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Off-lead OKEasy

Opepe Northern Walking Track

Taupo · Waikato · Loop

↑ 11 m gain↓ 10 m descenthigh 733 msteepest 6 %
DISTANCE1.6 km
ASCENT11 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST6 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 27
DOG EFFORT1.5 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetHBAH - Hawke's Bay Urgent Care & After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Hastings~130 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
06 651 7103
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Forest shadeGood with kids

About Opepe Northern Walking Track

This short track follows 1.6 km as a loop, near Taupo in Waikato.

Graded easy, it climbs about 11 m overall, pitching up to 6 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest and historic sites. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 27 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Clements Clearing Campsite

20.3 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Kakapo Campsite

21.1 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Opepe Northern Walking Track?

Yes. Opepe Northern Walking Track is one of only 323 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is Opepe Northern Walking Track?

Opepe Northern Walking Track is 1.6 km with roughly 11 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Opepe Northern Walking Track?

Yes. The closest is Clements Clearing Campsite, about 20 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Where dogs are welcome in NZCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Opepe Southern Walking Track

EasyTaupo
2.9 km↑53 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Opepe North Tk

Easy
1.2 km↑12 m16m

Opepe South Tk

Easy
3.1 km↑57 m43m

More in Waikato

Pauanui Trail

ModerateHikuai
9.0 km↑67 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Peacockes Reserve Esplanade Track

EasyHamilton
1.1 km↑20 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfootGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Waikato →

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