Last updated November 2026
The Dog Stream Waterfall drops 41 m in Hanmer Forest Park, a short drive from Hanmer Springs. DOC’s Waterfall Track reaches it from the car park at the end of Mullans Road in about 1 hour 30 minutes one way, climbing steadily through mountain beech forest.
DOC grades the walk easy. It pairs naturally with a day in Hanmer Springs, which is about 117 km north of central Christchurch in a straight line. Walking access can be closed on days of extreme fire danger, so check before you set out.
Practical Information
- Start
- Hanmer Forest Park car park at the end of Mullans Road, Hanmer Springs (signposted)
- Distance from the city
- About 117 km from Christchurch
- Walking time
- 1 hour 30 minutes one way
- Grade
- Easy
- Height of the falls
- 41 m
- Track type
- Walking track, out and back or as a loop
- Managed by
- Department of Conservation
- Track markers
- On marked bush tracks, DOC and most councils use orange triangles for the walking route. Triangles or tape in other colours, usually pink or blue, mark pest-control lines and traps. They can lead off the track, so don’t follow them.
About the Dog Stream Waterfall
The Waterfall Track starts with a steady climb through mountain beech forest. Look closely as you go: DOC points out mosses, ferns, lichens and native orchids along the track. After about 1 hour 15 minutes (1.8 km) you reach the junction with the Spur Track, and the waterfall is roughly 15 minutes further on.
Just before the falls, the Mt Isobel link track joins, giving access to the Mt Isobel Track for walkers wanting a much bigger day. The waterfall itself is the reward for most: DOC describes it as “the attractive 41 metre-high Dog Stream waterfall”.
At about three hours return, it fits into a half-day for anyone staying in Hanmer Springs.
Making It a Loop
Instead of returning the same way, DOC suggests coming back via the Spur Track and the Fir Trail to the waterfall car park.
Getting There
From Hanmer Springs, drive north-east along Jollies Pass Road for 2.2 km, turn left onto McIntyre Road for 1.5 km, then turn left onto Mullans Road and follow it to the Hanmer Forest Park car park. The track is signposted from the car park.
Fire Danger and Forest Closures
Walking access in Hanmer Forest Park is unrestricted except during fire danger or for public safety. When a red flag flies outside the information centre and community hall in Hanmer Springs, all tracks are closed because of extreme fire danger.
Some tracks may also close for forest harvesting, so follow the signs. Wasp numbers peak from January to March: wear light-coloured clothing and carry antihistamine cream or tablets. Check DOC before you go.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation: Waterfall Track, Hanmer Forest Park: track information, alerts and status. Track information: Crown Copyright: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai 2026. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk to the Dog Stream Waterfall?
About 1 hour 30 minutes one way from the Mullans Road car park.
How high is the waterfall?
41 m.
How hard is the track?
DOC grades it easy, though it starts with a steady climb.
Where does it start?
At the Hanmer Forest Park car park at the end of Mullans Road, reached via Jollies Pass Road and McIntyre Road from Hanmer Springs.
Can I do a loop?
Yes. DOC suggests returning via the Spur Track and Fir Trail.
Can the track be closed?
Yes. A red flag outside the Hanmer Springs information centre and community hall means all tracks are closed for extreme fire danger, and some tracks close for harvesting.
How far is it from Christchurch?
About 117 km in a straight line, at Hanmer Springs in North Canterbury.
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