Runs along Holdsworth - Kaitoke Track, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-41.07526, 175.22819
Dogs allowedModerate

Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek

Featherston · Wellington · Out & Back

1234567.8 km465 m
↑ 324 m gain↓ 323 m descenthigh 465 msteepest 24 %
DISTANCE8.0 km
ASCENT324 m
DURATION2.5–3 hr
STEEPEST24 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · WALKERS 4.3 · 15
DOG EFFORT3.4 /5 paws
PARKING20 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 vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~45 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
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 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 Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek

Near Featherston in Wellington, Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek runs 8.0 km as an out-and-back.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 324 m overall, pitching up to 24 % at its steepest, and takes about 2.5–3 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildlife. 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 4.3 / 5 across 15 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 Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek 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 Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek?

Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek is 8.0 km with roughly 324 m of climb and takes about 2.5–3 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek?

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 Kaitoki /Kiwi Ranch carpark to Smith's Creek?

Yes. The closest is Bucks Road Campsite, about 10 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
14 km↑746 m5.5–6 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Wellington

EasyWaikanae
1.4 km↑0 mabout 17 min★4.9 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
HardCarterton
13 km↑730 m5.5–6 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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