Runs along Tararua Southern Crossing, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-40.94283, 175.27155
Dogs allowedHard

Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut

Otaki · Wellington · Point to Point

1234567.9 km1518 m
↑ 446 m gain↓ 722 m descenthigh 1518 msteepest 41 %
DISTANCE8.2 km
ASCENT446 m
DURATION3.5–4 hr
STEEPEST41 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · WALKERS 5.0 · 3
DOG EFFORT4.1 /5 paws

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~60 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.

Open track, carry water for the dogBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter
Check before you go. DOC 1080 caution, no dogs advised until about November 2026. DOC's alert on the Tararua Southern Crossing page: bait went out by helicopter on 11 and 23 March 2026, and a caution period is in place for approximately 8 months. DOC says visitors are advised not to take dogs into the area until the caution period has ended, and that 1080 is deadly to dogs. DOC alert, Predator control for Southern Tararuas (reviewed 21 May 2026)

About Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut

Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut covers 8.2 km, near Ōtaki in Wellington, walked as a point-to-point.

Expect hard going, with around 446 m of climb, pitching up to 41 % at its steepest, and takes about 3.5–4 hr to walk.

Walkers come for big views. 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 5.0 / 5 across 3 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 Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut 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 Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut?

Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut is 8.2 km with roughly 446 m of climb and takes about 3.5–4 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Tararua Southern Crossing: Kime Hut to Alpha Hut?

Yes. The closest is Ōtaki Forks Campsite, about 8 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.

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