-43.56672, 171.51914
Off-lead OKHard

Pudding Hill Stream Route

Ashburton · Canterbury · Point to point

1234567.5 km1061 m
↑ 573 m gain↓ 76 m descenthigh 1061 msteepest 77 %
DISTANCE7.5 km
ASCENT573 m
DURATION2h 27m
STEEPEST77 %
ROUTEPoint to point
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~105 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.

Open track, carry water for the dogUsually a quiet trackBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter

About Pudding Hill Stream Route

Pudding Hill Stream Route is a track of 7.5 km, near Ashburton in Canterbury.

An expert, unmarked route up the Pudding Hill Stream bed in Mount Hutt Forest near Methven, with repeated stream crossings and a steep-sided gorge about 1 km upstream. It climbs from mountain beech forest into alpine snow tussock and herbfield above the bushline (about 8.3 km one way).

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 573 m, pitching up to 77 % at its steepest, and takes about 2h 27m to walk.

Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. DOC’s own wording: “Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.”.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Pudding Hill Stream Route?

Yes. Pudding Hill Stream Route 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 Pudding Hill Stream Route?

Pudding Hill Stream Route is 7.5 km with roughly 573 m of climb and takes about 2h 27m.

Hikes nearby

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

EasyMethven
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
ShadeGood with kids
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.

More in Canterbury

ModerateLyttelton
1.4 km↑74 m0.5–1 hr★3.9 rating
Swim spotShade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardChristchurch
14 km↑705 m5.5–6 hr★4.0 rating
Shade
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.
Hard
14 km↑791 m4h 11m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

Log this hike+403 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.