-40.99615, 175.39020
Dogs allowedHard

Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut

Carterton · Wellington · Out & Back

2468101215.9 km682 m
↑ 936 m gain↓ 936 m descenthigh 682 msteepest 61 %
DISTANCE16.3 km
ASCENT936 m
DURATION6.5–7 hr
STEEPEST61 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · WALKERS 4.6 · 10
DOG EFFORT5.0 /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~65 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 Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut

Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut is an out-and-back of 16.3 km, near Carterton in Wellington.

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 936 m, pitching up to 61 % at its steepest, and takes about 6.5–7 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest and river frontage. 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 4.6 / 5 across 10 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 Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut 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 Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut?

Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut is 16.3 km with roughly 936 m of climb and takes about 6.5–7 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut?

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 Waiohine - Cone Hut - Tutuwai Hut?

Yes. The closest is Waiohine Gorge Campsite, about 0 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack.

Walks nearby

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

ModerateCarterton
9.5 km↑228 m2.5–3 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardCarterton
13 km↑730 m5.5–6 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

More in Wellington

Hard
8.0 km↑410 m2h 16m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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