Beam & Sophie's "Ruff" Guide to Waiheke

Beam and Sophie are best canine buddies, and proud residents of Waiheke. They have devoted their short but energetic lives to learning – sometimes the hard way – what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s just plain barking about a dog’s life on Waiheke Island. On this page, they present the results of their intensive research and testing, in a handy reference guide for all dogs and their owners. Whether you are a local, or just visiting, read on to get the lowdown on such pressing mutt matters as: The Best Waiheke Walkies. Toilet Etiquette for the Public Spirited Hound. Where to take your owner for a Latte, and of course that most vexatious of issues, taking a trip to the beach. So, relax, roll over, give your bum a lick and enjoy Beam & Sophie's "Ruff" Guide to Waiheke.

Intro

First things first. Much as we like to think of ourselves as separate, and "special", Waiheke is, for better or worse, a part of Auckland City, and all of the same rules and regulations apply. Your dog(s) must be registered annually, and as of 2006 also micro-chipped. The ARC Bylaws covering exercising of dogs in public areas also apply here on the island and we cover them later in the section on walks. You can find all the nitty-gritty here. The island is a small place, and if you break the rules you will not only get busted (and the fines are heavy), you just give free ammunition to the small but vocal anti-dog lobby on the island, and make life that bit harder for the rest of the dog community. OK, lecture over. Let’s get down to the fun stuff...

Transport

Ferries

Fullers, who operate the passenger service between Matiatia and Downtown Auckland are happy to welcome your dog aboard, although it must have its own ticket. The current (2008) one-way dog fare is $5, although if you join the Captain’s Club and buy a Monthly Pass (Currently $300) your dog travels “free”. It’s not immediately obvious, but be aware that dogs are not allowed in the inside areas, only on the outside decks. No great hardship in the summer months, but can get a bit challenging when those big winter Northerlies come blasting in. Like a few others, Sophie is a daily commuter, and therefore a seasoned Salty Sea Dog, and generally happy to snooze away the 35 minute trip. First time travellers tent to be a bit disconcerted when the ground starts moving around under their feet and can get distressed so be prepared to reassure and comfort them. The car ferry between Kennedy Point, Waiheke and Half Moon Bay is operated by Sealink. Dogs are welcome aboard, although not inside the cabin, and travel free. The ferries are large, modern, and have plenty of spacious decks and outside seating. The crossing takes about 45 minutes.

Buses

Regrettably, Waiheke’s bus service is not dog friendly. You won’t be allowed to take your dog on the bus unless you can convince the driver that your furry friend is either A: A Guide Dog/Hearing Dog/Piano-Playing Dog etc. Or B: A zip-up pyjama case.

Taxis

So when you arrive at Matiatia, and having been turfed of the bus because your pyjama case bit the driver (see above), and faced with a two hour walk to Onetangi in the rain, what do you do? Well our advice is give Waiheke Quality Cabs a ring on 372 7000. The lady we spoke to said they are happy to carry dogs as long as they’re not dirty or vicious. Who? Us?

Walks

Right. This is where the Meat and Potatoes are. The REALLY important stuff. There’s almost nothing better than a good walk. Come to think of it, if you’ve been knackered by the vet like us, there really ISN’T anything better than a good walk. But hey, are we bitter? Anyway, suffice to say, if we were on Mastermind – not likely we know – but if we were, THIS would be our specialist subject.

We’re not just running around out there for the fun of it you know. No, we are exhaustively testing the parameters. Exploring the boundaries. Pushing the outside of the envelope. We like to think of ourselves as doggie test pilots, hurtling fearlessly through the undergrowth, probing the edge of the unknown for the benefit of the species!

So here, we present the results of our labours. A work in progress, which we will continue to enlarge and improve over the coming months. Please remember, these are only our personal opinions, and are written from a dog’s eye view. What makes a great walk from a dog’s perspective and human one aren’t always the same, but hey, you’re welcome to tag along anyway. After all, someone has to pick up the pooh!

TeToki Reserve

If you haven't already discovered this hidden gem, this is the nearest thing the island has to an official dog park. The reserve runs alongside Te Toki Rd, between Ostend and Palm Beach with views down to Putiki Bay and the Causeway. The main entrance is on Wilma Rd, and there is parking for half a dozen cars next to a swing gate into the reserve. TeToki is basically a big, open meadow criss-crossed with mown paths and a few big old pohutukawa shade trees. The perimeter is native bush, with shady pathways through the native trees and a good selection of rabbits to chase. It's a good idea to avoid the bush on the right hand side of the reserve as it's very marshy and best left to the birdlife. Check our Ralph The Wonder Dog's Sunday Romp (See bellow.)

Sophie and Beam's Ruff Rating

Ralph The Wonder Dog's Sunday Romp

Ralph The Wonder Dog is a two year old Border Collie with a lot of energy and a lot of friends. Every Sunday afternoon, Ralph, Sophie, Beamish, Monty, Buster and an ever growing bunch of mates get together with their owners up at Te Toki Reserve for a good run 'round. This is a great opportunity for your dog(s) to socialise in a group - which of course is their natural inclination - and a chance for the owners to catch up and compare notes. We get all sizes and makes - from Bertie & Arnie the Newfoudlands to Nike the Whippet - so don't be shy, come and say Hi. We meet at 5pm at the reserve for about 45mins. Don't forget to bring some water as the dogs get pretty hot with all the running around.

Vets

The island’s Veterinary clinic is located at opposite the BP in Tui Street. The surgery is well equipped, and the waiting room is always well stocked with a range of foods, supplements, pet accessories and toys. The resident Vets are John and Brian, both friendly, gentle, and with nice warm hands. Clinic hours are 9am-5pm on Weekdays, and 9am-11am on Saturdays. Phone 372 8484.

Accommodation

Finding dog friendly holiday accomodation is always a problem, and so far we haven't found anywhere on the island who specifically caters for pet owners. If you are such a place, or know of any, feel free to add your details here.

Cafes and Bars

Surprisingly for such a population explosion in the summer months, Waiheke's cafes are very dog friendly. They cater to our canine friends with large bowls of water and a shady umbrella to lie under.

Animal Control

In stark contrast with the Islands otherwise laid-back, live-and-let-live ethos, Waiheke Island Animal Control pursues its ends with what can only be described as gusto. Our experience has been that they are punitive, humourless and ruthlessly efficient. Our advice? Be Legal. Be Smart. Be Clean, and above all Be On The Lookout For A Big Green Land Rover.

Dog Supplies

You can pick up the basic doggie essentials like biscuits and tinned food at most of the island’s general stores and service stations. The Woolworths supermarket in Ostend carries a decent range of dry and wet foods and dog-roll, as well as treats, toys, collars and leads. And while you’re there pick up a bag of their big, meaty dog bones! Waiheke Veterinarian Service & Pet Supplies in Tui Street (opposite the BP) carries a good stock of more specialist foods as well as bedding, clothing, accessories and just about everything for the well appointed dog.

Dog Services

Ken & Lois Clark provide a dog minding service at their Erua Rd property. Small dogs, (bitches) preferred. Ph: 372 5258