Off-lead OKHard
Fowlers Pass Track
Hanmer Springs · Canterbury · Out & Back
↑ 910 m gain↓ 910 m descenthigh 1289 msteepest 20 %
DISTANCE32.5 km
ASCENT910 m
DURATION10.5–11.5 hr
STEEPEST20 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.6 · 14
DOG EFFORT4.3 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
Nearest emergency vetNelson Vets - Saxton (after-hours on-call), Nelson
03 544 5678
The route
Good to know
Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.
Lake swimRiver swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter
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.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About Fowlers Pass Track
This full-day track follows 32.5 km as an out-and-back, near Hanmer Springs in Canterbury.
Graded hard, it climbs about 910 m overall, pitching up to 20 % at its steepest, and takes about 10.5–11.5 hr to walk.
Along the way there are lakeside stretches, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 14 reviews.