Off the leash
Got a dog with some energy to burn? Here’s our pick of the 10 best places in Christchurch to take your dog for a good untethered, free run-around.
Christchurch and Canterbury offer great dog spots, with Bottle Lake Forest Park being a top pick for off-leash running (on trails), while The Groynes has a dedicated off-leash park; beaches like Sumner, New Brighton, and Spencer Park have specific dog rules, often with off-leash areas but also stricter rules in summertime.
1. Bottle Lake Forest Park dog exercise area
Arguably the best place in the city for off-leash adventure with your canine companions. Bottle Lake Forest Park is an exotic pine plantation of about 800 hectares with many walking tracks fully shaded by the trees, making it ideal for hot summer days. Dogs can be off-leash, as long as they are under effective control. A great option is the Bottle Lake Green Track, which is a 45-minute, 3km loop starting from the main carpark. Access off Waitikiri Drive, Burwood. For more dog-friendly walks at Bottle Lake, take a look at ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks/coast-and-plains/bottle-lake-forest-park.
2. The Groynes dog park
The Groynes dog park consists of large open spaces with plenty of trees and two spring-fed streams for your dog to swim in. Open daily from 8am until half an hour before sunset. Facilities include eight fenced areas with three agility/obstacle courses, including one for small dogs. There’s also a picnic and BBQ area, fresh drinking water and wash-down area for dogs, dog poo dispensers and rubbish bins. The rest of The Groynes also allows dogs but only if they are leashed, other than in a small section near the dog park, where they may be off-leash. Access is off Johns Road.
3. Victoria Park dog park
This huge dog park offers grasslands, steep ridges and natural rocky outcrops for your dog to explore. Opening hours are from 7.30am daily, with closing times of 6pm in winter and 9pm in summer. Facilities include a securely fenced area, fresh drinking water, and dog poo disposal bins. Access off Victoria Park Road, Port Hills.
4. Radley Park dog exercise areas
Featuring six medium-height agility obstacles, this is where your dog can scale the A-frame, run through the tunnel, navigate through the weaving poles, and walk the dog plank. Access off Cumnor Terrace and Riley Crescent, Woolston.
5. Bexley Reserve dog park
The dog park area at Bexley Reserve is being expanded to include planting, climbing obstacles and drinking fountains for dogs. Features dog poo disposal bins and a fenced enclosure. Access off Pages Road, Bexley.
6. Foster dog park
In Rolleston township, the Foster dog park is two hectares, fully fenced with double-gates, and has carparking, dog wash facilities, seating and picnic facilities, three dog agility equipment areas, water play, and a secure area for small, young, or nervous dogs. Access Springston Rolleston Road.
7. Halswell Quarry Park dog exercise areas
Halswell Quarry has a specified dog exercise area where you’re allowed to let your dog run off-leash. Look for the signs on-site. In the rest of the park, dogs must be leashed, with the exception of the Wetlands Conservation Area, where dogs are prohibited altogether to protect wildlife. Access off Kennedys Bush Road, Halswell.
8. Horseshoe Lake Road dog park
While most of the reserve has been closed since the earthquakes, the dog park is open and you can still walk your dog on a leash around the outskirts of the reserve.
A securely fenced park, this area has an agility course, trees and open spaces. Access off Broomfield Terrace, Burwood.
9. Kaiapoi dog park
This dog park has been built on previous red zone land. Many trees and shrubs that were once the pride of residents’ private gardens have been retained, with park benches throughout. It caters for large dogs and has a separate small dog area. Facilities include dog waste bins and bag dispensers, and drinking fountains with dog bowls. There are three entrances to the park are off Charles St, Jollie St, and also within the Honda Forest area.
10. Styx Mill Reserve dog park
The water quality in the dog pond is variable due to algae. A permanent fence has been installed around the dog pond with gated access for those who choose to use it. Dogs are prohibited elsewhere in the Styx Mill Conservation Reserve to protect wildlife. Open daily 7.30am daily to 5.30pm in winter or a half-hour before sunset in summer.
Features two lake areas, toilets and car parking. Access off Hussey Rd, Styx Mill.
For more information about dog-friendly spaces, go to ccc.govt.nz/services/dogs-and-animals and selwyn.govt.nz
