-41.26750, 174.75844
On-leadModerate

Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops

Wellington · Loop

0.511.522.533.6 km212 m
↑ 174 m gain↓ 173 m descenthigh 212 msteepest 26 %
DISTANCE3.7 km
ASCENT174 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST26 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.2 · 61
DOG EFFORT3.2 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~5 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
The route

Good to know

On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.

River swim spotsForest shade
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 Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops

This moderate-length track follows 3.7 km as a loop, in Wellington.

It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 174 m, pitching up to 26 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.2 / 5 across 61 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly DOC campsites close to the trailhead, sort out the sleep, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops?

Dogs are welcome on Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops?

Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops is 3.7 km with roughly 174 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops?

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 Blue Trail and Circular Walk Loops?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 17 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Hikes nearby

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

ModerateWellington
2.4 km↑88 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWellington
5.5 km↑268 m2–2.5 hr★4.6 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

ModerateWellington
11 km↑360 m3.5–4 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWellington
6.0 km↑244 m2–2.5 hr★4.2 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyFeatherston
2.1 km↑40 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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