Last Updated: 7th Jun 2024

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Orange Hut via Perhams

Paekakariki, Wellington

Submitted by Richele McKenzie

Last Updated: 7th Jun 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

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Grunt Factor: 25 ?

Gnarl Factor: 7 ?

23.0km

Length of run

730m

Total Ascent

730m

Total Descent

417m

Highest point

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Undulating, small hills only

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Plantation/exotic forest

Run Makeup

100%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +6.5%

Average Downhill Gradient: -6.4%

Trailhead

Estimated Times to Run

4:00

Slow

2:50

Moderate

2:10

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

From the map/noticeboard follow Perhams Road until the signpost where it becomes Titi Road (approx 5.7k). Keep right. Approx 300m along you come to the Whakatikei Road turnoff (6kms from the start). This is the start of your loop. Turn left here and run along Whakatikei Road until the Norm's Crossing sign (approx 10.6k from start).

Turn right and continue for approx 2km until you come to Orange Hut (tucked up a track to the left and signposted). After checking out the hut head back to the turnoff and follow Hydro Valley Road (sign says to Kapiti) back to Perhams. This includes staying right at approx 14.8k and right again at the open area of felled forestry (approx 16.4k). At Perhams Road it's 6km back to the start.

Covering 15,000 hectares of wilderness area between Upper Hutt and the Kapiti Coast, Akatarawa Forest is a rugged blend of native and exotic forest. One way of exploring the Akatarawa Forest with your dog (as dogs are prohibited on nearby Campbells Mill Road and Whareroa Farm). Refer to note re 1080 drop timings. Orange Hut is popular with 4WD clubs and trail bikers as a refreshment stop.

If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.

Transport and parking:

Plenty of parking at the entrance or along the road.

Distance from Paekakariki:

12 km

Driving time from Paekakariki:

17 minutes

Dog friendly:

Yes

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

Print out a copy of the Akatarawa Forest map or take one of the very handy brochures available. Also be wary, in areas of forestry signs can be knocked over and put back the wrong way.

Cellphone Coverage:

Non-existent.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

There are plenty of water sources but the quality is unknown.
The closest toilet is at Whareroa Farm.

Seasonality Issues:

Check the weather forecast before you set out as the route involves several river crossings and these may become dangerous when it has been raining heavily.

Hazards:

Aerial baiting of 1080 occurred on Friday 2 July. Following this, extra care should be taken in the area until further notice.
Hunting is not permitted, and visitors with dogs are advised to stay clear of the area until baits have become non-toxic and any possum carcasses have decomposed. This is expected to take three-four months. (https://www.gw.govt.nz/akatarawa).

The route is used by 4WD vehicles and trail bikes so listen carefully for vehicles and be wary on blind corners.

There is very limited cellphone coverage so take a PLB (if possible) and a friend when running in the Akatarawa Forest.

Tuatara Brewery
7 Sheffield Street, Paraparaumu
tuatarabrewing.co.nz
Post-run beer and nachos.

Beach Road Deli
5 Beach Road, Paekākāriki
http://www.beach-road-deli.com/
Great coffee and baking. Not open on Mondays.

Trail Legend

Aimee Francois

has completed Orange Hut via Perhams once in the last year.

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Trail Reviews

Aimee Francois

Easy to find your way, the road was being re-graded by a digger when I went so it's kept in good condition. A lot of pine forest and I didn't find it very scenic.

Aimee Francois

April 19, 2024

Blair Robertson

Great trail run. Track is easy to follow and well signposted. Looking forward to exploring a few more trails in the Akatarawa forest.

Blair Robertson

January 21, 2023

Joe Benbow

Really enjoyable loop. 4wd tracks the whole way so very runnable (though steep in parts). Rivers weren't too high despite it raining heavily the day before I ran it. Lovely morning out, thanks Richele!

Joe Benbow

December 29, 2021

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