Riko the Dog’s Advanced Adventures
Thinking about where to go tramping with your dogs? Riko the dog and owner Gale love tracks with reliable water sources and swimming spots where humans and their four-legged friends can cool off.
Here are four of their top picks. You’ll need navigation and river crossing skills, a high level of fitness, and tramping experience to attempt these advanced tracks. Gale recommends using Plan My Walk to plan your trips. The free app and website allow you to check where dogs are allowed – and whether you need a permit – track descriptions, river crossings and flood risks, weather forecasts and warnings, and track alerts.
Ahuriri Valley Track, Ahuriri Conservation Park, Canterbury
This scenic track follows the Ahuriri River up the picturesque Ahuriri Valley, with mountain views, waterfalls and swimming spots. River crossings are required and the track can be muddy and overgrown, so sturdy footwear and river-crossing skills are essential. For an overnight tramp, you can stay in one of three rustic huts along the way: Shamrock Hut (2 bunks), Hagens Hut (4 bunks) or Top Hut (2 bunks). Bookings are not required.
Key details
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Distance: 14.5 km one way
- Walking time: 6 hours one way
- Dogs: Allowed – must be kept under control at all times
Riko the dog enjoying the view
Canyon Creek Track, Ahuriri Conservation Park, Canterbury
This challenging track is for advanced trampers only. You’ll discover spectacular waterfalls and a natural rock bivvy where you can stay or pitch a tent nearby. The route passes through native forest, grassy flats and scree slopes with several river crossings, so river-crossing skills are needed. The track is rough in places due to wind and snow damage, so watch your footing and allow extra time.
Key details
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Distance: 8.7 km one way
- Walking time: 3 hours 50 minutes one way
- Dogs: Allowed – must be kept under control at all times
Lower Whitcombe Track to Cedar Flat Hut, West Coast
This overnight tramp in the Kokatahi River – Whitcombe River area to the 12-bunk Cedar Flat Hut (bookings are not required) is packed with highlights. Cool off in the Toaroha River, check out the Historic Cedar Flat Hut and soak in natural hot springs. The distinctive orange tin hut, built for deer cullers, is the best surviving example of its type on the West Coast. You’ll find a signposted track leading to several hot springs not far from the huts. Dogs are allowed with a DOC permit, which can take up to 5 days to process.
Key details
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Distance: Approx. 10 km one way
- Walking time: 4-5 hours one way
- Dogs: Allowed with a DOC permit only. Contact the closest DOC visitor centre.
Moeraki Valley Track, Haast, West Coast
For experienced trampers with backcountry skills, the Moeraki Valley offers a rugged landscape of forests, subalpine scrub and grasslands, and is home to kea and the endangered whio (blue duck). The track from State Highway 6 To Horseshoe Flat Hut follows the Moeraki River, providing plenty of swimming opportunities. Built in 1970 by the New Zealand Forestry Service, the cosy six-bunk hut is well maintained with a modern wood burner. Bookings are not required. Dogs are allowed with a DOC permit, which can take up to 5 days to process.
Key details
- Difficulty: Advanced
- Distance: Approx. 10 km one way
- Walking time: 4 hours 30 minutes one way
- Dogs: Allowed with a DOC permit only. Contact the closest DOC office.
Dogs on Conservation Land
Conservation (DOC) land has different rules for dogs, depending on the area. Some areas allow dogs, some require a permit and other areas don’t allow dogs at all. If you have a certified disability assist dog, they don’t need a permit unless the area requires one for people as well. Check the DOC website for more information.
PHOTO CREDIT | Gale Chaipakdee | Klondyke Spur