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Permit neededHard

Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track

Mount Richmond Forest Park · Marlborough · Point to Point

10203044.0 km988 m
↑ 1334 m gain↓ 1111 m descenthigh 988 msteepest 28 %
DISTANCE44.6 km
ASCENT1,334 m
DURATION14.5–15.5 hr
STEEPEST28 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · WALKERS 4.4 · 6
DOG EFFORT4.6 /5 paws
PARKING160 m away

The permit requirement shown here is DOC’s own published rule for this land. The DOC office and signs on the day have the final say. The rule-setter’s own wording: “"Nelson City Council Water Reserves (without Council permits): Maitai Valley, Roding" (Nelson City Council Dog Control Bylaw No. 221, June 2020, Schedule One: Dogs Prohibited Areas). On this walk the Roding Water Reserve boundary takes in about 2.3 km of the route, in eight separate stretches through its middle third, so a dog cannot be walked this track end to end without a Council permit”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetNelson Vets - Victory (after-hours on-call), Nelson~30 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 546 9646
The route

Good to know

A dog permit from Nelson City Council is required before any dog walks here. It is the council’s permit to issue, not DOC’s, and no DOC office can grant it. Apply to the council ahead of your trip. Nelson City Council bans dogs from the Roding water reserve unless the owner holds a Council permit, and the track crosses that reserve for about 2.3 km in the middle of a point to point route, so there is no way to walk it end to end without entering.

River swim spotsForest shade3 swing bridges on routeBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter
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 Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track

This full-day track follows 44.6 km as a point-to-point, near Mount Richmond Forest Park in Marlborough.

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 1,334 m, pitching up to 28 % at its steepest, and takes about 14.5–15.5 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, and big views. A Nelson City Council permit is required before any dog walks here. It is the council’s to issue, not DOC’s, so arrange it with the council ahead of your trip. Walkers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 6 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 Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track?

Not without a dog permit from Nelson City Council. This track crosses council land where dogs are prohibited unless the owner holds that permit, and it is the council’s to issue, so no DOC office can grant it. Apply to Nelson City Council ahead of your trip.

How long is Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track?

Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track is 44.6 km with roughly 1,334 m of climb and takes about 14.5–15.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track?

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 Te Araroa: Pelorus River Track?

Yes. The closest is Butchers Flat Campsite, about 9 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 2 times by the pack, 1 proven with a photo.

Walks nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

EasyHavelock
2.8 km↑122 m45 min
Dog access: Permit needed. Difficulty: Easy.
HardHira
14 km↑436 m3h 27m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Marlborough

EasyPicton
3.2 km↑90 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ExpertPelorus Sound
23 km↑735 m5 hr 53 min
Dog access: Permit needed. Difficulty: Expert.
ModeratePicton
7.6 km↑72 m2–2.5 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyElaine Bay
4.7 km↑135 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

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