HardAshburton
6.8 km↑815 m4–4.5 hr★4.6 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.
Canterbury · town
Dog-friendly walks near Ashburton
Every dog-friendly hike and tramp we have mapped around Ashburton, in the Canterbury region. That is 14 tracks in all, 8 off the lead and 8 with a swim spot, each with its lead rule, real climb and nearest places to stay read straight off the terrain.
The highest-rated hike here is Mount Barrosa Track, and Roundabout Lake Emma is one you can walk off the lead. Of the lot, 4 are graded easy.
14 tracks8 off-lead8 swim spots4 places to stay
The complete list
All 14 dog-friendly walks near Ashburton
Sorted by rating. Every entry opens its full trail sheet with the elevation profile, dog verdict and nearest places to stay.
EasyAshburton
2.4 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateAshburton
14 km↑73 m3.5–4 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyAshburton
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Easy.
EasyAshburton
6.0 km↑0 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
HardAshburton
16 km↑604 m4.5–5 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
HardAshburton
19 km↑568 m5.5–6.5 hr★4.2 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Hard.
ExpertAshburton
45 km↑1772 m15–16.5 hr★3.9 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
EasyAshburton
3.1 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★3.3 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Easy.
ModerateAshburton
16 km↑31 m3.5–4 hr★3.8 rating
Dog verdict: On-lead. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardAshburton
16 km↑396 m3h 46m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateAshburton
8.3 km↑17 m1h 41m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardAshburton
7.5 km↑573 m2h 27m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
HardAshburton
7.3 km↑672 m2h 35m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
Star ratings are average scores from the hikers who have walked each track.
Lead off
Off-leash walks near Ashburton
The 8 tracks around Ashburton where dogs can legally come off the lead. Off-lead access is rare on New Zealand tracks, so check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.
ModerateAshburton
14 km↑73 m3.5–4 hr★4.5 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
EasyAshburton
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.4 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Easy.
HardAshburton
16 km↑604 m4.5–5 hr★4.3 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
ExpertAshburton
45 km↑1772 m15–16.5 hr★3.9 rating
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Expert.
HardAshburton
16 km↑396 m3h 46m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
ModerateAshburton
8.3 km↑17 m1h 41m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Moderate.
HardAshburton
7.5 km↑573 m2h 27m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
HardAshburton
7.3 km↑672 m2h 35m
Dog verdict: Off-lead OK. Difficulty: Hard.
Stay & walk
Dog-friendly places to stay near Ashburton
DOC campsites and community holiday parks within about 40 km that take dogs. Check each one's rules before you book.
Community holiday parks
Mt Somers Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 4 km away Visit their websiteRakaia Gorge Camping Ground
Dogs welcome on a lead 27 km away Visit their websiteAshburton Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 37 km away Visit their websiteCoronation Holiday Park
Dogs by arrangement, ask first 38 km away Visit their websiteKeep exploring
More dog-friendly walks
Nearby towns