Exercise areas
Dogs need regular exercise, but in a safe place so they don't become a nuisance to others.
Understanding on/off-leash areas
The Kāpiti Coast has some fantastic off-leash areas where dogs can run and play freely. These areas can change from summer to winter, so please make sure you’re aware of the seasonal rules before visiting.
We have one securely fenced dog park, in Aotaki Street, Ōtaki.
The following maps identify summer and winter dog access zones (specifically on- and off-leash areas), and areas where no dogs are permitted:
- Ōtaki dog access areas [PDF 312 KB]
- Paekākāriki dog access areas [PDF 300 KB]
- Paraparaumu dog access areas [PDF 375 KB]
- Waikanae dog access areas [PDF 373 KB]
- Raumati dog access areas [PDF 322 KB]
- Te Horo / Peka Peka dog access areas [PDF 259 KB]
- Dog exercise zones – summer (1 December–end of daylight saving) (check Legend is turned on)
- Dog exercise zones – winter (end of daylight saving–30 November) (check Legend is turned on).
See the Dog Control Bylaw for more information and a full list of dog parks, exercise areas, and summer and winter zones.
Dog access area types in Kāpiti
| Dog access areas | Meaning |
| On-leash |
An area where dogs are allowed as long as they are under continuous leash control. Note that there may be time restrictions at certain times of year; check the seasonal changes. |
| On-leash restricted |
An area where dogs are allowed, as long as they:
|
| Off-leash | A designated area where dogs can play and socialise off-leash while under direct voice and visual control at all times. These can be fully enclosed dog parks, or unenclosed dog exercise areas. |
| Sensitive site |
Areas marked as "sensitive sites" on the dog access area maps are important for wildlife and are culturally significant spaces that need special care. Protect our environment and put your dogs on-leash when walking in or near a sensitive site. |
Seasonal changes to dog beach zones
Where your dog can go on the beach can change from winter to summer, so make sure you're familiar with the seasonal rules for dogs on the beach, and the maps above.
- Winter zones apply from the end of daylight saving, to end of 30 November.
- Summer zones apply from 1 December, to the end of daylight saving.
Sports grounds and parks
Dogs are allowed on-leash at sports grounds, but never on the playing field. This means if there’s more than one sports field, dogs are allowed on-leash around the outside perimeter, but not in between the fields. Help keep the fields a clean and safe place where people can play worry-free.
If you are out exercising your dog near playgrounds or equipment, they must be on-leash and at least 10m away so they can share the spaces safely.
Please note that dogs are not permitted on the Te Araroa Paekākāriki Escarpment track. See the Te Araroa website for more information.