Exercise Areas
The Council's Dog Policy 2009 recognises that the majority of dog owners in Wellington are responsible and that most interaction between dogs and the public is positive.
The policy aims to achieve a balance between the control of dogs and recognition of the health benefits of dog ownership.
There are designated areas throughout the city with clear signage to indicate where dogs can go, and where they can’t.
Off-leash Areas
There are many designated parks and beaches throughout the city where your dog is free to exercise off-lead. Owners must still be watchful that their dog is not aggressive with other dogs, and people.
On-leash Areas
Leashed dogs are welcome in many popular gardens, most of the Town Belt and on city streets Dog owners are welcome to walk through the central city with their dogs on-leash at all times of the day and throughout the year; however, they cannot stop in the central business district.
Central City Dog Restriction Area (112Kb PDF)
Prohibited Areas
Access for dogs has been restricted in areas where there is a probable conflict with public safety, health and hygiene.
Permanent Restrictions
Dogs are not allowed at any time:
- on sportsfields and children's play areas
- on the open grassed area of Waitangi Park
- on all or part of the following beaches:
- Freyberg
- Oriental Bay
- Scorching Bay
- Princess Bay
- Tarakena Bay
- in lower Karori reservoir
- in Wellington Zoo
- in Wellington International Airport
Summer Restrictions
Dogs are not allowed on the following beaches between 9.00am and 7.00pm in summer:
- Balaena Bay
- Hataitai Bay
- Island Bay (from the pier to the western end of the beach) and Seatoun Beach including Churchill Park).
Dogs on-leash are allowed on these beaches before 9.00am and after 7.00pm in summer and all the time in winter.
Related Links
Department Details:
Animal Control (Building Consents and Licensing Services)
