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On-leadEasy

Central Track

Waiheke Island · Auckland · Loop

12344.7 km142 m
↑ 144 m gain↓ 146 m descenthigh 142 msteepest 20 %
DISTANCE4.8 km
ASCENT144 m
DURATION1.5–2 hr
STEEPEST20 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.6 · 27
DOG EFFORT2.8 /5 paws
PARKING310 m away
Nearest emergency vetAnimal Emergency at VSA - Sylvia Park, Auckland~25 min drive · 24/7
09 849 2121
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.

Beach swimWaterfallForest shade

About Central Track

Central Track is a loop of 4.8 km, near Waiheke Island in Auckland.

Graded easy, it climbs about 144 m overall, pitching up to 20 % at its steepest, and takes about 1.5–2 hr to walk.

Walkers come for beach walking, native forest, big views, and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 27 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 Central Track?

Dogs are welcome on Central Track on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Central Track?

Central Track is 4.8 km with roughly 144 m of climb and takes about 1.5–2 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Central Track?

Yes, the track has beach 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 Central Track?

Yes. The closest is Booms Flat Campsite, about 60 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.

ModerateWaiheke Island
11 km↑295 m3–3.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWaiheke Island
3.1 km↑76 m0.5–1 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfootGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateWaiheke Island
8.0 km↑219 m2–2.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWaiheke Island
3.7 km↑97 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Auckland

ModerateWhangaparaoa
5.8 km↑18 m1–1.5 hr★3.9 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Auckland →

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