Beach · New Plymouth
Back Beach
Off lead Off lead. Keep leashed in the lower car park, reserve and stream area (penguins) and at the Paritutu end near Round Rock (seals).
Dog-friendly Taranaki
Beaches, parks, walks, cafés and places to stay, with the off-lead rules and where they come from. 30 so far.
Park or reserve · New Plymouth
Barrett Domain
On lead On lead from Rotokare Crescent to Kororako Grove. No dogs at the lagoon or the pond.
Park or reserve · Hāwera
Beech Place Reserve Dog Park
Off lead Fully fenced and gated off-lead dog park. Carry a leash and keep your dog under control.
Beach · Bell Block
Bell Block Beach
Off lead at set times On lead 1 August – 1 April. Off lead the rest of the year.
Walk or track · New Plymouth
Coastal Walkway
On lead On lead the whole way, Bell Block to Port Taranaki.
Beach · New Plymouth
East End Beach
Off lead at set times Off lead, except no dogs 10am–6pm from Labour Weekend Saturday to Easter Monday. East End Reserve has the same summer hours.
Beach · New Plymouth
Fitzroy Beach
Off lead at set times Off lead, except no dogs 10am–6pm from Labour Weekend Saturday to Easter Monday between East End surf club and the Fitzroy Campground access.
Beach · Ōkato
Kaihihi Beach
Off lead at set times Off lead most of the year. Temporary ban west of the Kaihihi stream 28 Sep – 26 Nov 2026 for nesting dotterels and oystercatchers.
Park or reserve · Stratford
King Edward Park
Off lead Off lead and under control in most of the park. On lead at the Colonel Malone gates entrance (Scout den, netball and tennis courts) and on the Carrington Walkway western loop.
Park or reserve · Egmont Village
Lake Mangamahoe
No dogs No dogs in the lake waters or on parts of the grounds — see the council map.
Park or reserve · New Plymouth
Lake Rotomanu and Peringa Park
On lead On lead in the Peringa Park and wetlands area. No dogs on the island.
Park or reserve · Manaia
Manaia Domain
Off lead Leash-free behind the sports fields. Not on the playing surfaces.
Beach · Ōakura
Ōākura Beach
Off lead at set times Off lead on the beach. Ōākura River and Corbett Park: no dogs 10am–6pm from Labour Weekend Saturday to Easter Monday.
Park or reserve · Urenui
Ōnaero Domain
Off lead at set times No dogs 10am–6pm from Labour Weekend Saturday to Easter Monday. Otherwise off lead.
Park or reserve · New Plymouth
Pukekura Park
On lead On lead. No dogs during the Festival of Lights, 7pm–12am, 14 December – 1 February.
Park or reserve · Kaponga
Smyth Park
Off lead Leash-free exercise area. Thoumine Park roadside reserve in Kaponga is leash-free too.
Walk or track · New Plymouth
Te Henui Walkway
On lead On lead between the Coastal Walkway and Devon Street East. Beyond that, off lead and under control.
Beach · Urenui
Wai-iti Beach
Off lead at set times On lead 1 August – 1 April. Off lead the rest of the year.
Beach · New Plymouth
Waiwhakaiho Beach
Off lead at set times Off lead most of the year. Temporary ban east of the river mouth 28 Sep – 26 Nov 2026 for nesting dotterels. Car park area: on lead.
Rules change with the seasons and the council. Every place shows its source and when we last checked; if something's wrong, tell us.
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