10 December 2021
Dogs are not allowed in the Abel Tasman National Park
Dogs are not allowed on Tonga, Adele and Fisheman Islands including the beach/foreshore
Dogs are not allowed on the Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve (beach area between the mean high water and mean low water mark) between Marahau and Wainui.
Exemptions:
Dogs are allowed on the foreshore adjacent to private land (Awaroa and Torrent Bay and Little Anchorage) if under control.
Dogs must be on leashes if taken across the Awaroa Inlet within the Awaroa Vehicle Access Corridor.
The Bach owner at Stilwell Bay may exercise their dogs on the foreshore in that location if under control.
Guide dogs permitted in all locations.
Hunting dogs in approved locations with valid permit only.
Recently there have been several reports of people coming onto the Abel Tasman Foreshore with their dogs, unleashed and disturbing nesting birds. This disturbance can cause nests to be abandoned and chicks or eggs to be predated.
If you encounter dogs in the National Park or on the Foreshore not adjacent to private land, please:
- Take as many details as you can, including photos if it is safe to do so. Include time, date, description of incident, identifying description of the alleged offender i.e. boat name, dog tag, known person.
- Boat users – call DOC Vessels Otuwhero or Kina or Harbourmaster (Sentinel) – Dog Control Offcier on marine CH16.
- Call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) (conservation emergency hotline).
Even if we are not able to respond immediately, we are able to follow up these incidents, and it is useful for us to know where the pressure points are for further compliance effort.
Mark Townsend
Operations Manager, Motueka Office
Issued 10/12/2021
Valid until 10/4/2022