Saturday, 7 September 2019
Location: Catchpool Valley - 1039 Coast Road, Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt 5373
This is a great walk for all ages and was our first overnight tramp as a family (we've written another blog about that).
This time we completed it as a day walk. Walking along the Ōrongorongo track to the river where we had lunch and then back out again. It was such a fun day, the kids loved it. There are lots of bridges, stunning trees and a beautiful river at the end.
They coped really well with the distance, especially after an hour+ stop at the river where we gathered wood and built a fire to roast marshmallows (always a hit with the kids on a cold day).
We then had a leisurely walk back with lots of stops. We think this is one of the keys to enjoying walks, don't rush. Stop often. It's an adventure not a race.
Age of our Kids: Miss 5 Master 7
Buggy Friendly: No
Walking Time: Around 3 hours return, 1.5 hours each way.
Length: 10.4km
Elevation: 150m
Track Type: Single track (in and out)
Difficulty: Moderate (a few climbs, the biggest is down to the river)
Amenities: There is a toilet in the Catchpool Valley carpark and one at the Turere Bridge Picnic area (once you get to the river). There are also a few seats along the walk.
Dogs: Yes - but on lead only Things to be aware of: There is no cellphone reception in the Catchpool Valley, treat it like a tramp and tell someone where you're going, check the weather forecast, make sure you have some basic first aid equipment and ample of food and water as well as warm layers. Never cross the river if it's flooded.
Kids Rating (0-10)
Overall Fun Factor: 8/10
Legendary Factor (I've told all my friends about it): 6/10
Repeatability Factor (Can we please do it again): 9.5/10
Exhaustion Factor: 5/10