Dogs allowedHard
Dobson Loop Track
Upper Hutt · Wellington · Loop
↑ 746 m gain↓ 743 m descenthigh 655 msteepest 39 %
DISTANCE14.2 km
ASCENT746 m
DURATION5.5–6 hr
STEEPEST39 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.4 · 71
DOG EFFORT4.7 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
Dog-friendly walks near Upper HuttDirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington
04 473 7545
The route
Good to know
Dogs are allowed here. Watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
River swim spotsForest shade
Check before you go. DOC 1080 caution, no dogs advised until about November 2026. DOC's alert on the Dobson Loop Track page: bait went out by helicopter on 11 and 23 March 2026, and a caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. DOC says visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended, and that 1080 is deadly to dogs. DOC alert, Predator control for Southern Tararuas (reviewed 21 May 2026)
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. Walkers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 71 reviews.