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Travelling with Pets in Auckland

Whether your companion is a chic city slicker, a beach bum or an outdoor legend, the breath of experiences across Auckland are as diverse as the landscape. All creatures great and small are sure to have a blast.

DOG PARKS

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SANDERS RESERVE, NORTH SHORE Here, there are 3ha of fenced-off land specifically for dogs to run free off-leash with the added bonus of an onleash walking trail. Views of Waitematā Harbour and coastal forests give you a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

ŌNEHUNGA BAY RESERVE A great summer spot, where doggos can take a dip and build up their water confidence off-leash in the lagoon. Take a 15 to 20-minute stroll and relax on the grass for afternoon treats.

BIG KING RESERVE, MT ROSKILL This retired volcano cone makes for an interesting backdrop as you and your dog socialise in the fully fenced, off-leash area. With plenty of hills and trails to suit any fitness level, just be sure to wear sturdy footwear especially after rain.

MEOLA REEF, WESTERN SPRINGS Fully fenced, offleash exercise area is perfect for zoomies with new friends. Inquisitive kinds will love snuffling in the leafy and long grass spots.

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• Corban Reserve, Henderson

• Hobsonville Point

• Churchill Park, Glendowie

• Waiatarua Reserve, Meadowbank

Dogs walk on Mt Eden © Adobe Stock

BIG ADVENTURES

TE ARA TĀHUNA ESTUARY WALKWAY,ŌREWA A popular 7.5km loop shared by cyclists, walkers and runners, circling the charming tidal estuary. Dogs on-leash.

KITEKITE FALLS PATH, PIHA Follow boardwalks and gravel tracks, passing through forest to reach thespectacular falls where your dog can enjoy the water. Easy 3km return, on-leash.

SLIP, PIPELINE, BEVERIDGE TRACK LOOP, WAITĀKERE RANGES Experience rainforest, views and bird life on this moderate 6km loop track in West Auckland. Dogs need to be on-leash.

WAIUKU FOREST WALK This delightful, easy loop trail is 10.5km long and includes some off-leash areas.

ROCKY BAY & WHAKANEWHA LOOP, WAIHEKE ISLAND Easy and enjoyable for human and dog, this loop is 8km longand features off-leash areas.

KAKAMATUA INLET, CORNWALLIS This super dog-friendly spot is the perfect place to teach dogs to swim. You can easily spend a day here and enjoy low tide times playing fetch.

© The Cat Lounge

WALKIES

LEIGH HARBOUR WALKWAY Easy 3km point-to-point, on-leash

PUHOI LOOKOUT LOOP Easy 1.5km loop, on-leash

RIVERHEAD FOREST SHORT LOOP Easy 3.5km loop, on-leash

HUAPAI RESERVE PATH Easy 1.5km loop, some off-leash

ALBANY VILLAGE PATH Easy 3km loop, some off-leash

CENTENNIAL PARK BUSH, CAMPBELLS BAY Easy 3km loop, on-leash

MILFORD TO CASTOR BAY Easy 3.5km return, some off-leash

CLEARWATER COVE PATH, HOBSONVILLE Easy 3.5km point-to-point, on-leash

ESKDALE RESERVE WALK, BIRKENHEAD Easy 3.5km loop, on-leash

KARAKA PATH, PAPAKURA Easy 3.5km loop, on-leash

HOBSONVILLE POINT COASTAL WALKWAY Easy 5.5km loop, on-leash

LE ROYS BUSH, BIRKENHEAD Easy 3km point-to-point, on-leash

WESTERN PARK PATH, FREEMANS BAY Easy 1km loop, some off-leash

PUHINUI STREAM FOREST TRAIL, TŌTARA PARK Easy 4km loop, on-leash

ŌRAKEI BASIN WALKWAY Easy 3km loop, some off-leash

MERCER BAY LOOP, WAITĀKERE RANGES Easy 1.5km loop, on-leash

WATTLE DOWNS SOUTH PATH Easy 4km point-topoint, on-leash

MANGERE MOUNTAIN LOOP Easy 2km loop, some off-leash

TAWHITOKINO BEACH PATH, PAPAKURA Easy 4km point-to-point, some off-leash

Willow © Kushla J Kemp

HAPPY CAMPERS

• Clarks Beach Holiday Park, Waiuku

• Ōrere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park, Franklin

• Leigh Central (motor homes only), Rodney

• Piha Domain Motor Camp, West Auckland

• Muriwai Beach Campground, WestAuckland

Dogs walk on Mt Eden © Adobe Stock

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS

• Omaha Beach, Rodney

• Ōrewa Beach, Rodney

• Cockle Bay, East Auckland

• Takapuna Beach, North Shore

• Bethells Beach, West Auckland

• Muriwai Beach, West Auckland – north of surf life tower

• North Piha Beach, West Auckland

• Waiatarua Reserve, Meadowbank, Central Auckland

• Kakamatua Inlet, Cornwallis, West Auckland

• McLeod’s Bay, Waiheke Island

Muriwai Beach © AATP

CHECK OUT

BRICK BAY WINERY TRAIL, SNELLS BEACH

Take yourself and your sophisticated pooch on this fun trail through bushland and around a lake, ending with delicious treats for all at the Glasshouse. Be sure to reserve an outside table to avoid disappointment for post-walk drinks and snacks.

AUCKLAND BOTANIC GARDENS, MANUREWA

The whole family can enjoy this botanical paradise. Take your pup on the 1.9km loop walk on leash, letting them cool off in the lake on warmer days.

LITTLE CREATURE BREWERY, HOBSONVILLE

In what was formerly an aircraft hangar, this cool brewery has a huge outdoor bar area where you can enjoy a pint with your pup. Tacked onto a jaunt around the Hobsonville Point Coastal Walkway, it makes for a perfect day out!

PINTS FOR POOCHES

Every year famous brewers, The Garage Project, donates kegs of craft beer to dog-friendly venues in Auckland and Wellington as part of their fundraising drive for the SPCA. Your job is to stop in, donate by the pint and hang out with lots of dogs! See their Facebook Page for updates.

Karekare Beach, West Auckland © Adobe Stock

Looking for a pet-friendly place to stay? Book accommodation at aa.travel.co.nz

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