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Freelance writer + photographer | Bay of Islands, New Zealand

Paradise for dogs: Roland’s Wood dog park in Kerikeri

5 May, 2016

As beautiful as it is in the Bay of Islands, it’s not so easy exploring it with your dog because dogs are banned from so many places.

However, here’s one beautiful place that both you and your dog will enjoy: Roland’s Wood, which is just outside Kerikeri.

What is Roland’s Wood?

Roland’s Wood is a 4 hectare (10 acre) piece of land that was gifted by local man, Roland Samson, to the people (and dogs) of Kerikeri in 2001. Dogs are allowed off-lead here – and boy do they make the most of it!

So much fun in Roland's Wood!
So much fun! I have yet to take a non-blurry photo of my dogs at Roland’s Wood – they always run around too fast to photograph!

The land has been planted up to resemble an English woodland, and volunteers maintain the beauty of the land.

Roland’s Wood is well-known for its bluebells, which flower in September time. This is a big thing for me: I grew up in England, where I used to walk my dog in the woods, and till now I really missed this type of woodland in New Zealand. I really appreciate having this type of scenery – as well as the lush, sub-tropical scenery in and around the Bay of Islands. It is truly the best of both worlds!

Rolands Wood: dogs and bluebells
Me and my two Westies enjoying Roland’s Wood and the bluebells. (I had to hold them to keep still for the camera!)

Bluebells aren’t the only flowers!

There’s so much more to Roland’s Wood than bluebells. The woodland has been planted with all types of flowering trees and shrubs, so you’ll find something beautiful at any time of the year.

Below is just a small selection to give you an idea:

Roland's Wood daffodils
Daffodils…

 

Roland's Wood pink blossoms
Pink blossoms…

 

White flowers in Roland's Wood
White flowers…

… All in all, it is beautiful!

Where is Roland’s Wood?

Roland’s Wood is about 3.5km from central Kerikeri, on Kerikeri Inlet Road:

Roland’s Wood is on the right-hand side as you drive along Kerikeri Inlet Road in an easterly direction. The entrance is sign-posted, and there is parking space for a few cars in the car park.

The entrance to Roland's Wood is signposted.
The entrance to Roland’s Wood is signposted.

Exploring Roland’s Wood…

Roland’s Wood is on a hill, which makes it very easy to navigate. I have a terrible sense of direction, and was worried that I might get lost, but it’s just about impossible to get lost there!

If you walk down the hill, you might cross a babbling stream or two, and find a picturesque pond at the bottom.

Roland's Wood monet painting
This part of Roland’s Wood always reminds me of a Monet painting!

There are no facilities of any kind at Roland’s Wood, other than some benches where you can rest and take in the scenery.

Dogs are able to run around off-lead. Just be aware that there might be other dogs in the park, and they may not be friendly or well trained.

Of course, you don’t have to have a dog to explore Roland’s Wood. Just don’t get upset if off-the-lead dogs run up to you wanting a pat. 🙂

For more information about Roland’s Wood, see: http://rolandswood.blogspot.co.nz/

Note: I have taken the photos in this article at different times of the year, to give you an idea of the variety of flowers you’ll see at Roland’s Wood. So don’t expect to see them all in the same visit! 🙂

Related posts:

If you're lucky, you might have Taronui Beach all to yourselves, like we did when we visited.Kerikeri beaches: where are they? Sailing at Kerikeri Cruising Club Fresh fruit at the Bay Of Islands Farmers' MarketThe Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce The Kerikeri Saturday market is one of my ‘Must Dos’ in Kerikeri – enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.Kerikeri Saturday market at the Old Packhouse

Filed Under: All, Dogs, Explore, Kerikeri

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Cornelia Luethi at Baywatcher.nz creates words, pictures and websites for clients throughout New Zealand, and worldwide. Find out more →

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Related posts:

If you're lucky, you might have Taronui Beach all to yourselves, like we did when we visited.Kerikeri beaches: where are they? Sailing at Kerikeri Cruising Club Fresh fruit at the Bay Of Islands Farmers' MarketThe Bay of Islands Farmers’ Market for fresh local produce The Kerikeri Saturday market is one of my ‘Must Dos’ in Kerikeri – enjoy fresh, seasonal produce and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.Kerikeri Saturday market at the Old Packhouse

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