Taking Your Dog to Big King Reserve
A central Auckland volcanic cone (Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta) that is off-leash all year, with steep paths that are brilliant for burning energy and big city views.
Off-leash rules
Off-leash dog exercise area all year round, open 24 hours. Not fenced, so keep your dog in sight.
When: Off-leash all year, any time of day.
- • Not fenced, so keep your dog close and under control.
- • Steep paths and steps, watch older dogs.
Facilities
Big King (Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta) in Three Kings is one of central Auckland's hidden gems for dogs. It sits on the remains of a volcano, so it is off-leash all year round and the steep paths and steps are a genuinely good workout, both for your dog and for you.
It is not fenced, so it suits a dog with a decent recall rather than a brand-new escape artist. The reward is big views over the city and a proper hill climb that tires most dogs out fast.
Make the most of it
The hills do a lot of the work here, a dog that has climbed Big King is a calmer, more focused dog. Because it is unfenced, it is also a good honest test of your recall away from the safety of a fence.
Local tips
- The climb is the point, a steep loop will tire a high-energy dog faster than a flat walk.
- No fence, so only let off dogs whose recall you trust.
- Steep steps can be hard on senior dogs and sore joints.
Common questions
Is Big King Reserve off-leash?
Yes. Big King Reserve (Te Tātua-a-Riukiuta) is an off-leash dog exercise area all year round, open 24 hours. It is not fenced, so keep your dog in sight and under control.
Nearby spots
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