On-leadHard
Butcher Track
Wainuiomata · Wellington · Out & Back
↑ 380 m gain↓ 378 m descenthigh 434 msteepest 28 %
DISTANCE5.0 km
ASCENT380 m
DURATION2–2.5 hr
STEEPEST28 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.6 · 20
DOG EFFORT3.9 /5 paws
PARKING60 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington
04 473 7545
The route
Good to know
On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.
River swim spotsForest shade
Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.
About Butcher Track
Near Wainuiomata in Wellington, Butcher Track runs 5.0 km as an out-and-back.
Expect hard going, with around 380 m of climb, pitching up to 28 % at its steepest, and takes about 2–2.5 hr to walk.
Along the way there are native forest, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 20 reviews.