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On-leadHard

Dobson Loop Track

Upper Hutt · Wellington · Loop

24681013.8 km655 m
↑ 746 m gain↓ 743 m descenthigh 655 msteepest 39 %
DISTANCE14.2 km
ASCENT746 m
DURATION5.5–6 hr
STEEPEST39 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 71
DOG EFFORT4.7 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~45 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 Dobson Loop Track

Dobson Loop Track is a loop of 14.2 km, near Upper Hutt in Wellington.

Expect hard going, with around 746 m of climb, pitching up to 39 % at its steepest, and takes about 5.5–6 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 71 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 Dobson Loop Track?

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

How long is Dobson Loop Track?

Dobson Loop Track is 14.2 km with roughly 746 m of climb and takes about 5.5–6 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Dobson Loop Track?

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 Dobson Loop Track?

Yes. The closest is Bucks Road Campsite, about 10 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.

More in Wellington

ModerateLower Hutt
8.2 km↑342 m3–3.5 hr★4.2 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWellington
5.3 km↑128 m1.5–2 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateFeatherston
1.6 km↑104 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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