Barkfest NZ 2025 – Cambridge
Barkfest is a free, family friendly fun-filled event held annually at Lake Te Koo Utu Reserve in Cambridge, celebrating everyday dogs and their owners. The festival features dog related trade stalls, local food vendors, photo booths, face painting, demonstrations and competitions.
Barkfest 2026 – Sunday, 1 November 2026
Time: 10am – 3pm
Location: Lake Te Koo Utu Reserve
Parking: lower carpark at the lake is closed. Park on the upper streets, take any of the surrounding walking paths down to the lake level.
Nature Reserve River Trail, Leamington, Cambridge
Dog friendly walking track featuring native bush, a creek, footbridges, and open areas for dogs to explore. Lots of steps from 7 Upper Kingsley Street and the Leamington Cemetery entrance. The 70 Addison Street entrance has no steps.
Off-leash: No
Distance and Time: 3 km about 40 minute walk
Public Toilets: No
Walk starting point: 7 Upper Kingsley Street Leamington, Cambridge
Lake Te Koo Ute, Cambridge
Dog friendly walk Located in the heart of Cambridge, Lake Te Koo Utu provides a tranquil walking trail in an approx 1km loop around the lake.
The main entrance carpark is off Albert Street. Dogs are to be on lead between 10am and 6pm (daylight saving time) and between 10am and 3pm (winter time). Outside of these hours your dog can be off lead. Although your dog can be off a lead here at times, you need to be in control of your pet at all times.
Off-leash: Yes (see times above)
Distance and Time: 1.5 km about 30 minute walk
Public Toilets: next to car park
Walk starting point: 47 Albert Street, Cambridge
Wordsworth Dog Park, Leamington, Cambridge
Dog park – fully fenced, 1.4‑hectare off‑leash park where dogs can run, play, and explore safely. Located on the corner of Carlyle and Wordsworth Streets, it features agility equipment, shaded areas, seating for owners, a water fountain, and plenty of open space.
Off-leash: Yes
Distance and Time:
Public Toilets: No
Walk starting point: 122 Wordsworth St, Cambridge
Oaklands Walkway, Cambridge
Dog friendly walk set in a quiet residential area. Part of the Town Belt Walkway network. Walkway surrounded by mature trees, native plantings, and open grassy areas.
Off-leash: No
Distance and Time: 2.55 km about 30 minute walk
Public Toilets: No
Walk starting point:14 Mirbeck Avenue, Cambridge
Can’t find a walk near you?
My list is always growing, but in the meantime, check out this amazing website and app – hikingdogs.co.nz
It’s the main app and site I rely on to map out our adventures.