Here at Dog Friendly New Zealand, we\u2019re all about getting out and exploring all that our beautiful country has to offer. Especially, doing it all with your best four-legged friend by your side.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As schedules are tight and life gets busy, we often find ourselves sticking to the same walking route, heading to the same dog park or spending the day at the same dog friendly beach as usual. We are creatures of habit and for this reason, rely on you guys: our community of pup parents and dog lovers to help broaden our horizons. We are always inundated with cafe recommendations and accommodation requests from our followers and every now and then, sent through a great dog friendly roadie from the top of the country to the bottom or a new favourite hike or adventure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We\u2019d like to thank Jay French<\/a> for his contribution to Dog Friendly New Zealand, enlightening us with stunning imagery and dog friendly spots we can\u2019t wait to visit. Read on to check out his recommendations for a few South Island adventures with your pup!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Lake Emma <\/b>
\n<\/b>South Canterbury<\/span><\/i><\/h2>\n

For the track that I did, head out towards \u2018Lake Camp\u2019, on the road to Lake Clearwater. Once you get to Lake Camp, there\u2019s a little shingle access path just on the left hand side of the road on the near side of the lake that leads along the tree line. Head down that road, it ends up at a parking space where the trail starts.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time: <\/span>4 hours return.<\/p>\n

2 hours there, 2 hours back. With dog, photos and a little detour up the hill.<\/span><\/p>\n

Difficulty: <\/span>Easy.<\/p>\n

Dogs: <\/span>Under effective control.<\/p>\n

Rabbit Hill<\/b>
\n<\/b>Mid Canterbury<\/span><\/i><\/h2>\n

A couple of options here, I chose to come up from the Starvation Gully entrance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking for the beginning of the \u2018Trig M\u2019 route. These coordinates will take you to the exact place to park:\u00a0 -43.294531, 171.726652<\/span><\/p>\n

Time: 4.5 hours return.<\/p>\n

2.5h up and 2h down. The track undulates so there are uphills both ways.<\/p>\n

Difficulty: Easy (However no route markers past \u2018Trig M\u2019).<\/p>\n

Dogs: Under effective control.<\/p>\n

Craigieburn Forest Park<\/b>
\n<\/i><\/b>Mid Canterbury<\/span><\/i><\/h2>\n

Find \u2018Craigieburn Forest Park\u2019 on Google Maps, drive there, about 90min from Christchurch – don\u2019t forget to stop for a pie in Sheffield on your way. Park at the bottom carpark by the gate on the Craigieburn Access Rd. You can also access from the Broken River side, but I prefer this spot.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time:: 3.5 hours return<\/p>\n

2.5 hours up, 1.5 hours down.<\/p>\n

Difficulty: Easy (mainly).<\/p>\n

Dogs: On-leash only.<\/p>\n