-43.46542, 172.32878
On-leadEasy

McIndoe Track - The Willows

Christchurch · Canterbury · Loop

↑ 3 m gain↓ 3 m descenthigh 116 msteepest 1 %
DISTANCE3.7 km
ASCENT45 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST1 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 131
DOG EFFORT1.4 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~30 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.

River swim spotsForest shadeA popular track, busy on weekends
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 McIndoe Track - The Willows

This moderate-length track follows 3.7 km as a loop, near Christchurch in Canterbury.

Graded easy, it climbs about 45 m overall, pitching up to 1 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

The track takes in native forest and river frontage. Dogs are welcome here on the lead. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 131 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on McIndoe Track - The Willows?

Dogs are welcome on McIndoe Track - The Willows on a lead. Keep the lead at two metres or less and watch for ground-nesting birds.

How long is McIndoe Track - The Willows?

McIndoe Track - The Willows is 3.7 km with roughly 45 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on McIndoe Track - The Willows?

Yes, the track has river 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 McIndoe Track - The Willows?

Yes. The closest is Wooded Gully Campsite, about 30 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Hikes nearby

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

EasyChristchurch
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.5 rating
Good with kids
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyChristchurch
4.3 km↑3 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateChristchurch
10 km↑18 m2.5–3 hr★4.5 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.

More in Canterbury

ModerateChristchurch
1.6 km↑89 m★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyLyttelton
8.0 km↑86 m2–2.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

Log this hike+44 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.