Dogs in public spaces

Before leaving on holiday, it’s worth checking dog control details of the district you’re heading to. Each council has its own rules and they may change with the seasons, too. The Department of Conservation’s rules also vary; we recommend you visit DOC’s website for updates.

Are dogs allowed in town?

It depends on the town. Many are OK with dogs on leashes, but some city centres are not. It pays to check with the relevant council. Goes without saying that any mess needs to be removed from the scene.

Are dogs allowed on beaches?

Some beaches welcome dogs at any time, off-leash even, but most have restrictions such as a specific areas where they can be or times of the day they’re allowed. Look for signs located near the beach. Even on beaches where dogs can be, they’re not allowed in the area between the surf lifesaving flags.

Oakura Beach, Taranaki © Venture Taranaki

What does off-leash mean?

While your furry mate can run free on beaches, reserves and parks designated off-leash, they must still be under control. That means they will always come back to you when called. And if you can’t see your dog, it’s not considered under your control.

Why must dogs always be within sight and under control?

Dogs are naturally inclined to hunt and chase and even if yours is a mild-mannered wee pooch who ‘wouldn’t hurt a fly’, they can damage ground-level nests or scare parent birds away from their eggs. Plus, not everyone likes dogs and being confronted with one off-leash, with no sign of their human, can cause problems for all concerned.

Are there public places you can never take a dog?

The obvious ones are wildlife sanctuaries, national parks and areas known to be home to kiwi. Wetland areas are also off limits, as they feature vulnerable, protected wildlife and the environment itself is fragile.

What about church grounds, pā sites, historic places, those sorts of places?

Areas of cultural significance are out of bounds for dogs. Such places require respect and dogs don’t generally understand that…

Why are dogs not allowed on sports fields?

All that lovely green, wide-open space looks perfect for a game of fetch, right? It’s also quite tempting to leave a deposit between the goal posts. And even the most responsible dog owner will miss the occasional mess. For the same reason, dogs need to be kept clear of children’s play areas. They’re not allowed within 10 metres.

Speaking of wide-open spaces, what about farms?

If you and your dog are on a farm, you must have permission from the farm owner. Ensure your dog is under control, especially during lambing season, remembering that the ewes will be nervous seeing a dog nearby. And you need to pick up after your dog, as their droppings may contain bacteria harmful to farm animals.