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On-leadEasy

Lake Hood Loop Walk

Ashburton · Canterbury · Loop

↑ 0 m gain↓ 0 m descenthigh 61 msteepest 2 %
DISTANCE6.0 km
ASCENT73 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST2 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.3 · 81
DOG EFFORT1.7 /5 paws
PARKING250 m away
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~95 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.

Lake swimOpen track, carry water for the dogGood with kids
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 Lake Hood Loop Walk

Lake Hood Loop Walk is a loop of 6.0 km, near Ashburton in Canterbury.

Expect easy going, with around 73 m of climb, pitching up to 2 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in lakeside stretches and big views. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.3 / 5 across 81 reviews.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Lake Hood Loop Walk?

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

How long is Lake Hood Loop Walk?

Lake Hood Loop Walk is 6.0 km with roughly 73 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Lake Hood Loop Walk?

Yes, the track has lake access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

Hikes nearby

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

ModerateAshburton
16 km↑31 m3.5–4 hr★3.8 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Canterbury

ModerateChristchurch
4.5 km↑179 m1.5–2 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spot
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyWaimate
2.1 km↑38 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateFairlie
8.9 km↑69 m2–2.5 hr★3.3 rating
ShadeSealed underfoot
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

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