This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Christchurch City Council’s own wording: “"Dogs are prohibited on the foreshore areas to protect wildlife values (particularly penguin, reef heron and roosting shags). Dogs must be on a leash on the reserve and coastal pathway / head to head walkway to protect health and safety" (Christchurch City Council, Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2025, Coastal Cliff Reserve and foreshore (Diamond Harbour)). On this walk that means on-lead for the whole cliff section, roughly the 2.7 km to 5.0 km marks, and no dogs at all if you drop off the pathway onto the shore below it. "Swimming and recreation area - dogs are prohibited during summer (from 1 November to 31 March between 9am-7pm), except for the purposes of passing through where dogs must be on a short leash. Outside these times dogs are permitted under effective control" (Christchurch City Council, Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2025, Hays Bay Beach). This walk crosses Hays Bay Beach for about 140 m in its first half kilometre, so from 1 November to 31 March between 9am and 7pm keep your dog on a short leash and keep walking through that stretch”. Evidence: the rule-setter’s own published wording.How we check dog rules.
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~15 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
Beach swimForest shadeA popular track, busy on weekends
About Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway
This long track follows 8.2 km as a point-to-point, near Lyttelton in Canterbury.
Graded moderate, it climbs about 123 m overall, pitching up to 19 % at its steepest, and takes about 2.5–3 hr to walk.
The track takes in beach walking, native forest, big views, and wildflowers. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 126 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.
Can I take my dog on Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway?
Yes, dogs are welcome on Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway. Christchurch City Council's own wording for this track: ""Dogs are prohibited on the foreshore areas to protect wildlife values (particularly penguin, reef heron and roosting shags). Dogs must be on a leash on the reserve and coastal pathway / head to head walkway to protect health and safety" (Christchurch City Council, Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2025, Coastal Cliff Reserve and foreshore (Diamond Harbour)). On this walk that means on-lead for the whole cliff section, roughly the 2.7 km to 5.0 km marks, and no dogs at all if you drop off the pathway onto the shore below it. "Swimming and recreation area - dogs are prohibited during summer (from 1 November to 31 March between 9am-7pm), except for the purposes of passing through where dogs must be on a short leash. Outside these times dogs are permitted under effective control" (Christchurch City Council, Dog Control Policy and Bylaw 2025, Hays Bay Beach). This walk crosses Hays Bay Beach for about 140 m in its first half kilometre, so from 1 November to 31 March between 9am and 7pm keep your dog on a short leash and keep walking through that stretch".
How long is Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway?
Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway is 8.2 km with roughly 123 m of climb and takes about 2.5–3 hr.
Is there water for my dog to swim on Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway?
Yes, the track has beach 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 Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway?
Yes. The closest is Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite, about 9 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.
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