-46.13464, 168.60163
Dogs allowedEasy

Forks Flat Track

Dunsdale · Southland · Loop

↑ 27 m gain↓ 27 m descenthigh 125 msteepest 6 %
DISTANCE3.9 km
ASCENT27 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST6 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.4 · 8
DOG EFFORT1.8 /5 paws

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Evidence: inferred from the licensed data only. Walked it and read the sign? Send us the rule and this line retires. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetNorthern Southland Vets - Riversdale (24/7 emergency), Riversdale~30 min drive · 24/7
03 202 5636
The route

Good to know

Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy, read the signs at the gate, and give ground-nesting birds and stock their room.

River swim spotsWaterfallOpen track, carry water for the dogGood with kids
Check before you go. Dunsdale Recreation Reserve, which this track sits in, shuts for the winter and the gates are locked. Southland District Council says it is closed from 30 April 2026 until late September. DOC's track page carries no alert, so check the council page before you drive out. Southland District Council, Parks, reserves and playgrounds
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 Forks Flat Track

Forks Flat Track covers 3.9 km, near Dunsdale in Southland, walked as a loop.

The track loops through Dunsdale Recreation Reserve at 370 Hokonui Road, Dunsdale, in the Hokonui Hills, not in Invercargill itself. The reserve closes over winter: Southland District Council publishes it as closed from 30 April 2026 until late September, and the gate is shut for the whole of that time. DOC's page for the track shows no alert, so the council listing is the one to trust before you set off.

Expect easy going, with around 27 m of climb, pitching up to 6 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there are river frontage and waterfalls. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy and read the signs at the gate. Walkers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 8 reviews.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Forks Flat Track?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Forks Flat Track by name, so this one rests on the licensed walk data and the district-wide rule rather than a rule-setter's own words. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but that is not the same as a rule saying yes, so keep the lead handy and let the signs at the gate decide.

How long is Forks Flat Track?

Forks Flat Track is 3.9 km with roughly 27 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Forks Flat Track?

Yes, the track has river and waterfall access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

Walks nearby

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

ModerateWinton
3.5 km↑148 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWinton
11 km↑344 m3.5–4 hr★4.3 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWinton
6.3 km↑6 m1.5–2 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyWinton
1.0 km↑0 mabout 14 min★4.7 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Southland

EasyInvercargill
2.6 km↑6 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyRiverton
0.7 km↑0 m8 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Southland →

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