Last updated October 2026
The Butcher Track is a short but stiff climb in Remutaka Forest Park, following Butcher Stream to around 400 m for magnificent views of Wellington Harbour.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 2 hours one way for the 1.4 km track. It starts about 10 minutes along the Ōrongorongo Track from the Catchpool Valley car park. Return the same way, or carry on along Cattle Ridge Track for a 4-hour, 12 km round trip.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Butcher Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- About 10 minutes along the Ōrongorongo Track from the Catchpool Valley car park
- Distance from the city
- About 15 km from Wellington (DOC gives Catchpool Valley as about 30 km from Wellington)
- Walking time
- 2 hours one way
- Track length
- 1.4 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only (the Ōrongorongo Track used to reach it is also dogs on a leash only)
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Butcher Track
From its start off the Ōrongorongo Track, the Butcher Track climbs steeply alongside Butcher Stream. It is a stiff climb, and DOC grades it Advanced.
At around 400 m the effort pays off with magnificent views over Wellington Harbour and the surrounding area.
DOC suggests returning the same way. For a longer day, head north along the Cattle Ridge Track to rejoin the Ōrongorongo Track near Tūrere Stream, then walk back to Catchpool.
DOC gives this round trip as about 4 hours and 12 km. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had alerts on the Ōrongorongo Track, including a reroute at Jacob’s Ladder and a large tree fallen across the track.
Catchpool Valley is the most popular entrance to Remutaka Forest Park, a 22,000 ha park covering much of the Remutaka Range. The Remutaka Forest Park Trust began releasing North Island brown kiwi into the park in 2006, and DOC notes bellbirds, tūī, kākā, kererū and ruru live here.
Getting to Catchpool Valley
DOC says Catchpool Valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata and about 30 km from Wellington. Take the Coast Road 10 km to the park entrance, then drive 2 km up the Catchpool Valley road to the car park and information area.
If water is running over the ford on the road, leave your car before the ford and walk the Nga Taonga Nature Walk to the car park.
Planning Your Trip
This is backcountry tramping. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert for the Remutaka Forest Park area: ungulate (goat, deer and pig) control in parts of the park from 10 August 2026 to 30 June 2027, including aerial shooting and ground hunting with indicator dogs.
Check DOC’s operation area map to see whether it covers your route. Check DOC before you go for alerts and track updates, check the forecast, and tell someone your plans. Plan My Walk is a handy way to plan the trip and share your intentions.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Butcher Track: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Department of Conservation: Remutaka Forest Park: park overview, dog access areas, hunting rules and other entrances to the park.
Plan My Walk: plan your trip, check the forecast and share your intentions with someone you trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Butcher Track take?
DOC allows 2 hours one way for the 1.4 km climb.
Where does it start?
About 10 minutes along the Ōrongorongo Track from the Catchpool Valley car park.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced. It is a stiff climb to around 400 m.
What are the views like?
DOC describes magnificent views of Wellington Harbour from the top.
Can I make it a loop?
Yes. Continue on Cattle Ridge Track to the Ōrongorongo Track near Tūrere Stream for a 4-hour, 12 km round trip.
Can I take my dog?
DOC lists the Butcher Track, and the Ōrongorongo Track used to reach it, as dogs on a leash only. Some areas of Remutaka Forest Park are closed to dogs to protect kiwi, so check DOC’s dog access information before bringing a dog.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Sources and data notes 1
- Track Facts: Track facts and line: Crown Copyright, Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026, CC BY 4.0. Elevation: LINZ (LiDAR), CC BY 4.0.