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Dogs allowedModerate

Waitahinga Dam Loop

Whanganui · Manawatū-Whanganui · Loop

2469.2 km563 m
↑ 367 m gain↓ 367 m descenthigh 563 msteepest 27 %
DISTANCE9.3 km
ASCENT367 m
DURATION3.5–4 hr
STEEPEST27 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.2 · 101
DOG EFFORT3.7 /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 vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapū Ohotata), Palmerston North~110 min drive · 24/7
0800 738 363
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 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 Waitahinga Dam Loop

This long track follows 9.3 km as a loop, near Whanganui in Manawatū-Whanganui.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 367 m overall, pitching up to 27 % at its steepest, and takes about 3.5–4 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 4.2 / 5 across 101 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 Waitahinga Dam Loop?

Probably, and here is exactly what we know. No authority publishes dog wording for Waitahinga Dam Loop 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 Waitahinga Dam Loop?

Waitahinga Dam Loop is 9.3 km with roughly 367 m of climb and takes about 3.5–4 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Waitahinga Dam Loop?

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.

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.

More in Manawatū-Whanganui

ModeratePalmerston North
1.4 km↑71 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyPalmerston North
12 km↑83 m2.5–3 hr
Swim spotSealed underfoot
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyPalmerston North
3.5 km↑38 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Good with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Manawatū-Whanganui →

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