Absolutely a subject so close to many....dog friendly places and beaches!  With plenty of options, you don't have to leave your dog behind on an adventure.  Thankfully there are some great dog friendly beaches and walks in Auckland.

Most beaches allow "off leash" exercise time before 10am and after 6pm during daylight savings (and it seems no problem outside of daylight savings hours), but check with the information board on the beach front to be certain. 

With this rule applying, most beaches are in fact dog-friendly any day of the week.  There are heaps of options readily available, and a few surprises too.

Note: WE TRY, oh we try, to keep up with the council/DOC regulations. This list is with good intent and recomemndations from the public.  Should we fail, please don't shoot the messenger --- rather kindly drop us an email should you notice regulations in your area have changed, and we'll kindly and our list.

Auckland Central off the leash:

• Meola Reef in Westmere has a great fenced in dog exercise area
  
  We Reckon | There's a large fenced off area which makes up just part of the Meola Reef reserve.  It was quite muddy when we visited, and while the owners stick to the grassy paths, dogs are racing in all directions.  It's fun, and very chaotic at times!  It's free, open to the public any weather, and a good option we reckon.

• Mt Eden has a fenced zone and certainly worth a look

• Grey Lynn Park
  

• Waiatarua Reserve, Remuera

• Western Park, Ponsonby
  
  You Reckon | Fantastic off lead area for dogs! Can be accessed from Ponsonby Road or all of the streets running off Hepburn Street. Just keep away from the playground and sports field at the bottom but there's plenty of room to play for 4 legged and 2 legged. Enjoy. -- Jude, NZ

• Mt Albert has a newly fenced off dog exercise area too, small but certainly a great local option.

North Shore off the leash:

• Attwood Road (wharf reserve area), Paremoremo

• Rahui Beach, Greenhithe

• Chelsea Bay Beach, Birkenhead

• St Leonards Beach, Takapuna

• Takapuna Beach (before 10am)*

• JF Kennedy Memorial Park Beach, Castor Bay

• Churchill Reserve Beach, Rothesay Bay

West Auckland off the leash:

• Craigavon Park, Blockhouse Bay

South Auckland off the leash:

• Totara Park, Mangere
  
  You Reckon | While this is a great dog friendly area as far as being off leash is concerned, you should have a warning here regarding the ticks. For safety's sake, only bring your dog here if it has been treated with Frontline. -- Tania, NZ

• Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
  
  You Reckon | All the Gardens are available to dogs apart from the cafe, visitors centre and library and a substantial area is available off lead. -- Tania, NZ

The local councils have listed some details zones and dog friendly exercise areas:

• South Auckland - Franklin City Council
• North Shore -  North Shore City Council
• West Auckland - Waitakere City Council
• Auckland Central - Auckland City Council