With winter now in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to get exploring our big, beautiful backyard again. And how to make the exploration even more magical? Take along your canine companions! Verve brings you some of the best options.
Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walkway, Bay Of Islands
A personal favourite, the Paihia to Ōpua Coastal Walkway is a 6km stretch from the car ferry terminal in Ōpua to the Paihia visitor centre with plenty of Insta-friendly locations along the way. Hiking New Zealand is most convenient by car. Look for affordable and reliable car rental options with Enterprise Car Rentals. The coastal kissing walkway winds through bush and mangroves and passes a handful of hidden beaches where your pooch and you can cool off with a paddle. Allow around three hours to complete this stroll one way, with refreshments awaiting at the Ōpua general store or the numerous options in Paihia.
Karangahake Gorge, Coromandel
Take your pick of tracks at the gem of a destination that is Karangahake Gorge. Highlights for Fido and you include the Rail Tunnel Loop, a 1.5-hour wander through native bush, a kilometre-long tunnel, and past the Ohinemuri River and a smattering of old gold mining equipment. You’ll need to set aside four hours to complete the Historic Walkway that also incorporates a Owharoa Falls, bridges, and plenty of swimming spots.
Tongariro River Trail, Turangi
This 15km loop takes around 3 hours, but multiple entry points mean you can cut it short. The easy trail winds along the beautiful banks of the Tongariro River, past pools and occasional rapids. Also passes through the shade of native bush, farmland and a handful of urban areas should you need some refreshments. A good option for younger kids as well as the pooches.
Charming Creek Walkway, West Coast
A lovely half-day tramp, Charming Creek Walkway follows an historic bush tramline through Ngākawau Gorge and Charming Creek Valley to the abandoned Charming Creek Coal Mine. Expect to stumble across long-forgotten mining machinery, cross swing bridges, and gawp at the photogenic Mangatini Falls. It’s an 11km round-trip.
Nydia Track, Marlborough Sounds
For those looking for something a little more advanced – and adventurous – the Nydia Track is a two-day, 27km (one-way) path that also doubles as a mountain bike trail (so dogs must be on-leash at all times). The resplendent route crosses farmland and climbs a couple of saddles through coastal and regenerating forest with views of Te Hoiere/Pelorus and Kenepuru Sounds. Stay at Nydia Campsite (non-powered sites) or upgrade to the nearby Nydia Lodge (onthetracklodge.co.nz); dogs aren’t allowed in the lodge buildings, but there’s accommodation for them onsite.
Church Bay Circuit, Waiheke Island
From Matiatia Wharf, Church Bay Circuit winds south to Matiatia Bay towards Miro and Church Bays before looping back to Oneroa village. The steady, 8km walk takes around three hours to complete, its sometimes-steep climbs rewarded by the plethora of eateries and drinking dens awaiting at Oneroa Village.
Orongorongo Track, Wellington
A local favourite with for both people and pooches, the Ōrongorongo Track is a 4- to 5-hour, route through Remutaka Forest Park. Not only does the well-trodden trail weave its way under gorgeous podocarp, beech and northern rātā forest, but terminates at Turere Stream where you and your four-legged friend can cool off. Don’t forget that towel!
Mount Isobel Track, Canterbury
Prepare to be panting like your loyal companion as you make your way up the 1,342-m Mount Isobel that rises above Hamner Springs with views of the Hamner Basin and Wairau Plains. Said to be Canterbury’s most climbed peak, the alpine trail begins at Clarence Valley Road carpark and winds its way through native bush, scrub, grassland, and the occasional scree slope. This one requires a good level of fitness and a full day.
Dogs n DoC
For a nation so in love with their dogs (more than a third of households have at least one), our nation is not always the most Fido-friendly, especially when it comes to lands maintained by the Department of Conservation (for obvious reasons). While dogs are generally not allowed in national parks, readers may be surprised to learn that there are ample DoC-managed tracks up and down the land where your pooch is free to wander with you (though usually leashed). DoC grounds fall into three categories: Open Access (dogs allowed, likely on-leash – check online or local signage); Permit Access (permit application required); and Controlled Access (no dogs). When searching for tracks on the DoC website, be sure to tick the ‘Dogs allowed’ box. Permits can be applied for either at the local DoC office, or by emailing them yours and your dog’s details. Permits may take up to five days, but are often issued the same day and, depending on the region, will be valid for the day(s) of your walk through to a few months.
