Where can I take my dog?

There are many places you can take your dog in Whangārei, and parts of our District are now more dog friendly after new dog rules came into effect on Monday 28 October 2024.

Dogs are allowed on-leash in Whangārei’s city centre and some popular on-leash dog walks include Hātea Loop, Hātea River Walkway (between Whangārei Falls and the Town Basin), Waimahanga Track and any of our shared paths.

There are numerous parks and reserves that are off-leash areas, but dogs are NOT allowed at playgrounds, skate parks and marked sports fields. Find off-leash dog areas on the Exercising your dog page below.  

Dogs are allowed off-leash year-round at nine beaches and foreshore areas, however there are also some coastal dog bans to protect endangered or recovering flora and fauna. Find off-leash beach areas and dog bans on the Dogs on beaches page below.

We also provide a dog agility park on Pohe Island and a smaller fenced area by the Pohe Island car park. Get more information on the Whangārei Dog Agility Park page below. 

For dog access information across the District, see our new online Dog access rules map below.