People often ask why there are dog-prohibited areas around Mount Maunganui, including on Mauao, Pilot Bay, Moturiki and Mount Main Beach.

What is not commonly known is that the area is a breeding place for some of NZ's rarest wildlife, which can become highly stressed just from the presence of dogs in the area.

"Just the presence of your dog can upset valuable breeding activity and stress some of our vulnerable bird life, such as the Little Blue Penguin and New Zealand Dotterel."

New Zealand dotterel nesting on Mount Main Beach. Photo: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

Mauao has a colony of grey-faced petrels and over 800 little blue penguins that also nest on the mountain. Nearby at Moturiki, around 200 little blue penguins and a colony of red-billed gulls are rearing chicks.

Variable oyster catchers and dotterels often lay their eggs in nests on Mount Main Beach, despite being surrounded by swimmers, sunbathers and surfers.

The dog-prohibitive areas have been introduced to protect endangered wildlife and also because of high public usage. 

Not everyone wants to smooch your adorable pooch this summer.  Photo: Supplied.

Your dog may be the most lovable and friendly around - but remember, not everyone may want to smooch your pooch this summer. 

That's why Brent Lincoln, Team Leader of Animal Services at Tauranga City Council, is reminding dog owners to be mindful of others and not to let their dogs approach people or other dogs unless they are invited first. 

"Everyone has a different experience and relationship with animals; some don't feel comfortable when dogs come running up to them." says Brent.

That's why we ask dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead and ensure they don't take them in the prohibited dog areas.". 

While most of Tauranga provides open access for your dog, there are areas around Tauranga where dogs are prohibited or must always be controlled on a lead.

"It's important to know what and where these restrictions are and when they apply," says Brent. 

The red areas on the Mount Maunganui map indicate year-round dog prohibitions due to wildlife nesting. Image: Tauranga City Council.

To make sure you are aware of the dog no-go areas, which include Mauao, Pilot Bay, and Mount Main Beach, including walkways, grassed areas and dunes, head to the website www.tauranga.govt.nz/dogs or give Tauranga City Council a call on 07 577 7000.