This place is GINORMOUS and an absolute haven for pooches. A friend and I took ours here on…read moreSaturday and they had an absolute hoot of a time off-roading through the forest. Just a few handy tips... 1. Keep your pups on a leash until your on the track. Apparently logging trucks go through here on the reg. 2. Take water! Before you know it you've walked for 3 hours and both and your pooch are panting. 3. If your dogs don't have very good recall, keep them on the leash. There are a tonne of smells in the forrest and it's huge. Apparently it's not uncommon for dogs to get lost! Woodhill is definitely worth a visit, with or without dogs. Next time we are definitely going to make a day trip out of it and take the costal path down to the beach!

Old fav. A working Forrest, I think it's cool they share it with the community. Horse tracks, bike…read moretracks, adventure playgrounds and of course the reason I go, lots of places to walk/run the dogs. Stretching from Muriwai Beach in the south to South Head in the north (figure that one out) there is everything from beaches to streams to forests to venture through. To keep everyone please remember water and sunscreen (yes for pooch), to keep your dog on lead if they're prey driven or nose driven and be aware of your surroundings, where trees are being harvested and stay away. For more info or if in doubt as to where you can and can't go call the forest recreation services on 09 420 9566, they're very helpful. Remember no smoking, fires or firearms in the Forrest. Oh and lastly, being a sand based Forrest it is less muddy in winter.

Marlborough Park in Glenfield has a little bit of everything for everyone. I love visiting for the…read moreplayground as it has a section of low tunnels and abacus balls for my preschooler to enjoy playing with; also swings and slides that suit the little and big kid. Not only are the children catered for, there is a basketball court, a skate bowl, a climbing frame, and even a flying fox. If your jogging in the area, why not pop in and work out on the free adult gym equipment? Fantastic park for a picnic on a warm sunny day, and with lots of trees is just really pretty to look at. Please don't miss the peace of Marlborough Park.

Northwood Reserve is a neighbourhood park in the Rosedale area that backs onto a whole lot of…read morenative bush with a stream that runs all the way through it. This is a really awesome park for walking the dog or taking children to as there's so much room to run around, there's a playground with a covered shade area and seats, and theres even a barbeque station set up so it pretty much keeps the whole family happy. I take a lot of pram walks down here because its close to my work and it is perfect for quiet walks with the baby mainly because there is hardly ever anybody here! The reserve had a major overhaul last year when the council put some power lines underground so there was a lot of digging and fenced off areas but it seems to have recovered okay and you'd hardly even know anything had happened here. For a neighbourhood park I always wonder why this place isn't always packed but I think its because the area is still relatively quiet so nobody knows about it yet! I'm pretty sure this will change fairly soon. In the meantime I'm happy to take peaceful walks through the park on my own.

I went there yesterday for the first time in years and loved it. There isn't many places where dogs…read morecan run around in a safe environment and it was nice not having to worry about people that are afraid of dogs. It was just a great, relaxed break in the day that me and my dog, Chonker, thoroughly enjoyed.

I only recently found this place. I was looking for a safe area where my boy Zuzu & I could get a…read morelittle exercise, away from cars & construction & danger. We found it. Zuzu has a ball in this place. The fences off area is amazing for a chap who doesn't normally get the chance to be free to explore without me tugging on his lead all the time. As an added bonus there are other dogs there too. Zuzu doesn't get much of a chance to socialise with other dogs, they are usually to busy or too far away. So having a relaxed environment where the pressure is off is great. Especially for Zuzu. The only downside is that you have to drive there. I say its a downside because Zuzu has a tendency to get car sick really easily. So if you're a lucky owner who's dog doesn't get sick, jump in your car & get there. After all..... There is no better sight than seeing your dog having a blast, wagging its tail & frolicking in the long grass.

Despite being a bit scared of dogs, Mt Eden Dog Park is one of my favourite places in Auckland…read more Situated halfway up the mountain, it has a brilliant view for you to enjoy while letting your dog (or in my case, my friend's dog) have a good run around. I've spent hours up there over the years, gossiping and catching up with my best friend. We often take milkshakes bought in Mt Eden Village up there with us, and it's a really nice way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. The park itself is big enough for your dog to have a good run and explore, while also offering a trough of water to keep them hydrated. Bonus: Every now and again couches magically appear in the dog park, and tucking up on them with a friend and yum drink is a great way to enjoy the amazing view.

I am not a dog lover or even an animal lover. Dogs scare me and for a reason. I have been chased…read moreand nearly bitten by dogs so it took a lot of strength for me to even go to the dog park. A friend of mine has a dog a cute dog called Million. She is the first dog I have ever patted and she is a bundle of joy. My friend and I took her for a walk and we ended up at dog park with other dogs. It was rather interesting watching the dogs interact with each other. The owners of the dogs all got along and talked about their dogs. I actually had a lovely time and I learnt something different.

Waiatarua Reserve is a wetlands dog exercising park located in Meadowbank (close to the Remuera…read moreGolf Course). Perfect if you have a dog that needs to have a good run around and interact with others. There are a number of ponds around the reserve, perfect for your pooch to jump into and have a splash about. Dogs are not allowed in the wetlands area, but there you can be sure to find Pukekos hiding in between the reeds. On the skirts of the reserve is a half basketball court and a stake board park, perfect entertainment for the kids while you take the dog for a run. This has to be my favourite dog park located in the suburban area, definitely one to check out if you have an active dog that needs to let off some steam. There is a car park and plenty of parking available on street. The car park is security locked at 9:30pm daylight savings time and 8:30pm in the winter.

The Waiatarua Reserve is no secret to any dog-owner. The good part about this though is that the…read moreReserve is so large that even if it is quite busy there is still ample room for every pup and pooch to roam free, to sniff til their heart's content, and to play fetch like a maniac. There are several access points so parking is never a problem and the Reserve's users are generally very responsible it cleaning up after their dog's. It is a really excellent place for all dogs to brush up on their social skills and to have a doggie date with friends. The walking trail is pram friendly for all keen families. There are a few things to be weary of: 1) There is a pond which can be great for dogs take a swim. However, the water quality is notoriously dubious (with reports of dogs getting sick) and there can be a strong undercurrent after a big downpour. In fact, my pooch Tilly had a near drowning their last winter. 2) The reserve is not fully contained, so there are parts where a very driven dog could go on a walkabout into someone's yard if the pooch doesn't have good recall. 3) There are quite a few giant muddy puddles that every dogs insists on submerging themselves in. If you aren't prepared to give your dog a bath immediately afterward, plan accordingly. Likewise, if it is rainy bring your gumboots.

In Summer, when our four legged friends aren't allowed on the beach during the day, this is my…read morego-to walking spot. Dogs are allowed off-lead and my dogs, who have grown up on the beach, get very excited by the new smells/sights of the bush. Not too mention, the thick foliage offers welcome shade from the scorching heat. My suggestions is to enter the park via Beach Road, as if you're going to Campbells Bay Tennis Club, and park just inside the gate. Once parked, veer to the right and you will find yourself on the Kohekohe track - a 40minute loop up the right-hand side of the park and back down the gully. Although the path is well trodden, definitely wearing a decent pair sneakers - the terrain can be a tad sketchy! If you want to make an afternoon of it, there is a beautiful, grassy clearing at the start of the track that would be perfect for a picnic on a hot day!

A little bit of Titirangi in Campbell's Bay. My kids grew up playing tennis at the club and walked…read morethrough the park to school. Good walking trails through the bush, a favourite with dog walkers. Bordered by the golf course up on East Coast Road and with two entrances (one at the end of Rae Rd and on Beach Rd). Nice sea views from the higher grassed areas where there's the occasional seat. You're also close to Campbell's Bay Beach, head further down Beach Rd and turn right into Huntly Rd.

Totally disagree with Eddy D on this one. I've taken dogs that ice been dog sitting here and had no…read moreproblems even with ones that are easily distracted. State housing? I live in Mission Bay and the homes and good people of Waterview seem fine to me. The grassed areas are rolling slopes away from from the road and there is a beautiful forest area that backs onto the water inlet. The playground is about 100m away from the road, there are almost always families playing there and using the lying fox. There is a public toilet which is well maintained. The dog area is away from the playground and even further from the road. If you are running a dog, they can't even see the road and get good exercise on the gentle slopes. There are well constructed loop paths down even further away from the road, under the trees. Think quaint bridges across a bubbling creek (weather dependent) and shady massive native trees with grasses clearings and park benches to enjoy the view. There is actually two loops, one that follows the creek and a slightly longer one which follows the edge of the estuary. Although this back part of the park is leash on, I've always seen dogs roaming free with their owners.

Heron Park had been recommended to me in the past but I have only had a chance to get there this…read moreweek for the first time. Cool place! I welcomed the rolling hills, albeit small ones, with serene views of the hills off in the distance as I approached on foot from Great North Road. The more I walk along the pathway winding its way around these grassy mounds, the more the sound of traffic winds it way back. The play ground is set quite far back from the road which is great, otherwise safety would be a bit of a worry for parents. They also have a flying fox, fun for the older kiddies. A designated dog off leash area too, which by the look of the map is probably a bit too close to the road however. It was an enjoyable stroll amongst a very open area, with some well established trees and some young ones slowly maturing. If you want to get here by car, the entrance is on Cadman Avenue.

Great place to walk a woof. Shame the water care are such c- units and remove pictures off then…read morewater tank aye. Stink water care stains

This place is Zuzu & myself's new favourite place to do. Great for the small, medium and bigger…read moredogs. It also caters for all different levels of fitness. I am hopelessly overweight & unfit & yet together we both manage to have a pant worthy walk. Best thing of all.... Everyone is very nice. I think you have to leave your preconceptions & prejudices at the gate, it just isn't tolerated there. The best time of day to go in the summer time is between 5 & 6. The heat of the sun is starting to diminish, plus there are more doggies to say hello to!

This reserve /beach is a lovely beach to come to, its located in between Campbells Bay and Milford…read moreBeach. Its a lovely beach for kids as the water is quite shallow and very small waves so they can run around it in without you being too anxious. Some people might not like the fact that its lined with rocks, however for smaller children its actually quite nice as it gives them something to explore and learn about. My toddler had great fun running around in the water today and picking up and throwing the rocks and it was lovely and warm due to it being shallow. There is also a walk you can do along the coast via JF Kennedy Memorial walkway, you can then continue walking onto Campbells Bay via Beach road if you wish, you will get some beautiful views from here. This reserve has a small but nice playground for the kids, and a great big tree for the older ones to climb. The reserve also has some shaded areas if you don't want to be right under the sun.

Castor Bay Beach is aiiight. It's not huge but it's quite sheltered, more so than neighbouring…read morebeaches, Milford & Campbell. There's a small children's playground at one end and basic shower/toilet facilities. Parking is limited. Easily my favourite time to go to Castor Bay is low tide. Then you can climb around the rocks at the north end to this small secluded beach below Kennedy Park. I'm pretty sure that dogs are allowed off leash here too, even in the peak of Summer. If you're feeling energetic, climb the steep stairs and check out the WWII gun emplacements and tunnels. They're not as good as the ones at North Head but still, pretty impressive!