-41.34879, 174.93030
Dogs allowedHard

Mount McKerrow Loop

Lower Hutt · Wellington · Loop

24681013.7 km670 m
↑ 654 m gain↓ 659 m descenthigh 670 msteepest 45 %
DISTANCE13.8 km
ASCENT654 m
DURATION5–5.5 hr
STEEPEST45 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.6 · 130
DOG EFFORT4.6 /5 paws
PARKING40 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.

River swim spotsForest shadeA popular track, busy on weekends
Check before you go. North Island brown kiwi have been released into the Turere Stream catchment north of the Ōrongorongo Track, about 1000 hectares, and DOC has closed that area to dogs. The closure is bounded by, but does not include, the Whakanui Track and McKerrow Track, and signs mark where it starts. Dogs are the main threat to kiwi, so stay on the formed track and keep the lead on. DOC, Dog access in Remutaka Forest Park
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 Mount McKerrow Loop

This big track follows 13.8 km as a loop, near Lower Hutt in Wellington.

Graded hard, it climbs about 654 m overall, pitching up to 45 % at its steepest, and takes about 5–5.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 130 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 Mount McKerrow Loop?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Mount McKerrow Loop. 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 Mount McKerrow Loop?

Mount McKerrow Loop is 13.8 km with roughly 654 m of climb and takes about 5–5.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Mount McKerrow Loop?

Yes, the track has river access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Mount McKerrow Loop?

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.

ExpertWainuiomata
12 km↑1081 m4 hr 10 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Expert.
HardLower Hutt
14 km↑770 m5.5–6 hr★4.5 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateWellington
10.0 km↑251 m2.5–3 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

EasyLower Hutt
3.5 km↑6 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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