EasyNelson
7.4 km↑13 m1.5–2 hr★4.6 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
Nelson-Tasman · town
Dog-friendly walks near Nelson
Every dog-friendly hike and tramp we have mapped around Nelson, in the Nelson-Tasman region. That is 17 tracks in all, 1 off the lead and 10 with a swim spot, each with its lead rule, real climb and nearest places to stay read straight off the terrain.
The highest-rated hike here is Maitai River Walk, and Skating Pond Loop is one you can walk off the lead. Of the lot, 6 are graded easy.
17 tracks1 off-lead10 swim spots6 places to stay
The complete list
All 17 dog-friendly walks near Nelson
Sorted by rating. Every entry opens its full trail sheet with the elevation profile, dog verdict and nearest places to stay.
ModerateNelson
4.3 km↑283 m1.5–2 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateNelson
4.8 km↑313 m2–2.5 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyNelson
1.4 km↑7 m0.5–1 hr★5.0 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateNelson
4.8 km↑312 m2–2.5 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyNelson
4.8 km↑33 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateNelson
4.3 km↑152 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateNelson
1.1 km↑38 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyNelson
3.7 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyNelson
3.1 km↑10 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateNelson
9.2 km↑298 m3–3.5 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateNelson
8.0 km↑441 m3–3.5 hr★4.2 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateNelson
4.0 km↑283 m1.5–2 hr★4.1 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyNelson
0.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.0 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateNelson
4.0 km↑111 m1–1.5 hr★4.1 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateNelson
12 km↑50 m2.5–3 hr★3.7 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateNelson
15 km↑0 m3–3.5 hr★3.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
Star ratings are average scores from the hikers who have walked each track.
Lead off
Off-leash walks near Nelson
The 1 track around Nelson where dogs can legally come off the lead. Off-lead access is rare on New Zealand tracks, so check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.
EasyNelson
4.8 km↑33 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Easy.
Stay & walk
Dog-friendly places to stay near Nelson
DOC campsites and community holiday parks within about 40 km that take dogs. Check each one's rules before you book.
DOC campsites
Community holiday parks
Tahuna Beach Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 3 km away Visit their websiteNelson City Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 4 km away Visit their websiteQueen Street Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 6 km away Visit their websiteMapua Leisure Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 14 km away Find it on the mapKeep exploring
More dog-friendly walks
Nearby towns