Zion Hill Track
Karekare · Auckland
We drew and checked this walk ourselves against the authority quoted above before publishing it. The route line comes from official track data. Auckland Council’s own wording: “Dog walkers can enjoy Zion Hill Track on-lead, but must return the way they came from this point, as the loop section through the dunes crosses a scientific reserve”. Evidence: the rule-setter’s own published wording. How we check dog rules.
Good to know
Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
About Zion Hill Track
Near Karekare in Auckland, Zion Hill Track runs 3.4 km.
Reopened in May 2026 after years closed for kauri dieback, Zion Hill climbs from the Karekare car park through Pōhutukawa Glade into regenerating coastal forest above the wild west coast. This is an out-and-back for dogs: on-lead the whole way, turn around where the track meets Pararaha Valley Track past the kauri cleaning station. The dunes loop beyond crosses a scientific reserve where dogs are prohibited, as is the wider Whatipū end. Use the cleaning stations at both ends, every time.
Expect moderate going, with around 241 m of climb, and takes about 1 hr 5 min to walk.
Dogs are allowed here, on the lead.
