Catchpool Dress Circle

Begin at the Catchpool carpark at the end of the valley road. Follows the signs for the middle ridge track (to the left of the information shelter) for a short sharp climb out of the carpark area. You will shortly come to the clay forks intersection with options to return to the carpark for a much shorter loop. Take the clay ridge track which climbs steadily for the next 5km up to McKerrow which is the highest point of the run (McKerrow does not have a trig point and is marked by a track intersection).

Continue straight on the Mckerrow track for a few more kms towards the Whakanui intersection. The track can be fairly boggy in this section even on a good day but rest assured. it doesn't last long. At the Whakanui track intersection continue straight on the Whakanui track (left takes you towards Wainuiomata). Shortly after this there is an unmarked entrance to the East Whakanui track if you want to extend by a few kms, however, this run continues following the orange markers on Whakanui track which will lead you down to the Orongorongo river (great place to refill water).

At the end of the Whakanui track you will meet the Big Bend track which will lead you back down the valley past several huts towards the start of the Orongorongo track. Stay on this track for approximately 2km before you will see a sign indicating the start of the Cattle Ridge track on your left (at this point you could continue along the Orongorongo track back to the carpark, for a slightly shorter run with less ascent). Slog your way up a fairly decent ascent to Cattle Ridge to be rewarded by some decent ridge running on a fairly well-maintained track. After approximately 5kms you will reach the Butcher track which will lead you on a fairly quick descent back to the Orongorongo track and the Catchpool carpark.