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-43.15114, 171.73088
Off-lead OKHard

Helicopter Hill Track

Sheffield · Canterbury · Out & Back

12345.6 km1249 m
↑ 448 m gain↓ 446 m descenthigh 1249 msteepest 31 %
DISTANCE5.6 km
ASCENT448 m
STEEPEST31 %
ROUTEOut & Back
RATING · HIKERS 4.6 · 173
DOG EFFORT4.1 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetChristchurch After Hours Veterinary Centre, Christchurch~100 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
03 366 1052
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 287 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Forest shadeA popular track, busy on weekendsBest in summer; snow and ice at altitude in winter

About Helicopter Hill Track

Helicopter Hill Track covers 5.6 km, near Sheffield in Canterbury, walked as an out-and-back.

It sits at the hard end and gains roughly 448 m, pitching up to 31 % at its steepest.

Walkers come for native forest and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.6 / 5 across 173 reviews.

Stay nearby

Dog-friendly DOC campsites close to the trailhead, sort out the sleep, then walk.

Stay & walk

Mistletoe Flats Campsite

0.0 km awayCampsite details →Stay & walk

Wooded Gully Campsite

49.3 km awayCampsite details →
Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Helicopter Hill Track?

Yes. Helicopter Hill Track is one of only 287 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is Helicopter Hill Track?

Helicopter Hill Track is 5.6 km with roughly 448 m of climb.

Are there dog-friendly campsites near Helicopter Hill Track?

Yes. The closest is Mistletoe Flats Campsite, about 0 km away, and the track page lists more under Stay nearby. Every campsite shows its dog rules.

Where dogs are welcome in NZCamping with your dogGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

Craigieburn Forest Loop

HardSheffield
16 km↑570 m5.5–6 hr★4.5 rating
Shade

Craigieburn Edge Track

ModerateSheffield
9.0 km↑407 m3.5–4 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade

Dracophyllum Flat Track

ModerateSheffield
6.0 km↑231 m2–2.5 hr★4.6 rating
Swim spotShade

More in Canterbury

Enchanted Forest Walk

EasyMethven
1.8 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
ShadeGood with kids

Ernle Clark Reserve Walk

EasyChristchurch
0.6 km↑0 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

See every dog-friendly track in Canterbury →

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