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Off-lead OKEasy

Matekai Park Loop Walk

Oakura · Taranaki · Loop

↑ 3 m gain↓ 3 m descenthigh 18 msteepest 3 %
DISTANCE1.3 km
ASCENT10 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST3 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.7 · 5
DOG EFFORT1.3 /5 paws
PARKING170 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetA+ VET - Afterhours Plus Vet Emergency Taranaki, New Plymouth~15 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
06 242 1278
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Beach swimForest shadeGood with kids

About Matekai Park Loop Walk

This short track follows 1.3 km as a loop, near Oakura in Taranaki.

It sits at the easy end and gains roughly 10 m, pitching up to 3 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Along the way there are beach walking and native forest. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 5 reviews.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Matekai Park Loop Walk?

Yes. Matekai Park Loop Walk is one of only 323 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is Matekai Park Loop Walk?

Matekai Park Loop Walk is 1.3 km with roughly 10 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Matekai Park Loop Walk?

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.

Where dogs are welcome in NZGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Tapuae Beach Walk

ModerateNew Plymouth
5.0 km↑14 m1–1.5 hr★5.0 rating
Swim spot

Barrett Lagoon Loop Track

EasyNew Plymouth
1.9 km↑44 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

More in Taranaki

Waiwhakaiho Walkway

EasyNew Plymouth
3.5 km↑41 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Taranaki →

On a curated trip

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

Taranaki Coastal Walkway & Ōakura
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