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On-leadEasy

Gunns Bush Track

Waimate · Canterbury · Loop

1234.4 km368 m
↑ 103 m gain↓ 101 m descenthigh 368 msteepest 17 %
DISTANCE4.5 km
ASCENT103 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST17 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 28
DOG EFFORT2.5 /5 paws
Nearest emergency vetDunedin Emergency & After-Hours Vet Clinic (DEVC), Dunedin~160 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 477 7233
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 spotsOpen track, carry water for the dog
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 Gunns Bush Track

This moderate-length track follows 4.5 km as a loop, near Waimate in Canterbury.

Graded easy, it climbs about 103 m overall, pitching up to 17 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in river frontage. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 28 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 Gunns Bush Track?

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

How long is Gunns Bush Track?

Gunns Bush Track is 4.5 km with roughly 103 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Gunns Bush 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 Gunns Bush Track?

Yes. The closest is Pioneer Park Campsite, about 58 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.

EasyWaimate
2.1 km↑38 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateTimaru
4.7 km↑277 m★3.1 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWaimate
1.9 km↑15 m0.5–1 hr★3.6 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Canterbury

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

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