Hiking Dogs
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Permit neededModerate

Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora

Te Anau · Southland · Point to Point

246811.8 km632 m
↑ 118 m gain↓ 53 m descenthigh 632 msteepest 9 %
DISTANCE11.9 km
ASCENT118 m
DURATION3–3.5 hr
STEEPEST9 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
DOG EFFORT2.7 /5 paws
Dog-friendly walks near Te AnauDirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadOfficial track pageDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone

The permit requirement shown here is DOC’s own published rule for this land. The DOC office and signs on the day have the final say. DOC’s own wording: “Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetNorthern Southland Vets - Te Anau (24/7 emergency), Te Anau~35 min drive · 24/7
03 249 7039
The route

Good to know

A DOC dog permit is required before any dog walks here. Apply to the managing DOC office ahead of time; do not turn up with the dog first. DOC requires a dog permit for the Snowdon Forest tracks, and dogs are not permitted at all from 1 September to 30 November during lambing and calving on neighbouring land.

This track is in Snowdon Forest, where dogs need a DOC permit. Apply to the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre ahead of time; a permit can take up to five days and is not issued on the track.
Email DOC for the permit

Opens your email app, addressed to [email protected]. You can also call DOC on 0800 275 362.

Lake swimRiver 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 Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora

Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora is a point-to-point of 11.9 km, near Te Anau in Southland.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 118 m overall, pitching up to 9 % at its steepest, and takes about 3–3.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest, lakeside stretches, river frontage, and big views. A DOC dog permit is required before any dog walks here. Arrange it with the managing DOC office ahead of your trip.

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.

Stay & walk

Mavora Lakes Campsite

11.7 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora?

Not without a DOC dog permit. A permit must be arranged from the Fiordland National Park Visitor Centre before any dog walks Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora. Apply ahead of time; permits can take up to five days.

How long is Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora?

Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora is 11.9 km with roughly 118 m of climb and takes about 3–3.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora?

Yes, the track has lake and 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 Kiwi Burn Hut to Lake Mavora?

Yes. The closest is Mavora Lakes Campsite, about 12 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Getting a DOC dog permitDOC dog-access rulesCamping with your dog

Walks nearby

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

Kiwi Burn Loop

ModerateTe Anau
11 km↑155 m3–3.5 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotShade

More in Southland

Taramea Bay Beach

EasyRiverton
0.7 km↑0 m8 min

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