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Off-lead OKEasy

Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway

Tauranga · Bay of Plenty · Loop

↑ 7 m gain↓ 6 m descenthigh 8 msteepest 4 %
DISTANCE2.6 km
ASCENT7 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST4 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.3 · 60
DOG EFFORT1.4 /5 paws
PARKING480 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetBay After Hours Veterinary Hospital (BAHVET), Tauranga~5 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
07 220 9775
The route

Good to know

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

Lake swimOpen track, carry water for the dogGood 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 Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway

Near Tauranga in Bay of Plenty, Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway runs 2.6 km as a loop.

Expect easy going, with around 7 m of climb, pitching up to 4 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Walkers come for lakeside stretches. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 60 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Dickey Flat Campsite

42.4 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway?

Yes. Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway 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 Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway?

Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway is 2.6 km with roughly 7 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway?

Yes, the track has lake 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 Gordon Carmichael Reserve Walkway?

Yes. The closest is Dickey Flat Campsite, about 42 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.

Fergusson Park Loop

EasyTauranga
1.4 km↑7 m0.5–1 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Cambridge Park Loop

EasyTauranga
1.9 km↑14 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Good with kids

Waikareo Estuary Walkway Loop

ModerateTauranga
8.7 km↑34 m2–2.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

More in Bay of Plenty

Hannahs Bay Reserve Loop

EasyRotorua
1.9 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

I'Anson Bush Reserve Loop

EasyTauranga
1.9 km↑15 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Johnson Reserve Loop

EasyTauranga
3.9 km↑35 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Bay of Plenty →

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