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On-leadModerate

Mclean Falls Walk

Tokanui · Southland · Out & Back

↑ 36 m gain↓ 36 m descenthigh 79 msteepest 15 %

DISTANCE1.6 km

ASCENT36 m

DURATION0.5–1 hr

STEEPEST15 %

ROUTEOut & Back

RATING · HIKERS 4.8 · 354

DOG EFFORT2.2 /5 paws

PARKING10 m away

Directions Apple Maps Forecast at the trailhead Download GPX Send the start point to your phone

Nearest emergency vetElles Road Veterinary Centre (Invercargill) - 24/7 after-hours, Invercargill~90 min drive · 24/7

03 214 4156

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.

River swim spotsWaterfallForest shadeGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekends

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 Mclean Falls Walk

This short track follows 1.6 km as an out-and-back, near Tokanui in Southland.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 36 m overall, pitching up to 15 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.8 / 5 across 354 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Papatowai Campsite

9.5 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Tawanui Campsite

17.0 km awayCampsite details →

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Mclean Falls Walk?

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

How long is Mclean Falls Walk?

Mclean Falls Walk is 1.6 km with roughly 36 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Mclean Falls Walk?

Yes, the track has river and 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 Mclean Falls Walk?

Yes. The closest is Papatowai Campsite, about 10 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.

Sir Truby King Railway Bridge Walking Track

EasyOwaka

1.1 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr

Swim spot

Matai and Horseshoe Falls

ModerateOwaka

1.1 km↑36 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating

Swim spotShadeGood with kids

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

On a curated trip

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

The Catlins Coast

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