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Dogs allowedModerate

New Chum Loop

Arrowtown · Otago · Loop

1234567.3 km659 m
↑ 310 m gain↓ 309 m descenthigh 659 msteepest 35 %
DISTANCE7.4 km
ASCENT310 m
STEEPEST35 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.5 · 572
DOG EFFORT3.8 /5 paws
PARKING40 m away

This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. The rule-setter’s own wording: “Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control at all times. That is the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust's current wording for the Mahu Whenua covenants this walkway crosses; the Trust is the walkway's controlling authority, appointed in the 2022 gazette notice that declared it”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetRemarkable Vets (Queenstown) - 24hr emergency, Queenstown~15 min drive · 24/7
03 442 1411
The route

Good to know

Dogs are allowed here. Watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.

River swim spotsWaterfallForest shadeA 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 New Chum Loop

Near Arrowtown in Otago, New Chum Loop runs 7.4 km as a loop.

New Chum Gully Track is a declared walkway inside the Mahu Whenua covenants, with the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust as its gazetted controlling authority, and the Trust's own page welcomes dogs kept under control at all times. We held this loop at permit while that question was open; the Trust's published wording settles it. It is high, open station country with grazing stock and the odd rogue goat, so keep your dog close and under control the whole way.

Expect moderate going, with around 310 m of climb, pitching up to 35 % at its steepest.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, big views, and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome here. Walkers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 572 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 New Chum Loop?

Yes, dogs are welcome on New Chum Loop. The rule-setter's own wording for this track: "Dogs are welcome but must be kept under control at all times. That is the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust's current wording for the Mahu Whenua covenants this walkway crosses; the Trust is the walkway's controlling authority, appointed in the 2022 gazette notice that declared it".

How long is New Chum Loop?

New Chum Loop is 7.4 km with roughly 310 m of climb.

Is there water for my dog to swim on New Chum Loop?

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 New Chum Loop?

Yes. The closest is Macetown Campsite, about 8 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 3 times by the pack, 1 proven with a photo. first proven by Natalie & Rey.

Walks nearby

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

EasyArrowtown
4.0 km↑6 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateArrowtown
2.3 km↑256 m53 min
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Otago

ModerateMosgiel
6.3 km↑106 m1.5–2 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
Easy
5.0 km↑45 m1h 4m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
Moderate
2.6 km↑281 m59m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateArrowtown
8.0 km↑418 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Otago →

On a curated trip

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

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