A Northern New Zealand dotterel and its chicks are making themselves at home on Mount Main Beach.

A post on the Western Bay Wildlife Trust Facebook page is warning people to be on the lookout for these birds.

'Their camouflage is amazing and they blend in with the sand and seaweed when resting, so it's really easy to disturb them,” reads the post.

'Please keep your eyes open when you're on the beach and give them space, and please only take pictures from a distance - ideally stay 20-30 meters away, but at least 15 meters.

'If we give them space, they're more likely to make it to adulthood and have the best start in life.”

People are also being mindful when bring their pets to the beach.

Currently, dogs are not allowed on Mount Maunganui Main Beach, from Moturiki Island to Mauao, Pilot Bay from Mauao to Salisbury Avenue, Omanu Beach within 200m from the Omanu Surf Club premises, and Papamoa beach within 200m from the Papamoa Surf Club premises.

Dogs are not allowed on dunes, grass or boardwalks at Mount Maunganui Main Beach or the grassed area between the road and beach at Pilot Bay.

Dogs are also not permitted in the Elms Reserve, Mauao (including the base track), Moturiki Island, McLaren Falls Park, Papamoa Hills Park or the Otumoetai Pa Historic Reserve.

In the Western Bay of Plenty District Council area, dogs are not allowed at Waihi Beach, except at the year-round dog zone between Albacore Ave and Plom Road. Dogs can be taken on a leash at Island View Reserve until March.

Also, dogs aren't allowed at the sandbars off Cooney Reserve or Omokoroa Domain Foreshore until Easter Monday.

And dogs are prohibited from around the Maketu Surf Lifesaving Club and the historic reserve until February 7.

For a list of dog walking parks in the Western Bay of Plenty, visit: www.westernbay.govt.nz

For Tauranga, see: www.tauranga.govt.nz