The dog life is a whole lifestyle – morning walks on the beach, afternoon playtime in the park and special moments spent at dog-friendly cafes.
If you haven’t brought your furry friend out in Takapuna before, consider this your invitation and handy guide.
Leashes, lattes and lovely walks
Takapuna Beach is one of Auckland’s top spots for dog walks. Dogs are always welcome off lead on the beach up until 10 am.
It’s April now, so winter rules apply: dogs are allowed on the beach all day and can be off-lead on the beach any time after 2 pm!
Note that from the start of December we’ll be back in the summer rules and dogs will need to be on-lead from 10 am until 5 pm.
After your walk, relax at one of Takapuna’s many dog friendly cafés – you deserve treats too!
We highly recommend Street Organics, Catch 21, Jam Organic, Moak Coffee, Centro Cafe and Seven Hills Cafe for dog-friendly post-beach refreshment.
Some cafés will even serve your pup a puppachino – Catch 21 does an awesome doggy drink. And Seven Hills Cafe has a dog menu featuring special treats!
Bonus: Did you know that St Leonards Beach is a 24/7 off-lead dog zone? Its our hidden secret – the next beach along from the main Takapuna Beach.
Hot doggy ‘dos
We mean hair dos! Pamper your dog with a post-beach grooming session.
Masami is like a full-on dog day spa with everything to keep canine coats healthy and shiny. Including microbubble showers, full washes and stylish trims. Check out the salon’s Instagram @masamidogsalon for some good-looking good boys and girls.
OFP Grooming in Huron Street is a favourite local groomer – book in early as they fill up fast! It’s an airy, light-filled and trendy space that puts dogs and owners at ease.
Plus they guarantee up-front transparent pricing before taking the scissors to your Shih Tzu’s style.
Dog-friendly photography spots
Capture the joy and connection you share with your dog and enter our photography competition. Since you’re reading this, we feel like you deserve some tips. We’ve rounded up a few beautiful local spots to find pooch photography inspiration.
Thorne Bay’s rock pool: The rock formations and crystal-clear water offer a picturesque setting for your dog to cool off, especially at low tide.
The Coastal trails to Milford: A perfect backdrop for action shots or scenic portraits.
Lake Pupuke’s tranquil pathways: The calm waters are ideal to capture a peaceful selfie with your dog.
Any of Takapuna’s off-leash parks: Capture the joy of your dog playing fetch or interacting with other pups in the wide-open spaces of Killarney Park, Patuone Park or Taharoto Park.
Preparing your pup for a Takapuna adventure
It’s a romantic tail as old as time: long walks on the beach on a hot sunny day. Remember, though, sand gets hot and so do pavements and roads! A quick test is to place the palm of your hand on the ground and hold it for four seconds. If it’s uncomfortable for your hand, it’s dangerous for paws. Luckily, many of our pavements are under shade, so if it’s too hot on the beach you can always take your dog on a retail therapy trip through the Takapuna streets.
Pack these essentials for a safe adventure: water and a portable bowl, dog poo bags, lead, collar, a towel (for after swims) and even dog sunscreen if your pooch has a pink nose.
A little preparation makes a happy outing for both you and your furry friend.
