Hiking Dogs Search hikes, regions…Search…
-43.74836, 172.01990
Off-lead OKEasy

River Terrace Walkway

Rakaia · Canterbury · Out & Back

↑ 17 m gain↓ 16 m descenthigh 130 msteepest 5 %
DISTANCE5.6 km
ASCENT17 m
DURATION1–1.5 hr
STEEPEST5 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.1 · 54
DOG EFFORT1.8 /5 paws
PARKING0 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~65 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.

River swim spotsOpen 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 River Terrace Walkway

River Terrace Walkway is an out-and-back of 5.6 km, near Rakaia in Canterbury.

Expect easy going, with around 17 m of climb, pitching up to 5 % at its steepest, and takes about 1–1.5 hr to walk.

The track takes in river frontage and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.1 / 5 across 54 reviews.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on River Terrace Walkway?

Yes. River Terrace Walkway 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 River Terrace Walkway?

River Terrace Walkway is 5.6 km with roughly 17 m of climb and takes about 1–1.5 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on River Terrace Walkway?

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.

Where dogs are welcome in NZGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

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

Argyle Park Loop

EasyAshburton
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Good with kids

Ashburton Domain Loop Walk

EasyAshburton
2.4 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

River Trail Loop

Moderate
5.9 km↑33 m1h 14m

Lake Hood Trail

ModerateAshburton
16 km↑31 m3.5–4 hr★3.8 rating
Swim spotGood with kids

More in Canterbury

Twizel Walkway

EasyTwizel
8.2 km↑22 m1.5–2 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfoot

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

Log this hike+67 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.