Dog-friendly walks | Near Auckland

Dog-friendly walks | Near Auckland

Looking for some outdoor adventures to tucker out the furriest family members? Here are our Top Five dog-friendly walks near Auckland. Everywhere from historic stonefields to inner-city streams. 

Te Auaunga / Oakley Creek Waterfall | Waterview

Meander alongside the city’s longest urban stream surrounded by greenery teeming with native critters. Your destination is a picturesque six-metre high waterfall and popular wading spot in summer. Check out the swim safe website before taking the plunge though. There are numerous bridges, boardwalks and winding paths for your pooch to explore.

Time: Allow 60 minutes for an out and back.
Location:  Good accessibility from Waterview Reserve on the corner of Herdman Street and Waterbank Crescent. Follow the signs to the motorway overpass and the walk entrance is just on the other side. Or for a shortcut, park at the Phyllis Street Reserve.
Accessibility:  Outdoorsy buggies will cope fine on the uneven concrete paths. Not suitable for wheelchairs.
Dogs: On-leads.

 

Ōrākei  Basin Walkway | Remuera

Boardwalks galore and a long winding bridge that snakes over an estuary between two forest remnants. This tidal lagoon was abruptly created during a volcanic explosion about 85,000 years ago. Today, it's a peaceful spot for a stroll with the dog. From the car park at the Ōrākei Basin West Reserve the path winds around the lagoon before crossing an impressive boardwalk that runs parallel with the train track back to the car park. 

Time: Allow 60 minutes (about 3 km) for a relaxed explore. 
Location: Parking is available off Ōrākei Road opposite Ōrākei Bay Village.
Accessibility: Mixture of boardwalk and dirt paths. There are a couple flights of steep stairs.
Dogs: Off lead by Ski Club. 

Thorp’s Quarry Waterfall | Clevedon

This picturesque moss-draped waterfall cascades over the rim of a disused quarry. All family members will enjoy this short easy walk. The well graded track passes through a small wetland area to a koru shaped viewing platform. In the 1900s it was the site of a greywacke quarry.

Time: Allow 20 minutes return.
Location: From Clevedon town turn off North Road onto Thorps Quarry Road and follow it to the car park.
Accessibility: Well graded paths. There are a couple very shallow steps which are easily navigated with an outdoorsy buggy. No bikes.
Dogs: On leads.

Te Āhua Point / Mercer Bay Loop | Near Phia

This historic site is perched on a dramatic rocky headland that juts into the Tasman Sea. If you dare, stand on the lookout dangling nearly 175 metres above the shoreline and imagine what life would have been like on this wild windswept rock for Māori  who once settled here.

Time: Allow 60 minutes (3 km) return.
Location: Turn off Piha Road onto Te Ahu Ahu Road which into Log Race Road.
Accessibility: Well graded paths with some steep sections and steps.
Dogs: On leads. 

 

Ōtuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve | South Auckland

This rugged site is an internationally significant heritage landscape that offers an insight into some of the earliest Polynesian settlement of New Zealand. Only a handful of stonefield remnants remain in Auckland, so this spot is very special to explore.

Time: Allow 60 to 90 minutes. More for picnics and exploring the nearby avocado orchard.
Location: Plenty of parking at the end of Ihumātao Quarry Road in Māngere .
Accessibility: Various dirt and grass paths. At times uneven with steps. No bikes or buggies.
Dogs: On leads.

Looking for more dog-friendly walks? Our Auckland guidebook has family-friendly outdoor adventures, including where the family pooch is welcome. 

 

 

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