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Location & access
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route. Check the official route directions before travel.
Official location informationLocation source
DOC track reference point, not a verified trailhead, entrance or the whole route.
Reference point: -42.51670, 172.83827. WGS84 coordinates retained at the official service's returned precision; decimal resolution is not survey accuracy. Source positional accuracy is not specified.
DOC Maps walking and tramping reference point (WGS84), exact official-page GUID / Department of Conservation. Checked 2026-10-12.
Key facts
- Distance
- Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time
- 1 hr return
- Track grade
- Easiest
- Location
- Hanmer Forest Park
- Dog access
- Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Checked against official sources on 8 October 2026. Rules and conditions are set by Department of Conservation — confirm with them before you go.
Route overview
This short loop walk is located at the entrance to Hanmer Forest Park and is a great option to complete with children. It can be joined with other popular tracks to create a longer walk.
This DOC directory entry covers Woodlands Walk in Canterbury, within Hanmer Forest Park. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.
Distance, time and grade
- Distance: Not confirmed on the checked DOC page; see individual route sections
- Walking time: 1 hr return
- DOC grade: Easiest
Access and alerts
Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.
Dog access
Dogs allowed. Keep dog under control at all times. Other pets on conservation land rules.
Description
The track begins at the Hanmer Forest Tracks main entrance. There is a car park, toilets, picnic area and trail information map.
The track is a pleasant walk, suitable for families. It passes through typical woodland forest, meadowland and stands of exotic trees including Douglas fir, popular and redwood.
It features a stream, flax wetland and ponds with associated bird and aquatic life. The area is picturesque in all seasons and returns to a footbridge leading back to the car park.
The track can be connected at the top of the loop with Majuba Walk to reach Conical Hill Walkway.
Getting there
Hanmer Springs, at an altitude of 385 metres, is 135 kilometres north of Christchurch, off Lewis Pass Highway.
Know before you go
Hanmer Springs track network
Hanmer Springs has a renowned track network with options for all abilities. Some of the tracks are not managed by DOC but many start at the same location at the Hanmer Forest entrance.
The Heritage Forest is located on the opposite side of the road to the Hanmer Forest entrance. It includes the Forest Amble Sculpture Walk, Forest Walk and Forest Journey. See the Hanmer Trails website for information on the Heritage Forest Walks.
There are several links onto the Heritage Forest Walks from Dog Stream Walkway.
Sources and reuse
Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.
The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.
