Who loves the salt, sand and sea more than us humans? Our furry best friends of course. That's why we've got to get them out and about at the most dog-friendly beaches in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. We at Urban List know you’d love to share the whole summer with your puppy, but sometimes beach rules keep them at bay (literally).
As luck would have it, there are a bunch of great places to take your pooch pals to around Auckland so we’ve created this handy list of the best dog-friendly beaches our city has to offer, for next-level walkies.
Muriwai Beach
Muriwai, Auckland
Image credit: Luke McKeown | Supplied
Muriwai has lots of puppy love to give, providing dogs with an off-leash exercise area in the park. Between the hours of 7pm and 9am during summer, you can also have the pleasure of watching your dog fruitlessly bite at the waves and roam free. With so many tracks close to this summer hotspot, you and your pooch can make a day of it.
Takapuna Beach
Auckland
Takapuna Beach is a superb place to take your pawed pal to day-round. However, this dog-friendly beach is even MORE dog-friendly with off-leash hours after 5pm and before 10am in summer—perfect for making the most of the warmer mornings and nights.
Grab a coffee from one of the many spots the beachfront offers, and let your fluffy adventurer roam free—there’s no doubt he’ll find a few friends. If you can brave the cold, off-leash is permitted between 2pm and 10am in winter, too.
Karioitahi Beach
Karioitahi Road, Lake Puketi
Image credit: ATEED | supplied
One of the most beautiful beaches in Tāmaki Makaurau, Karioitahi Beach is a stunning spot for a stroll with your hound in tow. It’s about an hour’s drive from Auckland CBD but it’s absolutely worth it.
While dogs aren’t allowed on the main stretch from 10am-5pm during summer, there’s a dedicated dog exercise area further south which has no restrictions. Rejoice.
St Leonards Beach
St Leonards Road, Auckland
A pup-approved North Shore gem is Saint Leonards, provided you don’t mind a 113-step climb back up to the road afterwards.
The sandy stretch dotted with rock pools is just under 2km making for a great stroll, particularly at low tide. Dogs can be off-leash here at any time of the day, all year round.
Piha Beach
55 Marine Parade North, Piha, Auckland
Image credit: Bill Fairs | Supplied
Piha is a classic spot and, even better, your best friend can come too. The Piha Domain, Lagoon area, and in-between Monkey Rock and Little Lion Rock are super dog-friendly spots along this colossal black sand beach.
With so much sand to dig up and land to explore, taking your dog here will make you the fave of the family.
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Thorne Bay Beach
Thorne Beach, Auckland
Another Takapuna goodie, Thorne Bay is a beach spot that’s recently become popular for dog-walkers. Go on the coastal walk from Takapuna to Milford with your dog or explore the volcanic rocks and rock pools together. Bonding!
Kakamatua Inlet
Huia Road, Cornwallis, Auckland
Image credit: Supplied Greg Jenkins
A secret paradise for owners and dogs alike, Kakamatua Inlet is a 15-minute drive from Titirangi and one of Auckland's best dog-friendly beaches.
Dogs must stay on leash in bush areas including on the bush track but on the beach, it's off-leash all year around. Go when the tide is low as there'll be more beach to play on and the water in the stream will be shallower.
There’s also a freshwater stream so your dog can have a drink, and they’re going to need it after all the adventure to be had!
Mellons Bay Beach And Reserve
Mellons Bay, Auckland
The off-leash part of this beach—the western end—may be small, but it's a bustling spot for mutts and their owners to socialise and it lends itself to off-leash antics 24/7.
If your dog needs another friend (or ten), this is where to go—plus, it’s also great to get puppies socialised with well-behaved, older doggos. Mellons Bay Beach is easily one of the best beaches to walk your dog in Auckland.
Bethells Beach (Te Henga)
Bethells Beach, Auckland
Image credit: Jefferson Santos | Supplied
Bethells Beach Te Henga is the answer to a quick Auckland getaway during the busy Auckland summer. If you’re keen on a bit of a beach hop, you can also go from Piha or Muriwai to this beautiful beach. With so much space, dogs can go for a paddle, run around and tire themselves out and be rewarded with a big nap afterwards.
Mataitai Beach
Mataitai Bay, Auckland
No list of the best dog-friendly beaches in Auckland would be complete without a mention of Mataitai Beach. Pooches are permitted on this shelly beach off-leash all summer long and, in fact, are only prohibited from being on the beach during lambing and calving season (1 July to 1 December).
Better still, your walk doesn’t have to be pacing the beach—there are also four walking loops to choose from, ranging from one to three hours of mahi.
Omaha Beach
Broadlands Drive, Omaha
Another beautiful beach for pups to frolic on is Omaha. There’s no dog access between 10am to 5pm during summer but outside of those hours dogs can roam free, plus they’re permitted off leash at any time of the year throughout any of the other seasons.
Meaning a ‘place of pleasure’ in Māori, it’ll be your go-to this summer and your dog will love you for it!
Mairangi Bay Loop
16 Huntly Road, Campbells Bay, Auckland
A half-hour drive north of Auckland, this wee roadie with your pooch is totally worth the drive. The clifftop and beach walk from Campbells Bay to Rothesay Bay is off-leash so both you and your dog can get in some exercise while soaking in the breathtaking views of the North Shore bays.
Looking for more doggie inspo? Check out:
- Auckland's Best Pet-Friendly Luxury Stays
- Dog-Friendly Restaurants And Bars In Auckland
- Best Dog Parks In Auckland
Main image credit: Urban List | Supplied
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