Roland’s Wood - Image 1
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Roland's Wood

4.7
·145 reviews·Kerikeri, New Zealand

A dog-friendly woodland paradise in Kerikeri, featuring seasonal blooms and adventurous trails for all to enjoy.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early October

Peak bluebell and floral season

CrowdMedium
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Roland’s Wood - Image 1

Roland's Wood

Best Time

Early October

Peak bluebell and floral season

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dog-friendly woodland paradise in Kerikeri, featuring seasonal blooms and adventurous trails for all to enjoy.

4.7
(145 reviews)

"My dog's new favourite walk and we’ll be there many times a week!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Watch for Toxic Plants

Be vigilant about toxic lilies and mushrooms; keep dogs on a lead if they're prone to eating things.

🚗 Spot the Hidden Car Park

The entrance can be subtle, appearing like a driveway. Look carefully to find the parking area.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lily and Clivia Blooms

Lily and Clivia Blooms

Throughout the wood

Vibrant floral displays, especially in early October, adding stunning color to the natural landscape.

Reddit
Bluebell Season

Bluebell Season

Upper areas

Witness a carpet of bluebells in early October for a truly magical woodland experience.

Reddit
Woodland Adventure

Woodland Adventure

Forest trails

An adventurous hike through the woods, perfect for dogs and families seeking a nature escape.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Doggy Paradise with a Warning

Roland's Wood is a dog's dream walk, but pet parents beware! Toxic plants like lilies and mushrooms are present, so keep a close eye on your furry friends. Reddit

Navigating the Entrance

The car park can be tricky to spot, sometimes appearing like a private driveway. Look carefully to avoid missing this gem. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early October
Why
Peak bluebell and floral season
Crowd
Medium
When
Any season
Why
Beautiful year-round for walks
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Roland’s Wood in Kerikeri is my most favouritest park in the whole wide world 🐶
itsmaddiebear
19 likes • 229 views

🐾 Watch for Toxic Plants

Be vigilant about toxic lilies and mushrooms; keep dogs on a lead if they're prone to eating things. Reddit

🚗 Spot the Hidden Car Park

The entrance can be subtle, appearing like a driveway. Look carefully to find the parking area. Reddit

reddit.com

Dog friendly places in northland/bay of islands

reddit.com

Northland dog-friendly lakes

👟 Slippery After Rain

Trails can be slick, especially by the stream, after wet weather. Wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

🐶 Off-Leash Fun

Many dogs enjoy the freedom off-leash, creating a friendly atmosphere for canine companions. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Watch for Toxic Plants

Be vigilant about toxic lilies and mushrooms; keep dogs on a lead if they're prone to eating things. Reddit

🚗 Spot the Hidden Car Park

The entrance can be subtle, appearing like a driveway. Look carefully to find the parking area. Reddit

👟 Slippery After Rain

Trails can be slick, especially by the stream, after wet weather. Wear appropriate footwear. Reddit

🐶 Off-Leash Fun

Many dogs enjoy the freedom off-leash, creating a friendly atmosphere for canine companions. Reddit

🌳 Favorite Dog Walk

A beloved spot for locals and their dogs, offering a delightful woodland experience. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(145 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Roland's Wood is a beloved woodland park, especially for dog owners, offering beautiful seasonal blooms and an adventurous walking experience. While the car park can be tricky to find and some trails get slippery, the natural beauty and dog-friendly atmosphere make it a highly recommended spot for a refreshing outdoor escape. Reddit

"Beautiful place and people! However, if your dog eats everything it can find then be aware that there are a huge number of lily plants which are super toxic for animals, and I did also remove some poisonous mushrooms. I’d love a doggy bin and a water fountain, but overall my dog’s new favourite walk and we’ll be there many times a week!"

Eloise Rose

"A slice of heaven all year round and the dogs and humans who frolic here leave with happy hearts. A must stop while in or near Kerikeri"

Chrissy Herring

"Beautiful area, Magnolia and groups of Clivia and blue bells in flower,so lovely. A wonderful job done with the plantings of colour amongst the old trees. Really great for dog walking. Would be a great walking area any season"

Christine

What People Like

Dog-friendly atmosphere
Beautiful floral displays
Woodland adventure

What People Dislike

Tricky car park
Slippery trails
Lack of dog amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Roland's Wood is located in Kerikeri. The car park can be a bit hidden, sometimes looking like a private driveway, so keep an eye out for it. Reddit

Information on public transport to Roland's Wood is limited. It's generally recommended to have a car for easier access to this area. Reddit

Driving is the most convenient way to reach Roland's Wood. The car park is the primary access point. Reddit

Signs can be subtle, and the car park might be shadowed, making it easy to miss if you're not looking closely. Reddit

Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. It's important to locate it carefully upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Roland's Wood is a park and generally free to enter. There are no ticket requirements for general access. Reddit

As a natural woodland park, Roland's Wood is typically open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours are not usually posted. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee to enjoy Roland's Wood. It's a public space for everyone to appreciate. Reddit

It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the scenery. Access is generally permitted during daylight. Reddit

The main consideration is keeping dogs under control and being aware of the natural environment, including potentially toxic plants. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Absolutely! Roland's Wood is highly recommended as a dog-friendly park, with many owners letting their dogs off-leash. TikTokReddit

You can find beautiful Magnolias, Clivia, and bluebells, especially in early October. However, be aware of toxic lilies. Reddit

The tracks can get wet and a bit unkempt, particularly down by the stream after rain. The upper areas are generally better kept. Reddit

Yes, children can enjoy the forest hike-like adventure. The terrain can be a bit slippery after rain, adding to the adventure. Reddit

Visitors have suggested a need for a doggy bin and a water fountain, but these are not currently available. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the vibrant floral displays, especially the bluebells in early October, and the lush woodland scenery. Reddit

Morning light can be beautiful for woodland photography, but the vibrant colors of the flowers are a great subject any time of day. Reddit

Yes, Roland's Wood is a popular spot for dog walkers, so you'll find plenty of opportunities to photograph happy pups enjoying their walk. TikTokReddit

The upper areas offer good views, and the stream area, though potentially slippery, provides a more adventurous photographic setting. Reddit

A versatile lens for landscapes and potential wildlife or pet shots would be ideal. A wide-angle lens can capture the expanse of the woodland. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Roland's Wood offers a fun, adventurous outing for families. The woodland trails provide a 'forest hike' like experience that kids often find exciting. Reddit Be prepared for potentially slippery paths, especially after rain, which can add to the adventure but also requires caution. Reddit Keeping an eye on children, particularly near the stream, is advised. While there aren't specific play areas, the natural environment itself is the playground, encouraging exploration and imagination. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

This is a prime destination for dog lovers! Roland's Wood is celebrated for its dog-friendly nature, with many visitors enjoying off-leash freedom for their pets. TikTokReddit The expansive trails offer plenty of sniffing and exploring opportunities. However, the presence of toxic plants like lilies and mushrooms means vigilant supervision is essential to ensure your dog's safety. Reddit Consider bringing your own water supply for your dog, as there are no dedicated water fountains. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Roland's Wood with Your Canine Companion

Roland's Wood is a true haven for dogs, frequently lauded as a favorite walking spot by local pet owners. TikTokReddit The open woodland trails allow for a fantastic off-leash experience, where dogs can roam and play freely, creating a joyful atmosphere for both pets and their humans. Reddit However, it's crucial for dog owners to be aware of their surroundings. The park contains toxic plants, such as lilies, and potentially poisonous mushrooms, which can pose a serious risk if ingested by curious pets. Reddit Therefore, constant supervision and keeping dogs on a lead, especially during initial visits or if your dog has a tendency to eat everything, is highly recommended. Reddit

Despite the presence of toxic flora, the overall sentiment from visitors is overwhelmingly positive regarding the dog-friendliness of Roland's Wood. Many reviewers express delight at seeing other dogs enjoying the space, contributing to a welcoming community vibe. Reddit The natural terrain offers an engaging environment for dogs, making it a rewarding outing for them. Remember to bring water for your pet, as amenities like doggy drinking fountains are currently lacking. Reddit

Seasonal Beauty and Trail Conditions

Roland's Wood transforms with the seasons, offering unique visual delights throughout the year. Early October is particularly spectacular, marked by the blooming of bluebells and vibrant floral displays from Magnolias and Clivia. Reddit This period attracts visitors eager to witness the park's colorful transformation. Reddit

When it comes to the trails, conditions can vary. After wet weather, the paths, especially those closer to the stream, can become quite slippery and unkempt. Reddit While this might add an element of adventure for some, it's advisable to wear appropriate footwear, like sturdy walking shoes or boots, to navigate these sections safely. Reddit Visitors have noted that the upper areas of the wood tend to be better maintained and less prone to becoming waterlogged, offering a more accessible walking experience. Reddit

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