Dogs
So many of us love our pooches; it's important to remember there are responsibilities to dog and animal ownership, too. We've got everything you need...
Dogs on the beach
Dogs love the beach and Kāpiti has great off-leash areas for them to run and play.
Remember to check where and when your dog can be off-leash – this changes from winter to summer, so check the seasonal rules.
Please respect dog-free areas, as some people are nervous around dogs.
For full details of on/off-leash areas and prohibited zones, visit Exercise areas.
Control
It’s your responsibility to always keep your dog under control. Even in off-leash areas, use a lead if you're unsure how your dog will react.
If you need help training your dog, there are local businesses and community groups offering regular dog obedience courses.
Cleaning up
Always be ready for doggy “messes”. Carry extra bags, and pick up your dog’s poo. This keeps the beach nice for everyone, and safe for tamariki playing in the sand.
Watch out for...
Learn how you and your dog can help protect the Kāpiti Coast's special plants and animals in Looking after our beaches.
Dog seasonal beach zones
Where your dog can go on the beach changes with the seasons. Check the rules and the maps below.
- Winter zones: end of daylight saving to end of 30 November.
- Summer zones: 1 December to the end of daylight saving.
Summer beach zones
Beach Road Paekākāriki to Wainui Stream Estuary
- on-leash 10am–7pm
- off-leash 7pm–10am
Takitimu Road, Raumati Beach to Wharemauku Stream, Raumati Beach
- no dogs – 10am–7pm
- on-leash – 7pm–10am
Rua Road, Paraparaumu Beach to Kāpiti Boating Club
- no dogs – 10am–7pm
- on-leash – 7pm–10am
Waikanae Boating Club, north to Waimeha Stream sensitive site, Waikanae Beach
- no dogs – 10am–7pm
- on-leash – 7pm–10am
Karaka Street, Ōtaki Beach to Ōtaki Surf Club
- on-leash 10am–7pm
- off-leash 7pm–10am
Other areas
Rules for other areas remain the same all year round. See the Dog Control Bylaw 2019, which lists all dog parks, exercise areas, and seasonal zones.
When dogs are near horses, keep them on a leash and pass slowly and carefully.
Year-round off-lead areas
Your dog can be off lead all year round, in these beach areas:
- northern boundary of our district to north of Waitohu Stream sensitive site, Ōtaki
- Konini Street, Ōtaki, to Ōtaki Beach Surf Club
- Karaka Street, Ōtaki, to Kapiti Lane, Ōtaki
- south of Ōtaki River estuary, Ōtaki, to north of Mangaone Stream estuary, Te Horo
- Sea Road, Te Horo, to north of Te Kowhai Stream estuary, Peka Peka
- south of Te Kowhai Stream estuary, Peka Peka, to north of the Waimeha Stream sensitive site, Waikanae Beach
- Waikanae Boating Club, south to Waiheke Street access way, Waikanae Beach
- Ngāpotiki Street, Paraparaumu Beach, to Manly Street, Paraparaumu Beach
- Rua Road, Paraparaumu Beach, to north of Wharemauku Stream estuary
- Takitimu Road, Raumati, to south side of Wainui Steam Estuary, Paekākāriki.
For the Waikanae Scientific Reserve, refer to the Department of Conservation .
Related links