-43.70282, 172.89639
On-leadEasy

Hay Reserve Loop Walk

Akaroa · Canterbury · Loop

↑ 0 m gain↓ 0 m descenthigh 40 msteepest 1 %
DISTANCE1.0 km
ASCENT9 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST1 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.3 · 2
DOG EFFORT1.1 /5 paws
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~35 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 shadeGood with kidsUsually a quiet track
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 Hay Reserve Loop Walk

This short track follows 1.0 km as a loop, near Akaroa in Canterbury.

It sits at the easy end and gains roughly 9 m, pitching up to 1 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest and river frontage. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 2 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 Hay Reserve Loop Walk?

Dogs are welcome on Hay Reserve Loop Walk on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is Hay Reserve Loop Walk?

Hay Reserve Loop Walk is 1.0 km with roughly 9 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Hay Reserve Loop Walk?

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 Hay Reserve Loop Walk?

Yes. The closest is Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite, about 15 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.

ModerateAkaroa
1.8 km↑83 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateLittle River
0.6 km↑40 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
ModerateAkaroa
7.9 km↑254 m2.5–3 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Canterbury

EasyFairlie
7.2 km↑33 m1.5–2 hr★4.5 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateTwizel
9.7 km↑41 m2–2.5 hr★3.6 rating
Swim spot
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyChristchurch
0.8 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

Log this hike+25 XP

Save and Been here stay on this device, no account needed, and show up on your hikes. Logging on the live map plants Banks’ paw on the trailhead and awards XP.