-41.30311, 174.89396
Dogs allowedModerate

Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk

Lower Hutt · Wellington · Out & Back

1234.2 km148 m
↑ 232 m gain↓ 232 m descenthigh 148 msteepest 25 %
DISTANCE4.2 km
ASCENT232 m
DURATION1.5–2 hr
STEEPEST25 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · WALKERS 4.7 · 73
DOG EFFORT3.3 /5 paws

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. The rule-setter’s own wording: “Dogs are welcome in the Northern Forest but must be leashed. No dogs allowed in Baring Head or the Parangarahu Lakes. Greater Wellington's East Harbour Regional Park dog rules map shows the Northern Forest as a single zone with one legend entry, Dogs on leads”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~10 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 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 Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk

Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk is an out-and-back of 4.2 km, near Lower Hutt in Wellington.

Expect moderate going, with around 232 m of climb, pitching up to 25 % at its steepest, and takes about 1.5–2 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 73 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 Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk. The rule-setter's own wording for this track: "Dogs are welcome in the Northern Forest but must be leashed. No dogs allowed in Baring Head or the Parangarahu Lakes. Greater Wellington's East Harbour Regional Park dog rules map shows the Northern Forest as a single zone with one legend entry, Dogs on leads".

How long is Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk?

Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk is 4.2 km with roughly 232 m of climb and takes about 1.5–2 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk?

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 Butterfly Creek Picnic Area Walk?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 6 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 3 times by the pack.

Walks nearby

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

ModerateLower Hutt
2.6 km↑207 m1–1.5 hr★4.8 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
11 km↑522 m4–4.5 hr★4.6 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

EasyLower Hutt
0.6 km↑0 mabout 8 min
Sealed underfootGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
HardTararua Forest Park
6.1 km↑656 m3.5–4 hr
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
HardUpper Hutt
12 km↑690 m5–5.5 hr★4.5 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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