{"id":723,"date":"2025-09-30T04:30:12","date_gmt":"2025-09-30T04:30:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/?p=723"},"modified":"2025-10-02T05:30:01","modified_gmt":"2025-10-02T05:30:01","slug":"is-this-number-one","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/?p=723","title":{"rendered":"Wandering with Marley: Christchurch Scenic Walks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Favourite Dog-Friendly Walks in Christchurch<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

also fun for the dogless<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I thought it was only right to start my foray into all of this with a post about my own home, Christchurch, New Zealand. One of the things I love to do is enjoy this pretty Garden City walking our family dog Marley, a six-year-old cocker spaniel who will bounce around and ends up doing three times the distance that I do, as well as finding every possible waterhole for a quick dip. I on the other hand, am of decidedly average fitness, have one slightly dodgy knee and am definitely about the journey rather than hoofing it to the end point. Usually Marley and I walk with friends or family so there is also a lot of looking at the view, plants and chatting involved as well…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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This list began as our favourite dog-friendly tracks<\/strong>, but the truth is these are simply great Christchurch walks. If you\u2019re visiting from out of town, you don\u2019t need a dog to enjoy them \u2014 they\u2019re all within 30 minutes of the CBD, scenic, easy to moderate in effort, and each takes between 30 and 90 minutes (for us). Perfect for travellers who want a taste of local spots without committing to a full-day tramp. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So here are ten of our best \u2014 with a note on what makes them worth it for any walker, plus a little \u201cMarley note\u201d on what dogs (and their humans) should know. I have actually included a few that don’t allow dogs because I couldn’t leave them off the list!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Godley Head short loop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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  • Time:<\/strong> 75\u201390 mins, clifftop track<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Scenery:<\/strong> Ocean cliffs, WWII bunkers, seabirds<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Wild coastal drama, with history thrown in. The kind of walk that makes you stop for \u201cjust one more photo.\u201d Get back in the car and keep driving around the headland for a coffee in Lyttleton.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Marley note:<\/strong> On-lead \u2014 there are sheep and protected wildlife. But still a stunner of a walk for us both.
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    Victoria Park, Port Hills<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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    • Time:<\/strong> 60\u201390 mins, some hills<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Scenery:<\/strong> Sweeping views across the city and Canterbury Plains<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> This is the walk where you stop and go \u201cahh, that\u2019s Christchurch.\u201d The views really are that good.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Marley note:<\/strong> Off-lead areas galore, but watch for cyclists who come flying past. No water here, unless you count the dog bowl back at the car.
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      Halswell Quarry Park<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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      • Time:<\/strong> 45\u201360 mins, easy loops<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Scenery:<\/strong> Old quarry cliffs, gardens, big skies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Close to town but feels wide open and peaceful. There\u2019s heritage tucked in amongst the greenery and plenty of space for a picnic.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Marley says:<\/strong> Big off-lead areas, plus a fully fenced dog park for zoomies. No streams, but plenty of grass to roll in.
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        Bottle Lake Forest<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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        • Time:<\/strong> 60\u201390 mins, sandy forest tracks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Scenery:<\/strong> Pine forest leading to the beach<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> One of those \u201cam I really this close to the city?\u201d places. Tall pines, soft tracks, and the ocean waiting at the edge.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
        • Marley note:<\/strong> Heaven. Off-lead most of the way and a salty dip at the end.
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          Sumner Esplanade to Cave Rock<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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          • Time:<\/strong> 30\u201345 mins, flat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Scenery:<\/strong> Seaside village, surf beach, Cave Rock<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Classic coastal vibes. Stop for an ice cream, people-watch, and take in the sea air.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
          • Marley note:<\/strong> Dogs are allowed on parts of the beach (seasonal rules apply), but the promenade is always fair game for a stroll.
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            Hagley Park Loop<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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            • Time:<\/strong> 60\u201375 mins, flat and leafy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Scenery:<\/strong> Botanic gardens, Avon River, big old trees<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> This is Christchurch\u2019s heart. You\u2019ll see rowers, joggers, picnickers, and flower beds all in one go.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
            • Marley note:<\/strong> Plenty of off-lead space but no fenced park. He loves spots he can jump in the river
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              Barnett Park to Lyttelton Rock Pools Track<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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              • Time:<\/strong> 60\u201390 mins, uneven at times<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Scenery:<\/strong> Cliffs, bush, and dramatic harbour views<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> A little wild, a little hidden, and definitely worth the effort for the scenery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
              • Marley note:<\/strong> Best on-lead here \u2014 wildlife and steep bits mean it\u2019s not the place for a mad dash.
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                Riccarton Bush<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                • Time:<\/strong> 30\u201340 mins, flat boardwalks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Scenery:<\/strong> Ancient kahikatea forest right in the city<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> This is like stepping into another world. Birds, native bush, and a sense of history all in one.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                • Marley note:<\/strong> Sorry mate, dogs aren\u2019t allowed here \u2014 but for visitors it\u2019s too special to skip.
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                  Rapaki Track<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                  • Time:<\/strong> 60\u201390 mins return, steady uphill<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Scenery:<\/strong> Big reward views over Lyttelton Harbour<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> A favourite with locals. It\u2019s a climb, but not brutal \u2014 and the view at the top makes it all worthwhile.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                  • Marley note:<\/strong> On-lead, this track is busy with bikes and runners.
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                    Travis Wetland Walkway<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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                    • Time:<\/strong> 45\u201360 mins, flat<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Scenery:<\/strong> Wetlands, birdlife, boardwalks<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Why it\u2019s worth it:<\/strong> Peaceful, lush, and a different kind of Christchurch landscape \u2014 all water and reeds and birdsong.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
                    • Marley note:<\/strong> On-lead only, to keep the birds safe. Still plenty of sniffs to keep him occupied.
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                      Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

                      So there you have it \u2014 ten local walks that Marley and I keep coming back to. For visitors, they\u2019re a taste of Christchurch\u2019s variety \u2014 beaches, hills, forests, wetlands \u2014 all within easy reach of town. For dog owners, they\u2019re (mostly) places to let your four-legged friend burn off some energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      If you\u2019re walking with a pup: carry water, check signs, and remember not everyone loves an over-friendly dog bounding up to say hi (Marley is pretty shy himself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      And if you\u2019re visiting without a dog? Trust me \u2014 you won\u2019t feel left out. These walks show off Christchurch at its best, whether you\u2019ve got a leash in hand or just your camera.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                      Favourite Dog-Friendly Walks in Christchurch also fun for the dogless I thought it was only right to start my foray into all of this with a post about my own home, Christchurch, New Zealand. One of the things I love to do is enjoy this pretty Garden City walking our family dog Marley, a six-year-old […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":858,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-723","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/723","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=723"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/723\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":993,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/723\/revisions\/993"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=723"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wherevershallwegonow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}