Fun Activities You Can Do With Your Dog In New Zealand
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Let’s face it: we’re all a little bit obsessed with our pets. So, why not take them on holiday with you? You’ll save a pretty penny on kennel costs and might just gain the best travel pal you’ve ever had.
If New Zealand happens to be your destination of choice, you’re in luck. This little Antipodean country is incredibly pet-friendly, so you and your furry pal are sure to be spectacularly received. Wondering what kinds of activities NZ can offer the two of you? Check out these fun ideas, and you’ll be making memories in no time.
- Set up camp
New Zealand is renowned for its campsites. Whether you want to be near a gorgeous lake or close to a popular city, you’re sure to find a well-equipped holiday park to suit your needs. What’s great is that many campsites are pet-friendly – you just need to check before booking! Some of our favourite dog-friendly sites are the Waitangi Holiday Park, Wairoro Park in Russell, and Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp.
Once you’ve decided on your campsite, you’ll be able to decide whether you want to stay in a caravan or put up a tent. Then, you’ll be free to explore your surroundings or relax, all with your favourite pal within reach. If your campsite has a designated pet area for your dog to run around in, that’s even better.
- Go beach-hopping
Dogs and beaches are a match made in heaven. Did you know that New Zealand has over 15,000 kilometres of coastline? Along that coastline, you’ll stumble across many beautiful beaches where dogs are allowed to roam, either on a leash or freely under close supervision. Here are some of our top picks.
If you’re in the North Island, Wellington’s Lyall Bay is a dreamy place to take your dog for a run. Waiterere Beach is similarly fabulous, and has a real old-school Kiwi charm to it (Fish ‘n’ Chips afterwards, anyone?). In the South Island, you can’t go past Nelson’s famed Golden Bay. Further down the country still, you’ll find Dunedin’s Ocean Beach Domain, a rugged spot that’s even better on a stormy day.
Movement Joy Dog Run Water
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- Go fishing
Do you love fishing? We’re betting that your pet loves it even more. Make sure to pencil in a fishing expedition for your stay in New Zealand, and take your dog along for the ride. While you wait for a bite, your pet can go for a swim and try their own luck. You might both go home with a catch!
There are gorgeous fishing locations around nearly every corner in NZ. Simply rent out a line and tackle at one of the country’s many outdoors shops, then select your fishing spot (preferably one with a view). Jetties and areas of the coastline that aren’t dog-friendly will be clearly signposted, so just keep your eyes open for any restrictions.
- Take a walk
Once your plane lands on New Zealand soil, you’ll soon realise that all the hype is true. New Zealand really does boast some of the most beautiful scenery in the world! Take advantage of the exquisite nature and wildlife on offer by doing as much walking as you can with your pet in tow.
Although many of the Great Walks don’t allow dog access, there are innumerable other tracks and trails where you can happily bring your pet along. For a leisurely afternoon spent duck-watching and rose-smelling, you and your dog can visit the city’s Botanic Gardens (Wellington’s and Hamilton’s are particularly hard to beat). Also, at campsites like Tirohanga Beach Motor Camp, you’ll have access to multiple great hiking trails that are dog-friendly.
Johanna is a freelance writer and wannabe musician from windy Wellington. When not hiking local scenic tracks with her best pals or savouring a rare afternoon nap, she is likely busy in the kitchen perfecting her steak and mushroom pie or (still) trying to learn the guitar. Head over to Jo’s blog to find out more about her.
