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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -41.32915, 174.95693. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 2 hr 30 min one way
- Track grade
- Advanced
- Location
- Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley / Remutaka Forest Park
- 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
- No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
Climb up to Mt McKerrow for a great view of Wellington harbour and the surrounding hills near the top.
This DOC directory entry covers Clay Ridge 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: 2 hr 30 min one way
- DOC grade: Advanced
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
No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track starts at Clay Forks at the intersection of Five Mile Loop Track and Middle Ridge Track. It climbs Clay Ridge to the summit of Mt McKerrow (706 m).
Return via the same track or for a round trip, return via the Mt McKerrow Track and Ōrongorongo Track.
Getting there
Catchpool valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata. Follow the Coast Road for 10 km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then follow the Catchpool valley road for 2 km to the car park and information area.
If the water is flowing over the ford on the road, park before the ford and use the Nga Taonga Nature Walk to reach the car park.
From the car park follow Five Mile Loop Track or Middle Ridge Track to Clay Ridge Track.
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 a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
