Last updated October 2026
The Middle Ridge Track follows the ridge between Graces Stream and Catchpool Stream in Remutaka Forest Park, with good views over Catchpool Valley.
DOC grades it easy to intermediate and allows about 1 hour for the 3.2 km return walk. It starts from the Catchpool Valley car park and links up with the Clay Ridge and Five Mile Loop tracks. Expect some steep sections that can be slippery when wet.
Track Facts
Tracks can close at short notice for slips, storm damage or maintenance. Check DOC's current alerts for Middle Ridge 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
- Track length
- 3.2 km return via the same track
- Grade
- Easy to intermediate, with steep sections
- 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 Middle Ridge Track
The track runs along the spur that divides Graces Stream from Catchpool Stream. The drier aspect and shallower soils on the ridge favour drought-tolerant plants such as mānuka.
DOC says the track gives good views of Catchpool Valley.
Middle Ridge links with the Clay Ridge Track and the Five Mile Loop Track at Clay Forks.
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. 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.
Track Conditions
DOC warns that the track has steep sections that can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip. Check DOC before you go and tell someone your plans.
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 Catchpool Valley.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Middle 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Middle Ridge Track take?
DOC allows about 1 hour for the 3.2 km return walk.
How hard is it?
DOC grades it easy to intermediate, and there are steep sections that get slippery when wet.
Where does it start?
From the downhill side of the Catchpool Valley car park, across the lawn and footbridge.
Which tracks does it link to?
The Clay Ridge Track and the Five Mile Loop Track.
Can I take my dog?
DOC says dogs on a leash only.
Are there views?
Yes. The ridge gives good views of Catchpool Valley.
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.