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
Dog parks are open, and dogs are now permitted off leash in normal off-leash areas.
Read our COVID-19 page for the latest information.
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 (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)
See the Dog Control Bylaw 2019 for more information and a full list of dog parks, exercise areas, and summer and winter zones.
| 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, 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.
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.
Dogs need to be exercised, but shouldn’t leave a reminder they’ve been there! Remember poo bags every time you're out, so that you can pick up poo and dispose of it responsibly – and carry spares in case someone else has forgotten theirs.
Help keep your dog, and 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.