Off-lead OKEasy
Waikanae River Trail
Waikanae · Wellington · Out & Back
↑ 52 m gain↓ 50 m descenthigh 29 msteepest 7 %
DISTANCE11.7 km
ASCENT52 m
DURATION2.5–3 hr
STEEPEST7 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 99
DOG EFFORT2.5 /5 paws
PARKING430 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington
04 473 7545
The route
Good to know
Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.
Beach swimLake swimRiver swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogGood with kids2 stiles on route
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 Waikanae River Trail
Near Waikanae in Wellington, Waikanae River Trail runs 11.7 km as an out-and-back.
Graded easy, it climbs about 52 m overall, pitching up to 7 % at its steepest, and takes about 2.5–3 hr to walk.
The track takes in beach walking, lakeside stretches, and river frontage. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 99 reviews.