From yesterday, Tuesday the 1st of December, the summer dog rules for Auckland beaches came into effect.

Time and season laws are placed over busy periods in public places to avoid conflict between dogs and people in these places. Between December 1st, 2020 and March 1st, 2021, dogs will be prohibited on public beaches from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. In the hours outside these times, local boards or council decide where access is permitted.

For example, a local board may decide that a beach is off-leash outside the hours from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Dog owners will need to familiarise themselves with the summer rules. Search the council website to find a dog walking spot near you and the rules for dogs in that area or call 09 301 0101.

However, in areas where there are sensitive species such as dotterels, the rules are subject to change. For example, on the northern end of Omaha Beach, including Omaha Beach Reserve and the adjacent beach and foreshore areas, dogs are prohibited at all times, regardless of the season. 

Failure to meet these terms can result in an infringement notice, and a $300.00 fine.

Dog owners in Auckland copped 197 infringement notices from the council between November 1 2019 and January 8 2020, the council has said.

Dogs must be on-leash at all times in areas that are:

• public roads (including any street, highway, access way, service lane, and any footpath, cycle track, bus stop and berm within the boundaries of the road).
• private ways
• council-controlled boating areas (including any wharf, jetty, boat ramp or boat marshalling area).

So, head out and enjoy the sun with your pooch, but adhere to the rules to avoid a hefty fine. If you want to double check the rules on your local beach, visit https://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/dogs-animals/guide-for-dog-owners/Pages/rules-dogs-public-places.aspx