On-leadModerate
Waikareo Estuary Walkway Loop
Tauranga · Bay of Plenty · Loop
↑ 34 m gain↓ 34 m descenthigh 15 msteepest 10 %
DISTANCE8.7 km
ASCENT34 m
DURATION2–2.5 hr
STEEPEST10 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 291
DOG EFFORT2.4 /5 paws
PARKING70 m away
Nearest emergency vetBay After Hours Veterinary Hospital (BAHVET), Tauranga
07 220 9775
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.
Lake swimRiver swim spotsOpen track, carry water for the dogPaw-friendly sealed surfaceGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekends
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 Waikareo Estuary Walkway Loop
Waikareo Estuary Walkway Loop covers 8.7 km, near Tauranga in Bay of Plenty, walked as a loop.
Expect moderate going, with around 34 m of climb, pitching up to 10 % at its steepest, and takes about 2–2.5 hr to walk.
The track takes in lakeside stretches, river frontage, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 291 reviews.