A note on the site
This site is constantly being updated as I discover and explore new walks. At times, descriptions of sites might be incomplete, while I wait for the chance to do further editing. For the same reason, the regional maps and accompanying hyperlinks that take you to the detailed descriptions may not always exactly match (e.g. there may be new sites listed that do not occur on the maps). Please accept these as unavoidable difficulties of maintaining a website such as this. But if you note any real errors, please inform me via the email: andthedogcametoo@gmail.com
A note on names
The names of walks are often somewhat informal, and are not always consistent in different sources. In general, I've tried to use the names here which seem most widely recognised, but in some cases have adapted them or invented names of my own, to avoid confusion between different locations.
As a literary pedant I would also have liked to sort out the absent apostrophes which bedevil many possessive place names in New Zealand - e.g. McCleans Forest and Kelceys Bush (and when I've done that. move on to all the other errors of grammatical omission and commission that offend me every day). However, it soon became apparent that this would make it difficult for users who wanted to find the walks in other databases. So, with a few exceptions where I couldn't resist, I've left them as they are. But it really does hurt!
A note on the maps
Many of the maps on this website have been compiled in QGIS, a public domain geographic information system, using data obtained from LINZ, under the Creative Commons Agreement. The wonderful facilities offered by both these initiatives are gratefully acknowledged. Any errors, however, are my own.
Most of the walks on this site will ultimately include maps showing the layout of the walk. It should be noted that many of these are indicative only, for they have largely been based either on field sketches done when walking the routes, or from simple maps displayed at the site or produced by the local community. Others have been mapped using GPS, but since I haven't yet managed to do all the walks on the site in their entirety, these are inevitably limited in number. So don't be surprised if the details of the path differ from what's shown on the map - and don't blame me if you get lost!
A note on the classifications
I've endeavoured to classify all the walks in terms of their length, level of difficulty and status. Sometimes these are no more than best guesses, because of the lack of definitive information, so please recognise that they may not be accurate, and if you're in any doubt check the 'Further Information' that I've suggested. These classifications are applied as follows:
Distance is given in kilometres (usually to the nearest half-kilometre). For loop walks the distance refers to the complete loop; for linear walks (i.e. simple there-and-back) and networks (i.e. more complex configurations) the length is one-way: you need to double the length for the return journey!
Grade is defined in terms of four categories:
Status is defined as on-leash or off-leash (or varied if different rules apply in different sections), according to the information I've been able to find. In some cases, where official sources are unavailable of ambiguous (e.g. with many DoC sites), I've used my best judgement to determine the status. If dogs are clearly permitted, but the status otherwise uncertain, I've defined the paths as 'on-leash'. Note that, even on off-leash paths, dogs must be under control - e.g. directly responsive to voice commands. Land owners in NZ are all too willing to complain about dog access, so please don't give them more cause to do so!
This site is constantly being updated as I discover and explore new walks. At times, descriptions of sites might be incomplete, while I wait for the chance to do further editing. For the same reason, the regional maps and accompanying hyperlinks that take you to the detailed descriptions may not always exactly match (e.g. there may be new sites listed that do not occur on the maps). Please accept these as unavoidable difficulties of maintaining a website such as this. But if you note any real errors, please inform me via the email: andthedogcametoo@gmail.com
A note on names
The names of walks are often somewhat informal, and are not always consistent in different sources. In general, I've tried to use the names here which seem most widely recognised, but in some cases have adapted them or invented names of my own, to avoid confusion between different locations.
As a literary pedant I would also have liked to sort out the absent apostrophes which bedevil many possessive place names in New Zealand - e.g. McCleans Forest and Kelceys Bush (and when I've done that. move on to all the other errors of grammatical omission and commission that offend me every day). However, it soon became apparent that this would make it difficult for users who wanted to find the walks in other databases. So, with a few exceptions where I couldn't resist, I've left them as they are. But it really does hurt!
A note on the maps
Many of the maps on this website have been compiled in QGIS, a public domain geographic information system, using data obtained from LINZ, under the Creative Commons Agreement. The wonderful facilities offered by both these initiatives are gratefully acknowledged. Any errors, however, are my own.
Most of the walks on this site will ultimately include maps showing the layout of the walk. It should be noted that many of these are indicative only, for they have largely been based either on field sketches done when walking the routes, or from simple maps displayed at the site or produced by the local community. Others have been mapped using GPS, but since I haven't yet managed to do all the walks on the site in their entirety, these are inevitably limited in number. So don't be surprised if the details of the path differ from what's shown on the map - and don't blame me if you get lost!
A note on the classifications
I've endeavoured to classify all the walks in terms of their length, level of difficulty and status. Sometimes these are no more than best guesses, because of the lack of definitive information, so please recognise that they may not be accurate, and if you're in any doubt check the 'Further Information' that I've suggested. These classifications are applied as follows:
Distance is given in kilometres (usually to the nearest half-kilometre). For loop walks the distance refers to the complete loop; for linear walks (i.e. simple there-and-back) and networks (i.e. more complex configurations) the length is one-way: you need to double the length for the return journey!
Grade is defined in terms of four categories:
- Simple: generally flat, well-formed and easy paths which anyone with a reasonable level of fitness can walk;
- Moderate: undulating paths, or paths with some hills, and/or rather rough underfoot; requires some degree of effort to complete;
- Difficult: walks that contain steep uphill sections and/or significant obstacles such as stream crossings, but are generally clearly marked. Suitable only for fit walkers with some tramping experience;
- Severe: back country walks that require good tramping skills; often poorly marked and involving serious challenges. Don't attempt unless you are experienced and well-equipped.
Status is defined as on-leash or off-leash (or varied if different rules apply in different sections), according to the information I've been able to find. In some cases, where official sources are unavailable of ambiguous (e.g. with many DoC sites), I've used my best judgement to determine the status. If dogs are clearly permitted, but the status otherwise uncertain, I've defined the paths as 'on-leash'. Note that, even on off-leash paths, dogs must be under control - e.g. directly responsive to voice commands. Land owners in NZ are all too willing to complain about dog access, so please don't give them more cause to do so!