Runs along Cannon Point Walkway and Hutt River Trail Loop, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-41.09468, 175.09208
Dogs allowedEasy

Birchville Dam Track

Upper Hutt · Wellington · Out & Back

0.511.51.8 km145 m
↑ 45 m gain↓ 45 m descenthigh 145 msteepest 14 %
DISTANCE1.8 km
ASCENT45 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST14 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · WALKERS 4.7 · 98
DOG EFFORT2.2 /5 paws
PARKING0 m away

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Evidence: inferred from the licensed data only. Walked it and read the sign? Send us the rule and this line retires. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~35 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
The route

Good to know

Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy, read the signs at the gate, and give ground-nesting birds and stock their room.

Lake swimRiver swim spotsWaterfallForest shadeA popular track, busy on weekendsSwing bridge on route
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 Birchville Dam Track

This short track follows 1.8 km as an out-and-back, near Upper Hutt in Wellington.

It sits at the easy end and gains roughly 45 m, pitching up to 14 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, lakeside stretches, river frontage, and big views. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy and read the signs at the gate. Walkers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 98 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 Birchville Dam Track?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Birchville Dam Track by name, so this one rests on the licensed walk data and the district-wide rule rather than a rule-setter's own words. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but that is not the same as a rule saying yes, so keep the lead handy and let the signs at the gate decide.

How long is Birchville Dam Track?

Birchville Dam Track is 1.8 km with roughly 45 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Birchville Dam Track?

Yes, the track has lake, river and waterfall 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 Birchville Dam Track?

Yes. The closest is Bucks Road Campsite, about 22 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack.

Walks nearby

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

EasyUpper Hutt
1.0 km↑7 mabout 12 min★3.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyUpper Hutt
4.5 km↑11 m1–1.5 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateUpper Hutt
2.1 km↑103 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

HardKāpiti Coast
35 km↑89 m7 hr 8 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
EasyPorirua
5.3 km↑88 m1–1.5 hr★4.8 rating
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyMartinborough
1.0 km↑0 mabout 12 min
Good with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
HardUpper Hutt
14 km↑746 m5.5–6 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

Log this walk+55 XP

Save and Been here stay on this device, no account needed, and show up on your walks. Logging on the live map plants Banks’ paw on the trailhead; prove the walk with a photo of your dog and it scores on the leaderboard.

Log it with your dog and keep the record

Join the pack: log walks, earn XP, get your dog drawn, and help keep every dog rule in New Zealand honest.

Join the pack