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: 'Dogs are prohibited in the lakes and must be leashed around the lakes to protect wildlife. This applies to the whole of Roto Kohatu Regional Park, except the hilly grassed area to the south-west of the access road around Lake Tahi, where dogs can be under effective control.' (Dog Control Policy 2025, Schedule 1, Lake Tahi and Lake Rua, Roto Kohatu Regional Park.) The loop circles both lakes, so the dog is leashed the whole way round and stays out of the water; the only off-lead ground here is the hilly grass south-west of the access road”. 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.
Lake swimOpen 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 Tahi and Rua Lakes Loop
This moderate-length track follows 2.3 km as a loop, near Christchurch in Canterbury.
Expect easy, near-level going, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.
Along the way there are lakeside stretches and big views. Dogs are allowed here, on the lead. Walkers rate it 4.2 / 5 across 63 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 Tahi and Rua Lakes Loop. Christchurch City Council's own wording for this track: "Christchurch City Council: 'Dogs are prohibited in the lakes and must be leashed around the lakes to protect wildlife. This applies to the whole of Roto Kohatu Regional Park, except the hilly grassed area to the south-west of the access road around Lake Tahi, where dogs can be under effective control.' (Dog Control Policy 2025, Schedule 1, Lake Tahi and Lake Rua, Roto Kohatu Regional Park.) The loop circles both lakes, so the dog is leashed the whole way round and stays out of the water; the only off-lead ground here is the hilly grass south-west of the access road".
How long is Tahi and Rua Lakes Loop?
Tahi and Rua Lakes Loop is 2.3 km with barely any climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.
Is there water for my dog to swim on Tahi and Rua Lakes Loop?
Yes, the track has lake 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 Tahi and Rua Lakes Loop?
Yes. The closest is Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite, about 23 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.
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