Last updated October 2026
The Cattle Ridge Track runs north along Cattle Ridge in Remutaka Forest Park, from the top of the Butcher Track to the Ōrongorongo Track near Tūrere Stream, with outstanding views of the Remutaka Range and the Ōrongorongo Valley.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 1 hour 30 minutes one way. Combined with the Butcher and Ōrongorongo tracks it makes a 4-hour, 12 km round trip from the Catchpool Valley car park. DOC lists it as dogs on a leash only.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Cattle Ridge Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Top of the Butcher Track (reached via the Ōrongorongo Track from Catchpool Valley)
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Wellington (DOC gives Catchpool Valley as about 30 km from Wellington)
- Walking time
- 1 hour 30 minutes one way; 4 hours for the round trip with Butcher and Ōrongorongo tracks
- Track length
- DOC doesn’t give a length for this track alone (check DOC); the round trip with the Butcher and Ōrongorongo tracks is about 12 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- 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 Cattle Ridge Track
To reach Cattle Ridge, walk the Ōrongorongo Track from the Catchpool Valley car park and then climb the steep Butcher Track. From the top of Butcher Track, Cattle Ridge Track heads north along the ridge.
DOC describes outstanding views of the Remutaka Range and down into the Ōrongorongo Valley along the way. The track finishes at the Ōrongorongo Track near Tūrere Stream.
From there, walk back down the Ōrongorongo Track to Catchpool to complete the round trip. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had alerts on the Ōrongorongo Track, including a reroute at Jacob’s Ladder.
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: Cattle Ridge 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 Cattle Ridge Track take?
DOC allows 1 hour 30 minutes one way. The round trip with the Butcher and Ōrongorongo tracks takes about 4 hours.
Where does it start?
At the top of the Butcher Track, which you reach from the Ōrongorongo Track.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
What will I see?
Outstanding views of the Remutaka Range and the Ōrongorongo Valley.
Can I take my dog?
DOC lists the Cattle Ridge Track 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.
How do I get back?
Rejoin the Ōrongorongo Track near Tūrere Stream and follow it back to the Catchpool Valley car park.
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.