek on the left (another landmark) and heads up onto the bank, and goes right past Paua Hut. So follow it up the bank. So if you stick to the 4X4 track – it mostly follows the river, but you’ll be able to follow the compacted gravel wheel tracks – you more or less can’t go wrong).
Also, on the other side of the river, Brown’s Track heads up the hill – you’ll see a big orange triangle on a tree marking it (hard to pick but if you look for it you’ll see it.
What you will find in the hut
- Gas cooker
- Pots & pans
- Cups, plates & cutlery
- Table & chairs
- Sleeping mattresses for up to 10 people
- Wood burner
- Long drop toilet
- There is also space around the hut for camping.
Take a look around the inside of the hut.
How to book the hut
To find out the availability of Paua Hut and to make a booking email the Paua Hut booking officer. Once your booking has been confirmed, you will be told where and when to collect the key to the hut. Booking is essential.
Cost
For one night’s stay:
- Non-members: Adults $7.00, Children $3.50
- Members: $ free
How to pay
The easiest way to pay is by depositing your money in the WTMC Club bank account.
Use ‘Your Name – Paua – Tripdate’ as the banking reference, and let the booking officer know when you have paid and how much.