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Dog off the lead

Off-lead dog hikes in New Zealand

The tracks where dogs can legally come off the lead, the rare ones worth a drive. Room to run changes a hike completely for a dog, so we have gathered every off-lead track in the country onto one page. Always check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

323 tracks14 regions78 swim spots
Swim-spot hikesBeach hikesForest hikesAll trails
Explore off-lead hikes on the map
The complete list

The top 200 off-lead hikes

Sorted by rating. Every entry opens its full trail sheet with the elevation profile, dog verdict and nearest places to stay.

Castle Hill Peak Track

ExpertSheffield
12 km↑1237 m★4.8 rating

Opito Pa Walk

ModerateWhitianga
2.4 km↑68 m0.5–1 hr★4.8 rating
Swim spot

Camborne Walkway

EasyPorirua
4.3 km↑42 m0.5–1 hr★4.8 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Te Rerenga Tunnel Trail

EasyTe Puke
3.1 km↑48 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Hagley Park Loop

EasyChristchurch
5.8 km↑0 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfootGood with kids

Pakuranga Rotary Path

EasyAuckland
13 km↑34 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Rock Peak Track

ModerateArrowtown
8.0 km↑418 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating

Donnelly Flat Loop Walk

EasyCarterton
4.0 km↑73 m1–1.5 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Aratiatia Rapids Lookout Walk

ModerateTaupo
1.6 km↑32 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Trelissick Park Walk

EasyWellington
4.7 km↑91 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Golden Fleece Battery Walk

ModerateReefton
3.5 km↑158 m1–1.5 hr★4.7 rating

Waiuku Forest Loop Track

ModerateWaiuku
10 km↑149 m2.5–3 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

McLeans Forest Walking Track

ModerateChristchurch
10 km↑18 m2.5–3 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Tirohanga Dunes Trail

ModerateOpotiki
17 km↑19 m3.5–4 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Waihi to Waikino Track

ModerateWaihi
9.2 km↑20 m2.5–3 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot

Maupuia Walkway

EasyWellington
1.8 km↑24 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating

Southern Pegasus Bay Track

ModerateChristchurch
13 km↑0 m3–3.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShade

Rocky Bay’s Te Whau Loop

ModerateWaiheke Island
11 km↑295 m3–3.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot

Rough Island Walk

EasyRichmond
6.6 km↑0 m1.5–2 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot

Western Park Path

EasyAuckland
1.1 km↑38 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids

Tuhawaiki Trot Track

EasyTimaru
5.0 km↑6 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Opepe Southern Walking Track

EasyTaupo
2.9 km↑53 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Huka Falls Loop

EasyTaupo
0.8 km↑26 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Garden Of Tane Loop

ModerateAkaroa
1.0 km↑21 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Tutaenui Reservoir Loop

EasyMarton
3.4 km↑63 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Roundabout Lake Emma

ModerateAshburton
14 km↑73 m3.5–4 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot

Johnson Reserve Loop

EasyTauranga
3.9 km↑35 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Deans Bank Track

ModerateWanaka
11 km↑130 m2.5–3 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShade

Tawhitokino Beach Path

ModeratePapakura
3.5 km↑101 m★4.5 rating
Swim spotShade

Maukutea Beach Walk

ModerateKawhia
4.5 km↑15 m1–1.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spot

Lake Te Koo Utu Walk

EasyCambridge
1.4 km↑17 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Waikanae River Trail

EasyWaikanae
12 km↑52 m2.5–3 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Tutaunui Reserve Circuit

EasyMarton
4.5 km↑70 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot

Argyle Park Loop

EasyAshburton
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Good with kids

Heron Park Path

EasyAuckland
0.8 km↑14 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfootGood with kids

Macleans Park Loop

EasyAuckland
1.9 km↑37 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Fowlers Pass Track

HardHanmer Springs
33 km↑910 m10.5–11.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spot

Turitea Walkway

EasyPalmerston North
2.4 km↑38 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spot

Ngakuta Bay to Momarangi Bay

EasyPicton
3.2 km↑90 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Port Waikato Dunes Walk

EasyTuakau
5.8 km↑19 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spot

Temuka Field Loop

EasyTemuka
4.7 km↑0 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Kakamatua Beach Walk

EasyHuia
2.9 km↑14 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Opepe Northern Walking Track

EasyTaupo
1.6 km↑11 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Tongariro River Trail

ModerateTurangi
14 km↑122 m3.5–4 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Madills Path

EasyAuckland
1.1 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Skating Pond Loop

EasyNelson
4.8 km↑33 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Matekai Park Loop Walk

EasyOakura
1.3 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Deacon Road East Loop

ModerateRiverhead
5.3 km↑84 m1.5–2 hr★4.3 rating
Shade

Sanders Dog Lovers Path

EasyAlbany
1.1 km↑20 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Seaward Bush Walk

EasyInvercargill
2.6 km↑6 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Shade

Onetangi Track

EasyWaiheke Island
3.7 km↑97 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot

Cameron Hut Track

HardAshburton
16 km↑604 m4.5–5 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spot

Te Toki Circuit Path

EasyWaiheke Island
2.1 km↑31 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Christies Road End Beach Walk

EasyInvercargill
2.6 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★5.0 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

The Willows Dog Park Loop

EasyChristchurch
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Good with kids

Helensville River Reserve Walk

EasyHelensville
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Bradford Park Loop

EasyChristchurch
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Boundary Creek Track

HardWanaka
13 km↑734 m★4.2 rating
Swim spotShade

Barlow Road Loop

ModerateRiverhead
5.8 km↑127 m2–2.5 hr★4.2 rating
Shade

Drayton Reserve Track

ModerateChristchurch
2.9 km↑158 m1–1.5 hr★4.2 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Tainui Reserve Walk

EasyHavelock North
2.4 km↑65 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Cardiff Centennial Walkway

EasyStratford
2.4 km↑31 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShade

Pakowhai Regional Park Loop

EasyHastings
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Kowhai Park Loop

EasyLevin
0.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Bill Wilkes Reserve Walk

EasyRichmond
1.3 km↑14 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Roland's Wood Walk

EasyKerikeri
0.8 km↑12 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Turitea Green Corridor Walkway

EasyPalmerston North
2.9 km↑7 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Pari Reserve Walkway

EasyPalmerston North
1.1 km↑10 m0.5–1 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Linklater Reserve Walk

EasyPalmerston North
2.6 km↑14 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Good with kids

Tanner Street Reserve Walk

EasyHavelock North
0.8 km↑26 m0.5–1 hr★3.9 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Racemans Track

ModerateMosgiel
6.3 km↑106 m1.5–2 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotShade

Big King Path

EasyAuckland
1.6 km↑41 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids

Donovan Park Track

EasyInvercargill
2.1 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★3.9 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot

River Terrace Walkway

EasyRakaia
5.6 km↑17 m1–1.5 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Campbell Road Loop

ModerateRiverhead
7.2 km↑116 m2.5–3 hr★4.1 rating
Shade

Temuka & Opihi River Walk

EasyTemuka
2.9 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★3.8 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Frederick Krull Walk

EasyPalmerston North
2.1 km↑20 m0.5–1 hr★3.6 rating
Good with kids

Waimairi Beach Walk

ModerateChristchurch
5.0 km↑3 m1–1.5 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

TECT Dog Park Loop

ModerateMamaku
0.8 km↑8 m0.5–1 hr★3.3 rating

Lincoln Wetlands Walk

EasyLincoln
1.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★3.9 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

Kakanui River Mouth Loop Walk

EasyOamaru
3.2 km↑35 m0.5–1 hr★3.5 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Motuoapa Cliff Lookout Walk

EasyTurangi
0.5 km↑31 m0.5–1 hr★3.8 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Londonderry Rock Loop Track

ModerateKumara
11 km↑47 m2.5–3 hr★3.7 rating
Swim spot

Barlow and Deacon Roads Loop

ModerateRiverhead
4.5 km↑100 m1.5–2 hr★3.9 rating
Shade

Logans Loop Track

ModerateRiverhead
6.0 km↑185 m2–2.5 hr★3.8 rating
Swim spotShade

Sheps Park Loop

EasyBlenheim
0.5 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★2.0 rating
Good with kids

Eketahuna Cliff Walk

EasyEketahuna
1.8 km↑13 m0.5–1 hr★3.6 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Nunweek Park Loop

EasyChristchurch
1.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★2.4 rating
Good with kids

Hook Bush Track

ModerateTimaru
4.7 km↑277 m★3.1 rating
Shade

Kaipatiki Costal Loop

ModerateAuckland
7.7 km↑111 m1.5–2 hr★3.4 rating
Swim spotShade

Ahuriri Valley Track

ExpertTwizel
18 km↑705 m4h 49m

Skyline Walk

EasyHampden
0.7 km↑139 m22m

Stour Track

HardTinwald
14 km↑212 m3h 10m

Newcastle Track

HardPembroke
14 km↑59 m2h 48m

Obelisk Loop Track

HardAlexandra
10 km↑276 m2h 30m

Mount Isobel Track

EasyHanmer
3.7 km↑0 m44m

Taurewa Loop Track

EasyTaupahi
3.4 km↑33 m44m

Arcus Loop Track

EasyWaikanae
3.0 km↑66 m42m

Fenceline Walk

EasyWaikanae
2.7 km↑147 m47m

Nicholsons Track

EasyAlexandra
2.7 km↑0 m31m

Breakwater

EasyTimaru
0.8 km↑1 m10m

Putakari

EasyHIRA
1.5 km↑0 m18m

Access Road

EasyRichmond Foothills
1.3 km↑30 m19m

Old Railway Route

EasyStoke
1.5 km↑6 m18m

Orphanage Stream

EasyStoke
0.1 km↑0 m1m

Ridgeway Hills

EasyStoke
1.3 km↑42 m19m

Central Road

HardHira
14 km↑436 m3h 27m

Pipeline

EasyCODG
0.4 km↑45 m8m

Goat Track

EasyHira
0.5 km↑102 m15m

Rifle Range Road

EasyHira
0.1 km↑0 m1m

Tantragee Road

EasyCODG
0.7 km↑23 m10m

Tantragee Saddle

EasyCODG
1.0 km↑48 m17m

Maitai Valley Walk

EasyMaitai
0.2 km↑0 m1m

Gully

EasyCODG
0.4 km↑32 m7m

Barnicoat Road

EasyBARN
3.7 km↑99 m54m

Roding Road

EasyBARN
3.9 km↑57 m52m

Panorama Track

Easy
1.3 km↑30 m19m

Eureka Track

EasyTANT
0.1 km↑0 m1m

Firball Climb

EasyCODG
0.6 km↑16 m9m

Hulkn Hogan

EasyCODG
2.3 km↑123 m40m

Crazy Horse

EasyCODG
0.3 km↑0 m3m

Tasman Journeys

EasyCODG
0.1 km↑0 m0m

Marina Walk

EasyNelson City
0.3 km↑1 m3m

Waterhouse Reserve

EasyStoke
0.4 km↑15 m6m

P51

EasyCODG
0.3 km↑12 m5m

Golf Course Road

EasyCODG
0.4 km↑7 m5m

Fireball Road

EasyCODG
1.4 km↑103 m27m

Middle Road

EasyCODG
0.3 km↑4 m3m

Turners

EasyCODG
1.2 km↑106 m25m

IV Line

EasyCODG
1.0 km↑7 m12m

Top Dog

EasyCODG
0.6 km↑19 m9m

Lollipop

EasyCODG
0.7 km↑2 m8m

This page lists the 200 highest-rated. Every one of the 323 off-lead hikes is on the live map.

Star ratings are average scores from the hikers who have walked each track.

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Difficulty reflects the terrain, not your dog, read each grade with your own dog's fitness in mind.

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Top regions for these hikes

Canterbury 77Nelson-Tasman 55Otago 42Wellington 40Waikato 38Auckland 24

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