Living in or visiting Auckland with your four-legged friend?  You’ll be looking for some tips and info to have the best time with your best friend, and we’ve got them sorted for you!  The City of Sails has become increasingly dog-friendly over the years.  It has plenty of spots for you and your dog to enjoy some quality time together. Let's explore some of the best places and handy tips for making the most of Auckland with your fur baby.

Off-Leash: The Best Dog Parks

Dog owners are always looking for a place to let their dogs run free.  Watching them make friends with other dogs and just be their crazy, silly selves is so rewarding.  And Auckland has some great options, so let’s take a look at what’s available:

Meola Reef Reserve in Point Chevalier

Basically, dog heaven! A massive off-leash area, Meola Reef Reserve, offers plenty of space for your pooch to stretch its legs, plus there’s an added bonus of water access for those dogs who love a splash. Make sure to check the tide times before you plan your trip though because low tide means more beach which means more fun to be had!

Western Springs Park

A fantastic option, especially if your dog enjoys making new friends. Western Springs has a dedicated off-leash area which is usually bustling, perfect for dogs who are looking to socialize.

Mt. Eden Dog Park

Mt. Eden has a dedicated dog park which is fenced in so that your pooch can run free!  You can find it between the Clive Road entrance and Summit Road.

Cornwall Park

While dogs do need to be on-leash in most areas, there are designated off-leash zones where they can run free. The wide-open spaces and shady trees make it perfect for long walks, but please keep your distance from the sheep!

Monte Cecilia Park

Dogs must be on-leash at Monte Cecilia park but with the wide open space to roam you can definitely get some outdoor exercise in with your pooch.

Beach Bound

Auckland's coastline is dotted with dog-friendly beaches, but timing is everything so please remember to check the times that your dog is allowed on the beach, it makes it way more fun for everyone!  Here are some of the great options available:

St. Heliers Beach

St. Heliers offers a similar setup, with designated dog-friendly hours. The wide, flat beach is perfect for a game of fetch, and the coastal walkway provides a gorgeous on-leash walking option when the beach is busy.

Takapuna Beach

A local favourite allowing dogs off-leash before 10 am and after 6 pm during summer months. With coffee shops nearby, you can grab your morning pick-me-up too.

Orewa Beach

A gorgeous long stretch of beach perfect for walking the dog.  Just make sure to check the tide and stick to the dog times depending on the season.

Dog-Friendly Dining

Auckland's café scene has so many options for our four-legged friends. Having a handy list when you’re out and about makes it so much easier when your tummy starts grumbling.  Check out some of these restaurants that won’t turn you away because you have a dog in tow:

1.       The Birdcage Tavern – Central Auckland

2.       The Cav – Freeman’s Bay

3.       The Garden Shed – Mt. Eden

4.       Circus Circus – Mt. Eden

5.       Crave Café – Morningside

6.       Ampersand Eatery – Orakei Bay Village

7.       The Paw Bar and Eatery – Parnell

8.       Hooper’s Garden Bar – Ponsonby

9.       The Zookeepers Son – Royal Oak

10.  Café Mimosa - Takapuna

Walking Trails

Dog owners are always on the look out for a good place for a walk.  Luckily in Auckland we are spoilt for choice.  Here are some of the amazing options we have available to keep the entire family fit and happy!

Watercare Coastal Walkway in Mangere

is a hidden gem for dog walkers. This 7km coastal track offers stunning views of the Manukau Harbour, and dogs are welcome on-leash. Make sure you pack your water and your snacks (for you and your dog!).

North Shore's Okura Bush Walkway.

A more challenging adventure.  Dogs are welcome on-leash, and the varied terrain keeps things interesting, but please be mindful of ground nesting birds and stick to the marked trails.

Practical Tips for Dog-Friendly Auckland

Weather Watch

Auckland's weather can change rapidly. Some handy tips are to pack a lightweight dog rain jacket during winter months, keep a towel and blanket in your car for wet weather and during the summer months be sure to have a water bottle and bowl handy for your dog as the humidity can be tough on our dogs.

Transport Tips

Public transport is becoming much easier with dogs but there are rules that apply, so be sure to check out Auckland Transport website for all the necessary information. Other transport companies like Uber may be pet-friendly – just message ahead to confirm. Having a few reliable pet-friendly transport options saved in your phone can be a lifesaver.

Doggy Daycare

For those times when you need to run errands in non-dog-friendly places, Auckland has some excellent daycare options.

Emergency Preparedness

Keep the contacts for 24-hour vet clinics in your phone. The After Hours Veterinary Centre in Takapuna and VSA in Mt. Wellington are both open around the clock.

Local Events

Keep an eye out for dog-friendly events! The Auckland Botanic Gardens occasionally hosts "Dogs Day Out" events, and various markets around the city welcome well-behaved dogs on leash.

Community Tips

Join local dog-walking Facebook groups – they're fantastic for staying updated on temporary park closures, organizing meetups, getting recommendations for dog-friendly services, and making friends with like-minded dog owners (plus their pets!).

Many Auckland suburbs have their own dog-walking communities. Places like Browns Bay and Devonport often organize informal morning walking groups – a great way to socialize both you and your pup!  Search your local community Facebook group to find yours!

What’s to Come

Auckland continues to become more dog-friendly each year. New developments often include dedicated dog areas, and more businesses are welcoming our four-legged friends.

The key to enjoying Auckland with your dog is planning ahead. Whether you're a local or just visiting, there's plenty to explore with your furry friend. Just pack some water, treats, and poop bags, and you're ready for an adventure in our beautiful city!