10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower. Light winds.
Loading outdoor place details…
KiwiTools
Search KiwiToolsFind tools, guides and categories in one place.
Loading photo
1 / 8Catchpool Valley & Ōrongorongo Valley
Middle Ridge Track
This walking track links up with two popular tracks within Catchpool Valley.
Distance
3.2 km
Walking time
1 hr
Difficulty
Easy
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
Middle Ridge Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Middle Ridge Track
Begin this track at the end of the Catchpool Valley carpark, following the Middle Ridge signage. This track has a short climb to begin with and then flattens out to an easy ridgeline walk. You will then arrive at a track junction where you can return on the same track or link with the Five Mile Loop Track on the left, the Ōrongorongo Track on the right or continue straight up Clay Ridge Track to Mt McKerrow.
Essential information for Middle Ridge Track
This track can be slippery when wet, so caution is advised Discuss track options you wish to consider in this network of tracks with your group before setting off as this affects how long you will be out and your supplies for the day This track uses orange triangle markers to mark out the route There are bathroom and water amenities available at the carpark entrance at Catchpool Valley The 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 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.
Getting there for Middle Ridge Track
Middle 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, which is also the starting point for Five Mile Loop track. 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 Middle Ridge Track
Dogs on a leash only.
Before you walk Middle Ridge 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.