Dogs are allowed here. Watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
Usually a quiet track
Check before you go. DOC 1080 caution, no dogs advised until about January 2027. DOC's alert on the Ōtaki Forks Campsite (School House Flat) page, where this loop starts: DOC and OSPRI distributed toxic cereal bait pellets by helicopter in this part of Tararua Forest Park, most recently on 19 May 2026. A caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. Visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended. 1080 is deadly to dogs. DOC alert, Predator control Tararua Forest Park (reviewed 21 May 2026)
About School Flat Nature Loop Track
School Flat Nature Loop Track covers 0.2 km, in Wellington.
Graded easy, it stays flat overall, and takes about 2m to walk.
Dogs are welcome here.
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.
Save and Been here stay on this device, no account needed, and show up on your walks. Logging on the live map plants Banks’ paw on the trailhead; prove the walk with a photo of your dog and it scores on the leaderboard.
Log it with your dog and keep the record
Join the pack: log walks, earn XP, get your dog drawn, and help keep every dog rule in New Zealand honest.