Pet dog rescued from Ashley Gorge waterfall loop track after falling down cliff

A family is relieved and grateful to rescuers after their beloved pet dog fell off a walking track and spent two hours down a cliff this afternoon.

Fire and Emergency NZ crews from Oxford and Christchurch walked 40 minutes into the Ashley Gorge waterfall loop track in North Canterbury before abseiling down a bank to retrieve Remy the golden retriever.

Shift manager Simon Lyford said it was a “lengthy journey” to locate the stranded dog, who was 6m down a bank.

A specialist lines rescue team was called in to help with the pooch’s recovery.

Remy was rescued by the lines rescue team after two hours down a cliff. Photo / George Heard

He said initially a crew from Oxford responded, but when it became clear how steep the bank was, equipment had to be brought in from Christchurch.

“It’s quite a bushy area, and she was in quite a precarious position,” Lyford said.

The family was relieved to be reunited. Photo / George Heard

After spending two hours separated, Remy was reunited with her family, the Withers who had taken the dog on a day out.

“We were going on a walk to the waterfall, and came back and the dog had slipped down,” said dad Fraser Withers.

Photo / George Heard

“But thanks to the fire department, they saved her.

“It’s an excellent outcome.”