10 Paw-some Walks
The Bay of Plenty is packed with walking trails and parks that are perfect for exercising dogs. Here are ten great walks to check out with your furry friend.
PAPAMOA BEACH
Who loves the sand and the sea more than us humans? Our furry friends! Papamoa Beach is a superb place to take your dogs. From south of Moturiki (Leisure Island) to Papamoa East, your dog is welcome to stroll on the sand and take a dip into the sea.
Things to know:
- Dogs under control at all times.
- Parking along Papamoa Beach Road.
- Be cautious at high tide as Papamoa Beach sometimes gets large swells.
TE PUNA QUARRY PARK
Te Puna Quarry Park is a magical place of special beauty with walkways, panoramic views, native & exotic trees and lots more. The park is a great place to take your pooches. The main circular track is about 45 minutes.
Things to know:
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- The park is open every day of the year during daylight hours.
- Car parking and toilets are located at the entrance.
THE TRIG WALK
The Trig walk is a 3-kilometres return - about 90-minute walk with stunning views overlooking Waihī Beach, up the Coromandel and along the coast eastwards. The track is in the bush so suitable to do at any time of day.
Things to know:
- Well-formed track with some steps and steep bits.
- Car parking: Drive up Pacific Road, go left at the top, park the car in the water reservoir car park.
ŌHOPE HARBOURSIDE TRAIL
A nice path for cyclists and walkers along the shoreline of one of NZ’s most unspoiled estuaries, Ōhiwa Harbour. This is a 2.9-kilometre pathway that dogs can enjoy too.
Things to know:
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
WAIKAREAO ESTUARY WALKWAY
The Waikareao Estuary Walkway is a 9-kilometre loop track ideal for walking your dog. It takes around 2 hours and is a mixture of boardwalks, gravel and sealed footpaths.
Things to know:
- There is car parking at Maxwells Road, Coach Drive and the Waihī Road entrance to Takitimu Drive.
WAIRAKEI RESERVE
A series of pathways follow the Papamoa stormwater reserves, providing a 6-kilometres one way walking and cycle link from Pacific View Road to Wairakei Reserve.
Things to know:
- Watch out for poisonous Karaka berries in summer. The Karaka trees are native to New Zealand and grow in coastal and lowland forest.
- Flat walking track.
- You can walk from end-to-end or join somewhere along the way.
PUKETOKI SCENIC RESERVE
Only a short distance from Tauranga, Puketoki is one of the oldest reserves in the Western Bay of Plenty. There are two loop tracks, a short loop which takes about 20-minutes and a long loop which takes around one hour.
Things to know:
- Dogs must be on a leash at all times.
- Car parking, picnic area and toilets are located at the entrance.
TECT PARK
TECT Park is a paradise for dog owners, offering a fully fenced 1-hectare off-leash dog exercise area, plus dog-friendly walking trails like the 3-kilometre Te Rerenga Tunnel Track and 1-kilometre Lost Tank Track.
Things to know:
- The Park is situated approximately halfway between Tauranga and Rotorua, off SH36.
- Check the park opening hours before your visit
WAITEKOHEKOHE RECREATIONAL PARK
Waitekohekohe Recreational Park on Thompsons Track, 15 minutes south of Katikati, offers Mountain Bike Trails, Horse Trails, Walking Tracks and swimming holes. Dogs are allowed on the walking tracks provided they are under control.
Things to know:
- Dogs are not allowed in the jumping alley and galloping track in the Equestrian Area.
- The park is open 7 days a week and parking is available at 360 Thompsons Track, Katikati.
WAIPUNA PARK/JOHNSON RESERVE
The tracks in Johnson Reserve in Welcome Bay follow streams, wetland areas, native bush and open grassed areas. There are many different trails to explore with your dog.
Things to know:
- The main entrance and car park is off Kaitemako Road, but there are multiple entrances.