Runs along Ashley Gorge Waterfall via Totaranui Trail, which is the longer route the map draws through here. This is its own walk, with its own trailhead and its own page.

-43.22934, 172.22849

No dogsEasy

Ashley Gorge Loop Track

Oxford · Canterbury · Loop

↑ 50 m gain↓ 49 m descenthigh 272 msteepest 19 %

DISTANCE1.8 km

ASCENT50 m

DURATION0.5–1 hr

STEEPEST19 %

ROUTELoop

RATING · WALKERS 4.6 · 41

DOG EFFORT2.4 /5 paws

Dog-friendly walks near Oxford Directions Apple Maps Forecast at the trailhead Download GPX Send the start point to your phone

The base walk data and the mapped council zone here read differently, and the council bylaw wins: follow the zone note above and the signs on the day. Route details come from licensed public walk data. Evidence: the council’s own mapped rule zone. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~55 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)

03 366 1052

The route

Good to know

Waimakariri District Council maps a no-dogs zone at this spot. The zone note below has the boundary, and signs on the day win.

Waimakariri District Council maps a no-dogs zone at Ashley Gorge Reserve. Dogs are not allowed inside it, so check the local signs to see if your route runs through it. How we check dog rules.

River swim spotsWaterfallForest shadeGood with kids

Check the water before the dog swims. Toxic algae blooms in NZ rivers and lakes can kill a dog within hours. Scan the LAWA water quality map in warm months and keep dogs away from dark slime on rocks.

About Ashley Gorge Loop Track

Ashley Gorge Loop Track covers 1.8 km, near Oxford in Canterbury, walked as a loop.

It sits at the easy end and gains roughly 50 m, pitching up to 19 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest, river frontage, waterfalls, and wildflowers. Waimakariri District Council maps a no-dogs zone at this spot, so dogs are not allowed here. Walkers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 41 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.

Stay & walk

Wooded Gully Campsite

9.5 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Ashley-Rakahuri Gorge Holiday Park

0.1 km away · Dogs by arrangement, ask firstCampground details →

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Ashley Gorge Loop Track?

Waimakariri District Council maps a no-dogs zone at Ashley Gorge Loop Track. Dogs are not allowed inside the zone boundary, and signs on the day are the final word.

How long is Ashley Gorge Loop Track?

Ashley Gorge Loop Track is 1.8 km with roughly 50 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Ashley Gorge Loop Track?

Yes, the track has river and waterfall access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Ashley Gorge Loop Track?

Yes. The closest is Wooded Gully Campsite, about 10 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 4 times by the pack, 1 proven with a photo. first proven by Megan & Albie.

Walks nearby

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

Ashley Gorge Waterfall via Totaranui Trail

ModerateOxford

3.7 km↑255 m★4.2 rating

Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Mount Richardson, Blowhard, and Bypass Tracks Loop

HardGlentui

12 km↑733 m5–5.5 hr★4.5 rating

Swim spotShade

Mount Richardson via Blowhard Track

HardRangiora

28 km↑1455 m11–12 hr★4.2 rating

Swim spotShade

Glentui Loop Track

ModerateGlentui

2.7 km↑118 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating