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.

 

Fun Spring Activities To Do With Your Pet

Spring has sprung and we are celebrating the warmer weather by taking our pooches outdoors and having some fun in the sun!

There are a great range of fun activities you can do with your furry friend now, from beach walks, doggy playdates and even camping!

We’ve rounded up our favourite activities below.

Spring

Have a doggy playdate:

Since the weather has warmed up, it’s time to leave the house and get social! There’s no better way to do that then by bringing along your bestie and their pooch and going on a doggy date. We love heading to a local pet-friendly café or going on a big weekend walk for a catch-up your pets will love.

Head to the beach:

Suns out so it’s time to hit the beach! There are great selections of dog-friendly beaches here in New Zealand so you have countless of options to choose from. Go to your local beach, or make a day of it by packing up the car and taking your canine companion on a beach trip they’ll remember.

Go camping:

If you’ve ever wanted to embrace the outdoors and get back to nature then now is the time. Camping with your pup will make for a fun weekend adventure! Just make sure to select pet-friendly campsites, take plenty of treats, warm clothes (as the nights still tend to be chilly) and make sure there’s enough room in the tent for the two of you!

Go on a hike:

If you want to head outside but are not quite up for a camping trip (just yet) why not go on a hike? There are plenty of great walking tracks for you and your pet in New Zealand which are sure to get your heart rate up! Remember to bring water and snacks for both you and your pooch in case you both need to refuel and recharge.