Auckland

A reclaimed landfill on a lava spit at Westmere, now the only fully fenced off-leash dog park in central Auckland, with a separate pen for small dogs and a shoreline spot for those that love water.

The highest natural volcanic cone in the city, with its 50 m crater and a 360 degree view over both harbours. Dogs are on the lead on the maunga itself, but there is a fenced off-leash paddock between the Clive Road and Summit Road entrances.

A working farm in the middle of the city, gifted to the nation in 1901 and wrapped around the One Tree Hill cone. Leads are required throughout, and restricted zones close to dogs during lambing and calving from 17 July to 10 September.

Twelve minutes by ferry from downtown, dog free of charge, for a Victorian village, the climb up Takarunga and the North Head tunnels facing Rangitoto. The whole day works on foot and on the lead from the wharf.

The one Hauraki Gulf island that welcomes dogs, 40 minutes away by ferry. Eight of its busiest beaches close to dogs between 10:00 and 18:00 from 1 December to 1 March, while Hooks Lane and Owhanake stay open all year.

The rainforest of the western hills, which holds Piha and Karekare, is closed to pet dogs: only registered assistance dogs may enter, to slow kauri dieback and protect ground-nesting birds.