Best beach picks for dogs

A selection of top beaches to visit with your best friend

What better way to enjoy a crisp winter’s day than a walk on the beach with your fur friend? Your dog is bound to love the big open space and, with all the running around, you’ll both be warm in no time. Here are five of the city’s best dog-friendly winter beaches:

1. Takapuna Beach

As a popular spot all year round, Takapuna Beach is also ideal for a walk along the seaside with your dog. The beach is off-leash all the time in winter, whereas during daylight savings it is only off-leash before 10am and after 6pm. But even those restricted times are worth the effort to get down to the beach.

2. Mellons Bay

This place is a booming area for pups learning those important social skills. The beach area isn’t too long and is perfect for a quick walk. An off-leash area all year round though limited to hours before 10am and after 5pm during summer.

3. Piha Beach

One of the most popular beaches in Auckland, Piha Beach is still a gem of a spot in winter and your fur friend will enjoy it just as much. The smooth stretch of beach between Monkey Rock and Little Lion Rock is perfect for dogs to have a run.

4. Bethells Beach (Te Henga) If you want to beach hop from Piha, Bethells Beach is a great option. There’s plenty of off-leash space to run around Waitakere Bay. 5. Omaha Beach

A beautiful beach a short trip north of Auckland makes the perfect winter escape for you and your pooch. If you’re not bumping into celebs and VIPs who frequent the area, there’s plenty of run around space for everyone to enjoy.