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Off-lead OKEasy

Heron Park Path

Auckland · Loop

↑ 14 m gain↓ 16 m descenthigh 34 msteepest 10 %
DISTANCE0.8 km
ASCENT14 m
DURATION0.5–1 hr
STEEPEST10 %
ROUTELoop
RATING · HIKERS 4.4 · 69
DOG EFFORT1.8 /5 paws
PARKING10 m away
DirectionsApple MapsForecast at the trailheadDownload GPXSend the start point to your phone
Nearest emergency vetWestern After Hours Emergency Vet Clinic, Auckland~5 min drive · after-hours (nights+weekends)
09 820 7273
The route

Good to know

Dogs can run off-lead here, one of only 323 tracks in Aotearoa where that’s allowed.

Auckland Council maps this area as off-lead at Heron Park. Council zones can be tight, so check the local signs on the day. How we check dog rules.
Beach swimForest shadePaw-friendly sealed surfaceGood with kids

About Heron Park Path

In Auckland, Heron Park Path runs 0.8 km as a loop.

It sits at the easy end and gains roughly 14 m, pitching up to 10 % at its steepest, and takes about 0.5–1 hr to walk.

Walkers come for beach walking, native forest, and big views. Dogs are allowed off the lead on this one. Hikers rate it 4.4 / 5 across 69 reviews.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can my dog go off the lead on Heron Park Path?

Yes. Heron Park Path is one of only 323 tracks in New Zealand where dogs can legally run off the lead. Check for seasonal wildlife closures before you unclip.

How long is Heron Park Path?

Heron Park Path is 0.8 km with roughly 14 m of climb and takes about 0.5–1 hr.

Is there water for my dog to swim on Heron Park Path?

Yes, the track has beach access where a dog can cool off. In warm months check the LAWA water quality map for toxic algae warnings first.

Where dogs are welcome in NZGear checklist for dog hikes

Hikes nearby

The closest dog-friendly tracks to this trailhead, by straight-line distance.

Eastdale Reserve Walk

EasyAuckland
1.1 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.2 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids

Waterview Reserve Loop

EasyAuckland
0.5 km↑6 m0.5–1 hr★4.1 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Chalmers Reserve Walk

EasyAuckland
0.5 km↑3 m0.5–1 hr★4.6 rating
Sealed underfootGood with kids

More in Auckland

Auckland Botanic Garden Loop

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1.9 km↑12 m0.5–1 hr★4.7 rating
Swim spotSealed underfootGood with kids

Auckland Domain Loop

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3.5 km↑74 m1–1.5 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeSealed underfootGood with kids

Awaruku Reserve Walk

EasyAuckland
0.8 km↑28 m0.5–1 hr★4.3 rating
Swim spotShadeGood with kids

Barlow and Deacon Roads Loop

ModerateRiverhead
4.5 km↑100 m1.5–2 hr★3.9 rating
Shade

See every dog-friendly track in Auckland →

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