Clay Ridge Track

The track begins from from the Catchpool Valley carpark, with the choice to take either the Five Mile Loop or Middle Ridge tracks. Once you have begun, the track quickly steepens and remains steep for the majority of the time with a few areas of flat walking. It takes walkers 2 and a half hours to complete it one way, so factor this, breaks and your return into your planning. Although it is not signposted, Mount McKerrow is in an obvious clearing along the ridge that gives good views, and the track beyond starts to descend. From here, you can continue along McKerrow Track to Wainuiomata, or turn right down to the Orongorongo River. Alternatively, return back along Clay Ridge.

There is a large standard campsite at the beginning of this walk at Catchpool Valley . This campsite allows tents and campervans and has a large range of amenities. Bookings are required. There is also a basic expedition campsite at Graces Stream , along the Five Mile Loop. The campsite has a long drop and water is collected from the stream. Bookings are required.

Clay Ridge track is accessible from the Catchpool Valley carpark, follow Wainuiomata Coast Road until you reach the entrance. The track is then across a small field on the downhill section of the car park, from here you can choose whether to go via the Five Mile Loop track, or Middle Ridge. Use this location in google maps to find your way there.

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 .

No dogs.