Off-lead OKModerate
Roundabout Lake Emma
Ashburton · Canterbury · Loop
↑ 73 m gain↓ 72 m descenthigh 722 msteepest 6 %
DISTANCE14.5 km
ASCENT73 m
DURATION3.5–4 hr
STEEPEST6 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.5 · 39
DOG EFFORT2.8 /5 paws
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch
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.
Lake swimOpen track, carry water for the dog
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 Roundabout Lake Emma
This big track follows 14.5 km as a loop, near Ashburton in Canterbury.
Graded moderate, it climbs about 73 m overall, pitching up to 6 % at its steepest, and takes about 3.5–4 hr to walk.
The track takes in lakeside stretches and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.5 / 5 across 39 reviews.