If you’re looking for new places and walks to explore with your dog this summer, you’ll find hundreds of options across Tāmaki Makaurau. Here are a few of our top picks ordered by location:
North/West
Birkenhead and Northcote offer a range of bush and beach options, as well as spectacular views across the inner Waitematā Harbour and a number of dog-friendly cafes. Kauri Point Domain is off-leash at all times and you can follow a track down to Fitzpatrick Bay where dogs can enjoy an off-leash paddle between 5pm and 10am in summer and anytime in other months.
Sanders Reserve
Sanders Reserve is a scenic coastal reserve in the north-west overlooking the Waitematā.
There is an easy gravel loop path lined with mānuka trees and native bush that circles a fenced off-leash dog exercise area. After enjoying the short loop walk your dog can enjoy a run around in the open green spaces.
Most dog walkers start this walk at the bottom of Sanders Road for easy access. You can also start at the main car park by the pavilion and playground and follow the signs towards the dog zone in the south-eastern part of the reserve.
Waitawa Regional Park
If you want to head somewhere more remote, visit Waitawa Regional Park on Auckland’s southeast coast, about 50km from the city centre. From December through to June, dogs are allowed to walk on-leash, while there are no calves or lambs. However, they’re allowed off-leash at all times at Mataitai Bay Beach at the north end of the park.
Te Ara Manawa / Hobsonville Point Path
Hobsonville Point is an old Air Force community that has been redeveloped into a well-planned urban environment sitting on the water's edge.
The Te Ara Manawa / Hobsonville Point Path is a sixty-minute walk that meanders along the waterfront and through the new housing developments. You can find parking near the ferry terminal, which is a good place to start your walk. Dogs need to stay on their leashes, but there is an off-leash dog area at Te Onekiritea Point not far from the ferry stop.
Take in the stunning views and beautiful landscaping along the waterfront as you walk or cycle past the Old Wharf Lookout, the former officers’ accommodation and Chichester Cottage.
Ōrākei Basin
Enjoy a walk around this picturesque lagoon located in a volcanic crater. The suggested starting point is Purewa Road in Meadowbank. You can access the walk from Ōrākei and Meadowbank train stations, and there are also entry points on Meadowbank Road, Lucerne Road, Upland Road and Ōrākei Road.
Admire views over the Auckland city skyline and you may even be able to enjoy watching some water sports as you walk. Ōrākei Basin also has a large off-leash area – just remember to pay attention to the signs and observe the on-leash restrictions.
Ōrākei Basin is a picturesque lagoon located in a volcanic crater, known for its watersports. This walk takes you around the edge of the basin using the boardwalk and the bridge across the Purewa arm of the basin.
There is a fantastic off-leash dog area with a wide expansive green space for dogs to run around (please check the signs).
If you have kids in tow check out the two great playgrounds with adventure equipment, flying fox, and a large tunnel slide.
South/East
Macleans Park
Enjoy a walk through Macleans Park with spectacular views to the Hauraki Gulf, Rangitoto and Waiheke Islands.
Start at Macleans Road, or from any of the access points to Macleans Park from local streets. The loop winds through regenerating bush and wetland areas and your dog can enjoy an extra run around in the off-leash reserve areas.
The kids play area is also a great spot to relax and take in the scenery, make sure you keep your dog on the leash when near the playground.
Fantastic walk through Macleans Park combining bush, wetlands and spectacular sea views. Off-leash reserve areas make the route ideal for dog walking.
Tōtara Park
Take your furry friend for a walk along the fringe of a Tōtara forest at Tōtara Park. Enter Tōtara Park from the Wairere Road entrance, and head left until you find the gates that mark the start of the path.
Ōwairaka / Te Ahi-kā-a-Rakataura / Mt Albert
Enjoy expansive views over the city as you walk among the trees on one of Auckland’s ancestral maunga. Your dog must remain on their leash while walking in the park, however there is a dedicated off-leash exercise area halfway around the loop where you can let your furry friend get all of that excess energy out.
Waiatarua Reserve
Waiatarua Reserve, off Abbotts Way in Remuera, is well known and loved for its path around the wetlands where you and your canine companions can enjoy an off-leash walk (put the leash back on in the main central wetland area and on viewing platforms) and a dog swimming hole. Northern Remuera is also home to Waiata Reserve, between Victoria Avenue and Orakei Road, where there’s off-leash access at all times.
Enjoy the good network of paths around the reserve and watch out for bird life – there are several bird viewing areas off the main path.
Rules for walking your dog in public places
To keep everyone safe there are rules for walking your dog in public places like parks, reserves, pathways, beaches and tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountains) across Auckland.
In general, dogs must be on-leash at all times in all council-controlled public places with unrestricted access. It’s a little different for beaches, where summer and winter restrictions apply. During the winter months more relaxed hours for dogs off-leash start from 2 March, while throughout the summer months (until 1 March) dogs are not allowed on most beaches between 10am to 5pm.
Additionally off-leash walks and exercise are allowed outside these hours. Remember that even though your dog is off-leash you’ll need to make sure they are still under control.
It’s best to visit Auckland Council’s website before leaving home to find out exactly what rules apply where. You can also find more fantastic walking spots for you and your dog on our website.
