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On-leadEasy

Masterton Riverbank Walkway

Masterton · Wellington · Out & Back

↑ 9 m gain↓ 10 m descenthigh 115 msteepest 3 %
DISTANCE4.2 km
ASCENT9 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST3 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 27
DOG EFFORT1.6 /5 paws
PARKING140 m away
Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapu Ohotata), Palmerston North~75 min drive · 24/7
0800 738 363
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.

Lake swimRiver swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogGood 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 Masterton Riverbank Walkway

Masterton Riverbank Walkway covers 4.2 km, near Masterton in Wellington, walked as an out-and-back.

Graded easy, it climbs about 9 m overall, pitching up to 3 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in lakeside stretches and river frontage. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 27 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 Masterton Riverbank Walkway?

Dogs are welcome on Masterton Riverbank Walkway on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Masterton Riverbank Walkway?

Masterton Riverbank Walkway is 4.2 km with roughly 9 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Masterton Riverbank Walkway?

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 Masterton Riverbank Walkway?

Yes. The closest is Holdsworth Campsite, about 17 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.

EasyMasterton
4.3 km↑10 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyMasterton
1.6 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
Easy
1.1 km↑13 m14m
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Wellington

ModerateWellington
6.9 km↑258 m2–2.5 hr★3.9 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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