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Dogs allowedHard

Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop

Carterton · Wellington · Loop

246811.2 km784 m
↑ 495 m gain↓ 492 m descenthigh 784 msteepest 34 %
DISTANCE11.4 km
ASCENT495 m
DURATION4–4.5 hr
STEEPEST34 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.5 · 102
DOG EFFORT4.2 /5 paws
PARKING70 m away

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 vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapū Ohotata), Palmerston North~70 min drive · 24/7
0800 738 363
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 spotsForest shadeA popular track, busy on weekends
Check before you go. DOC 1080 caution, no dogs advised until about January 2027. DOC's alert on the River Ridge Track page: bait went out by helicopter on 19 May 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 part of Tararua Forest Park (reviewed 3 June 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 Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop

Near Carterton in Wellington, Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop runs 11.4 km as a loop.

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 495 m, pitching up to 34 % at its steepest, and takes about 4–4.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. 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 4.5 / 5 across 102 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop 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 Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop?

Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop is 11.4 km with roughly 495 m of climb and takes about 4–4.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop?

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 Gentle Annie and River Ridge Tracks Loop?

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.

Walks nearby

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

HardUpper Hutt
37 km↑1244 m12.5–13.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
HardTararua Forest Park
4.3 km↑366 m2–2.5 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Wellington

EasyWellington
3.4 km↑52 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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