Dogs are at risk of being banned from Bluff's popular 'Foveaux Walkway' after dog faeces on the track reach 'obscene levels' according to Department of Conservation rangers.

One of Bluff’s signature tracks and part of the Te Araroa Trail, Foveaux Walkway is a huge drawcard for both locals and tourists, with views over Foveaux Strait, Dog Island Lighthouse, Ruapuke Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island.

The area is also home to marine mammals, including kekeno/fur seals and pakake/sea lions, and sea birds including tītī, shag, tawaki/Fiordland crested penguin, mottled petrel, kororā/little penguin and numerous forest bird species. In winter tohorā/southern right whales can be spotted in the strait.

DOC acting Operations Manager Murihiku Jono Airey says it’s a special track.

“It’s visually stunning with native flora and fauna and is rich with Māori and European history. We’re talking about nature and heritage unique to New Zealand, these are things you can’t find anywhere else."

“Dogs are allowed on the track as long as they are on lead."

"Dogs are doing what dogs do, but unfortunately their owners are leaving their dogs’ faeces behind in this precious place."

"It’s a long-term issue, and it’s getting worse."

“It’s not good enough, track maintenance is now a dangerous, disgusting job for our rangers."

"They return covered from head to toe in dog excrement thrown about by scrub-cutters."

"They even wear face shields to protect themselves."

"You wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Dog faeces contain germs which can harm humans and wildlife and should always be picked up and disposed of responsibly.

“Unless things improve, we will have to exclude dogs from our track network in Bluff to ensure the health and safety of our rangers, visitors, and wildlife,” says Jono.

“Dog poo bins aren’t an option for us, they encourage fly tipping and illegal dumping and require a level of maintenance we can’t resource.

“People tramping in our backcountry carry out human rubbish and waste to protect our natural environments, so we’re sure visitors to the urban Foveaux Walkway can manage the much easier job of cleaning up after their dogs.”

New signs will soon remind dog walkers of their obligation to remove dog poo from the Foveaux Walkway, and DOC will monitor the situation to inform decisions on future dog access to the track.