ExpertSheffield
12 km↑1237 m★4.8 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Graded expert
Expert dog-friendly hikes in New Zealand
Serious, demanding terrain, long days, big elevation and exposure. Only for experienced hill dogs in top condition, and worth thinking hard about before bringing a dog at all.
17 expert tracks
11 off-lead
6 swim spots
The complete list
All 17 expert tracks
Sorted by rating. Every entry opens its full trail sheet with the elevation profile, dog verdict and nearest campsites.
ExpertSheffield
13 km↑1340 m★4.7 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertOtaki
12 km↑1185 m6.5–7 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertTararua Forest Park
17 km↑1190 m7.5–8.5 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertCarterton
12 km↑1101 m6–6.5 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertAshburton
45 km↑1772 m15–16.5 hr★3.9 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertTararua Forest Park
11 km↑1135 m4.5–5 hr
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertTwizel
18 km↑705 m4h 49m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
17 km↑82 m3h 26m
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
18 km↑705 m4h 49m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
18 km↑240 m4h 3m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
20 km↑436 m4h 49m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
22 km↑197 m4h 49m
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
16 km↑411 m3h 53m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
25 km↑546 m5h 54m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
21 km↑171 m4h 30m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Expert
17 km↑435 m4h 12m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
Star ratings are average scores from the hikers who have walked each track.