Dog-walking rules have changed

Hira Siddiqui from Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga/Eastern Manukau

🐕 There are changes to dog-walking rules this summer, so before you and your furry mate race out the door, it’s worth checking what’s changed. ☀️🐶
Good news — there are still heaps of dog-friendly walks across Auckland to explore together.
Summer in Tāmaki Makaurau; that glorious time when the barbecues fire up, jandals slap the pavement, and dogs across the region drag their humans out the door with tails wagging like wind turbines.
With the long days and warm nights rolling in, it’s prime time to explore Auckland’s incredible network of parks and trails, just don’t forget to pack the leash and the poo bags.
From 1 August 2025, Auckland’s updated dog access rules kicked in to make sure everyone – two-legged and four-legged – can enjoy our outdoor spaces safely. Most regional parks remain dog-free to protect precious native wildlife like the northern dotterel and fairy tern, but there are loads of local parks and reserves where your dog can stretch their legs off-leash. Jut remember, dogs are prohibited from sports fields and playgrounds.
So, grab the lead, some water, and your sense of adventure and hit the outdoors; your dog will love you for it.
So get out there and enjoy some of the options and remember, even when your dog’s off-leash, they must always be under control.
Check the Auckland Council website before heading out – rules differ by park. Because when everyone follows the leash laws, summer stays fun for everyone – paws, people and wildlife alike we all share the city with.

Original post credit (abridged): Auckland Council
Photo credit (altered): Auckland Council