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-36.30181, 175.51606
On-leadModerate

Kowhai Valley Track

Great Barrier Island · Auckland · Out & Back

24689.7 km276 m
↑ 372 m gain↓ 372 m descenthigh 276 msteepest 26 %
DISTANCE9.8 km
ASCENT372 m
DURATION3.5–4 hr
STEEPEST26 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.6 · 10
DOG EFFORT3.6 /5 paws
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetEvening Vet, Auckland~95 min drive · extended
09 217 9249
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.

Beach swimOpen track, carry water for the dogGood with kids

About Kowhai Valley Track

Kowhai Valley Track covers 9.8 km, near Great Barrier Island in Auckland, walked as an out-and-back.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 372 m overall, pitching up to 26 % at its steepest, and takes about 3.5–4 hr to walk.

Walkers come for beach walking and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 10 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Whakaipo Campsite (self-contained only)

19.4 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Kowhai Valley Track?

Dogs are welcome on Kowhai Valley Track on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Kowhai Valley Track?

Kowhai Valley Track is 9.8 km with roughly 372 m of climb and takes about 3.5–4 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Kowhai Valley Track?

Yes, the track has beach 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 Kowhai Valley Track?

Yes. The closest is Whakaipo Campsite (self-contained only), about 19 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

DOC dog-access rulesCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Tryphena Path

EasyGreat Barrier Island
3.7 km↑144 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Medlands to Tryphina

ModerateGreat Barrier Island
9.7 km↑372 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotSealed underfoot

More in Auckland

Churchill Park Loop

EasyAuckland
1.9 km↑22 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfootGood with kids

Churchill Park Walk

EasyAuckland
2.6 km↑43 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Good with kids

Clearwater Cove Path

EasyAuckland
3.9 km↑34 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
ShadeSealed underfootGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Auckland →

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