Do you want to explore a new place to walk your dog???
Are you looking for a new backdrop for beautiful Instagram photographs of your dog?
Or do you want a scenic location to film your video?
Best insta-worthy, photo-ready locations to walk your dog
I’m a photographer which means I’m always on the lookout for beautiful locations and stunning beaches or parks that will work well for a photoshoot. See examples of my dog photography. I reached out to my friends on Instagram and have compiled this list of walks you simply must explore with your dog. Thanks so much to everyone who has suggested their favourite, most scenic places to walk their dogs.
If you know of an epic spot that needs to be on this list, let me know in the comments and I’ll update accordingly. Likewise, if a park/ beach needs to be adjusted.
Unless otherwise stated, assume the mentioned park allows dogs but need to be on the lead at all times, read for best Auckland off leash dog walks.
I’ll update this blog regularly as I take new photos of the different locations.
Dog friendly walks Auckland
Dog walks on Auckland North Shore
North Head Devonport dog friendly walks
If you’re looking for one of the best views in Auckland, North Head in Devonport is your go-to. From the top of North Head, you’ll see the port of Devonport, the beach at Cheltenham, Rangitoto island, and the city of Auckland. There are some historic items from the naval battery. If you choose to use the old bunkers and tunnels in your photographs, it’ll add lovely texture and different colours to your photographs that are usually mainly green scenery.
Milford to Takapuna dog walk
You can walk along the beach from Milford Reserve to Takapuna beach. You will enjoy uninterrupted views of the Hauraki Gulf and Rangitoto.
Doing this walk in December will be extra special when the pōhutukawa is in bloom.
The Milford-Takapuna walk is best at low tide (check the tide when you plan your walk) as the rocks are exposed and the path is dry. For the most part it is flat and easy, although there are some parts where the path is rocky and rough, and can be slippery.
Dog walking rules: Dogs on leash allowed all year round on Milford beach; on Takapuna beach dogs only allowed in summer between 5pm and 10am.
You can choose to walk back or grab a bus/ uber back to your car. Perhaps one person in your party can go collect the car while you wait with your dog.
Rhonda Albom shares what it’s like to do the walk from Takapuna to Milford.
West Auckland places for a dog adventure walk
Riverhead forest dog walks
Riverhead forest is a favourite dog adventure place among some of my dog walker friends!
Read Dog adventure walker Cassie from The Dog Squad on dog training or How to train & socialise your dog, Kim’s K9s
It’s a massive forest with lots of different trails you can walk. Dogs can be off lead, but make sure their recall is great because there are horse riding that take place in the forest and dog adventure pack walkers.
There is no phone reception, so know where you’re going and take note of how to get back out.
I’m still looking for the best place to park, there are many entrances, so let me know what you think and I’ll update.
If your dog loves puddles, you’ll be taking home a brown dog. Note it can be muddy after lots of rain.
Kakamatua inlet in Cornwallis dog friendly bush walks auckland
It is a big open beach where dogs can run free. To get to the off lead area, you’ll need to walk through a forest, once you reach the lagoon, the entire beach is an off lead dog beach. I suggest going here if you have time afterwards to wash your furbaby. Quite a drive to get to, but it’s an absolutely beautiful beach and an overall happy place. My family had so much fun here!
I’d love to do a family photoshoot here in the late afternoon! But only if your dog is super well behaved so we can keep him dry while we take the family portraits, and if you’re happy to have a wet dog in most (or all) of the other photographs.
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Mercer bay loop dog friendly walk
Mercer Bay loop is a popular hiking area known for scenic views of a beautiful rugged coastline & shady areas. You’ll find epic lookouts where you can get the perfect photo for your dog’s camera roll.
Muriwai Regional Park dog-friendly walk
Muriwai Regional Park has many trails that take you on bush walks and stunning views from lookouts over the beach and gannet colony. There's some amazing locations for photos both on the beach and at the back of it.
Dogs are only allowed on the beach in summer between 7pm and 9am, so plan carefully.
Waikumete Cemetery dog walk
Waikumete Cemetery ins NZ’s largest cemetery. It seems like a strange place to walk your dog or have a photoshoot, but the surrounding park is a peaceful one with many lanes of mature trees. It’s a great spot to escape the busy and enjoy the wind in your hair. Lots of space for you and your dog to explore. You can see the city skyline from parts of it.
Make sure to visit in spring or autumn.
Beautiful places to walk your dog in Auckland central
Domain Wintergardens dog walk park
The Wintergardens feature two Victorian-style glass houses that face out onto a courtyard. Dogs are allowed to stroll through the glass houses with you while you take in the stunning flowering plants or enjoy the tropical garden with rare specimens. If you have a big DSLR camera, the lens might fog up in the tropical glass house, but you’ll be able to make some stunning portraits using just your phone.
The Fernery next door is a very different location, but a favourite nonetheless. Instead of colourful splashes in your photographs, you’ll have lots of dark greens, some brown, and lots of moody shades to work.
Don’t miss their cherry blossoms at the end of September.
If you love the sound of being photographed among the spring blossoms or in the Wintergardens, I have some availability for my spring dog & family photoshoots.
Top dog photographer in Auckland for people whose pets are family. Easy & fu n on location or studio photo sessions.
Parnell rose garden dog friendly walks
Parnell Rose Garden is also known as the Dove Myer Robinson Park. It contains over 5000 roses which create a sea of colour in summer and autumn. November is it’s most popular time.
cornwall park walk
Cornwall park is centred around one of the most iconic volcanic cones in New Zealand. It is a heritage site and large working farm with beautiful lanes of ancient trees. Dogs need to be on leash at all times due to farm animals.
Visit Ginkgo Grove in Autumn when the leaves on the trees turn a fantastic bright yellow colour.
Spring time make sure you see Belvedere's Wisteria Archway, cherry blossoms & daffodil bulbs in Twin Oak Drive.
August is your best time to see the pink magnolias in bloom. You’ll see them next to Cornwall Park Cafe. Find the park’s map here.
See Cornwall Park’s website for their many events and activities on offer.
Onehunga bay reserve dog walking
Onehunga Bay Reserve is a large open space with wide paths & bridges. Off lead area where dogs can swim in the lagoon. Enjoy a morning / evening stroll with views of the harbour.
Outstanding dog friendly botanic garden in Manurewa (South Auckland)
Auckland botanic gardens dog friendly walks
Plant lovers will love to explore this massive garden with an amazing botanic collection. There is a specific dog off lead area (northern end of the gardens) at Auckland Botanic Gardens if your dog needs to burn more energy after. Read best off lead dog parks in Auckland here. Great spot for a picnic. I personally love to visit for the spring blossoms, magnolias, colourful camellias and kōwhai. If you follow Auckland Botanic Gardens on facebook they have updates about what is in bloom.
Best time to visit is Spring to see how the garden comes alive. Spring Blossom Valley traditionally blooms near the end of September. The blossoms and flowering bulbs is a photographer’s dream! Autumn’s falling leaves also makes for a special location.
They have many gardens that will delight. Their African Plants Garden, Magnolia garden (best in August), Rose garden (summer and autumn) and Potter’s Children’s Garden to name a few favs.
more Beautiful blossoming flower locations for photos
Waihi Lavender farm in Waihi
Enjoy wandering among rows of fragrant lavender in Waikato’s dog friendly Waihi Lavender Farm. Entrance is free and dogs on leash welcome. There is a really cute cafe with good food, but make sure you try their blueberry lavender ice cream. If you love scented lavender you’ll find something to buy at their gift shop too. Anything from lavender massage oil, face products, handmade soap bars, candles etc. The lavender farm is open December to end of January, but check details and exact dates on their social media pages.
Blossfest NZ cherry blossom festival in Hamilton
Remember to buy your tickets for dog friendly Blossfest blossom festival at English Cherry Tree Manor in Hamilton before they’re sold out. I’m going this year and can’t wait to see and take photos! Dates for 2023 are 23-24 Sept, 29 Sept - 1 Oct & 7-8 October.
Taipiri sunflower farm
If you’ve ever seen dogs photographed in a field of sunflowers and wondered where this magical sunshine place is, make note to visit dog friendly Taipiri Sunflower farm just outside Hamilton in December & January. There is a small entrance fee and you can pick your own sunflowers (you pay per stem) to take a piece of magic home with you. This has been one of my favourite experiences by far!
Franklin Farm Sunflower fields, Waimauku, Auckland
This is a celery farm that nourishes their soil with sunflowers between crops. Their sunflower season for 2024 was Jan- Feb. Franklin Farm (find Franklin Farm on Intstagram & Facebook,) is between Kumeu and Helensville so much closer to visit for Aucklanders.
2 photos by my friends Paws In Line and Travelling Trainers.
Dog walking meetup
Come and join us for our monthly Yellow Lab meetup dog walking. We get together monthly on a Saturday or Sunday morning, walk our dogs and go for coffee or breakfast together. It is an easy way to meet dog lovers like yourself and socialise your dog. You’ll find all the upcoming dog walking meetups in the Yellow Lab’s dogwalk and brekkie club on Facebook. Other fun dog events & dog walking meetup groups are also shared on this page. If you’re in Auckland, feel free to join.
Best dog lover content for New Zealanders. Everything from how to plan your dog’s birthday party to NZ gift guide for dogs and their owners.
Read for Best off lead walks in Auckland to exercise your dog.
Let me know in the comments 👇 which one you’ll be exploring next! Is there a place you know of that should be added?