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 is replacing the 70 year old Major Jones bridge. DOC says construction runs between 20 April and 30 September 2026, and that the existing bridge and the Tongariro River Trail will generally remain open, with temporary windows of closure to keep visitors safe. Emma and Baxter walked it on 30 August 2026 and found the old bridge still crossable both ways, with a short track closure on the true left and a detour down by the river to get past it. DOC, New bridge underway for Tongariro River Trail (14 April 2026)
Check before you go. The Tongariro River is home to the endangered whio (blue duck). DOC asks you to keep dogs under control at all times, and on a leash during whio nesting season, August to October. DOC, Tongariro River Trail
About TRT - Tongariro River W/Way
This long walk follows 5.8 km, in Waikato.
Graded moderate, it climbs about 25 m overall, pitching up to 6 % at its steepest, and takes about 1h 12m 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
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