-41.26748, 174.75841
Dogs allowedModerate

Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop

Wellington · Loop

2468.2 km402 m
↑ 388 m gain↓ 391 m descenthigh 402 msteepest 25 %
DISTANCE8.4 km
ASCENT388 m
DURATION3–3.5 hr
STEEPEST25 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.5 · 98
DOG EFFORT3.6 /5 paws
PARKING30 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~5 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 weekends3 stiles on route2 cattle grids 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 Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop

Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop is a loop of 8.4 km, in Wellington.

Expect moderate going, with around 388 m of climb, pitching up to 25 % at its steepest, and takes about 3–3.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. 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 4.5 / 5 across 98 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 Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Red Trail and Skyline Walkway 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 Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop?

Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop is 8.4 km with roughly 388 m of climb and takes about 3–3.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Red Trail and Skyline Walkway 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 Red Trail and Skyline Walkway Loop?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 17 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Walks nearby

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

ModerateWellington
2.4 km↑88 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWellington
5.5 km↑268 m2–2.5 hr★4.6 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

EasyPorirua
4.3 km↑42 m0.5–1 hr★4.8 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateMartinborough
0.5 km↑38 mabout 11 min★4.6 rating
Good with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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