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Off-lead OKEasy

Pakowhai Regional Park Loop

Hastings · Hawke's Bay · Loop

↑ 3 m gain↓ 3 m descenthigh 12 msteepest 6 %
DISTANCE1.8 km
ASCENT19 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST6 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.2 · 20
DOG EFFORT1.4 /5 paws
PARKING40 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~5 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.

River swim spotsForest shadeGood with kidsKissing gate on route
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 Pakowhai Regional Park Loop

Near Hastings in Hawke's Bay, Pakowhai Regional Park Loop runs 1.8 km as a loop.

Graded easy, it climbs about 19 m overall, pitching up to 6 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest and river frontage. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.2 / 5 across 20 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Waikari River Mouth Campsite

51.8 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Glenfalls Campsite

54.0 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Pakowhai Regional Park Loop?

Yes. Pakowhai Regional Park Loop 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 Pakowhai Regional Park Loop?

Pakowhai Regional Park Loop is 1.8 km with roughly 19 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Pakowhai Regional Park Loop?

Yes, the track has river 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 Pakowhai Regional Park Loop?

Yes. The closest is Waikari River Mouth Campsite, about 52 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.

Hastings to Clive Pathway

ModerateHastings
7.6 km↑0 m1.5–2 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spot

Frimley Park Walk

EasyHastings
1.3 km↑8 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids

More in Hawke's Bay

Park Island Loop

EasyNapier
2.3 km↑12 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
ShadeSealed underfoot

Sugar Loaf Loop Track

EasyNapier
3.7 km↑111 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade

See every dog-friendly track in Hawke's Bay →

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