The Top Dog-Friendly Walks Near Tauranga
Dog owners in Tauranga know that there are some stunning, picturesque spots to take your furry friend for a walk in this part of the world. Fortunately, most of the popular spots are dog-friendly walks that allow you to enjoy the great outdoors with your pup.
We've compiled a list of the top dog-friendly walks Tauranga offers, so you can discover new places to explore and make the most of your time outdoors with your four-legged companion. So grab the leash; it's time to find out what the great outdoors around Tauranga can offer!
The reserve's charming little waterfall is a favourite for visitors, providing a fun and refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days. It offers several trails that wind through different areas of native bush, small streams, and open grassy spaces. The reserve is accessible year-round, with options suitable for all skill levels. Explore this forest setting following streams and wetland areas with opportunities for biking and a longer walk for those up for a challenge!
Distance: The Reserve Loop track is a 4.2-km loop trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time: You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring all that Johnson Reserve has to offer, but for a shorter walk, follow the trails through the reserve for about 40 minutes from James Cook Drive to Victory St. Alternatively, you can opt for the smaller loops if you are short on time.
Off or On-leash: Off-leash play is allowed if kept under control
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Your furry friend is more than welcome; just remember to keep them on a leash and clean up any messes. With historical and cultural features, diverse plants, and native bird sightings all year round, you'll have loads of fun exploring this unique area.
Distance: Roughly 2kms
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Off or On-leash: Leash required at all times
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There is a playground for the kids at St. Mary's Catholic School and plenty of crabs hanging out in the shallow water. Just note that this spot can get very muddy, so a dog bath will be required after your adventure!
Distance: Just under 1km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Allow one hour to see it all
Off or On-leash: Off-leash play is allowed if kept under control
Get Directions
We've compiled a list of the top dog-friendly walks Tauranga offers, so you can discover new places to explore and make the most of your time outdoors with your four-legged companion. So grab the leash; it's time to find out what the great outdoors around Tauranga can offer!
Johnson Reserve
Johnson Reserve in Welcome Bay is a popular destination among dog owners, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and ample space for pups to run around and play. It's an excellent spot for socialisation, with many friendly dogs around that your furry friend can meet and greet.The reserve's charming little waterfall is a favourite for visitors, providing a fun and refreshing way to cool off on hot summer days. It offers several trails that wind through different areas of native bush, small streams, and open grassy spaces. The reserve is accessible year-round, with options suitable for all skill levels. Explore this forest setting following streams and wetland areas with opportunities for biking and a longer walk for those up for a challenge!
Distance: The Reserve Loop track is a 4.2-km loop trail
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Time: You can easily spend a couple of hours exploring all that Johnson Reserve has to offer, but for a shorter walk, follow the trails through the reserve for about 40 minutes from James Cook Drive to Victory St. Alternatively, you can opt for the smaller loops if you are short on time.
Off or On-leash: Off-leash play is allowed if kept under control
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Gordon Carmichael Reserve
We like to think of this as the hidden gem of Tauranga; the Gordon Carmichael Reserve is a 60-hectare stormwater reserve with native plants and wetlands that is perfect for a day out with your fur buddy. Accessible via Carmichael Road, the reserve offers 2 kilometres of walking trails, playgrounds, an outdoor classroom, and a viewing platform for swans.Your furry friend is more than welcome; just remember to keep them on a leash and clean up any messes. With historical and cultural features, diverse plants, and native bird sightings all year round, you'll have loads of fun exploring this unique area.
Distance: Roughly 2kms
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 1.5 hours
Off or On-leash: Leash required at all times
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Motuopuhi Island
Motuopuhi Island access is around low tide, with access from the east of 15th Avenue between Turret Road and the Maungatapu Bridge. Head down to the seabed, and walk across to the island for some of the most beautiful scenery in Tauranga. Collect unique shells as you and your dog explore the island, and pick one of the many perfect spots for a picnic.There is a playground for the kids at St. Mary's Catholic School and plenty of crabs hanging out in the shallow water. Just note that this spot can get very muddy, so a dog bath will be required after your adventure!
Distance: Just under 1km
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Allow one hour to see it all
Off or On-leash: Off-leash play is allowed if kept under control
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PUKETOKI RESERVE
The Puketoki Reserve track, located between Te Puna and Katikati, is one of the oldest walks in the area and is an excellent option for those looking for a short and scenic walk through native bush with their dog. The track features a small waterfall and picnic area on the car park side, an information board, and an old tramway carriage, making it an excellent photo opportunity.
Suitable for walks with young children, you can admire fungi, ferns, and the native wood pigeons, breaking for a picnic by the stream. Suitable in weather conditions but muddy in heavy rain, so pack some towels for the ride home if it's wet!
Distance: Roughly 2kms
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Between 1-3 hours
Off or On-leash: Off-leash play is allowed if kept under control
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Kaiate Falls
We have some waterfalls that are seriously worth chasing. You and your dog will love exploring Kaiate Falls, known by its Maori name “Te Rerekawau” or “Te Rere Kawau.” Walk along the figure-8 loop track starting from the car park and heading downhill alongside the Kaiate Stream. There are plenty of helpful signs at each junction to ensure you can find your way.
The first Kaiate Falls are a three-tiered section with a height of about 25m, and you can continue across the bridge to reach the base of the upper waterfall, which drops into a secluded plunge pool. Be aware that some stairs and climbs are required, so older dogs (and people) may find things difficult. This area offers an easy way to see some of nature's finest work with your dog, so we highly recommend a visit.
Distance: Roughly 2kms
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 45mins-1hr
Off or On-leash: Off-leash allowed if kept under control
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TECT park
The main walk at TECT Park is the Te Rerenga Tunnel Track, which starts from the Arrival Centre car park and meanders through a mature pine forest and the densely wooded Te Rerenga Stream gorge. While the gully is somewhat steep, the track is adequately formed and fitted with stairs on the steeper portions with a series of boardwalks that traverse the Te Rerenga Stream on the gully floor for you and your dog to explore.You begin your hike via a 60m tunnel which homes a range of glow worms leading you to Peterson's Camp with a path that follows the creek bed, through cutover forest, and into a mature pine forest. This will loop back to the Arrival Centre car park creating the perfect day out for you and your dog. Wear sturdy footwear and bring a flashlight to navigate the tunnel. You can also try a shorter walk via the Lost Tank Track, a flat 1km return path that traverses native bushland near the mountain bike parking area.
Distance: 3.2km
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5-2hrs
Off or On-leash: On-leash but there is a designated area for off-leash play
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YATTON PARK
Yatton Park in Greerton is not only an excellent spot for your dog to run, but you'll also have plenty of entertainment in the form of people doing Parkour! That's right, this is a favoured spot for lovers of street gymnastics, and you can even take parkour classes here if you are interested.
Parkour aside, Yatton Park has plenty to offer, like the walking track, which winds through an arboretum of mature trees just above the Waimapu River. Perfect for a casual stroll, you'll encounter plenty of other dogs at the park, and we recommend bringing a picnic blanket! Just be aware that swimming is not allowed in the water, but there is plenty of space for a fun game of fetch.
Distance: 1.5km loop
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Around one hour
Off or On-leash: Off-leash allowed if kept under control
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Kopurererua Valley
Kopurererua Valley is a 364-hectare dog-friendly reserve, making it the largest in Tauranga. Nestled between residential neighbourhoods, the valley offers plenty of room for a run and game of fetch. You can walk or cycle the many trails and take in the scenic views of the surrounding wetlands, ponds, and native plants with your fur buddy!
Kopurererua Valley won a merit award in the Outstanding Park category of the NZRAA in 2017, and since then, some of the ponds have been dug out, with extra tracks and bridges built along the river for greater access. Please note; the walkways and cycle tracks are mostly gravel, so come prepared with suitable footwear.
Distance: The entire valley is roughly 12km in length
Difficulty: Easy
Time: Up to you, but we recommend an hour or two
Off or On-leash: Off-leash allowed if kept under control
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Always remember that a high-quality diet is necessary for active dogs, and Eukanuba are here to help your dog get ready to workout. The right nutrition can help prevent health problems and guarantee your dog stays fit and healthy so you can tackle the many trails of Tauranga for years to come. Happy exploring!
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Get out and explore the beauty that Tauranga has to offer with your dog
Tauranga is one of the best spots in New Zealand's North Island to get out and explore with your dog, as made clear by the locations in this list! The city is blessed with abundant natural beauty, including lush forests and sparkling rivers, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and their furry friends.Always remember that a high-quality diet is necessary for active dogs, and Eukanuba are here to help your dog get ready to workout. The right nutrition can help prevent health problems and guarantee your dog stays fit and healthy so you can tackle the many trails of Tauranga for years to come. Happy exploring!
