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Off-lead OKEasy

Snowdens Bush Walk

Brightwater · Nelson-Tasman · Loop

↑ 0 m gain↓ 0 m descenthigh 24 msteepest 1 %
DISTANCE1.8 km
ASCENT19 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST1 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.1 · 4
DOG EFFORT1.2 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetNelson Vets - Saxton (after-hours on-call), Nelson~15 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 544 5678
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 287 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Forest shadeUsually a quiet track

About Snowdens Bush Walk

Snowdens Bush Walk covers 1.8 km, near Brightwater in Nelson-Tasman, walked as a loop.

Graded easy, it climbs about 19 m overall, pitching up to 1 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.1 / 5 across 4 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly DOC campsites close to the trailhead, sort out the sleep, then walk.

Stay & walk

Mill Flat Campsite

37.2 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Butchers Flat Campsite

41.3 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Snowdens Bush Walk?

Yes. Snowdens Bush Walk is one of only 287 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is Snowdens Bush Walk?

Snowdens Bush Walk is 1.8 km with roughly 19 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Snowdens Bush Walk?

Yes. The closest is Mill Flat Campsite, about 37 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Where dogs are welcome in NZCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

Lord Rutherford Park Walk

EasyBrightwater
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★3.0 rating
Good with kids

Eves Valley Reserve Walk

EasyBrightwater
2.1 km↑19 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids

More in Nelson-Tasman

Chings Highway

EasyHIRA
4.1 km↑142 m1h 3m

Corder Park Loop

EasyNelson
0.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.0 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Crazy Horse

EasyCODG
0.3 km↑0 m3m

See every dog-friendly track in Nelson-Tasman →

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