-40.90675, 175.47940
Dogs allowedHard

Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track

Upper Hutt · Wellington · Point to Point

5101520253036.4 km757 m
↑ 1244 m gain↓ 1305 m descenthigh 757 msteepest 42 %
DISTANCE36.9 km
ASCENT1,244 m
DURATION12.5–13.5 hr
STEEPEST42 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · WALKERS 4.4 · 3
DOG EFFORT5.0 /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 shade
Check before you go. DOC 1080 caution, no dogs advised until about November 2026. DOC's alert on the Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track page: bait went out by helicopter on 11 and 23 March 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 Southern Tararuas (reviewed 21 May 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.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.

About Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track

Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track is a point-to-point of 36.9 km, near Upper Hutt in Wellington.

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 1,244 m, pitching up to 42 % at its steepest, and takes about 12.5–13.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest, river frontage, and big views. 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 3 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 Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Holdsworth - Kaitoke 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 Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track?

Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track is 36.9 km with roughly 1,244 m of climb and takes about 12.5–13.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track?

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 Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track?

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.

Shorter walks along this track

Separate walks, each signposted in its own right, that run inside this route.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack, 1 proven with a photo. first proven by Suzanne & Willie.

Walks nearby

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

HardTararua Forest Park
4.3 km↑366 m2–2.5 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Wellington

ModerateParaparaumu
5.5 km↑275 mabout 1 hr 33
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyLower Hutt
7.2 km↑10 m1.5–2 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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