Where you can take your dog
Introduction
Different areas have different rules on if you can take your dog there or not. Some areas allow dogs, others require a permit, and some do not allow dogs at all.Search for where you can take your dog
Find places on public conservation land where dogs are allowed:
Select the 'dogs allowed' filter option on these pages. The rules are found on the overview of each web page.
Huts have the same dog access rules as the area they're in. Dogs are not allowed inside huts. You are responsible for sheltering and securing your dog outside the hut.
If you're unsure about dog access in a particular area, check with the nearest DOC office or visitor centre before you set out.
If you find a dog where dogs are not allowed
Dogs pose a risk to public safety and can have devastating effects on our native wildlife. Notifiy Animal Control or DOC:
- Animal Control: +64 7 348 4199
- 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468)
City and regional councils dog access
Dogs are allowed in many parks managed by city and regional councils. Check the local government website or contact them.
Dog access by region
Some regions have full lists of their areas and the dog access rules.
- Northland dog access
- Auckland dog access
- Coromandel dog acces
- Marlborough dog access
- Fiordland dog access
Types of access and dog permits
There are 3 different types of dog access on public conservation land.
Rules for dogs are displayed on signage as well as on our website.
1. Open dog areas – no permit required
In these areas dogs are allowed either off-leash or on-leash depending on the site. DOC may limit dog access during vulnerable conservation periods such as bird nesting seasons.
2. Controlled dog areas – entry by dog permit
In these areas dog access is controlled by permit. For most dogs you'll need a permit from the closest DOC visitor centre or office.
There are different rules for disability assist dog.
When applying for a permit bring up to date council dog registration information. Dog permits take up to 5 days to process.
3. Controlled dog areas – no access
Dogs are not allowed in national parks, nature reserves or wildlife sanctuaries except with express written approval.
If you're on a boat with your dog, you cannot take your dog ashore to a controlled dog area, national park or nature reserve, to let it relieve itself. This includes the foreshore of any such island or land. The foreshore includes the entire beach area down to the low tide level.
Dogs and other pets are not allowed in DOC campgrounds unless specified.
Dogs are not allowed inside any DOC hut or lodge. In some cases, there may be a kennel beside the hut. If this is not the case, find somewhere suitable outside the hut to tie your dog.
Hunting dog permits
Hunting areas also have types of areas where dogs are allowed or not.
Hunting dog permit information.
If you ignore the conditions, rules or regulations
You may be issued an infringement fine or prosecuted if you take your dogs into no access areas, controlled areas without a permit, or breach the conditions of your permit.
A dog may be seized and impounded or destroyed if it's found in a national park or controlled dog area without a permit.