Pakawau Beach
Golden Bay is one of the most beautiful parts of New Zealand, I'd contest - but in terms of dog-walking it leaves a lot to be desried. There are few oppoertunities to do long walks, and even shorter walks are few and far between. Most of the land is either national park or private farmland, where 'trespassers will be prosecuted'. For that reason, dog walkers in Golden Bay have to rely to a large extent on the beaches. Several of these are off-limits to dogs, in summer if not at other times of years. But amongst that do provide access, one of the best is undoubtedly Pakawau beach.
Like many beaches that's not much to say about it, otner than that it's long and sandy, and for much of its length is well-separated from the road, so it gives plenty of scope for the dogs to run and play. There are goood access points in Pakawau village through small carpark by the public toilets, and via a walkway south of the campsite. Further south there is also access directly from the road, and north of the village but south of the river bridge, you can get to the beach through a small, grassy public reserve. The campsite is dog-friendly, too, so it's a good place to stay, and there's often a good number of dogs on the beach when you arrive there, ready to play. I don't go in for advertising (hence there are no adverts attached to this website), but I will put in a plug for The Old School in Pakawau, which does great food.
Like many beaches that's not much to say about it, otner than that it's long and sandy, and for much of its length is well-separated from the road, so it gives plenty of scope for the dogs to run and play. There are goood access points in Pakawau village through small carpark by the public toilets, and via a walkway south of the campsite. Further south there is also access directly from the road, and north of the village but south of the river bridge, you can get to the beach through a small, grassy public reserve. The campsite is dog-friendly, too, so it's a good place to stay, and there's often a good number of dogs on the beach when you arrive there, ready to play. I don't go in for advertising (hence there are no adverts attached to this website), but I will put in a plug for The Old School in Pakawau, which does great food.
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