Each week, we highlight our fave tramping trails in New Zealand for day and multi day hikes across Nelson Tasman (and beyond!)
There’s nothing better than heading into the hills with your four-legged adventure buddy 🐾
Nelson Tasman is absolutely spoilt for dog-friendly adventures, from quick local leg burners to proper backcountry missions with rivers, huts, mountain tops and plenty of places for your pup to cool off.
But dog-friendly doesn't always mean simply clipping on the lead and heading off. Some of the tracks below require a DOC dog permit, and rules can vary depending on exactly where you're heading.
So, grab the dog, pack plenty of snacks and check the access requirements before you go — here are 10 of our favourite dog-friendly hikes around Nelson Tasman.
1. MT STARVEALL, RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- Approx. 14km return to Mt Starveall from Hacket Hut
- +1,000m-ish elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
If you're looking for a proper mountain mission with your dog, Mt Starveall is one to add to the list.
Starting from the Hacket car park, the track heads through native bush towards Starveall Hut before climbing above the bushline towards the summit. The final section gives you that classic Richmond Range feeling — exposed tops, rocky terrain and huge views across the surrounding ranges.
The summit of Mt Starveall sits at 1,511m and is well worth the extra climb from the hut. On a clear day, you'll get incredible views across the inland Kaikōura ranges and beyond.
🐾 Dog tip: Dogs are allowed in this area with a DOC dog permit. Dogs must stay outside huts and be tied up at night.
2. GRAMPIANS RESERVE, NELSON
- Approx. 4–6km depending on your route
- +300m-ish elevation gain
- Dogs: Yes — on lead at all times
The Grampians are right on Nelson's doorstep and offer a network of tracks with plenty of options for putting together a decent workout. The Kahikatea Track takes you through native bush towards the upper parts of the reserve, with views opening up across Nelson as you climb.
It's a great option for a shorter adventure, especially when you've only got a couple of hours to spare.
And because there are lots of connecting tracks, you can make the walk longer or shorter depending on how energetic you and your pup are feeling.
🐾 Dog tip: Dogs are allowed on the Grampians, but must be kept on a lead when stock animals are within the reserve.
3. BEN NEVIS, RICHMOND RANGES
- 11km return
- +1,125m elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
Ben Nevis is a fantastic sunrise mission and one of our favourite Richmond Range summits.
At 1,619m, this is no small hill! The route climbs along Gibbs Spur towards the summit, starting in forest before opening out into tussock and rocky alpine terrain.
The views from the top are the real reward — especially if you time it for sunrise. Watching the first light spread across the surrounding ranges is pretty hard to beat.
You'll need a 4WD to reach the start of the track, and there are no reliable water sources on the route, so make sure you've got plenty for both you and your dog.
🐾 Dog tip: Mt Richmond Forest Park requires a DOC dog permit. Check current access and forestry road conditions before heading out.
4. MT DUPPA, MOUNT RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- 7.8km return
- +790m elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
Just a quick jaunt from Nelson, this half-day climb packs a serious punch.
Mt Duppa stands at 1,143m and the track climbs steeply through lush beech forest before opening out onto rocky terrain and the summit ridge.
It's short, steep and sweaty — exactly the kind of hike that makes you feel like you've earned your lunch.
The summit is marked by a pole and cairn and gives you brilliant views across the Bryant and Richmond Ranges. On a clear day you can even spot Cable Bay and the Marlborough Sounds.
🐾 Dog tip: This is within Mt Richmond Forest Park, so you'll need a DOC dog permit. Keep your pup close on the steeper rocky sections.
5. MT RICHMOND, RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- 11km return
- +1,782m elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
Fancy a proper mountain mission with your four-legged adventure buddy? Mt Richmond is one for the list.
At 1,760m, it's a serious climb, with steep forest tracks leading to Richmond Saddle before the final push above the bushline. The summit rewards you with huge views across the Richmond Range and towards Tasman Bay.
This is a big day out, so it's best suited to fit dogs, experienced hikers and a good weather window.
🐾 Dog tip: Dogs are allowed with a DOC dog permit. Dogs aren't allowed inside huts, so plan accordingly.
6. LAKE CHALICE, MOUNT RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- 5km return to the lake
- +420m elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
The perfect easy overnighter for the whole family — including the dog!
Lake Chalice is the only lake in Mount Richmond Forest Park and is tucked away in a beautiful valley surrounded by native beech forest.
The short walk to the lake makes this a much more accessible adventure than some of the bigger Richmond Range missions, and there's plenty of space around the hut and lake to explore.
If you're after more of a challenge, you can extend the trip towards Old Man Hut and the alpine route, but the simple out-and-back to Lake Chalice makes a lovely adventure in its own right.
🐾 Dog tip: Dogs are allowed in the Northbank area with a DOC dog permit. Dogs aren't permitted inside huts.
7. GORDON'S KNOB, MOUNT RICHMOND FOREST PARK
- Approx. 13km return
- +800m elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
Looking for a big mountain day without heading too far from Nelson? Gordon's Knob is a great option.
The route starts at Inwood Lookout and climbs through beech forest before popping out onto the open tops.
From there, the track follows the ridge through tussock towards Gordon's Knob, with huge views across Tasman Bay, the Red Hills, Lake Rotoiti and the Inland Kaikōura Ranges.
It's a brilliant place to pack a picnic, find a sunny spot on the summit and soak it all in.
Navigation can become tricky in poor visibility, so this is definitely one to save for a good-weather day.
🐾 Dog tip: Dogs are permitted in this part of Mt Richmond Forest Park with a DOC dog permit. Keep your dog close around the tops and watch for changing alpine conditions.
8. BARNICOAT RANGE / SCOUT TRACK, NELSON
- 5.5km loop
- +500m elevation gain
- Dogs: Yes
Keeping things local!
The Scout Track is a lesser-known route up Barnicoat from Marsden Valley and is a brilliant option when you want a proper leg burner without driving for hours.
The route is steep and rough through native bush, with a rope helping you up one of the steeper sections. Once you're higher up, you can connect onto the Involution Trail and make your way back down to the car park.
It's a short walk, but don't let the distance fool you — 500m of climbing over 5.5km will definitely get the heart rate going.
🐾 Dog tip: This is one of our favourite local dog-friendly missions.
9. EMERALD POOL, PELORUS
- Approx. 6km return
- Dogs: DOC permit required
If your dog thinks every hike should involve a swim, Emerald Pool is going to be a winner.
The Pelorus Track follows the beautiful Te Hoiere/Pelorus River through native bush, with Emerald Pool reached after about an hour from the road end.
The emerald-green water makes this a particularly gorgeous spot for a picnic, swim and cool-off before heading back the way you came.
The track continues much further into the Richmond Range, but Emerald Pool makes a great turnaround point for a shorter adventure.
🐾 Dog tip: Dogs require a DOC permit on the Pelorus Track. There are also a chain bridge along the route, so make sure your dog is comfortable with this.
10. MID WAIROA HUT, WAIROA GORGE
- Approx. 8km return
- +400m-ish elevation gain
- Dogs: DOC permit required
This hut is such a perfect wee getaway — especially if your dog loves a good swim!
The track follows the beautiful Wairoa River for around 3–4 hours to Mid Wairoa Hut, with loads of swimming holes along the way. It's a much easier way into this part of the Richmond Ranges than some of the bigger multi-day routes.
The hut has recently been renovated and makes a great summer overnight mission, although those swimming holes are going to be considerably more appealing in summer than winter!
The track starts at the entrance to the Wairoa Gorge MTB park on Wairoa Gorge Road. You can park at the gate and walk in, or drive through with permission — but make sure you check access with the Wairoa Gorge before you go, as you may be locked in depending on when you need to leave.
And importantly, this is a DOC track that starts on private property, so respect the access arrangements and make sure you follow the orange DOC markers rather than the mountain bike trails.
🐾 Dog tip: This sits within the wider Mt Richmond Forest Park dog-permit area. Check with DOC before heading out and make sure your permit covers your route.
The Mole Tops and the Nydia Track are also great options too!
READY TO HIT THE TRAILS?
Just remember that dog-friendly doesn't mean restriction-free. Check the current DOC or council rules before every trip, get your permit where required and keep your dog under control around wildlife, stock, other walkers and mountain bikers.
Need to get your pup — or yourself — sorted for the next adventure? Pop in and we'll help you get ready.
Happy adventuring! 🐾🥾
