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On-leadModerate

Nicols Falls

Dunedin · Otago · Out & Back

0.511.3 km245 m
↑ 103 m gain↓ 103 m descenthigh 245 msteepest 25 %
DISTANCE1.3 km
ASCENT103 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST25 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 119
DOG EFFORT3.5 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetDunedin Emergency & After-Hours Vet Clinic (DEVC), Dunedin~5 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 477 7233
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.

WaterfallForest shadeGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekends

About Nicols Falls

Nicols Falls covers 1.3 km, near Dunedin in Otago, walked as an out-and-back.

Expect moderate going, with around 103 m of climb, pitching up to 25 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 119 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Trotters Gorge Campsite

52.6 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Nicols Falls?

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

How long is Nicols Falls?

Nicols Falls is 1.3 km with roughly 103 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Nicols Falls?

Yes, the track has 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 Nicols Falls?

Yes. The closest is Trotters Gorge Campsite, about 53 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

DOC dog-access rulesCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Nicols Creek Walk

ModerateDunedin
0.6 km↑45 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Ross Creek Reservoir Trail

EasyDunedin
3.1 km↑57 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Woodhaugh Gardens Loop

EasyDunedin
1.1 km↑6 m0.5–1 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

More in Otago

Mount Iron Track

ModerateWanaka
4.7 km↑235 m1.5–2 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Otago →

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