Southland is the perfect place for short walks, day hikes, or multi-day tramps. Some tracks also allow dog access, so check out these dog friendly tracks around Southland. From beach, waterfall, and forest tracks, you'll be sure to find a trail to suit you and your furry friend!

Oreti Beach

Oreti Beach is a coastal playground just minutes from Invercargill's city centre. The beach is a…

Queens Park

The pride of Invercargill is Queens Park, a magnificent public park in the heart of the city. The…

Invercargill & Bluff

Invercargill has quite a few places where you can take your dog for a leisurely stroll. Queens Park is Invercargill's pride, a magnificent public park in the heart of the city. With botanic, Japanese and rose gardens, dramatic tree-lined paths, picnic areas and more, there's heaps to explore for you while your dog is sniffing all the smells.

Another lovely place is Anderson Park, located on the northern outskirts of Invercargill. Rose gardens, an easy walking track through the native bush and the historic Anderson House are some of the highlights of the park. In both parks, dogs are allowed as long as the dog is on a leash.

If you'd like to let your dog go for a good run Oreti Beach is the perfect place. The beach is a coastal playground just minutes from Invercargill's city centre and with its 26 kilometres in length, your hound can get rid of quite some energy here. Just beware of the vehicles that are allowed to drive on the beach.

If you and your four-legged friend are in Bluff a must-do is Bluff Hill Motupōhue. The well-formed walking tracks offer a range of experiences from easy to challenging and with spectacular views over Foveaux Strait and the Southland Plains. Dog access is allowed if the dog is on a leash.

Waipapa Point & Lighthouse

Alongside the often-photographed lighthouse on the point, sweeping golden beaches and snoozing sea lions are highlights of the area. The Waipapa Point Lighthouse was first lit on 1 January 1884. With its sibling, the retired Kaipara North…

Tautuku Bay

Tautuku is a spectacular, forest-fringed bay that sweeps round to an impressive headland. From 1839 to 1846, a whaling station was sited near Tautuku peninsula's neck, and a port was later developed for the fishing, flax and timber…

The Catlins

Why not take your pooch on a road trip through The Catlins? Although not allowed everywhere, there are still some very cool places where dogs are allowed as long as they're kept on a leash. Go chasing waterfalls and visit the Purakaunui FallsWaipohatu Falls or McLean Falls. Varying from a 15-minute to 3-hour walk, they're all worth a visit. Or visit the often-photographed Waipapa Point & Lighthouse, where you can spot the "puppies of the ocean" (sea lions) snoozing on the beach. Or go for a stroll and let your canine blow off some steam on the scenic beach of Tautuku Bay.

Other regions

To protect the land for future generations, such as Fiordland National Park, there are only a few places where dogs are allowed in Fiordland. Ivon Wilson Park in Te Anau is a great place to take your dog for a walk. A great spot with extensive plantings and many marked trails leading to the picturesque Lake Henry. Another option is the Boyd Creek Track, a challenging tramping track that leads from Milford Road up Boyd Creek onto the tops of Countess Range in the Snowdon Forest area. Dogs are allowed on a leash here.

Relatively close to Fiordland, you can find the Mavora Lakes, offering an impressive landscape of mountains, lakes, forest and tussock grassland. There are several day walks in the area where your pup is allowed too. Will your dog cross the swing bridge?! 

Head along the Southern Scenic Route to Riverton to visit Mores Scenic Reserve. This is another beautiful place to take your dog for a stroll, with excellent views over the coast and the surrounding land. There are several wonderful short walks that feature abundant birdlife. Not too far from here, you can find the Round Hill/Long Hilly Track, a nice loop track where you can enjoy the scenery together with your dog.