Hiking Dogs Search hikes, regions…Search…
-43.63860, 172.71356
On-leadModerate

Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway

Lyttelton · Canterbury · Point to Point

2468.1 km43 m
↑ 123 m gain↓ 124 m descenthigh 43 msteepest 19 %
DISTANCE8.2 km
ASCENT123 m
DURATION2.5–3 hr
STEEPEST19 %
ROUTEPoint to Point
RATING · HIKERS 4.7 · 126
DOG EFFORT2.8 /5 paws
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~15 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.

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 welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.7 / 5 across 126 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite

9.2 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Wooded Gully Campsite

58.1 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway?

Dogs are welcome on Head to Head Coastal Cliffs Walkway on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

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.

DOC dog-access rulesCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Bridle Path Track

HardLyttelton
5.1 km↑469 m2.5–3 hr★4.5 rating
Shade

More in Canterbury

St Martin Steps Track

ModerateChristchurch
0.8 km↑62 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Shade

Stan Helms Track

ModerateLyttelton
2.6 km↑214 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Shade

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

Log this hike+181 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.