-42.43716, 172.25526
Permit neededHard

Lake Christabel Track

Springs Junction · Canterbury

2468101215.2 km734 m
↑ 78 m gain↓ 327 m descenthigh 734 m
DISTANCE15.2 km
ASCENT78 m
DURATION3 hr 10 min

We drew and checked this walk ourselves against the authority quoted above before publishing it. The route line comes from official track data. DOC’s own wording: “Dogs with a DOC permit only. Contact closest DOC office to get a permit”. Evidence: the rule-setter’s own published wording. How we check dog rules.

Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~145 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 366 1052
The route

Good to know

A DOC dog permit is required before any dog walks here. DOC codes this land for the hunting-dog permit, so it is not a casual dog walk. Ask the DOC office before planning to bring a dog.

This track is in Victoria Forest Park, where dogs need a DOC permit. Apply to the Māwhera / Greymouth DOC office ahead of time; a permit can take up to five days and is not issued on the track.
Email DOC for the permit

Opens your email app, addressed to [email protected]. You can also call DOC on 0800 275 362.

Usually a quiet track

About Lake Christabel Track

Lake Christabel Track is a big walk of 15.2 km, near Springs Junction in Canterbury.

Climbs beside the Blue Grey River from the Palmer Road end in Victoria Forest Park to the hidden Lake Christabel and its hut. Only this western approach carries the permit class. The eastern crossover via Rough Creek Saddle sits in Lewis Pass Scenic Reserve, where DOC says no dogs at all, permit or not.

Expect hard going, with around 78 m of climb, and takes about 3 hr 10 min to walk.

A DOC dog permit is required before any dog walks here. Arrange it with the managing DOC office ahead of your trip.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog on Lake Christabel Track?

Not without a DOC dog permit. A permit must be arranged from the Māwhera / Greymouth DOC office before any dog walks Lake Christabel Track, and DOC codes this land for the hunting-dog permit, so it is not a casual dog walk. Ask the office before planning to bring a dog.

How long is Lake Christabel Track?

Lake Christabel Track is 15.2 km with roughly 78 m of climb and takes about 3 hr 10 min.

Walks nearby

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

ExpertReefton
1.9 km↑616 mabout 1 hr 24
Dog access: Permit needed. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertReefton
3.8 km↑414 mabout 1 hr 27
Dog access: Permit needed. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertReefton
2.3 km↑851 mabout 1 hr 52
Dog access: Permit needed. Difficulty: Expert.
ExpertReefton
6.8 km↑484 m2 hr 9 min
Dog access: Permit needed. Difficulty: Expert.

More in Canterbury

EasyChristchurch
0.6 km↑0 mabout 9 min
Good with kids
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Easy.
ExpertTwizel
18 km↑705 m4h 49m
Dog access: Dogs allowed. Difficulty: Expert.

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