Travelling with Pets - BAY OF PLENTY

And plenty there are! This relaxed region has a wealth of pup parks for frolicking, reserves for exploring and coastline for off-leash runs, so you can make the most of your precious time together.

CHECK OUT

THE LAKES, TAURIKO This newly developed area features a number of cycleways, walkways, reserves and man-made lakes for you and your dog to explore. There isn’t a lot of shade, so be prepared if it’s a hot day.

HAIRY MACLARY SCULPTURES, TAURANGA From the imagination of author Lynley Todd to the pages of the popular book series and now to Tauranga’s waterfront. Get a photo of your real live pooch next to these recognisable figures, crafted by sculptor Brigitte Wuest, cast in bronze.

WANDER DOGS,WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY The District Council organise an annual summer series for the humans and their best friends, consisting of tail-wagging walks and events. Check out www. westernbay.govt.nz for news and updates.

PET & ANIMAL EXPO, MT MAUNGANUI Although you’ll have to leave your pooch at home, you’ll be able to shop up a storm with all the latest pet products and services on show for every creature, great and small.

Roxie

© Rebecka Bjelfvenstam Keeling

WALKIES

TAMAWHARIUA RESERVE, KATIKATI Easy 3km loop, on-leash, shared with mountain bikers

KATIKATI HAIKU PATHWAY Easy 1.5km loop, on-leash

PLUMMERS POINT LOOP, TAURANGA Easy 3km loop, some off-leash

GORDON CARMICHAEL RESERVE WALKWAY, TAURANGA Easy 2.5km loop, on-leash

TE PUNA QUARRY PARK, TAURANGA Easy 3km loop, on-leash

PUKETOKI RESERVE LONG, TAURANGA Easy 2km loop, on-leash

YATTON PARK ESK & FRASER ST RESERVES, TAURANGA Easy 3.5km return, on-leash

TE TIRINGA PEAK WALK, WHAKATĀNE Moderate 4.5km return, on-leash

WAIKAREAO ESTUARY LOOKOUT, TAURANGA Moderate 9km loop, on-leash

LATHAM TRACK, WHAKATĀNE Easy 6km loop, on-leash

Nala

© Amika Rugnath

MUST DO!

KOPURERERUA VALLEY RESERVE, TAURANGA For active folks, this fantastic reserve is not to be missed; well laid out cycle paths and boardwalks give way to grassy walkways and bush tracks with streams, lakes and ponds to dip in and out of over the hot summer months. Start from the end of 17th Ave, by the HistoricVillage, or find access points at Cameron Road.

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS

ESPLANADE RESERVE, OMOKOROA There is a small playing field and estuary/beach where you can throw a ball off one of the loops along the trail.

OMANU BEACH, MT MAUNGANUI Dog access year-round, just not within 200m of the surf club.

MAUNGATAPU, TAURANGA Popular with families andkayakers, and a great spot for a swim or to throw a ball around.

PĀPĀMOA BEACH From south of Moturiki/Leisure Island to Pāpāmoa East, your dog iswelcome to stroll the sand and take a dip, as long as they are under control.

PAIHOA BEACH RESERVE, PAIHOA, ŌMOKOROA Popular with families and kayakers, and a great spot for a swim or to throw a ball around. Only accessible at low tide.

ANCHORAGE GROVE (OFF MANGATAPU ROAD), TAURANGA When the tide is out, you can all walk the length of Maungatapu along the peninsula.

Ōhope Beach

© Bay of Plenty Tourism

DOG PARKS

HAIKU PARK, KATIKATI There is plenty of grassy space for your pup to play off-leash, under control, while you meander the 2km riverside Haiku Pathway decorated with boulders inscribed with haiku.

Haiku walkway – Katikati

© Bay of Plenty Tourism

WAIPUNA PARK/JOHNSON RESERVE, TAURANGA If you’re looking for somewhere to while away the day with your canine pal, then this is the place to come. The large open spaces, walnut trees, bush area, waterfall and a boardwalk practically invite you to lose an afternoon exploring.

TECT ALL TERRAIN DOG PARK, MANGOREWA You’ll find this little beauty halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua on SH 36: a whole fullyfenced hectare to play, explore and run with dogs of all shapes and sizes. There’s built-in dog agility equipment and running drinking water for the dogs to keep those good times rolling. Make yourself comfortable at one of the many benches and picnic tables while you wait for your dog to tire out.

FERGUSSON PARK, MATUA, TAURANGA A waterfront park with dog-friendly trails for your fur baby and sports fields, a playground, picnic tables and BBQs for the rest of the family to enjoy. TAURANGA RACECOURSE, TAURANGA If your charge is in need of a good race around, this is the spot for it! Dogs are welcome to run off-leash on non-race days after 9.30am Monday to Saturday and from 8am Sundays.

Haiku walkway – Katikati

© Bay of Plenty Tourism

TOP & TAIL TIP

Clip on a leash and head off to Kaiate Falls in Welcome Bay. About an hour’s walk, it’s a great chance for your pup to explore and swim while you admire the falls. There are steep steps so take your time.

True

© Aimee Smith

HAPPY CAMPERS

• Pikowai Camping Ground, 8km west of Matata

• Ōhope TOP 10 Holiday Park

Niko

© Lisa Dalton