The theme has been announced for Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s next Doggy Day Out and it promises to be “woof-a-licious”.

“The popular annual event will have a Woofstock vibe, with plenty of fur-power and sniffadelic fun,” said a statement from Western Bay of Plenty District Council.

The reveal is being made as the council launches its Wander Walks Summer Series 2025-2026, which includes five dog walks across the district, starting at Te Puna Quarry Park on Saturday, November 8.

Wander Walks are free community events that provide an opportunity for dog owners to connect with fellow dog lovers in a relaxed, friendly environment.

Each event features a scenic, guided walk at a dog-friendly location, with the summer series wrapping up with the Doggy Day Out celebration at Ōmokoroa Sportsground on March 28.

To capture the spirit of these events, people are invited to take photos of their dogs enjoying the Wander Walks and enter them in a competition that will be run via the Western Bay Animal Services Facebook page.

“Our Wander Walks are a great way for your dog to socialise, build confidence, burn off energy and learn good manners, while you get to enjoy connecting with other dog owners,” said Peter Hrstich, the council’s animal services team leader.

“With events right across the district, you can join a walk close to home or explore somewhere new. It’s a great way to catch up with friends, meet new people and have fun with your dog.”

Although the Doggy Day Out is still a few months away, dog owners might like to start thinking about how their pooches will get their groove on.

“The Doggy Day Out is always a highlight of the season, especially the dress-up element. We look forward to seeing what creative costumes the ‘Woofstock’ theme will inspire.”

The Wander Walks will take place at the following locations, setting off at 10am. Dog owners are encouraged to meet at 9.30am, to give their pooches time to get to know each other first.

Saturday Nov 8 – Te Puna Quarry Park, Te Puna Rd

Saturday Nov 22 – Mcloughlin Park, off Landscape Rd, Te Puke

Saturday Dec 13 – Puketoki Reserve, Leyland Rd, Whakamārama

Saturday Jan 24 -Waitekohekohe Reserve, Thompson’s Track, Katikati

Saturday Feb 14 – Anzac Bay, Seaforth Rd, Waihī Beach

For more information on this summer series, head to our Wander Dogs Summer Series page.