Dog Parks and Dog Walks in Christchurch
Dog exercise areas, off-leash walks and dog-friendly beaches around Christchurch, with the council's rules for each.
In Christchurch, dogs can be off leash under effective control in most parks, reserves and beaches, but since 3 November 2025 they must be on a leash on roads, footpaths, car parks and park paths. The Botanic Gardens, Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary and Travis Wetland are off limits, and the main city beaches have summer rules. Every place below shows its rule and how to get there.
Map of dog parks, walks and beaches
Every place on this page as a pin. Tap a pin for its dog rule, directions and our guide.
Dog parksWalksBeachesNo dogsHas our guideGroup, tap to zoom in
Dog parks (18)
Halswell Quarry Park dog exercise area
Off leash Rest of the park on leash Directions Read the guideHorseshoe Lake dog park
Off leash Fenced Agility course Trees Open space Directions Read the guideRawhiti Reserve dog park
Off leash Fenced Large Many trees Agility course Directions Read the guideThe Groynes dog park
Off leash Fenced Eight fenced areas Two spring-fed streams Fresh drinking water Directions Read the guideVictoria Park dog park
Off leash Fenced Fresh drinking water Poo bins Directions Read the guideFortune Reserve dog park
Off leash Fenced Small dogs only Trial until 2026 DirectionsFoster Dog Park
Off leash Fenced 2 hectares Double gates Three agility areas DirectionsGladstone Dog Park
Off leash Fenced 2 hectares Walking circuit Seating DirectionsKaiapoi Dog Park
Off leash 2.2 hectares Benches Mature trees DirectionsKakaha Park Dog Park
Off leash Fenced 1.5 hectares Agility equipment Seating DirectionsLeeston Dog Park
Off leash Fenced 1.8 hectares Small pond Grooming table DirectionsLittle River Dog Exercise Area
Off leash DirectionsMilton Memorial Dog Park
Off leash 2.6 hectares Drinking water Poo bags and bins DirectionsRadley Park dog exercise area
Off leash Open 24 hours DirectionsSouthbrook Dog Park
Off leash Fenced 9,540 square metres Walking circuit Seating DirectionsStyx Mill Reserve dog park
Off leash Fenced Toilets Parking DirectionsThe Willows dog park
Off leash 4.3 hectares Agility equipment Picnic areas DirectionsWalks and reserves (45)
Bottle Lake Forest Park
Off leashThe whole forest is a dog exercise area and the leash on paths rule does not apply here. Entry off Waitikiri Drive.
Directions Read the guideGodley Head Walkway
On leashNo dogs on the Godley Head foreshore.
Directions Read the guideHalswell Quarry Park
Some rulesOff leash in the dog exercise area, on leash in the rest of the park, no dogs in the wetland.
Directions Read the guideRapaki Track
On leash Directions Read the guideThe Groynes
Some rulesOn leash in most of the park; off leash on the river-side path and in the fenced dog park.
Directions Read the guideVictoria Park
On leashOn leash in the park; off leash inside the fenced Victoria Park dog park.
Directions Read the guideBob’s Camp Bivouac Route
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsBypass Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsEllangowan Scenic Reserve Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsHay Scenic Reserve walk
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsMajor Hornbrook Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsMount Pleasant Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsMt Grey/Maukatere Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsOkuti Valley Scenic Reserve walk
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsPinchgut Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsRed Beech Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsRichardson Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsRidge Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsSaddle Hill Summit Track
Dogs allowedDOC: Allowed, under control.
DirectionsSummit Track
On leashDOC: On a lead only.
DirectionsAbberley Park
Some rulesOn leash, except off leash on the flat eastern lawn.
DirectionsAngela Stream Walkway (Clarevale section)
On leashThe rest of Travis Wetland is dog free.
DirectionsBarnett Park Conservation Area
Some rulesOn leash on the hill, off leash on the flat grass near the Bay View Road car park and sports ground.
DirectionsBowenvale Park
On leash DirectionsBridle Path walkway
On leash DirectionsCaptain Thomas Track
On leash DirectionsHoon Hay Scenic Reserve
Some rulesOn leash in the eastern half, off leash under effective control in the southern half.
DirectionsHuntsbury Track
On leash DirectionsJubilee Walkway
On leashNo dogs on the surrounding areas.
DirectionsKaiapoi Island
Dogs allowedDog walking is a listed activity; dogs must be kept under effective control at all times.
DirectionsKaiapoi Lakes
On leashLeash control to protect birdlife.
DirectionsKennedy's Track
On leash DirectionsMcLeans Forest
Dogs allowedDogs must be kept under effective control at all times.
DirectionsMt Pleasant Reserve
On leash DirectionsNgā Puna Wai and Canterbury Agricultural Park (Wigram East Retention Basin)
Some rulesOn leash on the walkway and boardwalk, off leash elsewhere, no dogs in the pond and planted margins.
DirectionsPony Point
Some rulesOn leash on the lower slopes and track, off leash on the hilltop.
DirectionsRoto Kohatu Regional Park
Some rulesNo dogs in Lake Tahi and Lake Rua, on leash around the lakes, off leash on the hilly grassed area southwest of the Lake Tahi access road.
DirectionsSpencer Park
On leash DirectionsStyx Mill Conservation Reserve, west end
Some rulesOn leash on paths, off leash in the open field and the fenced dog park. The rest of the reserve is dog free except two leashed paths.
DirectionsSugarloaf Reserve
On leash DirectionsTaylor's Mistake Giants Nose Reserve
On leash DirectionsTe Kuru Wetlands
Some rulesOn leash on paths, off leash on mown grass, no dogs elsewhere. The same rule covers Quaifes Road Springlands, Sparks Wetland and Worsley Valley Drainage Reserve.
DirectionsWest Melton Forest
On leashOnly a dog on leash icon on the park page; no written rule.
DirectionsWorsley Spur Track
On leash DirectionsŌtākaro Avon River Corridor
Some rulesOn leash on paths and in restoration areas; off leash on mown areas and former closed roads. Dogs may enter the river from mown banks only.
DirectionsBeaches (18)
Corsair Bay
Some rules Seasonal rulesLeashed on the head to head walkway.
No dogs on the beach 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March
Directions Read the guideNew Brighton Beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesOff leash under effective control outside the summer zone. Leashed in the developed area by the library. No dogs on New Brighton Pier.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, from 100 m north of the surf club pavilion to 100 m south of the pier
Directions Read the guideSouth New Brighton Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder effective control outside the summer zone.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, within 100 m either side of the surf club pavilion
Directions Read the guideSpencer Park Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder effective control outside the summer zone. The beach north of here, to 800 m north of the Heyders Road access, is dog free (Brooklands Spit and Seafield Park).
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, within 100 m either side of the surf club pavilion
Directions Read the guideWaimairi Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder effective control outside the summer zone.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, within 100 m either side of the surf club pavilion
Directions Read the guideAkaroa beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesLeashed on the grassed picnic area and walkway.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, from opposite the fire station to Daly's Wharf
DirectionsCass Bay
Some rules Seasonal rulesLeashed on the head to head walkway.
No dogs on the beach 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March
DirectionsDiamond Harbour beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesNo dogs on the Coastal Cliff Reserve foreshore; leashed on the reserve and walkway.
No dogs on the beach 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March
DirectionsKairaki Beach and The Pines Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder continuous and effective control. No dogs on playgrounds and sports fields in the Pines/Kairaki Beach Reserve.
No dogs between surf patrol flags or within 50 m beyond them
DirectionsLe Bons Bay
Some rules Seasonal rulesForeshore south of the access road is dog free all year.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, on the foreshore north of the beach access road
DirectionsNorth Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder effective control outside the summer zone.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, within 100 m either side of the surf club pavilion
DirectionsOkains Bay beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesEstuary and mudflats dog free all year.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, south of 100 m from the Opara Stream outlet
DirectionsPegasus Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder continuous and effective control.
No dogs between surf patrol flags or within 50 m beyond them
DirectionsPurau beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesCreek area dog free all year; Purau foreshore and mudflats dog free.
No dogs on the beach 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March
DirectionsSumner Beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesNo dogs in the northern area of Sumner Beach Regional Park near Shag Rock; off leash under effective control elsewhere outside the summer zone. Cave Rock is leashed.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, from 100 m north of the surf club pavilion to Cave Rock
DirectionsTaylor's Mistake Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder effective control outside the summer zone.
No dogs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March, within 50 m either side of the surf club pavilion
DirectionsWaikuku Beach
Some rules Seasonal rulesUnder control on the beach. On leash in Waikuku Beach Domain and Pegasus View Park Reserve, and on the seaward side of the spit between the northern car park and the Ashley River/Rakahuri. No dogs in the Ashley River/Rakahuri estuary.
No dogs between surf patrol flags or within 50 m beyond them
DirectionsWoodend Beach
Off leash Seasonal rulesUnder continuous and effective control.
No dogs between surf patrol flags or within 50 m beyond them
DirectionsNo dogs (32)
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
No dogs Directions Read the guideNew Brighton Pier
No dogs Directions Read the guideScarborough Park
No dogsIncluding the paddling pool and playground area.
Directions Read the guideTravis Wetland Regional Park
No dogsOnly the Clarevale section of the Angela Stream Walkway is open, on a leash.
Directions Read the guideChristchurch to Little River Rail Trail
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
Directions Read the guideHarts Creek Track
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsKaituna Valley Packhorse Hut Track
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsKaituna Valley Scenic Reserve walk
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsMount Herbert Walkway/Te Ahu Pātiki
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsNīkau Palm Gully Scenic Reserve walk
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsTe Ara Pātaka/Summit Walkway
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsTutakakahikura Scenic Reserve Track
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsŌtamahua/Quail Island tracks
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
Directions Read the guideŌtepatotu Scenic Reserve walk
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsŌtūkaikino Walk
No dogsDOC: No dogs.
DirectionsAshley River/Rakahuri and Saltwater Creek estuary and wetlands
No dogsTo protect bird habitat. Licensed gamebird hunters may use dogs in part of the estuary during gamebird season.
DirectionsBrooklands Spit and Lagoon, and Seafield Park
No dogsIncluding the beach to 800 metres north of the Heyders Road access. Prohibited except leashed on formed tracks; prohibited on horse tracks.
DirectionsDuvauchelle foreshore, domain and camping ground
No dogsProhibited all year to protect wildlife.
DirectionsGodley Head foreshore
No dogs DirectionsHalswell Quarry wetland
No dogs DirectionsHorseshoe Lake Reserve (outside the fenced dog park)
No dogsProhibited except leashed on walkways.
DirectionsKaren Eastwood Memorial Park, Pegasus
No dogs DirectionsLinwood Paddocks, Lower Avon and Bexley Saltmarshes
No dogs DirectionsRiccarton Bush (predator fenced native bush area)
No dogs DirectionsScott Rose Garden, Kaiapoi
No dogs DirectionsSouthshore Spit
No dogsThe beach and foreshore around the spit are part of the Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary dog ban (from 3 November 2025). Leashed on formed tracks in Southshore Spit Reserve only.
DirectionsStyx Mill Conservation Reserve (outside the west end)
No dogsProhibited except two leashed paths. The west end, including the dog park, is open.
DirectionsTakapūneke Reserve, Green Point Park and Beach Road Park, Akaroa
No dogsIncludes working dogs.
DirectionsTe Huingi Manu Wildlife Refuge
No dogsTaking a dog into a wildlife refuge is an offence under the Wildlife Act.
DirectionsTe Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary
No dogsProhibited all year, including the shoreline, tidal areas, and the beach and foreshore around Southshore Spit and near Shag Rock. New from 3 November 2025.
DirectionsTe Rauakaaka Nature Reserve, Styx Rivermouth and Lower Styx Conservation Reserves
No dogsProhibited except leashed on stop bank or formed tracks.
DirectionsWaimakariri riverbed north of Lorimas Road
No dogs DirectionsNo places match that search.
The rules at a glance
Off leashMost Christchurch parks, reserves and beaches, away from the paths, as long as your dog is under effective control. Bottle Lake Forest Park (paths too) and the fenced dog parks. In Waimakariri, most public places outside the town centres. In Selwyn, only the dog parks and signed off leash areas. One person can walk up to four dogs, with no more than two off leash.
On a leashRoads, footpaths, shared paths, car parks and paths in parks. Cemeteries, boat ramps, wharves, boardwalks, and sports fields while games are on. Little Hagley Park, Mona Vale, Spencer Park, and Port Hills reserves and tracks such as the Bridle Path, Rapaki Track and Victoria Park. In Waimakariri, the town centres, Kaiapoi Lakes, and everywhere from 30 minutes after sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise.
No dogsChristchurch Botanic Gardens, Te Ihutai Avon Heathcote Estuary (including the Southshore Spit beach and near Shag Rock), Travis Wetland, Riccarton Bush, New Brighton Pier, Scarborough Park, Brooklands Spit and the Godley Head foreshore. Also playgrounds, skateparks, pump tracks and pools, and schools in Selwyn.
Summer and seasonal rulesNew Brighton, North Beach, Waimairi, Spencer Park, South New Brighton, Sumner and Taylor's Mistake beaches: no dogs near the surf clubs 9am to 7pm, 1 November to 31 March (you can pass straight through on a short leash). Lyttelton Harbour and some Banks Peninsula beaches, such as Cass Bay, Corsair Bay, Diamond Harbour and Akaroa: no dogs 9am to 7pm over the same months. Waimakariri beaches: no dogs between the patrol flags or within 50 metres of them.
Christchurch City Council dogs in parks Waimakariri District Council dog exercise areas Selwyn District Council: where can my dog go
Dog services in Christchurch
VetsVaccinations, Dentistry and Desexing
Pet groomersBreed Cuts, Hand Stripping and Mobile Grooming
Dog trainersPositive Methods and Behaviour Experts
Common questions
Is there a fenced dog park in Christchurch?
Yes. The council's fenced dog parks are The Groynes, Victoria Park, Styx Mill Reserve, Horseshoe Lake, Rawhiti Reserve and Bexley Reserve, plus a small-dog park at Fortune Reserve that began as a trial. Nearby, Selwyn has fenced parks in Rolleston (Foster Dog Park), Prebbleton (Kakaha Park) and Leeston, and Waimakariri has Southbrook in Rangiora and Gladstone in Woodend.
Can I take my dog to New Brighton Beach?
Yes, off leash under effective control, except from 1 November to 31 March, 9am to 7pm, when dogs are banned from 100 metres north of the surf club pavilion to 100 metres south of the pier. You can pass straight through on a short leash. Dogs are never allowed on New Brighton Pier, and must be on a leash in the developed area by the library.
Do dogs have to be on a lead in Christchurch?
On roads, footpaths, shared paths, car parks and paths in parks, yes, since 3 November 2025. Away from the paths, in most parks, reserves and beaches, dogs can be off leash if they're under effective control, unless the council lists the place as leashed or dog-free. Bottle Lake Forest Park is off leash, paths included.
Sources: Christchurch City Council; Selwyn District Council; Waimakariri District Council; Environment Canterbury; Department of Conservation (DOC). Rules change, so check the signs when you arrive. Checked October 2026.