Beach rules for dogs

Where your dog can go on the beach changes with the seasons. Check the rules and the maps below.

Winter season beach zones

From the end of daylight saving to 30 November.

Summer season beach zones

From 1 December to the end of daylight saving.

Please follow all signs and respect dog-free areas. Some people are nervous around dogs, and some beach areas protect sensitive wildlife habitats.

For full details about all exercise areas, prohibited zones, and maps, see our exercise area information and the Dog Control Bylaw 2019. [PDF 1.76 MB]

Dog exercise areas
Kāpiti Coast District Council provides on-lead and off-lead dog exercise areas across the Kāpiti Coast, including beaches, parks, sports grounds, and one securely fenced dog park...

Keeping your dog under control

You must keep your dog under control at all times.

Even in off-lead areas, use a lead if:

  • your dog is unpredictable around people, dogs, horses, or wildlife
  • your dog does not return when called
  • the beach is busy
  • horses are nearby.

When passing horses:

  • keep your dog on a lead
  • move slowly and carefully
  • give horses space.

If you need help with training, local businesses and community groups offer dog obedience courses across the Kāpiti Coast.

Cleaning up after your dog

Always carry dog poo bags and clean up after your dog.

Picking up your dog’s poo helps:

  • keep beaches clean and enjoyable
  • protect public health
  • keep tamariki safe when playing on the sand
  • reduce pollution in waterways and coastal areas.

Protecting wildlife and sensitive areas

Some Kāpiti Coast beaches include sensitive ecological areas where shorebirds, dunes, and native species need protection.

Please:

  • keep dogs away from marked wildlife areas
  • follow all signs and restrictions
  • use leads where required
  • avoid disturbing nesting birds and dune vegetation.

Learn more about protecting local beaches and wildlife in our beach care and environmental guidance information.

Summer beach zones

These summer rules apply from 1 December to the end of daylight saving.

Paekākāriki

Location: Beach Road Paekākāriki to Wainui Stream Estuary

  • on-lead 10am–7pm
  • off-lead 7pm–10am

Raumati Beach

Location: Takitimu Road, Raumati Beach to Wharemauku Stream, Raumati Beach

  • no dogs – 10am–7pm
  • on-lead – 7pm–10am

Paraparaumu Beach

Location: Rua Road, Paraparaumu Beach to Kāpiti Boating Club

  • no dogs – 10am–7pm
  • on-lead – 7pm–10am

Waikanae Beach

Location: Waikanae Boating Club, north to Waimeha Stream sensitive site, Waikanae Beach

  • no dogs – 10am–7pm
  • on-lead – 7pm–10am

Ōtaki Beach

Location: Karaka Street, Ōtaki Beach to Ōtaki Surf Club

  • on-lead 10am–7pm
  • off-lead 7pm–10am

Year-round off-lead beach areas

Dogs can be off-lead all year in the following beach areas unless otherwise signposted.

Ōtaki and Te Horo

  • Northern boundary of the Kāpiti Coast District to north of the Waitohu Stream sensitive site, Ōtaki
  • Konini Street to Ōtaki Beach Surf Club
  • Karaka Street to Kapiti Lane, Ōtaki
  • South of the Ōtaki River estuary to north of the 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

  • Waikanae Boating Club south to Waiheke Street accessway

Paraparaumu Beach

  • Ngāpotiki Street to Manly Street
  • Rua Road to north of Wharemauku Stream estuary

Raumati and Paekākāriki

  • Takitimu Road, Raumati to the southern side of the Wainui Stream Estuary, Paekākāriki

Waikanae Scientific Reserve

The Waikanae Scientific Reserve has separate rules managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).

Please check DOC guidance before taking your dog into this area.