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On-leadModerate

Matai and Horseshoe Falls

Owaka · Otago · Out & Back

↑ 36 m gain↓ 36 m descenthigh 139 msteepest 13 %
DISTANCE1.1 km
ASCENT36 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST13 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 145
DOG EFFORT2.2 /5 paws
PARKING20 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetNorthern Southland Vets - Riversdale (24/7 emergency), Riversdale~100 min drive · 24/7
03 202 5636
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.

WaterfallForest shadeGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekends

About Matai and Horseshoe Falls

This short track follows 1.1 km as an out-and-back, near Owaka in Otago.

Expect moderate going, with around 36 m of climb, pitching up to 13 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 145 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Tawanui Campsite

5.3 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Papatowai Campsite

6.2 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Matai and Horseshoe Falls?

Dogs are welcome on Matai and Horseshoe Falls on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Matai and Horseshoe Falls?

Matai and Horseshoe Falls is 1.1 km with roughly 36 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Matai and Horseshoe Falls?

Yes, the track has waterfall 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 Matai and Horseshoe Falls?

Yes. The closest is Tawanui Campsite, about 5 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.

Matai Falls Walk

Easy
0.9 km↑23 m13m

Purakaunui Falls Track

EasyOwaka
0.8 km↑18 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Purakaunui Bay Walk

EasyOwaka
1.3 km↑16 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot

More in Otago

Nicholsons Track

EasyAlexandra
2.7 km↑0 m31m

Nicols Creek Walk

ModerateDunedin
0.6 km↑45 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Nicols Falls

ModerateDunedin
1.3 km↑103 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Oamaru Public Gardens

EasyOamaru
1.8 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Good with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Otago →

On a curated trip

This track is one leg of a longer dog-friendly route.

The Catlins Coast
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