Last updated October 2026
The Clay Ridge Track climbs Clay Ridge in Remutaka Forest Park to the 706 m summit of Mt McKerrow, with great views of Wellington Harbour and the surrounding hills near the top.
DOC grades it Advanced and allows 2 hours 30 minutes one way for the 4 km track. It starts at Clay Forks, where the Five Mile Loop and Middle Ridge tracks meet, both reached from the Catchpool Valley car park. Return the same way or make a round trip via the Mt McKerrow and Ōrongorongo tracks.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Clay Ridge Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Clay Forks, at the junction of the Five Mile Loop and Middle Ridge tracks
- Distance from the city
- About 16 km from Wellington (DOC gives Catchpool Valley as about 30 km from Wellington)
- Walking time
- 2 hours 30 minutes one way
- Track length
- 4 km
- Grade
- Advanced
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Track type
- Tramping track
- Summit
- Mt McKerrow, 706 m
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open when checked on 18 October 2026. Check DOC before you go.
About Clay Ridge Track
Reach Clay Forks by walking the Five Mile Loop Track or the Middle Ridge Track from the Catchpool Valley car park. From the junction, the Clay Ridge Track climbs the ridge to the top of Mt McKerrow.
Near the summit, at 706 m, the views open up over Wellington Harbour and the hills around it.
You can return the way you came, or make a round trip by descending on the Mt McKerrow Track and walking back along the Ōrongorongo 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, listed for the Mt McKerrow Track used in the round trip: 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: Clay 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 Clay Ridge Track take?
DOC allows 2 hours 30 minutes one way, plus the time to reach Clay Forks.
Where does it start?
At Clay Forks, where the Five Mile Loop and Middle Ridge tracks meet.
How high is Mt McKerrow?
DOC gives the summit as 706 m.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it Advanced.
Are dogs allowed?
No. DOC lists the Clay Ridge Track as no dogs.
Can I make a loop?
Yes. Return via the Mt McKerrow Track and the Ōrongorongo Track.
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.