-37.09107, 175.15440
On-leadModerate

River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground

Papakura · Auckland · Loop

123456.3 km163 m
↑ 77 m gain↓ 76 m descenthigh 163 msteepest 14 %
DISTANCE6.3 km
ASCENT77 m
DURATION2–2.5 hr
STEEPEST14 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 25
DOG EFFORT2.4 /5 paws
PARKING20 m away
Nearest emergency vetManukau After Hours Veterinary Clinic (Night Vet), Auckland~30 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
09 277 8383
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 spotsForest shade
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 River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground

This long track follows 6.3 km as a loop, near Papakura in Auckland.

It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 77 m, pitching up to 14 % at its steepest, and takes about 2–2.5 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 25 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground?

Dogs are welcome on River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground?

River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground is 6.3 km with roughly 77 m of climb and takes about 2–2.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground?

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 River Track Loop from Upper Mangatawhiri Campground?

Yes. The closest is Hotoritori Campsite, about 43 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.

ModeratePapakura
14 km↑122 m4–4.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateDrury
15 km↑156 m4.5–5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModeratePapakura
5.0 km↑213 m1.5–2 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Auckland

EasyAuckland
2.1 km↑42 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyAuckland
1.4 km↑10 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateGreat Barrier Island
9.7 km↑372 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotSealed underfoot
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasySilverdale
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Auckland →

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