-43.61000, 172.64028
Dogs allowedModerate

Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track

Christchurch · Canterbury · Loop

0.511.522.533.6 km449 m
↑ 154 m gain↓ 155 m descenthigh 449 msteepest 27 %
DISTANCE3.5 km
ASCENT154 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST27 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · WALKERS 4.5 · 212
DOG EFFORT3.1 /5 paws
PARKING330 m away

The dog rule shown here is resolved against the council zone this walk sits in. Route details come from licensed public walk data. Christchurch City Council’s own wording: “Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2025, Sugarloaf Reserve (leashed): "Dogs must be on a leash to protect conservation values"”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~10 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 366 1052
The route

Good to know

Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.

Christchurch City Council maps this area as dogs allowed at Sugarloaf Reserve. Council zones can be tight, and the bylaw sets its own dog rules inside them, so check the local signs on the day. How we check dog rules.
Forest shadeA popular track, busy on weekendsStile on route

About Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track

Near Christchurch in Canterbury, Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track runs 3.5 km as a loop.

Locals lap this circuit straight from the Sugarloaf carpark on Summit Road, which Cedrics Track passes: head east along Cedrics towards the head of the Bowenvale valley, come back west on Gilpins or Mitchells track, and where the tracks gather near the Sign of the Kiwi at Dyers Pass turn north onto Cedrics again to close the loop, about 30 to 40 minutes at a steady clip. Nearly the whole circuit sits inside Christchurch City Council's mapped Sugarloaf Reserve leashed area, there to protect the reserve's conservation values, so keep the lead on the whole way round.

Graded moderate, it climbs about 154 m overall, pitching up to 27 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

Along the way there are native forest, big views, and historic sites. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 212 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.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track?

Yes. Dogs are welcome on Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track, and Christchurch City Council maps this spot in its own dog control data, so the council bylaw is the authority here.

How long is Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track?

Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track is 3.5 km with roughly 154 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Crater Rim, Cedrics, Mitchells, and Gilpins Loop Track?

Yes. The closest is Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite, about 13 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

From the pack

Walked and logged 1 time by the pack, 1 proven with a photo. first proven by Molly & Tess.

Walks nearby

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

HardLyttelton
5.5 km↑431 m2.5–3 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateLyttelton
5.8 km↑341 m2–2.5 hr★4.3 rating
Shade
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Canterbury

EasyTimaru
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Swim spotGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyChristchurch
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Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyTwizel
2.8 km↑0 m33m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyHanmer Springs
2.9 km↑20 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

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