5 Pet-friendly Destinations in New Zealand (To Head To Now!)

Whether you’re visiting from overseas or just looking for a weekend getaway, New Zealand has many amazing pet-friendly destinations to discover.

Here are a few of our favourites:

Botanic Gardens – Wellington

The Wellington Botanic Gardens are spread across 25 hectares of protected forest and colorful floral displays. The Botanic Gardens might just be the ultimate pet-friendly destination, with plenty of room to run and play, it’s virtually any dogs dream! Dogs are allowed into the Botanic Gardens all year round, as long as they are on a lead.

A quick car journey through the city’s centre will bring you to Beach Babylon, a café that caters to pups of all shapes and sizes. Order your furry-friend a pupsicle or dogachino after a long day of running around the gardens.

Meola Reef – Auckland

If you’re on the hunt for a great dog park in Auckland, this is definitely one to try! Meola Reef is open to dogs off the lead, all the time, it’s practically a dogs dream playground! Off the lead areas are fenced, so there is no need to worry about those pups that love to run, and run, and run.

Bottle Lake Forest Park – Christchurch

Amongst the hustle and bustle of busy Christchurch is the Bottle Lake Forest Park. Located 10km north of the city centre rests this beautiful protected forest. Entry to the park is free meaning that it’s a great place to visit with your pup all year round. Dogs are welcome in the park as long as they are under effective control.

On the east side of the forest is Waimairi Beach, a great walking spot for humans and their furry friends! Remember to bring a towel with you; otherwise things might get a bit messy.

Hamilton Gardens

Located half way between Auckland and Rotorua, the Hamilton Gardens are a great place to stop off to stretch your legs, and let your pup roam around. The picturesque gardens are a hotspot for local dog lovers, especially in the springtime! Dogs are permitted in all public gardens as long as they are on a lead.

Rotorua

Rotorua is a tourism hotspot, thanks to its geothermal hot springs and its unique landscape. Head to the Whakarewarewa Forest and The Redwoods to experience one of the most stunning walking paths you and the pup have ever seen! If you feel like exploring on your own, take a stroll through several scenic walking tracks. Educational guided tours are also available too

Dog playing outside

Do you have any favourite pet-friendly spots you’d like us to add to the list? Share them with us on Facebook.

 

Top 6 dog friendly beaches in New Zealand

There’s nothing quite like a relaxing walk on the beach with your favourite furry friend by your side, and luckily for us, there are plenty of off-leash beaches to explore around the country.

Your pooches are sure to love running in the sand and cooling off with a nice swim while you get to get back to nature!

Unsure where to go? Here are our top 6 favourite dog friendly beaches in New Zealand:

  1. Takapuna Beach, Auckland

Takapuna beach is one of our favourite places as it offers breathtaking views and a whole lot of fun for your dog! In summer the beach limits dogs to be off-leash only before 10am and after 6pm however your dog can run free throughout the rest of the year!

After you’ve been to the beach, why not head to Takapuna Beach Café which is the perfect pet-friendly destination for you and your canine companion.

  1. Lyall Bay, Wellington

If going for a great walk is your aim, then head to Lyall Bay in Wellington – a popular meet-up for dog walkers alike. This surf beach has a great stretch of sand for a big walk and the refreshing ocean is perfect for a quick swim after you’ve worked up a sweat. The only catch is that dogs are not permitted in the area from the steps in the seawall or on the children’s playground.

  1. Piha Beach, Auckland

For breathtaking views you don’t want to miss, take your four-legged friend to the off-leash area in at the North Piha Beach. You can easily notice the dog friendly off-leash area as it is outlined by poles along the beach. Just remember that if your pup isn’t a strong swimmer, it’s best to keep them on-leash as the waves and water can be quite rough.

  1. Waimairi Beach, Christchurch

Get your body moving and go for a run with your dog along Waimairi Beach. You and your dog will love the gorgeous view! However from November 1st – March 31st dogs are prohibited on the actual beach, so you will need to head to Bottle Lake Forest Park located just behind the beach.

  1. Bethells Beach (Te Henga), Auckland

If your dog loves to get social with other friendly pups, then head down to Bethells Beach for a game of fetch and a swim in the water! Why not organise a puppy play date with a friend or two and enjoy the breathtaking views and some great bonding time with your dogs?

  1. Brighton Beach Reserve, Dunedin

If you’re looking for a great spot to walk your dog, then Brighton Beach Reserve is the place to go! Your furry friend will love to run around on the sand and cool off in the water with you by their side.

Adorable french bulldog seated on the beach