Aorangi Forest Park

Aorangi Forest Park is a protected area in the Wellington Region spanning native beech forests and hardwood groves across its terrain. Multiple backcountry huts are scattered throughout the reserve and provide shelter for hikers and visitors exploring the forest.

The southern forest section was designated as State forest in 1900, with the northern section following in 1936. The two blocks were later combined and changed into a protected park in 1978 to ensure long-term conservation.

Several Maori occupation sites are found throughout the park, including a traditional settlement and an old fortified site that show the indigenous connection to this land. These locations represent an important part of the region's cultural heritage.

Entry to the western side is available through the Te Kopi field base, while the eastern side can be accessed via several forest roads. Visitors should prepare for hiking trails and expect variable weather conditions typical of the region.

The park is home to a native long-tailed bat population that was recorded in 2020, showing the ecological richness of the forest. It also sits within the core zone of the Wairarapa Dark Sky Reserve, where limited light pollution helps protect the night sky.