Dog exercise and prohibited areas

Things you need to know

Our aim is to balance the needs of dogs and their owners, while minimising any potential danger, distress or nuisance to the community and environment.

There are a number of designated areas where dogs can be exercised freely off the leash. However, we only encourage owners to let their dogs free if they can control them by a call or whistle.

• You must carry a leash with you at all times.
• Always pick up and appropriately dispose of your dog’s droppings.
• Your dog must be under proper control at all times – you must be aware of where your dog is and what it is doing. Ensure the dog responds to commands and prevent it from endangering or causing distress to people, other animals or any wildlife.
• Dogs are not allowed in any children’s play areas.
• Bitches that are in season are not allowed in public places.

Remember to look for any signs that indicate dog restrictions, such as leashed or prohibited areas.

Off-leash exercise areas

Dogs may be exercised off-leash in the following public places provided they are kept under the continued control of the person responsible:

Taupō:

• Control Gates Reserve
• Spa Thermal Park (excluding children's play equipment area)
• Kimberley Reserve
• Tamatea Water Reserve
• Titoki Water Reserve
• Hawai Street Reserve
• Secombe Park
• Harakeke Drive stormwater gully
• Stormwater gully between Acacia Bay Road and Reeves Road
• Spa Park, fenced area on County Ave

Mangakino:

• Part of Mangakino Recreational Reserve - south of Lake Road between Lake Maraetai and golf course

Turangi:

• Te Rangiita/Waitekoko Lakeside Reserve
• Waipapa Reserve
• Taupahi Road Reserve
• Grassed area between Turangi Park and the houses between Aonini Road and Wharekaihua Grove that back on to the reserve

Southern Settlements:

• Lakeshore Recreation Reserve adjacent to Lake Taupō from Pihanga Road to the end of Motutaiko Street
• Kuratau Lakeshore Recreation Reserve - from cliff top area to Ihaia Road (excluding the beach area)
• Pukawa South Recreation Reserve known as Pukawa Common (excluding area between roadway and lake)
• Whareroa Esplanade Reserve adjacent to Lake Taupō (Known as Kowhai Flats)

Kinloch:

• Kinloch Marina Terrace Reserve

Prohibited areas

Dogs are prohibited in the following areas at all times, except where specific dates and times are shown, even when on leash:

Taupō District wide:

• All Taupō District Council sports playing fields and courts
• All Taupō District Council children’s play equipment areas

Taupō:

• Lakefront Reserve below the embankment from the Lake Terrace pump station (excluding the access road and the Great Lake Pathway) through to and including the Sea Scouts building from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.
• Two Mile Bay Reserve and beach area (excluding the walkway) from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.
• The part of the beach area (excluding the walkway) from Mapou Road to Kowhai Road, from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.
• Wharewaka Reserve and beach area (excluding the walkway) from below Kohatu Parade to Wharewaka Point from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.
• The beach area at Acacia Bay North
• AC Baths and Hot Pools

Mangakino:

• Mangakino Community Pool

Turangi:

• Shopping mall, Turangi Town Centre
• Turtle Pools

Southern Settlements:

• Lakeshore Recreation Reserve adjacent to Lake Taupo from Kuratau River mouth to the end of Motutaiko Street from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.
• Esplanade Reserve at Hatepe from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.
• Pukawa Esplanade Reserve

Kinloch:

• Esplanade Reserve from 1 December to 31 March inclusive from the hours of 9am to 7pm inclusive.

Please note, these prohibitions and restrictions do not apply to:

• guide or hearing ear dogs
• Police, Customs or security dogs under the direct control of their handler.