On-leadHard
Whakaipo-Kinloch Track
Taupo · Waikato · Out & Back
↑ 453 m gain↓ 451 m descenthigh 549 msteepest 12 %
DISTANCE23.3 km
ASCENT453 m
DURATION6.5–7 hr
STEEPEST12 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 120
DOG EFFORT3.8 /5 paws
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.
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.
A multi-day expedition, not an afternoon walk. Plan for huts, weather and full backcountry gear.
About Whakaipo-Kinloch Track
This full-day track follows 23.3 km as an out-and-back, near Taupo in Waikato.
Graded hard, it climbs about 453 m overall, pitching up to 12 % at its steepest, and takes about 6.5–7 hr to walk.
Along the way there are beach walking, native forest, lakeside stretches, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 120 reviews.