On-leadModerate
Taylor River Trail
Blenheim · Marlborough · Out & Back
↑ 54 m gain↓ 52 m descenthigh 62 msteepest 3 %
DISTANCE20.4 km
ASCENT54 m
DURATION5–5.5 hr
STEEPEST3 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.3 · 76
DOG EFFORT3.2 /5 paws
PARKING30 m away
Nearest emergency vetNelson Vets - Victory (after-hours on-call), Nelson
03 546 9646
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.
Marlborough District Council maps this area as on-lead at Taylor Dam Reserve - Vested. Council zones can be tight, so check the local signs on the day. How we check dog rules.
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.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About Taylor River Trail
Near Blenheim in Marlborough, Taylor River Trail runs 20.4 km as an out-and-back.
It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 54 m, pitching up to 3 % at its steepest, and takes about 5–5.5 hr to walk.
Walkers come for lakeside stretches, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 76 reviews.