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Off-lead OKEasy

Rough Island Walk

Richmond · Nelson-Tasman · Loop

↑ 0 m gain↓ 0 m descenthigh 4 msteepest 1 %
DISTANCE6.6 km
ASCENT72 m
DURATION1.5–2 hr
STEEPEST1 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 70
DOG EFFORT1.7 /5 paws
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetNelson Vets - Saxton (after-hours on-call), Nelson~10 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 544 5678
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Tasman District Council maps this area as off-lead at Rough Island. Council zones can be tight, so check the local signs on the day. How we check dog rules.
Beach swimOpen track, carry water for the dog

About Rough Island Walk

Rough Island Walk covers 6.6 km, near Richmond in Nelson-Tasman, walked as a loop.

Expect easy going, with around 72 m of climb, pitching up to 1 % at its steepest, and takes about 1.5–2 hr to walk.

Walkers come for beach walking and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 70 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Mill Flat Campsite

39.9 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Butchers Flat Campsite

40.0 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Rough Island Walk?

Yes. Rough Island Walk 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 Rough Island Walk?

Rough Island Walk is 6.6 km with roughly 72 m of climb and takes about 1.5–2 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Rough Island Walk?

Yes, the track has beach 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 Rough Island Walk?

Yes. The closest is Mill Flat Campsite, about 40 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.

Monaco Peninsula Walk

EasyNelson
3.7 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Orphanage Stream

EasyStoke
0.1 km↑0 m1m

More in Nelson-Tasman

Putakari

EasyHIRA
1.5 km↑0 m18m

Railway Reserve

EasyStoke
0.7 km↑9 m9m

Ridgeway Hills

EasyStoke
1.3 km↑42 m19m

See every dog-friendly track in Nelson-Tasman →

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