McKerrow

Wainuiomata, Wellington, New Zealand

Orongorongo range ridgeline tramp

Intermediate

Foot

This track follows the ridgeline closest to the coast in the Orongorongo range. The track is not as well maintained as the Whakanui, and affords only occasional views through the trees to Wellington. There isn't a defined "Mt McKerrow" peak - there is a junction with a few signs (Clay Ridge track leading back down to Catchpool valley) in the bush. Whilst not a long walk, it is difficult as there are many tree roots and muddy areas. The ridgeline is around 650 metres asl. There is a marked track leading down to the Boys Brigade camp about midway between McKerrow and Sunny Grove.

Allow 3-4 hours to walk from Orongorongo river to Hine Rd/Sunny Grove. At each end the track climbs quickly to around 550 metres, then follows the ridge. The highest point on the track is around 670 metres, and the ridgeline is about 100 metres higher than on Whakanui. Follow the Whakanui track back to Hine Rd.

If you want to do a round trip, I suggest starting at Catchpool carpark, walking in to the Orongorongo river, up the Big Bend track, left up Whakanui to the hairpin bend and then back along McKerrow (and down the Clay Ridge track back to Catchpool). If you start at Hine Rd you ascend and descend twice, whereas if you start at Catchpool the hairpin bend joining Whakanui to McKerrow track is at 550 metres asl.

Begin either at Hine Rd in Homedale, or from the end of the Catchpool track beside the Orongorongo river. From Hine Rd carpark, follow the signs to Whakanui track, and at the hairpin bend about 3 km (you will have ascended to around 500 metres) there is vertical sign showing McKerrow track to the right (the wide Whakanui continue to the left). From Catchpool upper carpark, after walking about 1 hour just before the track descends to the Orongorongo river the McKerrow track is marked with a vertical sign on the left of the track.

Dogs not welcome. There are North Island Brown Kiwi in the area, which occasionally come out during the day. Dogs should be kept on a leash, or preferably left at home.

7.32km

Single track

489m 122m 184m 551m

22 May 2010 by ledzep

ledzep