Hamilton – Hammond Park

Riverlea dog friendly walk – Hammond Park is a tranquil neighbourhood park featuring elevated wooden boardwalks, lush native vegetation, and shaded riverside paths that follow the Waikato River. It’s popular with locals for gentle walks, dog‑friendly outings, and its natural, tucked‑away feel. The park sits at the end of Malcolm Street in Riverlea and offers a peaceful escape from urban Hamilton.

Off-lead: No

Distance and Time: 2km about 40 minutes

Public toilets: No

Walk starting point: 59 Malcolm Street, Riverlea, Hamilton

Masterton – Queen Elizabeth Park

Dog friendly walk – Queen Elizabeth Park is an 81 hectare park located in the heart of Masterton and is one of the best family parks in New Zealand. You can feed the ducks, walk over the swing bridge to visit the deer, have a round of mini golf or ride on the classic miniature train.

Off-lead: No

Distance and Time: 3.44km about 1 hour walk

Public Toilets: along Dixon street near playground

Walk starting point: 10 Dixon Street, Masterton

Rotorua – Centennial Park

Dog friendly walk – A peaceful pocket of native bush in Rotorua, filled with tall trees, birdsong, and quiet walking tracks that wind through the forest. It’s a calm, green escape close to the city, offering gentle trails, shaded picnic spots, and a soothing natural atmosphere ideal for slow walks, filming nature, or simply unwinding among the trees.

Off-lead: No

Distance and Time: short or long

Public Toilets: near car park within park

Walk starting point: Mokoia Drive, Rotorua