Jordan McCraeEvery pet owner would agree that there’s no better sight than their dog wagging their tails while sporting a huge, happy grin. And for most pet parents, the surefire way to get this sight is a trip to a good dog park.
For fur parents in Auckland, it’s even easier thanks to the tons of dog parks scattered across the city. Among these many parks, these are the best ones that will guarantee a day full of nothing but fun for your favourite furry friend!
Meola Reef Reserve
Address: 81-189 Meola Road, Western Springs, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=1776
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Dog walking: Off-leash on the fenced area
Cost: Free
First on the list, of course, is the ever-so-popular Meola Reef Reserve. This 15-hectare reserve is one of the top answers you’ll get if you ask dog owners all over Auckland about their favourite dog park.
The reserve has a fenced area where you can let your fur friends run as much as they want. With several other dogs running around the park, your dog will find a new play friend before the day ends.
There’s a water fountain in the park in case your fur baby gets tired and needs to rehydrate. There’s also a river for fur babies who just can’t get enough of swimming and playing in the water.
| Pro Tip: The park can get really muddy when it rains, so bring boots with you if you don’t want to ruin your shoes! |
Waiatarua Reserve
– From @takeshi_the_spitz
Address: 98 Abbotts Way, Meadowbank, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=89
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Dog walking: Off-leash on a certain area
Cost: Free
The Waiatarua Reserve is the largest wetland restoration project of the New Zealand government. It features a lot of family-friendly facilities, like a playground, skatepark, picnic tables, and, of course, an area for the fur members of the family to run and walk.
Although dogs are prohibited in the main wetland area, the park has dedicated doggie paddling ponds for tail-wagging friends who just love water. There are also massive land areas where you can take your dog’s leash to let them freely run and play fetch.
You can also follow the Waiatarua Path, which runs around the wetland area, with your fur baby if they like calm walks.
Do make sure to keep their leash on, though, since you’ll be passing by the playground and skate ramp, where dogs are required to be on leash.
| Pro Tip: If you forgot to bring poop bags, you can get some near the car park where the playground is located. |
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Address: 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105, New Zealand
Website: http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/
Contact details: (09) 267 1457
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Features: Cafe, huge off-leash dog area, and swimming area for dogs
Dog-walking: Off-leash on a certain area
Cost: Free
The Auckland Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular destinations for both tourists and locals in Auckland. Covering 64 hectares of land and with over a million visitors each year, the gardens offer a place to appreciate plants and areas to chill with dogs.
You can explore the whole garden with your dog as long as you follow the walking track and keep them on a leash. If your dog hasn’t run out of energy after touring the garden, you can spend the rest of the day in the off-leash area north of the rose garden.
But before going to the off-leash area, drop by the cafe and get yourself a drink and snacks because you’ll get hungry just by watching your fur buddy run around the huge green area!
| Pro Tip: If you’re just looking to spend time in the off-leash area, park near the Everglade entrance. That’s the closest area to the off-leash area where you can park. |
Ōrākei Basin Reserve
– From @askthefurrygodmother
Address: 249 Orakei Road, Remuera, Auckland 1050, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=136
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Features: Swimming area
Dog-walking: Off-leash on a certain area
Cost: Free
If you want your dogs furiously wagging their tails due to excitement, Orakei Basin Reserve is the place to go! It has a beautiful basin where water-loving dogs can splash to their heart’s content.
Dogs can also run freely from the Orakei Basin West and East reserve from the Orakei Road car park all the way to the Lucena Road accessway. For the remaining part of the reserve, you’d need to keep them on a leash.
Dogs aren’t the only ones who will enjoy the reserve, though! The scenic view and 4 km long pathway of the Ōrākei Basin Reserve is also perfect for a peaceful morning exercise for fur parents!
| Pro Tip: Bring a hat and water for yourself because the place can get warm! If you have an airy, UV protective jacket, bring that too to protect yourself from the sun. |
Big King Reserve
– From @thelife_of_maxfamily
Address: 113A Duke Street, Mount Roskill, Auckland 1042, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=60
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM in summer; 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM in winter
Dog-walking: Off-leash
Cost: Free
If you’re looking for a dedicated dog park entirely off-leash, you’ll love Big King Reserve. This grassy volcanic cone has two areas where dogs can run and play fetch to their heart’s content.
There’s a path that runs around the hill, perfect for a morning run for dogs and their owners. By the end of the path, you’ll reach the top of the hill, where your furry best friend can play while you’re soaking in the beautiful panoramic view of the city.
For pet owners who aren’t as active as others, there’s a flat area at the base of the hill where you can let your dog run back and forth without a leash restricting them.
| Pro Tip: Bring water for your dog, and take advantage of the water bowls provided at the park’s entrance. You’ll also find poo bags in the same area in case you run out of them. |
Macleans Park
– From @_thefancyeyebrowsclub_
Address: 67R The Esplanade, Mellons Bay, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=2837
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Dog walking: Off-leash
Cost: Free
At 36 hectares, Mcleans Park is a sprawling haven for dogs with boundless energy. The expansive open areas provide ample room for energetic puppies to bond with their owners and play spirited games like fetch or frisbee.
Your fur babies can also explore or wander around the park completely leash-free! But do remember that there are also a lot of families in the park with their kids, so it’s still best to watch your fur buddy closely.
The park has access to Eastern Beach, which is perfect if you want a more relaxing walk with your dog. Just keep them on lead so you can avoid them from bothering other beachgoers.
| Pro Tip: You can also bring your kids to the park! There’s a small flying fox that can keep them entertained, and there are picnic tables where you can share a good meal together. |
Churchill Park
– From @kingemersonthecavoodle
Address: 320/336 Riddell Road, Glendowie, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=9
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Dog walking: Off-leash on a certain area
Cost: Free
Spread across lush grounds in Glendowie, Churchill Park is a former farm that’s now one of the favourite parks of many four-legged friends in Auckland. It has almost 40 hectares of land for them to run around and areas where they can play in the water.
Dogs can roam almost everywhere in the park off-leash, except from the Riddell Road entrance to 366B Riddell Road. There are lots of trails that you can also take on if you want to exercise with your pup.
Just know that your dog will likely come home with muddy paws and mud-soaked fur if you visit after a rainy day or during winter!
| Pro Tip: Always keep an eye on your pets, as they may get too excited upon seeing grazing cattle around the park! There are also many dogs in the area, which can easily agitate dogs who aren’t used to interacting with others. |
Heron Park
– From @louisthefrenchiefrench
Address: 1625-1627 Great North Road, Waterview, Auckland 1026, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=20
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Dog-walking: Off-leash on a certain area
Cost: Free
Another great park to visit with your pooch in West Auckland is Heron Park in Waterview. The grass area on the west of the playground all the way to the stream is the best place to bring dogs who want to roam around without being restricted by leash.
Aside from this off-leash area, there’s also a one-kilometre path along the park where you can jog with your canine friend as long as you keep on a leash. The 4.5-kilometre Oakley Creek Path is one that you can take if you’re up for something more challenging.
Just keep your pup at least 10 metres away from the playground. The playground’s not fenced, so there’s a high risk the kids will run to your dog if they spot it, which can agitate your pooch.
| Pro Tip: There’s a drinking fountain next to the playground where you can refill your canine friend’s water bowl. |
Coyle Park
– From @tej_bernese
Address: 528 Point Chevalier Road, Point Chevalier, Auckland 1022, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=21
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Dog walking: Off-leash from 5:00 PM to 10:00 AM during summer and from 4:00 PM to 10:00 AM during winter
Cost: Free
Coyle Park offers one of the most scenic views for dog owners taking their lovely canine friends on a walk. The park offers a beautiful view of the iconic Harbour Bridge and heaps of paths to follow for a peaceful stroll, so don’t miss the chance to check it out!
Some paths will lead you to Point Chevalier Beach, where you and your pup can enjoy the breezy and salty air from the sea. If you aren’t up for a sandy walk, the park also has a paved path and lots of open spaces for your dog to play.
Keep in mind, though, that you can only take off your dog’s leash from 5:00 PM to 10:00 AM during summer and 4:00 PM to 10:00 AM during winter. You should also keep your pooch at least 10 metres away from the playground, whether they’re leased or not.
| Pro Tip: Consider visiting with your dog before sunset to catch a glimpse of the stunning sunset views in the park. Moreover, dogs are usually already allowed to roam freely during this time. |
Onehunga Bay Reserve
– From @gailymack
Address: 71-91 Beachcroft Avenue, Onehunga, Auckland 1061, New Zealand
Website: https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/parks-recreation/Pages/park-details.aspx?Location=143
Contact details: 09 301 0101
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Dog walking: Off-leash except for anywhere near the playground
Cost: Free
Onehunga Bay Reserve offers a well-maintained off-leash walk path that circles the lagoon, making it an ideal dog park for pet owners who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll with their canine friends.
While the walkway usually only takes 20 minutes to finish, you might end up facing detours as your dogs go off-road to take a dip in the lagoon. The water, especially during high tide, is just too enticing for our pups to miss!
There are heaps of open spaces for dogs to run and play. While they’re playing, you can rest under the many trees surrounding the park to keep your shade from the heat.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring your own dog-poop bags! There are several poop bins scattered around the park, so you won’t have a hard time disposing of your fur baby’s poop. |
