-41.17081, 174.98798
On-leadModerate

Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve

Lower Hutt · Wellington · Loop

1234567.2 km248 m
↑ 221 m gain↓ 222 m descenthigh 248 msteepest 20 %
DISTANCE7.4 km
ASCENT221 m
DURATION2–2.5 hr
STEEPEST20 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 3.6 · 16
DOG EFFORT3.0 /5 paws
PARKING180 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~20 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
The route

Good to know

On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.

River swim spotsForest shadeGood 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 Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve

This long track follows 7.4 km as a loop, near Lower Hutt in Wellington.

It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 221 m, pitching up to 20 % at its steepest, and takes about 2–2.5 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 3.6 / 5 across 16 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve?

Dogs are welcome on Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve?

Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve is 7.4 km with roughly 221 m of climb and takes about 2–2.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve?

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 Kingsley Loop Track from Horoeka Reserve?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 21 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Hikes nearby

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

ModerateLower Hutt
1.3 km↑54 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
7.2 km↑326 m2.5–3 hr★4.0 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
8.2 km↑342 m3–3.5 hr★4.2 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

EasyWellington
3.4 km↑52 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateWellington
7.9 km↑304 m2.5–3 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardWaikanae
26 km↑885 m8.5–9 hr
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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