Paws at the ready, pooches! Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s first Wander Walk is coming to Te Puna Quarry Park on November 8.

The free, guided dog walk is one of five being held across the rohe (district) this summer, giving dogs and their owners a chance to explore, socialise and enjoy the great outdoors together.

Participants are invited to meet in the car park at 9.30am, for a 10am start, looping around the park, with a scenic view stop along the way.

Every dog will go home with a bag of treats, and owners are encouraged to snap photos during the walk so they can enter this year’s Wander Walk Photo Competition, which is being run on the Western Bay Animal Services Facebook page.

“The Te Puna Quarry Park dog walk is a firm favourite and always attracts a large number of dog owners and their furry friends. It’s a great way for dogs to socialise, and dog lovers to meet with other like-minded people for some fun and fresh air,” the council’s Animal Services team leader Peter Hrstich said.

“With the weather starting to warm up and plenty of spring flowers on show, it’s the perfect time of year to visit the park. Just remember to wear sturdy shoes, as there is some hill walking involved.”

Further walks will be held over the coming months, with the walking series culminating in a “Woofstock” themed Doggy Day Out event in March:

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

Saturday, Mar 28 – Doggy Day Out – Ōmokoroa Sportground

Keep an eye on Council’s Facebook events for updates.

-Contributed content