-39.15454, 175.83355
Dogs allowedHard

Mount Urchin Track

Turangi · Waikato · Out & Back

123456.7 km1376 m
↑ 567 m gain↓ 567 m descenthigh 1376 msteepest 37 %
DISTANCE7.1 km
ASCENT567 m
DURATION3–3.5 hr
STEEPEST37 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · WALKERS 4.7 · 165
DOG EFFORT4.4 /5 paws

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Evidence: inferred from the licensed data only. Walked it and read the sign? Send us the rule and this line retires. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetHBAH - Hawke's Bay Urgent Care & After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Hastings~115 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
06 651 7103
The route

Good to know

Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy, read the signs at the gate, and give ground-nesting birds and stock their room.

This track is in Kaimanawa Forest Park, where dogs need a DOC permit. Apply to the Tūrangi DOC office ahead of time; a permit can take up to five days and is not issued on the track.
Email DOC for the permit

Opens your email app, addressed to [email protected]. You can also call DOC on 0800 275 362.

Forest shadeA popular track, busy on weekendsBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter

About Mount Urchin Track

This long track follows 7.1 km as an out-and-back, near Tūrangi in Waikato.

Expect hard going, with around 567 m of climb, pitching up to 37 % at its steepest, and takes about 3–3.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest and big views. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but no rule-setter publishes wording for this track by name, so the district-wide rule is what applies. Keep the lead handy and read the signs at the gate. Walkers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 165 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Mount Urchin Track?

Yes, once you hold the DOC dog permit for the area, arranged with the Tūrangi DOC office before you go.

How long is Mount Urchin Track?

Mount Urchin Track is 7.1 km with roughly 567 m of climb and takes about 3–3.5 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Mount Urchin Track?

Yes. The closest is Urchin Campsite, about 1 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 8 times by the pack, 5 proven with a photo. first proven by Emma & Baxter.

Walks nearby

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

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EasyTūrangi
0.5 km↑31 mabout 8 min★3.8 rating
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Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateTairua
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See every dog-friendly track in Waikato →

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