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Dogs allowedHard

Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay

Lower Hutt · Wellington · Loop

5101521.9 km377 m
↑ 591 m gain↓ 597 m descenthigh 377 msteepest 27 %
DISTANCE22.2 km
ASCENT591 m
DURATION6.5–7 hr
STEEPEST27 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.5 · 34
DOG EFFORT4.5 /5 paws
PARKING360 m away

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. The rule-setter’s own wording: “Dogs are welcome in the Northern Forest but must be leashed. No dogs allowed in Baring Head or the Parangarahu Lakes. Greater Wellington's East Harbour Regional Park dog rules map shows the Northern Forest as a single zone with one legend entry, Dogs on leads”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~10 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
The route

Good to know

Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.

Forest shadePaw-friendly sealed surface
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.

About Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay

This full-day track follows 22.2 km as a loop, near Lower Hutt in Wellington.

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 591 m, pitching up to 27 % at its steepest, and takes about 6.5–7 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest and big views. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 34 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 Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay. The rule-setter's own wording for this track: "Dogs are welcome in the Northern Forest but must be leashed. No dogs allowed in Baring Head or the Parangarahu Lakes. Greater Wellington's East Harbour Regional Park dog rules map shows the Northern Forest as a single zone with one legend entry, Dogs on leads".

How long is Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay?

Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay is 22.2 km with roughly 591 m of climb and takes about 6.5–7 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Main Ridge Track from Bus Barn to Lowry Bay?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 6 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack.

Walks nearby

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

ModerateLower Hutt
11 km↑522 m4–4.5 hr★4.6 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
2.6 km↑207 m1–1.5 hr★4.8 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

EasyŌtaki
2.1 km↑51 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateWaikanae
1.8 km↑91 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
2.7 km↑120 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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