At the southern end of New Zealand’s North Island, Wellington is one of the most dog friendly cities in the country. Surrounded by natural beauty and full of energy, this vibrant capital makes both visitors and their dogs feel right at home.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting, Wellington offers plenty of dog friendly activities to enjoy together. From scenic parks and walking trails to beautiful beaches and welcoming cafés, there’s something for every dog and their owner. With pet friendly public transport available throughout the city, getting around with your dog is easy and hassle free. When it comes to travelling to or from Wellington, Jetpets is here to help ensure your pet’s journey is safe, comfortable and stress free from start to finish.
Where to Stay in Wellington with Your Dog
Finding a place to stay with your dog in Wellington is easy, with plenty of pet friendly accommodation options available across the city. From hotels to apartments and homes, there’s something to suit every style of travel.
QT Wellington is a popular hotel located right in the heart of the city, offering selected pet friendly rooms with plenty of space and comfort. They go the extra mile by providing dog bowls and even a special doggy minibar to help your pup feel at home. For a more homely experience, Airbnb offers a wide range of pet friendly properties throughout Wellington, including in suburbs close to dog parks and walking trails. Other great pet friendly accommodation options include U Hotel Group and The Intrepid Hotel, which welcome pets with advanced notice.
No matter where you choose to stay, it’s always important to check the pet policy before booking. Some places may have restrictions on size or breed, or may charge an additional cleaning fee. Planning ahead ensures you and your dog can settle in comfortably and fully enjoy all that Wellington has to offer.
Easy Ways to Travel Around Wellington with Pets
Wellington is known for allowing dogs and other pets to travel on all Metlink buses, trains and harbour ferries. This makes getting around the city with your dog simple and convenient, without needing a car. You can find more information about travelling with pets on public transport in Wellington by visiting the Metlink website.
To make the experience as smooth as possible, we recommend getting your dog used to travelling in a crate or carrier by practising short trips at home. Bringing along their favourite toy or blanket and offering treats can also help keep them calm and comfortable. It’s also best to avoid travelling during the hottest times of the day to keep your pet safe and cool. With a little preparation, public transport can be a stress free way for you and your dog to explore Wellington together.
Let Your Dog Run Free in These Parks
Wellington is full of parks where dogs can run off leash, giving your pup plenty of space to play, explore and socialise safely. Some of the top off-leash spots include Trelissick Park with its lush bush walks and creek, Queen Elizabeth Park which offers wide open spaces and coastal views, and Tawatawa Reserve, a favourite among locals for dog walking. For a nature-filled day trip, Kaitoke Regional Park is hard to beat, while Seton Nossiter Park provides large grassy areas perfect for energetic pups. Many of these parks also offer free dog waste bags, water taps and bowls, so you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without any hassle.
Wellington’s Top Beaches for Dogs
For dogs who love the water, Wellington has plenty of dog friendly beaches to explore. Lyall Bay Beach is a local favourite, with ample space for dogs to run and swim. Island Bay Beach and Houghton Bay Beach offer quieter spots with lovely scenery. Worser Bay Beach and Mākara Beach provide rugged and natural beach experiences for adventurous pups. Dogs are allowed on leash at Mount Victoria, which also offers spectacular views of the city and harbour. Oriental Bay Beach welcomes dogs only during certain times of the year, so it’s important to check signage before visiting. Whitireia Park and Charles Plimmer Park are other great coastal areas where dogs are welcome.
Walking Trails for You and Your Pup
If you enjoy hiking or walking with your dog, Wellington offers a variety of dog friendly trails. The Mount Kaukau summit walk via Khandallah Park loop is a popular choice, offering panoramic views after a moderately challenging climb. Te Ara o Whareroa is a beautiful coastal trail that’s flat and great for dogs who like a longer stroll. The Waikanae River Trail just north of Wellington provides a peaceful riverside walk suitable for dogs of all ages. Tawatawa Reserve also has walking tracks through native bushland that are perfect for exploring with your dog.
Dog Friendly Restaurants in Wellington
After an active day, you can relax with your dog at one of Wellington’s many dog friendly cafés and restaurants. Many eateries around the waterfront and inner city welcome dogs and provide water bowls, treats and shaded outdoor seating. Beach Babylon is well known for its dog menu and welcoming atmosphere. Goldings Free Dive is a relaxed bar that allows dogs inside and outside. BambuchiSan offers a dog friendly courtyard dining experience, while Queens Café provides excellent coffee and a pet friendly environment. These venues make it easy to enjoy great food and drinks without leaving your dog behind.
A Dog Friendly Day at the Harbourside Market
On Sundays, the Harbourside Market is a great place to visit with your dog on a lead. You can browse fresh local produce, artisan crafts and food stalls while enjoying the harbour views. The market is lively and dog friendly, but it’s a good idea to keep your dog close to avoid overwhelming them with crowds or food temptations.
Tips for a Smooth Trip with Your Dog
Travelling with your dog in Wellington is a great way to experience the city, especially with so many dog friendly parks, beaches, cafés and transport options to enjoy. With a little preparation, you can make the trip smooth and stress free for both you and your dog. Start by planning ahead and researching the best places to visit, so you know exactly where your dog will be welcome.
Pack all the essentials your dog might need, including food, water, bedding, toys and any medication. If you’re planning to use public transport, help your dog get used to their crate or carrier by practising at home. Bringing their favourite blanket or a few treats can help them feel relaxed and comfortable while travelling.
As you explore Wellington together, remember to follow local leash rules, clean up after your dog and avoid walking during the hottest times of the day. With the right planning and all that Wellington has to offer, you and your pup are set for a safe and enjoyable adventure.
How Jetpets Supports Your Pet Travel
At Jetpets, we specialise in safe, stress free pet travel whether you’re moving to Wellington, visiting for a holiday, or heading overseas. We offer door-to-door domestic and international pet travel and transport services, custom travel crates and expert advice to ensure your pet is comfortable and secure throughout their journey. Our experienced team takes care of everything from flight bookings to health and safety checks, making pet travel easier for you and safer for your furry friend. With Jetpets, your dog’s travel experience will be smooth and enjoyable, giving you peace of mind wherever your adventures take you.
Get Ready to Explore Wellington Together
Wellington is a city that truly embraces dog friendly travel. With its mix of scenic parks, coastal walks, welcoming cafés and easy public transport, it’s the perfect place to explore with your pup by your side. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, you’ll find plenty of ways to enjoy the city together. Jetpets is here to help with all your pet travel needs, so getting to and around Wellington is simple and stress free. Grab the lead, pack your bags and get ready to make some unforgettable memories with your dog in one of New Zealand’s most pet friendly destinations.