Local dog owners' favourite dog-friendly places in Whangārei

Published on 30 June 2025

As a proud local and even prouder dog mum, I spend a lot of time exploring Whangārei's parks and pathways with my four-legged friend. Whether we're chasing tennis balls, sniffing out new smells, or grabbing a coffee after a stroll, Whangārei has plenty of dog-friendly spots to stretch both paws and legs. These are some of our personal favourites!

Barge Park, Maunu - Big Space, Big Smiles

Barge Park is one of our go-to weekend spots. It's a gorgeous, well-maintained open field space with plenty of off-leash space for running, rolling, and retrieving (that's more my dog's thing than mine!).

You'll usually find a few other pups enjoying the space too, so it's important to keep your dog supervised and in sight. especially during those high-energy zoomies! Great for a runaround or a relaxed picnic with your pooch.

Where to find it: Barge Park Showgrounds (Google Maps)

Mair Park - Nature Walks and Off-Leash Fun

Mair Park is a gem! It's peaceful, scenic, and dog-friendly with a designated off-leash area, as well as lovely, leashed walking trails through the trees and near the stream. The playground is a bonus if you've got human pups in tow!

Just a heads-up: the nearby Parihaka walks are strictly no dogs allowed to help protect the native wildlife, so be sure to stick to the dog-friendly trails here.

Where to find it: Mair Park maps and information

Kensington Park - A Central Green Space for a Leashed Walk

Kensington Park is one of those handy spots where you can squeeze in a walk before or after school pickups, sports games, or a supermarket run. It's mostly an on-leash area, but there's a decent amount of space to stroll along the edges of the sports fields or under the trees.

You'll often see other dog walkers here, and it's great for social dogs who enjoy sniffing along well-trodden paths. Just remember it's a busy community space, so keeping your pup leashed and respectful is key.

Where to find it: Kensington Park (on leash) (Google Maps)

If you haven't walked the Hātea Loop with your dog yet, you're missing out! This is a favourite among locals, and it's easy to see why. Leashed dogs are welcome along the entire loop, and there's so much to enjoy together: sculptures, water views, playgrounds, and plenty of fellow dog-walkers to greet. The highlight for my furry sidekick? The Whangārei Dog Agility Park along the way!

Just by the Pohe Island carpark, this is a fenced, off-leash haven to let loose (under supervision, of course!). A great way to burn energy before grabbing a coffee or ice cream from one of the cafes in the Town Basin.

Where to find it: Hātea Loop Shared Path information

Onerahi Foreshore Path - A Scenic Coastal Stroll

This walk is one of our favourites on a clear day! Starting near Beach Road, the Onerahi Foreshore Path hugs the harbour and gives stunning views across the water. Dogs must be on-leash, but the wide, flat track is ideal for a relaxing stroll or jog.

You might see a few cyclists or other dogs, so it's a great chance to practice polite walking manners. There are shaded areas, grassy spots for a water break, and even access points to the sand if you want to paddle (when allowed)

Where to find it:Onerahi Beach Road Reserve (Google Maps)

Glenbervie Forest Trails - A Little Wild, A Lot of Fun

When we're up for a bit more of an adventure, we head out to Glenbervie. The forest tracks are a mix of on-leash and off-leash areas - just make sure to keep your pup close and supervised, especially if they love chasing wildlife or people on bikes.

It's peaceful, shaded, and a great place for you both to get your steps in.

Beaches, Walkways & Dog Access Rules:

There are loads of great places to take your dog around Whangārei, and recent updates to our District's dog rules (effective from 28 October 2024) have made our region even more dog friendly!

• Off-leash parks and reserves: There are a number of parks and reserves where dogs can be exercised off-leash. However, dogs are not permitted at playgrounds, skate parks, or marked sports fields. Dogs must always be under control and supervised, even in off-leash areas.
• Beaches and coastal areas: Dogs are allowed on most beaches in the Whangārei District, unless a coastal dog ban applies to protect endangered or recovering wildlife. We have nine beaches and foreshore areas are designated as off-leash year-round — find the full list here.
• Summer beach rules: Between 20 December and 31 January, dogs are only permitted on most beaches before 9:00am or after 5:00pm. For full details on dog-friendly beach locations and restrictions, visit Council's Dogs on Beaches page, or check the Dog Access Rules Map before heading out.

Where can I take my dog? 

Final Woofs of Wisdom: Being a Responsible Dog Owner

Whether you're at a park, on a trail, or by the beach, let's all do our bit to keep Whangārei dog-friendly:

• Always pick up your dog's poop - this is a personal 'pet peeve'! If it came from your dog, it's your job to clean it up. No one wants to step in a mess while enjoying their walk!
• Keep your dog under control. Whether on-leash or off, your dog should always be in sight and under your voice command.
• Respect others. Not all people — or dogs — are comfortable with new pups running up to them. Even if your dog is friendly, others might be shy or scared.
• Bring water and a lead. Especially in warmer months, staying hydrated and safe is a top priority.

Whangārei is such a beautiful place to explore, especially with a wagging tail beside you. Let's all be great dog parents and keep these spaces fun, clean, and welcoming for everyone. Hope to see you out there!

Thank you to our awesome local dog owner for sharing her insight and local tips!