-41.06517, 175.19809
Dogs allowedEasy

Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop

Upper Hutt · Wellington · Loop

1234.0 km227 m
↑ 92 m gain↓ 92 m descenthigh 227 msteepest 22 %
DISTANCE4.2 km
ASCENT92 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST22 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.7 · 174
DOG EFFORT2.7 /5 paws
PARKING310 m away

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 vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~45 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
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.

River swim spotsForest 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 Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop

Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop covers 4.2 km, near Upper Hutt in Wellington, walked as a loop.

It sits at the easy end and gains roughly 92 m, pitching up to 22 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, and historic sites. 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 174 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 Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop by name, so this one rests on the licensed walk data and the district-wide rule rather than a rule-setter's own words. Nobody we read prohibits dogs here, but that is not the same as a rule saying yes, so keep the lead handy and let the signs at the gate decide.

How long is Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop?

Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop is 4.2 km with roughly 92 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge 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 Pakuratahi River Walk and Swingbridge Loop?

Yes. The closest is Bucks Road Campsite, about 13 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Shorter walks along this track

Separate walks, each signposted in its own right, that run inside this route.

From the pack

Walked and logged 2 times by the pack.

Walks nearby

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

EasyFeatherston
2.1 km↑40 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyUpper Hutt
1.8 km↑42 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Wellington

HardWaikanae
10 km↑769 m5–5.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
HardWaikanae
12 km↑986 m6–6.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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