Dogs in Raglan

Raglan has large designated areas of reserves and beaches available for exercising dogs.   Some of these areas are for free run exercise.  In other designated areas dogs are permitted on a leash. Please ensure that all faeces are removed.

There is a fenced area for the exercise of dogs on the corner of Wallis and John Streets with ample parking for cars.  It is about 500 metres away from the main shopping and cafe area.

From 1st May 2015 dogs are allowed in the main shopping and cafe area in and around Bow St  as long as they are on a lead and are not left unattended or tethered. It is OK to briefly leave your dog tied up while you pop into the shop and pay for your coffee but dogs are not allowed to be left unattended on the main streets for more than a few minutes. In all other streets dogs are permitted on a leash.

Dogs are prohibited in Papahua Reserve (Often called Raglan Domain or Kopua). See first map below.

In January 2025, a Senior Animal Control Process and Compliance Specialist at Waikato District Council gave this additional information about rules dogs for in Papahua Reserve:

“The restrictions are for dogs actually in the playground area i.e among the swings, under climbing frames etc where children play. When it comes to the playing fields, dog walkers are not permitted to take their dogs onto the actual grass playing areas. Dog walkers can walk their dogs ON LEAD around the grassed playing areas. Traversing through on a footpath or round the outside of these areas with the dog on the lead is perfectly acceptable.
I hope the information I’ve provided helps, but should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.”
Ngaa mihi,
Phil Greeves, WDC

Dog exercise areas

The maps below show areas around Raglan where dogs may be exercise without a leash, and also the areas where dogs are prohibited.  Click maps for larger image.