-41.27630, 174.96972
On-leadHard

Whakanui Track

Wainuiomata · Wellington · Out & Back

5101517.9 km649 m
↑ 1037 m gain↓ 1037 m descenthigh 649 msteepest 35 %
DISTANCE18.3 km
ASCENT1,037 m
DURATION7.5–8 hr
STEEPEST35 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.3 · 28
DOG EFFORT5.0 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
Nearest emergency vetWellington After Hours Veterinary Clinic, Wellington~15 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
04 473 7545
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.

River swim spotsForest shade
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 Whakanui Track

Near Wainuiomata in Wellington, Whakanui Track runs 18.3 km as an out-and-back.

Graded hard, it climbs about 1,037 m overall, pitching up to 35 % at its steepest, and takes about 7.5–8 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 28 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly DOC campsites close to the trailhead, sort out the sleep, then walk.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Whakanui Track?

Dogs are welcome on Whakanui Track on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Whakanui Track?

Whakanui Track is 18.3 km with roughly 1,037 m of climb and takes about 7.5–8 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Whakanui Track?

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 Whakanui Track?

Yes. The closest is Catchpool Valley Campsite, about 9 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Hikes nearby

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

EasyWainuiomata
3.1 km↑46 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
Moderate
6.9 km↑186 m1h 41m
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
13 km↑466 m4.5–5 hr★4.2 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLower Hutt
4.5 km↑287 m1.5–2 hr★4.6 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Wellington

ModerateWellington
10.0 km↑251 m2.5–3 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyGreytown
0.8 km↑4 m0.5–1 hr★3.0 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Wellington →

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