-43.13650, 171.73383
On-leadModerate

Craigieburn Edge Track

Sheffield · Canterbury · Out & Back

2468.7 km1291 m
↑ 407 m gain↓ 407 m descenthigh 1291 msteepest 27 %
DISTANCE9.0 km
ASCENT407 m
DURATION3.5–4 hr
STEEPEST27 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.6 · 23
DOG EFFORT3.7 /5 paws
PARKING580 m away
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~100 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 366 1052
The route

Good to know

On the lead here. Keep it to two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds, as on most NZ tracks.

River swim spotsForest shadeBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter
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 Craigieburn Edge Track

Craigieburn Edge Track covers 9.0 km, near Sheffield in Canterbury, walked as an out-and-back.

It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 407 m, pitching up to 27 % at its steepest, and takes about 3.5–4 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest and river frontage. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 23 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Craigieburn Edge Track?

Dogs are welcome on Craigieburn Edge Track on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Craigieburn Edge Track?

Craigieburn Edge Track is 9.0 km with roughly 407 m of climb and takes about 3.5–4 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Craigieburn Edge Track?

Yes, the track has river 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 Craigieburn Edge Track?

Yes. The closest is Mistletoe Flats Campsite, about 2 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Hikes nearby

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

HardSheffield
5.6 km↑448 m★4.6 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.
HardSheffield
16 km↑570 m5.5–6 hr★4.5 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateSheffield
6.0 km↑231 m2–2.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Canterbury

EasyMethven
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

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