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On-leadEasy

Purakaunui Falls Track

Owaka · Otago · Out & Back

↑ 18 m gain↓ 19 m descenthigh 99 msteepest 11 %

DISTANCE0.8 km

ASCENT18 m

DURATION0.5–1 hr

STEEPEST11 %

ROUTEOut & Back

RATING · HIKERS 4.7 · 244

DOG EFFORT1.9 /5 paws

PARKING10 m away

Directions Apple Maps Forecast at the trailhead Download GPX Send the start point to your phone

Nearest emergency vetNorthern Southland Vets - Riversdale (24/7 emergency), Riversdale~105 min drive · 24/7

03 202 5636

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.

River swim spotsWaterfallForest shadeGood with kidsA 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 Purakaunui Falls Track

Purakaunui Falls Track is an out-and-back of 0.8 km, near Owaka in Otago.

Graded easy, it climbs about 18 m overall, pitching up to 11 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, and waterfalls. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 244 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Purakaunui Bay Campsite

5.2 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Tawanui Campsite

8.1 km awayCampsite details →

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Purakaunui Falls Track?

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

How long is Purakaunui Falls Track?

Purakaunui Falls Track is 0.8 km with roughly 18 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Purakaunui Falls Track?

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 Purakaunui Falls Track?

Yes. The closest is Purakaunui Bay Campsite, about 5 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Hikes nearby

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

Purakaunui Bay Walk

EasyOwaka

1.3 km↑16 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating

Swim spot

Matai Falls Walk

Easy

0.9 km↑23 m13m

Matai and Horseshoe Falls

ModerateOwaka

1.1 km↑36 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating

Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Barrs Falls Walk

EasyOwaka

0.2 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★3.7 rating

Swim spotShadeGood with kids

On a curated trip

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

The Catlins Coast

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