Runs along Kaitoke Roadend to Tutuwai Hut, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.
-41.01005, 175.32510
Dogs allowedModerate

Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend

Upper Hutt · Wellington · Point to Point

24681013.8 km465 m
↑ 342 m gain↓ 390 m descenthigh 465 msteepest 24 %
DISTANCE14.0 km
ASCENT342 m
DURATION4–4.5 hr
STEEPEST24 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · WALKERS 3.8 · 16
DOG EFFORT3.8 /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.

River swim spotsForest shade
Check before you go. DOC 1080 caution, no dogs advised until about November 2026. DOC's alert on the Tutuwai Hut 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)
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.

About Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend

Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend covers 14.0 km, near Upper Hutt in Wellington, walked as a point-to-point.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 342 m overall, pitching up to 24 % at its steepest, and takes about 4–4.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, and 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 3.8 / 5 across 16 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 Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend 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 Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend?

Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend is 14.0 km with roughly 342 m of climb and takes about 4–4.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend?

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 Tutuwai Hut to Kaitoke Roadend?

Yes. The closest is Waiohine Gorge Campsite, about 6 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.

HardŌtaki
6.6 km↑1057 m3.5–4 hr
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateUpper Hutt
6.6 km↑233 m3.5–4 hr
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
Hard
12 km↑413 m3h 3m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Wellington

ModerateWellington
6.9 km↑258 m2–2.5 hr★3.9 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWaikanae
1.5 km↑278 m45m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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