Coromandel has some of the most lush white sand beaches in New Zealand, but visitors with furry friends are being warned to adhere to the district’s summer dog restrictions or be fined.

Whangamatā, Hāhei, Buffalo and Matarangi beaches have banned dogs for periods of time.

The council is tightening the on-leash dog rules on popular beaches where previously dogs could roam freely. Instigated by the Thames-Coromandel District Council, the changes, which kicked in over Labour Weekend, last until March 1.

Additional changes will follow after December 20, spanning until January 31 between 9am and 6pm.

The specific rules vary from beach to beach. For example, on Hāhei and Matarangi beaches, dog prohibition begins on the 20th, with the latter’s northern part prohibited year round.

Additionally, bans on parts of Whangamatā and Buffalo beaches have already started.

Like many, Whangamatā Beach sees a huge influx of visitors in summer. Photo / Christel Yardley, Waikato Times

The bans are for both natural and social reasons, council’s group manager regulatory and planning Brian Taylor said, clarifying most beaches in the district allow for off-lead exercise for most of the year.

“Restrictions from Labour Weekend to March 1st apply in some locations to protect vulnerable wildlife, particularly during the [dotterel] nesting season,” Taylor said.

The daytime restrictions from December 20 to January 31 are in place when beaches are most heavily populated.

“There can be children playing, people swimming and eating, balls being thrown and lots of other activities happening in the same space, so having large numbers of dogs exercising there at the same time isn’t always a good mix.”

The summer switch is nothing new for the locals at Matarangi, according to Matarangi Ratepayers and Residents Association’s Mark Bedford.

He said the restrictions make sense given the population swells from “about 1200 to 10,000” during the busy season, noting the vigilance of dog rangers ready to hand out fines.

“The last thing people need when they’re sunbathing or lying on the beach is having to worry about dogs pooing everywhere. At all of the entrances to the beach, there are signs which clearly state ‘no dogs’.”

“In Matarangi we’re very fortunate... there’s lots of green space to exercise dogs.”

Matarangi Beach is a coveted spot on the Coromandel. Photo / Teresa Ramsey

Different coloured signs at the district’s beaches indicate the changes in place.

Green indicates off-lead if under control at all times. Orange denotes strictly on-lead activities, with red meaning no dogs at all.

“The rules for each beach aim to balance protecting wildlife and allowing everyone to enjoy our beaches, while still providing plenty of opportunities for people to exercise their dogs in the mornings or evenings,” Taylor said.

Regional Tourism Organisation, Destination Hauraki Coromandel provide visitors with dog-friendly accommodation and walks to supplement council rules.

“We know that Hauraki Coromandel is where kiwis love to holiday, and for many that includes bringing the family dog. I think dog owners are generally really responsible and check the signs and information at whatever beach they are at before taking the dog for a walk,” GM Kylie Hawker-Green added.

Local Democracy Reporting previously reported ACC data demonstrating nearly 40% of all dog-bite injuries recorded in 2024 happened during the summer months, falling to 30% in 2025.

Council data also showed an overall drop in dog-related incidents from 2024 to 2025.

Council’s “Lead the Way” campaign begins November 6, Taylor added, a six-week programme aimed to encourage responsible dog ownership and explain the differing rules across the Coromandel.

A breakdown of beaches and how they are affected are broken down by ward; Coromandel-Colville, Mercury Bay, Whangamatā, Thames and Tairua-Pāuanui.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.