Leave Only Pawprints: A Dog-Lover’s Guide to Eco-Hiking

There’s nothing quite like lacing up your boots, grabbing your pup’s lead, and heading out to explore the great outdoors. Here in beautiful Aotearoa, we’re lucky to be surrounded by lush forests, stunning coastlines, and rolling hills—just waiting to be explored.

And for our little Yorkies (yes, the pint-sized trail bosses they are), hiking is more than just a walk—it’s a full-on adventure. But with great views comes great responsibility. Hiking with your dog offers so many benefits—for body, mind, and wagging tails—but it’s important to tread lightly and leave nature just as we found it.

Here are our favourite low-impact hiking tips to keep your outdoor adventures fun, safe, and sustainable:

🗺️ 1. Prepare and Plan Like a Pro

Before heading out, check if the trail is dog-friendly—some conservation areas or Department of Conservation (DOC) trails have restrictions to protect native wildlife like kiwi or penguins. Also, consider your dog’s fitness and the trail difficulty (our Yorkies might be small, but they’ve got big energy—just not for steep climbs!).

Pack the essentials:

• Leash and collar/harness

• Plenty of water for you and your dog

• Collapsible bowl

• Healthy dog snacks

• Dog-friendly sunscreen (yes, it’s a thing!)

• Biodegradable waste bags

  • https://www.myecoworld.com/

  • https://www.littlegreendog.co.nz/

🐕 2. Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Even if your dog has top-notch recall, it’s best to keep them leashed. This helps protect local wildlife, prevent accidental injuries, and avoid unwanted encounters with other hikers or dogs.

In many areas around New Zealand, especially near native bush or bird habitats, dogs must be on a lead at all times—so it’s not just good manners, it’s the law!

🦘 3. Respect Wildlife and Observe from a Distance

Let’s face it—our dogs love a good chase. But while they’re curious about rustling bushes, it’s our job to keep them from disturbing native animals. That means no chasing, barking at, or sniffing too close to any wildlife.

Snap photos from a distance, never feed wild animals, and always admire quietly so the local residents don’t feel threatened.

💩 4. Pick It Up—Always!

Here’s the deal: dog poop doesn’t belong in the bush. Unlike wild animal droppings, our dogs’ waste can carry bacteria, parasites, and other nasties that harm native plants and animals.

Use biodegradable bags, tie them up securely, and carry it out with you. If you're doing a long loop, pack an extra bag or small sealed container to stash the smelly cargo till you find a bin. Nature doesn’t have a clean-up crew, so we’ve got to be it.

🌿 5. Stick to the Trail

It’s tempting to take the “scenic route,” but veering off trail—especially with an excited dog—can cause erosion, damage fragile plant life, and disturb wildlife habitats. Keep your dog close, stay on marked paths, and take only memories (and a few adorable dog selfies).

🐾 Final Thoughts from a Yorkie Mum

Hiking with your dog is one of life’s simple joys. Whether it’s a quick loop around the local reserve or a full-day trek through native bush, sharing those moments with your furry bestie makes the adventure even sweeter.

Let’s protect the beauty that makes New Zealand so special. With just a little extra care, we can all do our part to hike responsibly—and wag a tail while doing it.

Happy trails, tail-waggers!

Have a favourite dog-friendly hike in NZ or a photo of your pup on the trail? Tag us @ecosource.ltd and share your adventures using #EcoTailsNZ 🐾🌏