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Off-lead OKEasy

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

Carterton · Wellington · Loop

0.511.522.533.9 km369 m
↑ 73 m gain↓ 71 m descenthigh 369 msteepest 10 %
DISTANCE4.0 km
ASCENT73 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST10 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.7 · 57
DOG EFFORT2.1 /5 paws
PARKING20 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapu Ohotata), Palmerston North~70 min drive · 24/7
0800 738 363
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

River swim spotsForest shadeGood with kids
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 Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk covers 4.0 km, near Carterton in Wellington, walked as a loop.

Graded easy, it climbs about 73 m overall, pitching up to 10 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest and river frontage. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 57 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Holdsworth Campsite

0.0 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Kiriwhakapapa Campsite

12.3 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Donnelly Flat Loop Walk?

Yes. Donnelly Flat Loop Walk is one of only 323 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is Donnelly Flat Loop Walk?

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk is 4.0 km with roughly 73 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Donnelly Flat Loop 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 Donnelly Flat Loop Walk?

Yes. The closest is Holdsworth Campsite, about 0 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Where dogs are welcome in NZCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track

HardUpper Hutt
37 km↑1244 m12.5–13.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade

More in Wellington

Pinkerton Park Walk

EasyWellington
0.8 km↑26 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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