If you’re looking for parks for your four-legged friend, we’ve featured 10 of the best dog parks in Auckland.
1. Waiatarua Reserve
Waiatarua Reserve is an expansive wetlands area in the greater Auckland area with a large network of walking paths and plenty of wildlife on display. The reserve itself features bird watching platforms, sports courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas, as well as a large off-leash dog area. There is designated parking for Waiatarua Reserve available from Grand Drive.
Please follow the signs accordingly as the rules for dogs change within the reserve. Dogs are not permitted in the wetlands or the playground sections, and must remain on-leash near the playground and in some other sections of the park. However, inside the designated off-leash area, dogs are free to roam, explore, and socialize.
2. Craigavon Park
Craigavon Park is a large, shaded park with lots of trees and grassy spaces. There are walking trails throughout the park, as well as exercise equipment, plus a designated off-leash area for dogs. Parking for Craigavon Park is available from Connaught Street, and there are also bathroom facilities and drinking water on-site.
The off-leash dog park at Craigavon Park is not specifically marked, as dogs are permitted off-leash everywhere inside the park, except in or near the playground. Please ensure that your dog is supervised at all times and clean up their waste using the bins provided.
3. Bomb Point Dog Park
Bomb Point Dog Park is in the Catalina Bay region of Auckland, and features a fully enclosed park specifically designed for off-leash play. There is no drinking water for dogs here, but bowls are available, so it’s easy to bring a bottle of water and fill up a bowl for your pup.
When using the Bomb Point Dog Park, please clean up after your dog. Ensure your dog is supervised at all times, and remove them from the park if they are exhibiting aggressive behavior. Carry a leash, and leash your dog before you exit the designated off-leash area.
4. Big King Reserve
Big King Reserve, also known as Te Tatua-a-Riukiuta, is an area of volcanic craters offering spectacular views of Auckland and interesting geographical information. There are restrooms on-site, and dogs are allowed to roam off-leash throughout the reserve.
Please clean up after your dog and supervise them at all times. Although the entire area is free for off-leash activities, please carry a leash with you and restrain/remove your dog if they are acting aggressively towards other dogs or people.
5. Auckland Botanic Gardens
Although a botanic garden is not necessarily where you would expect to find an off-leash dog park, the Auckland Botanic Gardens does things a little differently. Dogs are permitted (on a leash) throughout the gardens, and there is a designated area in the north of the gardens where dogs can play off-leash.
In the off-leash area, and all other areas of the botanic gardens, please ensure that you clean up after your dog and dispose of their waste in the bins throughout the facility. When off-leash, supervise your dog closely and ensure they are not disturbing other visitors to the garden. Please note that dogs are not permitted inside the libraries or cafes at the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
6. Churchill Park
Churchill Park is located in Glendowie, in Auckland’s east. Churchill Park covers an extensive 40 hectares of farmlands and wooded areas, and also houses the Glendowie Tennis and Bowling clubs. There is designated parking and picnic tables on-site.
As Churchill Park is such an extensive area, it is broken into sections. While dogs are allowed off-leash in most areas, dogs must be leashed around the Churchill Park School area and the surrounding parks. When off-leash, please ensure that your dog is supervised closely and under voice command.
7. Waiata Reserve
Waiata Reserve is a spacious, grassy park in Auckland’s east. There are lots of large trees for shade, walking paths throughout the park, and plenty of hills to ensure dogs and their owners both get a good workout! Dogs are permitted off-leash throughout the entire park, and there’s even a stream where hot pups can cool off.
Please clean up after your dog using the bags and bins provided. When off-leash, supervise your dog at all times and keep them under voice command. Please carry a leash so that your dog can be restrained if they are acting aggressively towards other dogs or people.
8. Meola Reef Dog Park
Meola Reef Dog Park is located inside Meola Reef Reserve, in Auckland’s west. The dog park features large, expansive grassy areas, trees for shade, and beautiful views of the bay. There are paths for owners, and a separate fenced area if your dog needs some time to adjust to the wide-open spaces.
Parking is available at the Meola Reef Dog Park and there are public bathrooms on-site. The whole park is fully enclosed, but it’s important to keep an eye on your dog as this is a large space and it’s possible they could find a hole in the fence. Please ensure your dog is on a leash whenever you are outside the designated off-leash dog park.
9. Heron Park Dog Park
Heron Park is a large grassy area near Avondale, southwest of Auckland. The park features lots of walking paths, large trees for shade, playgrounds, and bathroom facilities. There is also designated parking available via Cadman Avenue. The western side of Heron Park is a designated off-leash park for dogs, and covers a large field where dogs are welcome to roam and socialize freely.
In all other areas of Heron Park, dogs must remain on a leash (follow the signs accordingly and note that dogs are not permitted inside the children’s playground). Please clean up after your dog – bring your own waste bags and use the bins provided throughout the park.
10. Onehunga Bay Reserve
Onehunga Bay Reserve is located right on the foreshore of one of the Hillsborough Bay lagoons. This large reserve features a small beach, lots of grassy space, an extensive network of walking paths, and some large trees for shade. The lagoon itself is also open for water activities.
Dogs are permitted off-leash throughout the Onehunga Bay Reserve, except for around the children’s playground. Please clean up after your dog and ensure you follow all of the rules and regulations posted at the reserve. Park hours are 6:00 am until 6:00 pm in winter, and 6:00 am until 8:00 pm in summer.
