09 October 2026
Mainly fine, some cloud late morning and afternoon. Easterlies for a time afternoon and early evening.
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1 / 2Waitākere Ranges Regional Park
Waitākere Cutty Grass Track
Cutty Grass Track is located in the Waitākere Ranges near Auckland
Distance
7.87 km
Walking time
2-3 hours
Difficulty
Intermediate
Dogs
Not allowed
Wheelchair access
Not marked friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Auckland forecast
Issued 9 Oct 2026, 3:39 am
10 October 2026
Cloudy, but becoming fine for a time in the afternoon and evening. Northeasterlies developing in the morning.
11 October 2026
A few showers. Northerlies, turning westerly in the morning.
12 October 2026
Showers becoming isolated with longer fine breaks in the morning. Westerlies, dying out in the morning.
13 October 2026
Mostly cloudy, with isolated showers. Light winds.
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Waitākere Cutty Grass Track on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Waitākere Cutty Grass Track
Cutty Grass Track is an easy 3.4 km walk each way through the Waitākere Ranges near Auckland. The track runs along a ridgeline between Scenic Drive and Anawhata Road, with some gentle undulations but no steep climbs. The bush is mainly native regrowth, dotted with taller mature trees—including a large kauri near the Scenic Drive end. You can start at either end, though parking is often easier on Anawhata Road. From there, it’s simple to add the short McElwain Lookout Track, which begins just across the road.
Essential information for Waitākere Cutty Grass Track
Animals: Dogs are prohibited. Smokefree regional parks: Our regional parks are smoke-free. Waste: All our regional parks are rubbish free. Take all rubbish and recycling with you when you leave. Outdoor fires: It is illegal to light a fire outside in all public areas in the Auckland region.
Kauri protection guide
When visiting areas with healthy kauri trees, please make sure you follow these steps: Clean your footwear, tyres and equipment before and after visiting our kauri forests. If you are walking your dog, you should also make sure you clean their paws. Use cleaning stations every time you pass one while you are walking in a park. Stay on the tracks and keep off kauri roots. Stay away from closed tracks. Don't remove soil from, or bring soil into, areas with kauri trees.
Getting there for Waitākere Cutty Grass Track
You can start at the Anawhata Road end by parking at the Ridge Road Track carpark , or from Scenic Drive entrance . These links open up in Google Maps to help 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 . Level up in your outdoor knowledge with these interactive 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 Waitākere Cutty Grass Track
Dogs prohibited.
Before you walk Waitākere Cutty Grass 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.