Kenton Track
Christchurch · Canterbury · Out & Back
This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. The rule-setter’s own wording: “Christchurch City Council's own page for the Kenton Track lists the rule under Dogs: "On leash only". (Christchurch City Council, Parks and gardens, Port Hills, Bridle Path, Kenton Track, fetched 30 August 2026.) The track climbs into John Britten Reserve, which the council's Dog Control Policy 2025 lists as leashed: "Dogs must be on a leash to protect animals grazing". The council says the same for the wider Bridle Path area, "Dogs must be on a leash at all times"”. Evidence: a hand-checked correction against the authority. How we check dog rules.
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.
About Kenton Track
This moderate-length track follows 3.5 km as an out-and-back, near Christchurch in Canterbury.
Grazing stock is the reason the council gives, so the lead is doing a job here rather than ticking a box. The council's own description starts you over the stile at the end of Rockview Place, or from the end of Major Hornbrook Road, then uphill into John Britten Reserve with long views over the Heathcote Valley and back across the estuary, coming out on the Summit Road near Broadleaf Lane. It calls that 1.6 km and about 30 minutes one way, and our route here is the return trip.
It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 253 m, pitching up to 26 % at its steepest, and takes about 1.5–2 hr to walk.
The track takes in big views. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.1 / 5 across 49 reviews.
