Put on sunblock and get outside with your canine companion this summer to explore our pick of the best beaches and reserves across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta / Big King Reserve, Mount Roskill
This is a lush, green paradise where dogs of all kinds can race around the off-leash area accessible off Duke Street. It’s just wild enough to feel like an adventure, and the generous loop track means there’s always something new to sniff out around every corner.
Leigh Coastal Path, Rodney
The on-lead walk has opportunities galore to enjoy different landscapes and watch the myriad native birds soaring high. It takes about an hour.
Mellons Bay Beach
For anyone out east or even in central, nip along to Mellon’s Bay. The western area of the bay is off-lead 24/7 all year round and a great spot for a breezy summer walk. The reserve are is on-leash at all times, and the eastern beach is off-leash 5pm-10am in summer.
Kakamatua Inlet, Huia
This calm beach is very dog-friendly and is a great spot to teach your pup how to swim. Going at low tide means you and your pet can enjoy playing fetch and running around on the hard sand.
Cockle Bay Reserve, Cockle Bay
Take your four-legged friend to Cockle Bay Reserve this summer, where you can enjoy the beach views and playground. There are picnic tables and seating available. During summer, your pup can run free on the beach in the evenings and early mornings.
Saint Leonards Beach, Hauraki
For anyone on the North Shore, the little-known St Leonard’s is the place to go, offering an off-lead beach spot at all hours.
Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
Take your dog for a walk and combine its daily exercise with a visit to the Auckland Botanic Gardens – on leash in the gardens area, then off leash at the bottom of the gardens, where you can play with Rover in a beautiful area with plenty of space to run.
It’s a great open space for your pup to run around and meet other dogs. Bins are provided for those little ‘gifts’ that they often leave.
Beachlands Domain
Beachlands Domain offers a great grassy space to let loose and run about off-lead during those summer days. Areas near the playground and sportsfield are either on-leash or prohibited, but other areas are off-leash at all times.
Piha
A famous doggy paradise, there’s plenty of room to bark, play and jump in the waves at Piha. The area between Monkey Rock and Lion Rock is off-lead during the day, while other areas offer spots for on-lead strolls.
Sections of the Waitākere Ranges have been closed to the public to prevent the spread of kauri dieback. Help protect our kauri trees by following all signs and guidance in the area and by browsing information available on the council website.
Check out more information on Piha beach here
Find more walks
If you’re keen to find a new dogwalking spot or to learn about the restrictions at your local beach or park, aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks has all you need to know about the rules that apply in public places
