Big Bend Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The Big Bend Track follows the Ōrongorongo River and connects the Ōrongorongo Track with the Whakanui Track.

This DOC directory entry covers Big Bend Track in Wellington, within Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley / Remutaka Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
• Walking time: 1 hr 30 min one way from Turere Bridge
• DOC grade: Intermediate

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Seasonal restrictions

The gate to Catchpool valley is open: 6 am – 8 pm from 28 September until 7 April 6 am – 6 pm from 8 April until 27 September

Dog access

Dogs on a leash only. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The Big Bend Track follows the Ōrongorongo River to Whakanui Creek.

It starts at Turere Bridge and connects the Ōrongorongo Track with hee Whakanui Track. You can start the track from either of these tracks.

There is a slip on the track between the Turere Curved Bridge and Turere Lodge. Take extra care when walking this section of the track.

Return via the same track or complete a loop using the Whakanui Track and Mt McKerrow Track.

Getting there

Big Bend Track is a connecting track. There are several tracks you can walk to get to the start.

The most popular option is from the Ōrongorongo Track, that begins from the carpark at the end of Catchpool Valley Road. The Big Bend Track starts from the end of Ōrongorongo Track at Turere Bridge near the river.

Alternatively, start from the Wainuiomata end by walking the Whakanui Track at the end of Sunny Grove. The start of Big Bend Track is signposted at the junction with Whakanui Track and the Ōrongorongo River.

Know before you go

Be aware that there are some steep drops immediately beside the track, so supervise children carefully. The track is muddy in places, particularly in winter or after rain – sturdy shoes with good grip are best.

If you want to light a fire (eg for cooking) while in the Remutaka Forest Park, visit www.checkitsalright.co.nz. This will tell you the current fire status and if you need a fire permit. At times of high fire danger, there may be a total ban on fires. Please respect any fire restrictions, they keep native wildlife and visitors safe.

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is published in DOC's official route gallery with an explicit reuse licence. Its original caption and credit are retained; it does not establish current track conditions.