-41.34886, 174.93033
Dogs allowedHard

Cattle Ridge Track

Lower Hutt · Wellington · Out & Back

24681013.2 km445 m
↑ 770 m gain↓ 768 m descenthigh 445 msteepest 26 %
DISTANCE13.5 km
ASCENT770 m
DURATION5.5–6 hr
STEEPEST26 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · WALKERS 4.5 · 20
DOG EFFORT4.4 /5 paws
PARKING50 m away

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. DOC’s own wording: “DOC names this track in its own list of Remutaka Forest Park routes where dogs must be kept on a lead at all times: "McKerrow Track, Clay Ridge Track, Butcher Track, Cattle Ridge Track, Ōrongorongo Track in their entirety." The rule protects North Island brown kiwi released into the Turere Stream catchment, so there is no stretch of these tracks where the lead comes off”. Evidence: the rule-setter’s own published wording. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~15 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
The route

Good to know

Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.

Forest shade

About Cattle Ridge Track

This big track follows 13.5 km as an out-and-back, near Lower Hutt in Wellington.

Expect hard going, with around 770 m of climb, pitching up to 26 % at its steepest, and takes about 5.5–6 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest, big views, wildflowers, and wildlife. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 20 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Cattle Ridge Track?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Cattle Ridge Track. DOC's own wording for this track: "DOC names this track in its own list of Remutaka Forest Park routes where dogs must be kept on a lead at all times: "McKerrow Track, Clay Ridge Track, Butcher Track, Cattle Ridge Track, Ōrongorongo Track in their entirety." The rule protects North Island brown kiwi released into the Turere Stream catchment, so there is no stretch of these tracks where the lead comes off".

How long is Cattle Ridge Track?

Cattle Ridge Track is 13.5 km with roughly 770 m of climb and takes about 5.5–6 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Cattle Ridge Track?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 1 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Shorter walks along this track

Separate walks, each signposted in its own right, that run inside this route.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack, 1 proven with a photo. first proven by Georgina & Ash.

Walks nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

ModerateWellington
10.0 km↑251 m2.5–3 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ExpertWainuiomata
12 km↑1081 m4 hr 10 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Expert.
HardLower Hutt
14 km↑654 m5–5.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Wellington

EasyWellington
1.9 km↑59 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
HardWaikanae
12 km↑746 m3 hr 35 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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