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Dog Friendly Walks

The Timaru District offers a variety of dog-friendly walks, from coastal paths to scenic parks where you and your dog can explore together. With plenty of space to roam and beautiful surroundings, it’s an ideal place to enjoy the outdoors with your furry friend. Here’s a selection of the best dog friendly walks.

Dog friendly walks
Dog friendly walks dashing rocks and coastal track

Dashing Rocks Coastal Track

Experience the beauty of Timaru’s coastline, enjoying panoramic views over Caroline Bay, wandering over ancient lava flows and examining the rocky cliffs that proved treacherous to early shipping. Set off on this loop walk from beautiful Caroline Bay, wander the Benvenue Cliffs past the historic Blackett’s Lighthouse, and the site of ancient shipwrecks.

Distance: 4.2km

Time: 1 hour

South Beach Coastal Track

This is a popular track if you’re up for a longer walk or cycle. The coastal track is great for cycling. It follows the coast line from Timaru harbour to Otipua Wetlands and you can continue on to the Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point trail.

Distance: 5.7km

Time: 1 hour

Dog friendly walks Centennial Park and Jack's Point

Centennial Park

On the outskirts of the Timaru city area, you’ll find Centennial Park, a 65 hectare reserve offering a variety of walking and mountain biking trails for all levels. Within the park you’ll also find playgrounds for the kids, sheltered BBQ areas, a large duck pond as well as a BMX track, MTB skills track and pump track. From the south entrance you can carry on along the Otipua Creek to Saltwater Creek walkway and out to the coast.

Distance: 5km

Time: 1 hour

Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point

This walk follows the coast past the historic Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point Lighthouse, and offers spectacular coastal views. About halfway, you’ll find the Tuhawaiki (Jack’s) Point Lighthouse. This is a 5km for a return trip. You can start at either Scarborough Road or Ellis Road car parks. Or access this track from the coastal walk starting at the corner of Stuart St and Fraser St and follow the coast until you reach the lighthouse.

Distance: 5kms

Time: 1 hour

Dog friendly walks Pekapeka Gully and Ribbonwood track

Pekapeka Gully Track

The track is named after the rare native long tailed bat (pekapeka) which inhabits the area. The tiny thumb-sized bats can occasionally be spotted in the evenings. Start at the end of Hislop Street and follow the track up and over the ridge. This is a steep grade but rewarded by a good view at the top.

Distance: 3.8kms

Time: 1 hour

Ribbonwood Track

This track starts with a steep climb with rewards of breathtaking views across Geraldine. Along the way, you can enjoy paddocks to the left and bush and mountains to the right. The climb provides a rewarding view over the plains below. Carry on to Ribbonwood Road and then turn left on to Pye Road and Davies Street until you reach the beginning.

Distance: 4.5kms

Time: 1 hour

Dog friendly walks Opihi River and Pareora River

Opihi River Track

Follow along the stopbank of the Opihi River from Temuka through to Pleasant Point. Stop along the way for a picnic, a swim or a fish. Return the same way you came, or arrange for someone to pick you up.

Distance: 11kms

Time: 3 hours (one way)

Pareora River Track

Follow along the banks of the Pareora River to the river dam. Limestone rocks provide drama on the banks and tall trees provide plenty of shade. The track is never far from the river which is fast running and provides a happy murmur in the background. The dam can be reached in an easy 40 minutes and rewards your walking effort. It is unsafe to swim directly above and below the dam.

Distance: 3.8kms

Time: 1 hour 30 minutes