Top 10 Dog Friendly Walks in Wellington
Looking for dog-friendly walks in Wellington that actually suit your dog’s needs? Whether you have a reactive dog, an older pup who needs gentle terrain, or a high-energy dog that loves long adventures, this guide covers some of the best dog walks around Wellington City.
From scenic bush trails and coastal paths, to off-lead parks and hidden gem tracks, each walk includes practical tips on parking, access, terrain, and dog-friendly features, making it easy to plan the perfect outing for your four-legged companion.
Best Dog Walk for Reactive Dogs
Wrights Hill Reserve
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: Both – mainly off-lead but follow signs when past the field area.
🕰️ Recommended time: 40 mins
⚠️ Safety: look at signs at the carpark for most recent bait drop and occasional night hunting in the area.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★☆☆☆
Reactivity: ★★★★☆
Quietness: ★★★★☆
Accessibility: ★★★☆☆
Wrights Hill Reserve is one of the best dog walks in Wellington for reactive dogs who need space, visibility, and a low-traffic environment.
Located near Karori, it’s part of the Zealandia Perimeter Track, so you’ll see lots of native birds along your walk too. Wrights Hill remains surprisingly quiet, even on weekends, making it a reliable option for dogs who are nervous or reactive. We have a reactive dog and we felt comfortable at the park the whole time. There’s always a chance of running into other dogs or people, but the strong visibility helps prepare for this. That said, the somewhat remote location makes it less likely for people to make the trek up this way.
There is a small carpark at the start showing clear signage for off-lead areas and where dogs need to be leashed if you continue past the large, open field. There’s space for a few cars at the main entrance, but you could drive slightly further up the road if there’s not enough space – although, cars here may indicate there’s a few dogs around too. From the entrance, a wide gravel path gently climbs for about 20 minutes until you reach a large open field. The track itself is easy to navigate, and its openness makes it simple to spot other walkers (and dogs) in plenty of time, giving your reactive dog a chance to prepare or keep off to the side while they pass.
The open field at Wrights Hill is off-lead and fenced along two sides. Even if other dogs are around, it’s easy to manage interactions or use a long lead for safety. A few smaller bush tracks branch off near the field, though some are mountain bike-only, so it’s worth checking for signs before heading down any skinny paths. The field also houses an old concrete bunker which you can explore.
If you’re keen for a longer dog walk, the Zealandia Perimeter Track continues past the field. This section requires dogs to be on-lead, but it’s worth it for the views of the wind farm (although some paths do get skinnier so go as far as you think your dog will be comfortable with the risk of running into others in a more confined area).
Before your walk, check the carpark notices for bait drops or night-time hunting alerts. Aside from that, Wrights Hill Reserve is a quiet, open dog walk in Wellington that’s perfect for reactive or nervous dogs. The combination of off-lead space, wide paths, and good visibility makes it a safe and relaxing for you and your dog while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Best Dog Walk for Senior or arthritic Dogs
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: On-lead only.
🕰️ Recommended time: 10+ mins
⚠️ Safety: a couple of quiet roads surround the park. The park also overlooks the motorway. Ensure dogs stay off the playground area.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★★★★
Reactivity: ★★★☆☆
Quietness: ★★★★☆
Accessibility: ★★★★★
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: None
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes (might be paid)
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is one of the best dog walks in Wellington for senior dogs who need flat paths and a gentle pace.
Located in Thorndon, this inner-city park feels surprisingly peaceful despite being so close to the city. Its compact, well-planned layout makes it ideal for older dogs or lower-energy pups who don’t need a long hike but still enjoy a good sniff around and a bit of adventure.
The park makes excellent use of its compact space, with wide grassy lawns, flat walking paths, a Chinese garden, a children’s playground, and a large water feature. This variety provides plenty of mental stimulation for dogs who enjoy exploring new smells without needing to cover long distances. The open lawns, shaded seating, and quiet atmosphere also make it the perfect spot for a picnic or a reading break under the trees with your dog.
Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park manages to feel calm even with the motorway running along one side. Trees and fencing screen the road, so traffic is barely noticeable unless you actively look over the edge. Pigeons often gather toward the southern end, so a little supervision is wise for dogs with a strong prey drive. Otherwise, the environment is serene, with plenty of gentle greenery to stimulate your dog without the strain of hills or uneven terrain.
The park is lovely year-round but especially special in spring when flowers and trees are in full bloom. It tends to be quiet on weekends and outside of school pick-up and drop-off times, as Queen Margaret College is nearby. Parking is easiest along Hobson Street at the northern end of the park, or along Fitzherbert Terrace.
For owners of senior or arthritic dogs, Katherine Mansfield Memorial Park is a hidden gem in Wellington. Its easy terrain, flat paths, and peaceful surroundings allow older dogs to enjoy a safe, low-stress walk without the pressure of hills or long distances. The combination of lawns, gardens, and benches creates a welcoming environment where you and your dog can explore at a relaxed pace, take breaks when needed, and enjoy a slice of calm city greenery right in the middle of Wellington.
Best Off-Lead Dog Walk
Mt Albert Park
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: Off-lead
🕰️ Recommended time: 10+ mins
⚠️ Safety: ensure all gates in the park are shut before unleashing your dog. There are likely to be other off-lead dogs at the park, so be prepared for other dogs to come up to you.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★☆☆☆☆
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★★★☆☆
Accessibility: ★★☆☆☆
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: None
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: Yes
🚗 Parking: Yes
The Mount Albert Dog Exercise Area is one of the best off-lead dog parks in Wellington, perfect for dogs that love to run, explore, and burn off energy. Located in the Town Belt at the southern end of the Mount Victoria ridgeline, this fully fenced dog park has plenty of space for dogs to run freely in a natural, slightly rugged setting. Its hilly, uneven terrain makes it ideal for fit, high-energy dogs who enjoy climbing slopes, chasing around open areas, and exploring off the beaten path.
The area is less suited to senior or arthritic dogs, and the ground can get muddy in winter or after rain, so sturdy shoes are recommended for owners. There are several entry and exit points, so it’s important to check that all gates are properly closed before letting your dog off-lead – we found one open when we arrived and not all gates are visible from all areas of the park, so it’s best to check on arrival just in case.
Mount Albert dog park is a popular off-lead spot, so you’ll usually see other dogs at the park too. Social, confident dogs thrive here, but nervous, reactive, or easily overwhelmed dogs may find it challenging, especially at peak times. Owners also need to be alert and comfortable around dogs of all sizes, as encounters with running, playful dogs of all sizes are common. Staying aware of your surroundings makes your visit more enjoyable for everyone.
One of the benefits of this area is that your outing doesn’t need to end at the dog park. Once your dog has had a run (or beforehand), you can continue up Mount Albert hill or connect to the Southern Walkway for a longer, on-lead stroll. These ridgeline tracks offer great views across Wellington, providing some structured exercise before or after an energetic off-lead session.
Parking and access are easy. There’s a large carpark near the hockey stadium off Mount Albert Road, plus street parking along the road near the top entrance. Searching “Mount Albert Dog Exercise Area” in Google Maps will direct you straight to the main access point, making it easy to plan your visit.
For dog owners in Wellington looking for a fully fenced, off-lead walk (or dog park) with hills, space, and plenty of room for dogs to run, Mount Albert ticks the box. It’s perfect for energetic dogs to blow off some energy while the owners relax.
Best High energy Dog Walk
Mt victoria lookout Walkway
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: Both. Off-lead only at Charles Plimmer Park.
🕰️ Recommended time: 1hr - 1.5hrs
⚠️ Safety: avoid on hot summer days and only bring dogs (and humans) who can tolerate steep inclines.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★☆☆☆☆
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★★☆☆☆
Accessibility: ★☆☆☆☆
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: Yes (at the summit)
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes (on residential streets)
The Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway is one of the best dog walks in Wellington for high-energy dogs that enjoy hills and longer challenges.
Many dog owners start at Charles Plimmer Park in Mount Victoria (Moeller Street/Palliser Road), a large off-lead dog area where your dog can have a quick run or sniff before hitting the trail. From there, follow the signs up the Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway. For a longer adventure, you can extend the walk along the Hataitai to City walkway and join the Southern Walkway en route to the lookout – perfect for dogs that enjoy longer, hillier walks. Dogs should be kept on lead once you leave Charles Plimmer Park.
The trail can get steep in places, so it’s best for fit, high-energy dogs. On hot summer days, it’s best to avoid the walk during the day, always take care to prevent overheating, and always bring water for both you and your dog – there’s a fountain at the top if you need a refill. Keep in mind that the top can be exposed and windy, depending on the weather.
At the summit, the Mount Victoria Lookout offers incredible 360-degree views across Wellington, from the airport out to Petone. It’s one of the city’s most popular destinations for walkers, dogs and tourists with a great reward after the climb. Due to the walk’s popularity, it’s not overly suited to reactive dogs. However, for much of the track, there is at least enough room to safely pass other dogs and people.
Parking on Moeller Street or Palliser Road is limited, but you can also start the walk from Courtney Place, Majoribanks Street, or Oriental Bay, which adds extra distance for energetic dogs.
For senior or less mobile dogs, you can drive to the lookout and walk up the final flights of stairs to the viewing platform. There is plenty of parking at the top of the Lookout.
The Mount Victoria Lookout Walkway is a perfect Wellington walk for dogs that need a workout, combining exercise, adventure, and stunning city views.
For more details on the tracks and paths, see the Wellington City Council Mount Victoria Loop page.
Best family friendly Dog Walk
Oriental Parade
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: On-lead only. The beach is off-lead during the winter months/allowed hours.
🕰️ Recommended time: 30 minutes
⚠️ Safety: avoid on hot summer days due to the pavement getting too hot for dog paws.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★★★★
Reactivity: ★☆☆☆☆
Quietness: ★☆☆☆☆
Accessibility: ★★★★★
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: Yes
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes (paid)
Oriental Parade is one of the best family-friendly dog walks in Wellington, with flat paths suitable for kids, prams, and relaxed group outings.
Oriental Parade is one of the best family friendly dog walks in Wellington, offering a flat, scenic waterfront path that works just as well for prams, scooters, bikes, and kids as it does for dogs. Running alongside Oriental Bay, this wide concrete promenade is ideal for relaxed on-lead walks where the whole family can enjoy the harbour views without tackling hills or uneven terrain.
The path is very wide, making it easy to share with runners, walkers, cyclists, and other dogs. It’s best suited to confident, social dogs, as there’s almost always a lot of others around. Expect plenty of people around at any time of day – swimmers, scooters, crocodile bikes, runners, and other dog walkers all add to the upbeat, quintessentially Wellington vibe. Try to keep left as you walk.
This walk is particularly popular with families thanks to the excellent playground located near the Freyberg Pool end of Oriental Bay. Dogs should be kept off the playground itself as it’s a prohibited area, but it’s a great place to stop if you’re walking with children who need a break. Public toilets are also located at this end of the bay across the zebra crossing.
Oriental Parade is also well serviced for dogs. You’ll often find water bowls left out along the route, as well as taps where dogs can have a drink. That said, it’s best to avoid walking here during the middle of hot summer days, as the concrete can become very hot on dog paws. Early mornings and evenings are much more comfortable in the summer months.
Dog access to the beach itself changes depending on the time of year. From 1 May to 31 October, dogs are allowed off-leash on Oriental Bay Beach at all times. From 1 November to 30 April, dogs are prohibited on the main section of the beach. During this period, dogs are allowed off-leash on the east side of the rotunda, directly opposite the pedestrian crossing, during off-peak hours only between 7pm and 10am. Dogs are not permitted during peak hours between 10am and 7pm. Check the council website before going in case these times change.
If you continue walking past Freyberg Pool, you’ll notice a brick wall with a skinny stairwell leading down toward the water. Heading down here brings you to the ocean’s edge and a row of colourful boat sheds that is a famous Wellington photo (or Instagram) spot.
One of the biggest perks of this walk is how easy it is to combine with food. Oriental Bay is close to several dog-friendly cafes, including Beach Babylon, which is well known for its brunch and even offers a special canine menu (kids menus too). Timing your walk around brunch or dinner is a great way to turn a simple dog walk into a relaxed family outing. The kids will love seeing their fluffy friend devour a matching breakfast of poached egg on sourdough, a doggocinno, a meat platter or some gourmet dog biscuits!
Paid parking is available along Oriental Parade and surrounding streets, though it can be limited during peak times. Bins and poo bag stations are available along the route, making it an easy, low-stress option for families walking dogs in Wellington.
Best scenic Dog Walk
Otari Wilson Bush
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: On-lead only.
🕰️ Recommended time: 30+ minutes
⚠️ Safety: bait control measures in place so avoid letting dogs scavenge off the path.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★★★☆ (Churchill Drive entry)
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★★☆☆☆
Accessibility: ★★★☆☆ (Churchill Drive entry)
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: Yes
🗑️ Bins: No
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is one of the best dog walks in Wellington if you’re after a scenic, on-lead bush experience close to the city. With an 11km network of well-maintained tracks winding through dense native forest, it’s perfect for dogs and owners who enjoy a peaceful, immersive walk surrounded by greenery.
Dogs are welcome throughout the reserve but must stay on lead at all times to protect native plants and wildlife. Many of the tracks follow the streams that run through the bush, creating a calm, relaxing walk. Keep an eye on the water – local eels are often visible and are a fun little highlight.
There are a few ways to enter the bush. The primary entry is at the Visitor Centre opposite 141 Wilton Road, while a quieter option is at the bottom of Churchill Drive on Wilton Bush Road. The Churchill Drive entrance is especially handy if you want a gentler walk, as the paths there are flatter and more gradual, following the stream. This makes it a good choice for older dogs or anyone looking for a slower pace.
For something a little different, you can also access the bush via the back of Karori Cemetery. Enter at Seaforth Memorial Gardens and follow the plot lines down to a discreet bush entry that winds through pine trees to the stream – stay right of the road through the Cemetery to find the secluded entry. It’s a quieter, less conventional route that’s enjoyable if you’ve already explored the main entrances.
The terrain varies across the reserve and can get steep in places, so it’s worth taking your time, especially on longer walks. For convenience, there’s a dog bowl in front of the toilets at the Visitor Centre, which you can refill from the tap before or after your walk.
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is popular with locals and visitors alike, so you’ll usually encounter other walkers and dogs along the tracks. It’s best suited to dogs that are comfortable on lead around others, and to owners who feel confident managing their dog in shared spaces on narrower paths.
A full map of the tracks, including highlights such as Moko, the 800-year-old rimu tree, is available on the Wellington NZ site. Whether you’re exploring for the first time or returning for a longer adventure, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush offers a serene, green escape that’s hard to beat in the city.
Best Dog Walk near a dog friendly cafe
Wellington botanic gardens
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: On-lead only.
🕰️ Recommended time: 15+ minutes
⚠️ Safety: avoid on hot summer days due to pavement temperatures.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★★★★ (Rose Garden entry)
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★★☆☆☆
Accessibility: ★★★★★ (Rose Garden entry)
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: Yes
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes (mostly paid)
The Wellington Botanic Garden is one of the best dog walks in Wellington to pair with a dog-friendly café visit.
The Wellington Botanic Garden is one of the best dog walks in Wellington to combine with a dog-friendly cafe, making it a popular choice for a relaxed outing that works for both people and pups. With a large network of pathways, beautiful gardens, and an easy cafe stop, it’s ideal if you like to build coffee or brunch into your dog walks.
You can park up the top near the Begonia House and cafe using paid parking, or park lower down on Glenmore Street or Salamanca Road depending on which part of the gardens you’d like to explore. Each entry point offers a slightly different walking experience, which is part of what makes the Botanic Garden such a good repeat visit option.
The Picnic Cafe is dog friendly and a real highlight of this walk. On any given day, you’ll often find dog owners enjoying coffee or brunch outdoors with their dogs beside them, overlooking the Lady Norwood Rose Garden under umbrellas. We even went on a rainy day and there were still several dogs with their owners enjoying a coffee under the umbrellas outside.
Before or after coffee, there are countless pathways to explore throughout the gardens. It’s unlikely you’ll cover the entire Botanic Garden in one visit, making it a great place to return to regularly and explore new areas each time. Many of the paths are on a hill, so the terrain can be challenging in places. For senior dogs or those needing an easier walk, staying close to the Begonia House, cafe, and rose garden allows for an easier route with plenty to see, including a small waterfall just to the side of the cafe entrance.
There are often lots of ducks around the waterfall and rose garden water features. This is worth keeping in mind if your dog has a strong prey drive. Public toilets are also located throughout the gardens.
Some of the highlights to explore in the gardens include the tulip garden near the Sound Shell in spring, the photogenic duck pond with its pergola, and the viewpoint near the top Cable Car station which looks out across Wellington. Dogs are also allowed on the Cable Car, making it easy to turn your walk into a slightly different adventure. Nearby the Cable Car, you’ll find the old First World War gun, a large children’s playground with a flying fox, and the Discovery Garden, which makes this an especially good option for families walking dogs in Wellington.
The Wellington Botanic Garden is a standout choice if you’re looking for a dog-friendly walk near a cafe in Wellington, offering flexibility, scenery, and a great coffee.
Best Dog bush Walk
Trelissick Park
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: Both. Follow signs for where leads are required.
🕰️ Recommended time: 30+ minutes
⚠️ Safety: very wet under foot following rain.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★☆☆☆
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★★★☆☆
Accessibility: ★★☆☆☆
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: No
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: Yes
🚗 Parking: Yes (various entry points)
Trelissick Park is one of the best bush walks for dogs in Wellington, offering native forest tracks and open grassy areas.
Trelissick Park is one of the best bush walks for dogs in Wellington, offering native forest, streams, and open spaces for dogs to explore. With several tracks winding through the park, it’s unlikely you’ll see everything in one visit.
The park can get very muddy and slippery after rain, so it’s a good idea to wear appropriate footwear and bring a towel for the car afterwards to prevent too much mud being carried inside by your dog.
One popular route starts at the north end, parking around 101 Waikowhai Street next to the rail bridge. From here, you can follow the paths down along Korimako Stream. At the bottom, there’s an open field that’s perfect for some off-lead play if your dog is confident and social. Continuing along the stream, you’ll also pass the fish ladder, adding a little natural interest to the walk.
If you want to explore the other end of the park, you can park at the “Trelissick Park Lower Parking” on Kaiwharawhara Road. From this side, the track follows the Kaiwharawhara Stream and takes you past the historic Kaiwharawhara Powder Magazine ruins, making it a historic and slightly more adventurous walk.
Trelissick Park is particularly well suited to dogs that enjoy bush trails and streams. It’s off-lead in lots of places, but owners should be prepared to keep dogs on lead on narrower or steeper sections. It’s worth noting the paths are often quite narrow and given the parks popularity and likelihood of off-lead dogs, this location is not always the best choice for reactive dogs.
This bush setting is one of Wellington’s standout dog walks, combining exercise, exploration, and the chance to experience native forest close to the city.
Best social Dog Walk for socialisation
Island Bay Esplanade
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: On-lead along Esplanade and Shorlland Park. Off-lead at designated beach area.
🕰️ Recommended time: 20+ minutes
⚠️ Safety: avoid walking along The Esplanade on hot summer days due to pavement temperatures. Beach is backed by quite a busy road, so ensure your dog has good recall if they’re off-lead. Likely coastal birdlife present along the beach.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★★★★
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★☆☆☆☆
Accessibility: ★★★★★
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: Yes
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes
Island Bay Esplanade is one of the best social dog walks in Wellington for dogs who enjoy busy, coastal environments.
Island Bay Esplanade is a great dog-friendly coastal walk in Wellington and a solid alternative to the more well-known Lyall Bay dog exercise area. While it can still be busy at times, it offers a slightly different vibe and is a fantastic option if you’re looking to mix things up and give your dog a new socialisation experience with plenty of other dogs and people around.
The wide concrete path along the esplanade makes this an easy and enjoyable walk for dogs of all sizes. There’s plenty of room to pass other walkers, runners, prams, and dogs without feeling crowded. It’s a great choice for confident, social dogs who enjoy being out and about in busier environments.
One of the highlights of this walk is the beautiful outlook across the Marine Reserve towards Taputeranga Island. On a clear day, the views alone make this one of the most scenic dog walks in Wellington, especially if you enjoy coastal routes.
At the southern end of the esplanade, you’ll find the off-lead dog exercise area on the beach. It’s important to keep an eye on the signage along the sea wall, as dogs are only allowed on certain sections of the beach. The dog-friendly area is clearly marked and is even listed on Google Maps as “Island Bay Beach – Dog Exercise Area”, making it easy to find if you’re visiting for the first time.
Island Bay village is close by, making it easy to grab a takeaway coffee before or after your walk. You can also continue walking around the Great Harbour Way for around 5–10 minutes to reach the beach-front Beach House and Kiosk, which is a great spot to stop for a coffee with your dog after the walk.
For those walking with kids, Shorland Park sits directly opposite the Esplanade and is a great addition to the outing. It has a playground for children and open space that works well for a picnic before or after your walk.
Overall, Island Bay Esplanade paired with the off-lead beach at the southern end is one of the best dog walks in Wellington for coastal views, social dogs, and an easy mix of exercise, scenery, and good coffee.
Best hidden gem Dog Walk
Te Ahumairangi hill
Walk Overview
🦮 On/off-lead: On-lead only.
🕰️ Recommended time: 40+ mins
⚠️ Safety: watch out for tracks that are for mountain bikers.
Ratings
Arthritic/Senior Dog: ★★☆☆☆
Reactivity: ★★☆☆☆
Quietness: ★★★★☆
Accessibility: ★★☆☆☆
Facilities
🚻 Toilets: None
🗑️ Bins: Yes
💩 Poo bags: None
🚗 Parking: Yes
Te Ahumairangi Hill and Lookout in Northland is one of the best hidden gem dog walks in Wellington for unique tracks and expansive harbour views.
One of the biggest advantages of this walk is its accessibility. You can drive straight to the first lookout at Stellin Memorial Park, making it perfect for senior dogs, pups with limited mobility, or anyone looking for a shorter walk with a big payoff. From the lookout, sweeping views of Wellington Harbour unfold, and on clear days you can even spot planes coming in over the water toward the airport.
The lookout itself is exposed, so a windproof layer is useful on windy days. A very-short uphill path from the car park leads to a concrete viewing pad, which sits higher than the initial lookout and features a plaque commemorating James Stellin, a Wellington-born WWII hero. This adds a small historical touch to the walk and a scenic pause for photos.
From the lookout, several track options allow you to tailor the walk to your dog’s fitness and your available time. You can continue up to the trig for panoramic city and harbour views, or follow connecting bush tracks that join the longer ridgeline walk.
The bush tracks are narrow in places and occasionally overgrown, so the walk is best suited to confident dogs comfortable on lead around others. Some trails are also used by mountain bikers, so keeping to pedestrian-friendly paths and watching for signage is important. Despite this, the quiet, lesser-known nature of the tracks means it’s rarely crowded.
Overall, Te Ahumairangi Hill and Lookout is a standout hidden gem dog walk in Wellington. It combines secluded bush trails, lookout points with amazing harbour views, and multiple route options, giving you the freedom to craft a walk that suits your dog and your mood.
Wellington offers a wide range of dog walks, from native bush walks and hidden hilltop lookouts to coastal paths and off-lead parks. With this list of the top 10 Wellington dog walks, you have a guide to the city’s best routes for every type of dog – whether your pup is high-energy, older, social, reactive, or just looking for a gentle stroll.
Each walk combines scenic views, practical amenities, and dog-friendly features to make your outing enjoyable for both you and your dog. Exploring these walks not only keeps your dog active and healthy but also helps you discover some of Wellington’s most beautiful parks, reserves, and hidden gems.
Keep this guide handy for planning your next adventure and make the most of Wellington’s dog-friendly outdoor spaces.
And of course, many of these Wellington dog walks also make beautiful backdrops for a dog photography session!
