Akatarawa Forest, Regional park in Greater Wellington, New Zealand.

Akatarawa Forest is a regional park of about 15,000 hectares between Upper Hutt and the Kapiti Coast, reaching 1,529 m at Kakanui on its north-east edge. It holds native forest and exotic conifer plantations, and the headwaters of the Maungakotukutuku Stream, Akatarawa River West and Whakatīkei River.

Akatarawa Forest holds northern rātā trees that predate human settlement in New Zealand, including one estimated at 1,100 years old and 39 metres tall, the largest rātā in the country. From 1900 to 1920, sawmills felled rimu, mataī, tōtara, kahikatea and miro, hauled out along Karapoti Road, built in 1911. Discarded machinery still stands beside the road.

The name Akatarawa comes from the Maori language and refers to the trailing vines that grow throughout the forest. You notice these plants as you walk through different parts of the park.

Akatarawa Forest is the only forest in the Wellington Region open to motorised vehicles, so 4WD and enduro riders share the old logging and transport roads with walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders. The highest point is Kakanui, 1529 m, on the north-eastern edge. Firewood collection is allowed only under a strictly regulated plan.

The Whakatikei Loop is a well-known hiking trail that passes through multiple valleys and ridge areas, connecting different forest sections. The path allows hikers to experience the varied habitats and landscapes of the park in a single journey.