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Looking for a coastal walk that’s dog-friendly? Franklin has several great options. Owners need to know that in all council controlled public places where dogs are permitted, owners must carry a lead and keep dogs under control.
This means dogs respond immediately when called or they are on leads when needed, especially around children and animals. Check the Auckland Council website for the park, track or beach you plan on going to before leaving home.
Ō Manawatere Regional Park/Omana Regional Park, Maraetai
With sweeping views across the Tamaki Strait, mature pōhutukawa, tidal wetlands and pockets of native bush, Omana Regional Park offers one of northeastern Franklin’s most scenic dog walks.
The mostly flat 2.7km Perimeter Track follows well-maintained gravel paths, boardwalks and paved sections, making it suitable for all fitness levels and people with buggies.
Dogs must be on leads along the track, leashed from the main carpark to the start of the walk.
Walkers can enjoy coastal vistas, bird-rich wetlands and a peaceful backdrop of rolling farmland before reaching designated areas on the Perimeter Walk and foreshore where dogs can enjoy some welcome off-leash time.
Waitawa Regional Park, Clevedon Coast
Perched above the Firth of Thames with spectacular views towards the Coromandel, Waitawa Regional Park combines regenerating native bush, quiet beaches and easy walking tracks.
The Te Aro Aro Loop is a gentle 30-minute walk on undulating gravel paths, winding through young forest before descending to picturesque Waitawa Bay.
Dogs must remain on leads throughout the park’s walking tracks.
However, at Mataitai Bay Beach, at the western end of the beach, dogs can enjoy a designated off-leash area and splash freely in the waves.
The combination of coastal scenery and a beach run makes Waitawa a favourite destination for adventurous pups and their owners.
Tāpapakanga Regional Park, Kawakawa Bay
Historic landscapes, native bush and a beautiful, sheltered beach make Tāpapakanga Regional Park one of Auckland’s hidden gems for dog owners.
A variety of walking options allow dogs and their owners to explore rolling countryside and coastal tracks before enjoying some off-leash fun along the main beach.
Dogs must be on a lead through the park and along the foreshore between the car park and the beach.
Once on the sand, they can run freely between the western cliffs and the lagoon at the eastern end of the bay.
For those wanting a longer outing, the Main Gate to Main Beach Loop follows part of the Historic Loop through native bush, across streams and past the park’s pa site before returning via the park road.
The route traverses gently undulating terrain of moderate difficulty and is suitable for buggies. Visitors should note that dogs are prohibited from paddocks during lambing season.
