On-leadModerate
Waitahinga Dam Loop
Whanganui · Manawatū-Whanganui · Loop
↑ 367 m gain↓ 367 m descenthigh 563 msteepest 27 %
DISTANCE9.3 km
ASCENT367 m
DURATION3.5–4 hr
STEEPEST27 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.2 · 101
DOG EFFORT3.7 /5 paws
Nearest emergency vetMassey University Pet Emergency Centre (Te Pokapu Ohotata), Palmerston North
0800 738 363
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.
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. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.2 / 5 across 101 reviews.