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Dogs on the beach
Dogs love the beach as much as we do, and Kāpiti has some fantastic off-leash areas where dogs can run and play freely.
It’s important you know where your dog can be, and when – this can change from winter to summer, so check the seasonal rules. Some people are nervous around dogs, so please respect dog-free areas.
Full details of on/off-leash areas and prohibited dog zones are outlined in exercise areas, along with other information to help dog owners.
Control | Cleaning up | Watch out for... | Seasonal beach dog zones
Control
It’s your responsibility to keep your dog under control at all times; so even if it's an off-leash area, it’s best to keep your dog on a lead if you're unsure how they'll react.
If you’d like extra support with training your dog, there are a number of local businesses and community groups running regular dog obedience courses.
Cleaning up
Be prepared for doggy “indiscretions”. Carry spare bags, and always pick up your dog’s poo for appropriate disposal; it makes the beach more pleasant for everyone, and safer for little ones playing in the sand.
Watch out for...
See Looking after our beaches for how you and your dog can help protect Kāpiti's significant and sensitive flora and fauna.
Beach dog zones: summer 7pm–10am
Beach dog zones: summer, 10am–7pm
Summer changes
From… |
to… |
summer rules are… |
Beach Road, Paekākāriki |
Wainui Stream Estuary |
|
Takitimu Road, Raumati Beach |
Wharemauku Stream, Raumati Beach |
|
Rua Road, Paraparaumu Beach |
Kāpiti Boating Club |
|
Waikanae Boating Club |
Waimeha Stream sensitive site, Waikanae Beach |
|
Karaka Street, Ōtaki Beach |
Ōtaki Surf Club |
|
Rules for other areas remain the same all year round.
When dogs are near horses, please ensure they are on-leash and pass wide and slow around them.
- Coastal Management Strategy (PDF, 2.06 MB)
- Beach Bylaw 2009 amended 2017 (PDF, 1.19 MB)
- Dog Control Bylaw 2019 (PDF, 1.14MB)launch
- Dog Control Policy 2019launch
- Beach dog zones – winter (JPG, 495.45 KB)