Runs along Mount McKerrow Loop, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-41.34857, 174.92991
Dogs allowedEasy

Five Mile Loop Track

Wainuiomata · Wellington · Loop

0.511.522.533.8 km148 m
↑ 96 m gain↓ 94 m descenthigh 148 msteepest 18 %
DISTANCE3.9 km
ASCENT96 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST18 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.6 · 76
DOG EFFORT2.5 /5 paws
PARKING20 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's dog access page for Remutaka Forest Park puts the whole valley on a lead: "The entire Catchpool Valley from its entrance at Coast Road to the upper car park, including all walks and tracks, picnic and camping areas except for designated 'dog exercise area'." This track starts and stays inside that boundary, so the lead is on for all of it. The one spot in the valley where a dog may be off lead is the marked exercise area between the road and Catchpool Stream opposite the visitor centre”. 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 shadeGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekends

About Five Mile Loop Track

Five Mile Loop Track is a loop of 3.9 km, near Wainuiomata in Wellington.

Expect easy going, with around 96 m of climb, pitching up to 18 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there is native forest. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 76 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 Five Mile Loop Track?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Five Mile Loop Track. DOC's own wording for this track: "DOC's dog access page for Remutaka Forest Park puts the whole valley on a lead: "The entire Catchpool Valley from its entrance at Coast Road to the upper car park, including all walks and tracks, picnic and camping areas except for designated 'dog exercise area'." This track starts and stays inside that boundary, so the lead is on for all of it. The one spot in the valley where a dog may be off lead is the marked exercise area between the road and Catchpool Stream opposite the visitor centre".

How long is Five Mile Loop Track?

Five Mile Loop Track is 3.9 km with roughly 96 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Five Mile Loop 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.

Walks nearby

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

HardLower Hutt
14 km↑654 m5–5.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
ExpertWainuiomata
12 km↑1081 m4 hr 10 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Expert.

More in Wellington

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