Last updated October 2026
The Five Mile Loop Track is an easy track in Catchpool Valley, Remutaka Forest Park, through superb groves of mature hard beech in the lower reaches of Graces Stream.
DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows about 1 hour 30 minutes for the 3.8 km loop. It starts across the footbridge from the Catchpool Valley car park and climbs to Clay Forks before descending with views of the Remutaka Range. It follows the lower part of the old Five Mile Track, once known as the “canal of mud”.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Five Mile Loop Track on the day you walk.
Current alerts on DOC
Practical Information
- Start
- Catchpool Valley car park: downhill side, across the lawn and footbridge
- Distance from the city
- About 15 km from Wellington (DOC gives Catchpool Valley as 30 km from Wellington by road)
- Walking time
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Track length
- 3.8 km loop
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate
- Dogs
- Dogs on a leash only
- Track type
- Easy tramping track
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Status
- Open with a DOC alert when checked on 18 October 2026 (Graces Stream Campsite permanently closed). Check DOC before you go.
About Five Mile Loop Track
The track climbs through an old burn that is now covered in second-growth forest with plenty of young rimu coming through. It reaches Clay Forks, where it meets the Clay Ridge and Middle Ridge tracks.
On the way back down into Catchpool Valley there are good views of the distant Remutaka Range and across the forest canopy.
A highlight is the hard beech in the lower Graces Stream, which DOC describes as superb mature groves.
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.
The Old Five Mile Track
DOC explains that this is the lower section of the former Five Mile Track, notorious as the “canal of mud”. From 1914 to 1981 it was the main track between the Wainuiomata and Ōrongorongo valleys. Today it is a dry track and a pleasant loop.
Getting to Catchpool Valley
DOC says Catchpool Valley is 12 km south of Wainuiomata and about 30 km from Wellington. Follow the Coast Road for 10 km to the Remutaka Forest Park entrance, then the Catchpool Valley road for 2 km to the car park and information area.
If 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.
Before You Go
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC had an alert noting that Graces Stream Campsite is permanently closed. Check the DOC page for current alerts before you go, and tell someone your plans.
When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC also 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 Catchpool Valley.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Five Mile Loop 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Five Mile Loop Track take?
DOC allows about 1 hour 30 minutes for the 3.8 km loop.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy to intermediate.
Where does it start?
Across the lawn and footbridge on the downhill side of the Catchpool Valley car park.
Why is it called Five Mile?
It follows the lower part of the old Five Mile Track, the main route between the Wainuiomata and Ōrongorongo valleys from 1914 to 1981.
Can I take my dog?
DOC says dogs on a leash only.
Can I camp at Graces Stream?
No. When we checked on 18 October 2026, DOC’s alert said Graces Stream Campsite is permanently closed.
What trees will I see?
Mature hard beech in the lower Graces Stream and regenerating rimu on the climb.
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.