1 Nov 2017

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Shaking off the winter chills and wagging from the usual suburban walk for a day at the beach sounds like bliss for dog owners.

However, make sure you check out the beachside rules for your best friend before their paws pad across the warm sand.

A dog playing on the beach.

Before you head to the beach with your pooch this summer, make sure you check out the rules.

Well-behaved and controlled dogs are welcome on most beaches within the Christchurch City Council area. However, there are some restrictions in place from 1 November until the end of March that dog owners need to observe.

Dogs are prohibited within 100 metres either side from the Surf Life Saving Club pavilions from 9am to 7pm at Spencer Park, Waimairi Beach, North Beach, and South Brighton Beach. There are other variations in place at New Brighton, Sumner and Taylor’s Mistake beaches.

Dogs can pass through these prohibited areas, provided that they are on a short leash.

“It’s important to follow the rules as enforcement officers will patrol the region’s beaches over the holiday period, so dog owners can expect a fine if they bring their dogs to these spots,” Council animal management team leader Mark Vincent says.

Further afield, restrictions are in place for foreshore areas around Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula.