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-43.46542, 172.46812
Off-lead OKModerate

McLeans Forest Walking Track

Christchurch · Canterbury · Loop

↑ 18 m gain↓ 18 m descenthigh 69 msteepest 1 %
DISTANCE10.5 km
ASCENT18 m
DURATION2.5–3 hr
STEEPEST1 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 243
DOG EFFORT2.1 /5 paws
PARKING80 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~20 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 366 1052
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Forest shadeGood with kidsA popular track, busy on weekends

About McLeans Forest Walking Track

Near Christchurch in Canterbury, McLeans Forest Walking Track runs 10.5 km as a loop.

It sits at the moderate end and gains roughly 18 m, pitching up to 1 % at its steepest, and takes about 2.5–3 hr to walk.

Walkers come for native forest and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 243 reviews.

Stay nearby

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

Stay & walk

Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite

30.4 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Wooded Gully Campsite

32.1 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on McLeans Forest Walking Track?

Yes. McLeans Forest Walking Track is one of only 323 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is McLeans Forest Walking Track?

McLeans Forest Walking Track is 10.5 km with roughly 18 m of climb and takes about 2.5–3 hr.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near McLeans Forest Walking Track?

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

Where dogs are welcome in NZCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Gordon Reid Track

EasyChristchurch
4.3 km↑3 m1–1.5 hr★4.4 rating

F W Delamain Park Walk

EasyChristchurch
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Good with kids

Avonhead Park Loop

EasyChristchurch
1.8 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★2.0 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids

More in Canterbury

Christchurch Coastal Pathway

EasyChristchurch
14 km↑42 m3–3.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Claremont Bush

EasyClaremont Bush
0.3 km↑0 m3m

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

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