Walmsley Park/Underwood Park

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Ah this is more like it. This area has a nice creek running through it (again, the product of a storm water drain, but we'll try to overlook that) and a number of nice willows on it's "banks". A nice meandering concrete path is provided and the fences are adorned with some lovely native (looking?) grasses. The area is flat and easy walking, as well as wide and open, meaning you are easily able to keep your dog within sight at all times, even when their ears are only intermittently functioning.

Across Beagle Ave is Underwood Park, continues initially with the creek and willows theme. Later on it opens up to an area slightly less appealing, only if I only got that feeling as there were some kids doing what appeared to be community service there, which may have bought down the wholesome factor a tad.

Only a few downsides to the area, not the most well off and therefore not the prettiest neighbourhood. In Walmsley, if you walk on the other side of the creek (the non pathed one) there is at least one tied up staffy with inadequate fencing backing on. There is a similar proerty on the Underwood section.

Didn't see any other dogs, but no reason to think it might not be popular at peak times. Would feel safe there in winter evenings, especially at the Walmsley end.

The creek continues along a green belt to take in Hendon park, Alan Wood Reserve and eventually (of course I didn't go this far), Albie Turner field and Oakley Creek Reserve. The path goes at least part way, and would be a nice walk, just remember to leash your dog in the appropriate areas. Check it out before the motorway swallows it up!

three stars***

Onehunga Bay Reserve

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This is one of our favourites. Onehunga Bay Reserve has a great wide open space for dogs to run around in, and, at high tide, a lagoon to swim in. At low tide it is an esturine mud flat full of stinky, black mud. If you dog is anything like mine they may take the oppourtunity to frolick in said mud, which is a pain to wash off but hilarious to watch.

Nikki learned to swim at Onehunga lagoon. We thought she just wasn't a water dog after failed attempts at Takapuna. Onehunga however has no waves of any description, and other dogs in the area provide the peer pressure factor in order for you dog to want to jump in - labradors and spaniels are perfect for this.

The area has been scarred by the widening of the South Western Motorway (SH20). Part of the part of the park has been eaten into, much to the dismay of The Onehunga Enhancement Society (TOES). Note the "our park, their motorway" signs. Currently, all that separates you and your pooch from the thunderous motorway is a temporary wire link fence. All this for the sake of a motorway that doesn't even make the cut to the Lifesaver Traffic Report.

This does not interfere too much with your (or your dog's) enjoyment of the reserve however. There is a nice loop track around the outside of the lagoon, and several small beaches on the eastern shore. This was Onehunga's beach before SH20 was built in the 70s and 80s. The beaches provide a great place to throw a stick or a ball and a lovely even surface with which to launch into the water.

Watch your dog around the culverts, especially when the tide is going out. Nikki managed to cut herself open on either the wall around the culverts or an oyster shell, we're not sure. Needed stitches and everything. Thank god for pet insurance!

Highly recommended. Four stars at high tide ****

The Big King

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On top of yet another volcanic cone, Big King reserve has got to be one of the most popular off leash spots in the area. Particularly at peak times, you will frequently see little "dog clubs" that form, with 15-20 people and their (sometimes multiple) dogs. Most of the people are pretty relaxed here and if your dog has a wee skirmish with theirs they won't make a big deal and let it play out on its own. Or they will laugh and think it is all great fun. I did see one dude take a swipe at my dog with his foot (when his little fluffball was harrassing Nikki and she finally retaliated and a chase ensued), but it wasn't obviously inentional, or spiteful enough for me to actually say anything to him.

This park has some steep bits so is not as leisurley a walk as some of the other spots on this blog, but it will mean for a tired dog after a couple throws of the stick. A few nice tracks to meander on and a lovely view of urban Auckland below, which is nice if you feel like a breather at the top!

Becuase its such a popular area there are multiple bins for poo bags and even a cage full of plastic bags to use so you can help yourself. This also serves as a kind of informal lost and found, where you might find a dropped rego tag or misplaced shoe.

Four stars ****

Meola Reef Reserve

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It took me a while to find the official name of this walkway, and I'm still not 100% sure I have it right. Anyway, this is a stretch of walkway between the Waikaraka Cemetery and the Southdown reserve on Hugo Johnston Drive, in the commercial heart of Onehunga.

The path is a shared cycleway and walking path, so is lovely and smooth - your dog can run alongside as you bike or Rollerblade (walking the dog Cesar style). At high tide there is opportunity for your dog to swim, again at low tide prepare for some more stinky mud frolicking. On the opposite side to the water is a commercial area and an inland port, a bit of a dump, and sometimes a bit noisy, but on the whole ignorable.

The path is quite long and monotonous to walk the whole way, I generally start at either the cemetery or the Miami parade end, and walk to the other, then back. This is a pleasant walk, though not very long, you might be able to stretch it out with a few throws of the ball and a swim. With a bike or Rollerblades you could happily do the whole path without getting bored. This walkway forms part of a longer cycleway that runs alongside the recently completed SH20 as far as Sandringham.

The Southdown end of the pathway is less smooth and more meandering, so not as open and pleasant. You basically end up at the railway yard and it has a kind of creepy feeling about it.

I give it three stars, another favourite at high tide. Would be great with a bike but haven't forked out for one yet!

***

Waikaraka Park Manukau Coastal Walkway

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It took me a while to find the official name of this walkway, and I'm still not 100% sure I have it right. Anyway, this is a stretch of walkway between the Waikaraka Cemetery and the Southdown reserve on Hugo Johnston Drive, in the commercial heart of Onehunga.

The path is a shared cycleway and walking path, so is lovely and smooth - your dog can run alongside as you bike or Rollerblade (walking the dog Cesar style). At high tide there is opportunity for your dog to swim, again at low tide prepare for some more stinky mud frolicking. On the opposite side to the water is a commercial area and an inland port, a bit of a dump, and sometimes a bit noisy, but on the whole ignorable.

The path is quite long and monotonous to walk the whole way, I generally start at either the cemetery or the Miami parade end, and walk to the other, then back. This is a pleasant walk, though not very long, you might be able to stretch it out with a few throws of the ball and a swim. With a bike or Rollerblades you could happily do the whole path without getting bored. This walkway forms part of a longer cycleway that runs alongside the recently completed SH20 as far as Sandringham.

The Southdown end of the pathway is less smooth and more meandering, so not as open and pleasant. You basically end up at the railway yard and it has a kind of creepy feeling about it.

I give it three stars, another favourite at high tide. Would be great with a bike but haven't forked out for one yet!

***

Arthur Richards Memorial Park

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Cute, kiwi park like you would have gone to as a kid. With corner dairy opposite and everything. This park seemed to think it was Autumn when we visited in September, there were leaves everywhere.

Nice enough park with a cute playground down the bottom, but honestly just a bit small for an off-leash exercise area, unless you have a Dachshund. Or both you and your dog are arthritic. It is on a slope with one path walking down to the bottom, and old (oaky?) trees everywhere. It is wide and open so maybe a good place to throw a few sticks or a ball, but if you're in the area, you might as well go to the Big King.

two stars **

Waiatarua Reserve

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Just a friendly reminder if you are going to use this park, PLEASE share space considerately. The interior is a protected wetland, home to a wide array of water bird species, so your dog must not enter the wetland area or go swimming in the water. I think it is remarkable that we are allowed to use this area for off-leash exercise at all, given the conservation value of wetlands, so I half expected it to have on leash status by the time I visited it a second time.

This park is quite a drive from our place, but is one of my absolute favourites. The wetland loop walk takes 60 minutes according to park signage but I think this might be a bit of an overestimation - unless, again, you have a Dachshund or something. You will meet some friendly dogs and considerate dog owners here (and some not so considerate ones and their obviously-just-been-swimming Labradors).

The view of the wetland area is very agreeable and the walk is an easy, relaxed one. Take in the biodiversity and general ambiance while your dog lopes around madly and probably eats a few rabbit poos. The path is suitable for cycling and jogging. There are a number of other walking areas besides the main wetlands loop, and lovely spots for viewing the wetlands up close, and tables for picnicking. You really could spend a whole afternoon here, justifying the crosstown drive you might just have to make.

Five stars *****