Top parks to take your dog this weekend
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Looking for a change of scene to fetch sticks with your pooch this weekend?
You are spoiled for choice when it comes to dog parks to explore with your four-legged friends.
Christchurch City Council Regional Parks Operations Manager Kay Holder says dog parks play a huge role in providing recreation for dogs and their owners, and are among the most popular green spaces in the city.
"We are incredibly lucky in Christchurch to have so many fantastic dog parks, and spread widely throughout the city. We work hard to maintain these and we would love to see dog owners getting out and trying new parks.
"Autumn is a lovely time of year to experience the parks at their best. We have recently updated our website with all the information dog owners need to access dedicated dog parks and exercise areas, and we'd encourage people to discover what is available around the city.
"We also want to make sure the dog parks are for everyone to enjoy. We would remind owners to carry a leash and plastic bags, pick up after your dog and keep it under control at all times."
There are around 29,000 dog owners in Christchurch city.
Ellie the dog surveys her surroundings at the Victoria Park Dog Park.
Here are our top picks for places to explore with your canine this weekend.
The Groynes
The Groynes Dog Park has two spring-fed streams for your dog to swim in and plenty of trees and open spaces.
The Groynes features eight fenced areas with three agility course, including one for small dogs. It has a picnic and BBQ area, fresh drinking water, a wash down area for dogs, and doggy doo dispensers and rubbish bins.
Rawhiti Domain Dog Park
The entrance to Rawhiti Domain is off Shaw Avenue. This dog park has a securely fenced area with some obstacle course structures for exercising dogs,and all day carparking.
Horseshoe Lake Reserve Dog Park
Most of the reserve has been closed since the earthquake although you can still walk your dog on a leash around the outskirts. Horseshoe Lake is open 24 hours a day, has limited seating and parking, but is securely fenced park with an agility course, trees and open spaces.
Styx Mill Reserve Dog Park
There is a dedicated dog pond for water fun, fully fenced with gated access for those who choose to use it. The park is open 7.30am daily, closing at 5.30pm in winter or a half hour before sunset in summer. It has two lake areas and toilets.
Victoria Park Dog Park
With natural rocky outcrops, grasslands and steep ridges, this is the ideal place to exercise your pooch. Open 7.30am daily, it closes at 6pm in winter and 9pm in summer. The park has fresh drinking water and doggy doo disposal bins.