ModerateWanaka
13 km↑94 m3–3.5 hr★4.8 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
Otago · town
Dog-friendly walks near Wanaka
Every dog-friendly hike and tramp we have mapped around Wanaka, in the Otago region. That is 16 tracks in all, 3 off the lead and 15 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 Arrow River Bridges Trail: Arrowtown to Gibbston, which dogs can walk off the lead. Of the lot, 5 are graded easy.
16 tracks3 off-lead15 swim spots6 places to stay
The complete list
All 16 dog-friendly walks near Wanaka
Sorted by rating. Every entry opens its full trail sheet with the elevation profile, dog verdict and nearest places to stay.
HardWanaka
28 km↑165 m7–7.5 hr★4.7 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateWanaka
10 km↑137 m2.5–3 hr★4.7 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWanaka
3.1 km↑177 m1–1.5 hr★4.7 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWanaka
4.7 km↑235 m1.5–2 hr★4.6 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWanaka
12 km↑33 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWanaka
3.9 km↑220 m1.5–2 hr★4.6 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWanaka
0.5 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyWanaka
4.8 km↑0 m1–1.5 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateWanaka
20 km↑57 m5–5.5 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWanaka
11 km↑130 m2.5–3 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWanaka
2.3 km↑10 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyWanaka
7.1 km↑57 m1.5–2 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyWanaka
0.8 km↑18 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
HardWanaka
13 km↑734 m★4.2 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateWanaka
15 km↑168 m4–4.5 hr★3.7 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 Wanaka
The 3 tracks around Wanaka 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.
ModerateWanaka
13 km↑94 m3–3.5 hr★4.8 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateWanaka
11 km↑130 m2.5–3 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardWanaka
13 km↑734 m★4.2 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
Stay & walk
Dog-friendly places to stay near Wanaka
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
Outlet Camp Wānaka
Dogs welcome 2 km away Visit their websiteWānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 3 km away Visit their websiteGlendhu Bay Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 9 km away Visit their websiteThe Camp
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 12 km away Visit their websiteKeep exploring
More dog-friendly walks
Nearby towns