This walk comes from licensed public walk data and is being progressively confirmed against the authorities. Signs on the day always win. Christchurch City Council’s own wording: “Christchurch City Council, Dog Control Policy 2025 (Southshore Spit Reserve): "Dogs are prohibited in the reserve to protect wildlife values, except on formed walking tracks, where dogs must be on a leash (Note that dogs are prohibited on the beach and foreshore area around the Spit, see the entry for Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary)". The same policy's Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary entry adds: "The beach and foreshore area around Southshore Spit Reserve are included in the prohibited area". On this walk the formed track through the reserve is the only ground open to dogs and they must be leashed on it, so the sand, dunes and foreshore either side are closed to them and there is no dog swimming off this walk”. Evidence: the rule-setter’s own published wording.How we check dog rules.
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~10 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
Dogs are allowed here. Keep them on the lead, watch for ground-nesting birds and stock, and read the signs at the gate.
Beach swimRiver 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 Southshore Spit Track
Southshore Spit Track is a loop of 1.4 km, near Christchurch in Canterbury.
It sits at the easy end and barely climbs, and takes about 19 min to walk.
The track takes in beach walking, river frontage, and big views. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 22 reviews.
Stay nearby
Dog-friendly places to sleep within 25 km of the trailhead, each one with the distance shown. Sort out the stay, then walk.
Yes, dogs are welcome on Southshore Spit Track. Christchurch City Council's own wording for this track: "Christchurch City Council, Dog Control Policy 2025 (Southshore Spit Reserve): "Dogs are prohibited in the reserve to protect wildlife values, except on formed walking tracks, where dogs must be on a leash (Note that dogs are prohibited on the beach and foreshore area around the Spit, see the entry for Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary)". The same policy's Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary entry adds: "The beach and foreshore area around Southshore Spit Reserve are included in the prohibited area". On this walk the formed track through the reserve is the only ground open to dogs and they must be leashed on it, so the sand, dunes and foreshore either side are closed to them and there is no dog swimming off this walk".
How long is Southshore Spit Track?
Southshore Spit Track is 1.4 km with barely any climb and takes about 19 min.
Is there water for my dog to swim on Southshore Spit Track?
Yes, the track has beach and 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 Southshore Spit Track?
Yes. The closest is Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite, about 6 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.
Save and Been here stay on this device, no account needed, and show up on your walks. Logging on the live map plants Banks’ paw on the trailhead; prove the walk with a photo of your dog and it scores on the leaderboard.
Log it with your dog and keep the record
Join the pack: log walks, earn XP, get your dog drawn, and help keep every dog rule in New Zealand honest.
