10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. Light winds.
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1 / 6Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley
Butcher Track
Butcher Track provides magnificent views of the Wellington harbour and surrounding areas.
Distance
4.99 km
Walking time
4 hours return
Difficulty
Advanced
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
Graces Stream Campsite permanently closed
Weather outlook
Wellington forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 4:55 pm
11 October 2026
Showers, clearing to fine spells early afternoon, then clouding over towards evening with drizzle on the ranges. Northerlies.
12 October 2026
Mainly fine, isolated showers at night. Northerlies.
13 October 2026
Occasional rain. Northwesterlies.
14 October 2026
Rain becoming persistent in the morning. Northwesterlies.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Butcher Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Butcher Track
The Butcher Track takes walkers on a side trip option from the Orongorongo Track up through various forest types to the Remutaka tops. This 2 hour one way, or possible 4 hour round trip, climbs to 400m elevation to provide views of the area. It is well formed and well sign-posted making this an excellent option for visitors to the Catchpool Valley area. Start this track at the end of the Catchpool Valley carpark and walk 10 minutes along the Ōrongorongo Track, follow the signs and markers to point you up a steep climb. The end of the Butcher Track has a sign that points to Cattle Ridge Track or a viewpoint, the viewpoint is 5 minutes away from this sign. Butcher Track is a one-way track, however there is an option to create a loop walk by joining the Cattle Ridge Track, and then the Ōrongorongo track back to the carpark.
Essential information for Butcher Track
There are bathroom and water amenities available at the carpark entrance at Catchpool Valley. As this is an alpine walk, the weather and temperature can be drastically different from your start point. Ensure you have lots of layers and appropriate equipment all year round. This walk uses orange triangles to mark the route. The access gate to Catchpool Valley is open during summer daylight savings 6 am – 8 pm. In winter 6 am – 6 pm. Dogs are allowed, but must be on a leash at all times. There is little to no cellphone coverage in this area.
Huts and campsites
There is a large campsite at the beginning of this walk at Catchpool Valley . This campsite allows tents and campervans and has a large range of amenities.
Getting there for Butcher Track
Butcher Track is accessible from the Catchpool Valley carpark, follow Wainuiomata Coast Road until you reach the entrance on your right. The track then starts at the end of the carpark. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there.
Helpful resources
We encourage you to continue gaining the skills and knowledge required for a safe trip. The NZ Mountain Safety Council has lots of free resources and information you can use. These can be accessed via www.mountainsafety.org.nz . We recommend trying these online learning tools: Trip Planning Tramping / field Skills Basic Navigation River Safety Additionally, check out the range of helpful videos available from the NZ Mountain Safety Council YouTube channel .
Dog access for Butcher Track
Dogs on a leash only.
Before you walk Butcher Track
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.