-46.61833, 169.01237
Dogs allowedModerate

Waipohatu Waterfalls Track

Tokanui · Southland · Loop

123456.0 km177 m
↑ 197 m gain↓ 196 m descenthigh 177 msteepest 25 %
DISTANCE6.3 km
ASCENT197 m
DURATION2–2.5 hr
STEEPEST25 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.0 · 265
DOG EFFORT3.2 /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 vetElles Road Veterinary Centre (Invercargill) - 24/7 after-hours, Invercargill~60 min drive · 24/7
03 214 4156
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 spotsWaterfallForest shadeA 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 Waipohatu Waterfalls Track

Waipohatu Waterfalls Track is a loop of 6.3 km, near Tokanui in Southland.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 197 m overall, pitching up to 25 % at its steepest, and takes about 2–2.5 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, and waterfalls. 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 4.0 / 5 across 265 reviews.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Waipohatu Waterfalls Track?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Waipohatu Waterfalls Track 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 Waipohatu Waterfalls Track?

Waipohatu Waterfalls Track is 6.3 km with roughly 197 m of climb and takes about 2–2.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Waipohatu Waterfalls Track?

Yes, the track has river and waterfall access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

From the pack

Walked and logged 6 times by the pack, 3 proven with a photo. first proven by Ashley & Dexter.

Walks nearby

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

ModerateTokanui
1.6 km↑36 m0.5–1 hr★4.8 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Southland

ModerateWinton
3.5 km↑148 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWinton
11 km↑344 m3.5–4 hr★4.3 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyInvercargill
2.1 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★3.9 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Southland →

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