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On-leadEasy

Motueka Inlet Walkway

Motueka · Nelson-Tasman · Loop

↑ 3 m gain↓ 3 m descenthigh 4 msteepest 2 %

DISTANCE4.0 km

ASCENT28 m

DURATION0.5–1 hr

STEEPEST2 %

ROUTELoop

RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 86

DOG EFFORT1.5 /5 paws

PARKING110 m away

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

Nearest emergency vetNelson Vets - Victory (after-hours on-call), Nelson~35 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)

03 546 9646

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.

Beach swimLake swimOpen track, carry water for the dogGood 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 Motueka Inlet Walkway

Near Motueka in Nelson-Tasman, Motueka Inlet Walkway runs 4.0 km as a loop.

Graded easy, it climbs about 28 m overall, pitching up to 2 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Along the way there are beach walking, lakeside stretches, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 86 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Butchers Flat Campsite

55.9 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Mill Flat Campsite

58.9 km awayCampsite details →

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Motueka Inlet Walkway?

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

How long is Motueka Inlet Walkway?

Motueka Inlet Walkway is 4.0 km with roughly 28 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Motueka Inlet Walkway?

Yes, the track has beach and lake 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 Motueka Inlet Walkway?

Yes. The closest is Butchers Flat Campsite, about 56 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.

Motueka Inlet Short Loop

EasyMotueka

1.0 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating

Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Rough Island Walk

EasyRichmond

6.6 km↑0 m1.5–2 hr★4.5 rating

Swim spot

Eves Valley Reserve Walk

EasyBrightwater

2.1 km↑19 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating

ShadeGood with kids

Monaco Peninsula Walk

EasyNelson

3.7 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating

Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

On a curated trip

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

Nelson to Golden Bay

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