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 rules before visiting. 

These 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 (map only)
• Paekākāriki Dog Access Areas (map only)
• Paraparaumu Dog Access Areas (map only)
• Waikanae Dog Access Areas (map only)
• Raumati Dog Access Areas (map only)
• Te Horo/Peka Peka Dog Access Areas (map only)
• Beach hours summer/winter (map only)

Please refer to the 2019 Dog Control Bylaw for information and a full list of dog parks, exercise areas, and summer and winter zones.

Seasonal changes to dog beach zones

Where your dog can go on the beach can change from season to season, so make sure you're familiar with the rules, 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.

Summer changes to zones

Rules for other areas remain the same all year round. 

Doing your bit

Dogs need to be exercised, but please don’t forget to carry bags every time you're out, so that you can pick up poo and dispose of it responsibly.

​Sports grounds and parks

Your dogs are allowed near sports grounds on-leash, but never on the field of play. 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. For more info, please visit the Te Araroa website.

Sensitive sites

These sites 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.

Dogs and Horses

Help your dog keep itself, horses and their riders safe. It’s important to remember that dogs are not the only four-legged friends who like to enjoy the community’s parks and open spaces. When dogs are near horses, please ensure they are on-leash and pass wide and slow around them.