Dog-Friendly Holiday Destinations: Where to Travel With Your Dog

Some people say dogs can’t smile. Take your dog to the right holiday spot, and you’ll see that’s not true. There’s a certain magic in watching your dog race around a strange new beach or sniff new trails alongside you. These are the moments that turn a regular trip into something memorable. More people are swapping boarding kennels for booking dog-friendly escapes, and trust me, it’s worth it. Nothing beats having your four-legged mate sitting next to you as you discover something new. But where do you even start looking for places? Good question, mate. The best dog holidays aren’t just about allowing dogs—they’re about places that actually welcome them. That’s what this one’s all about.

Why Travel With Your Dog?

Forget those guilty stares at the suitcase. Your dog doesn’t want to be left behind, and you probably feel the same. About 65% of Kiwi pet owners say their dog is family. And get this: A recent study from NZ’s Companion Animal Council showed that nearly one in three dog owners changed holiday plans to take their pet along. Why? Because travel is better shared. You explore more on foot. You meet new people at parks and beaches. Dogs are the ultimate icebreakers—locals will chat with you just because of the wagging tail at your side. Plus, you can cut down on the stress (for both you and your pup) that comes with leaving them behind. Ever wonder why so many boutique accommodation providers are going ‘pet-friendly’? Their guests ask for it. The whole ‘dogs allowed’ thing isn’t just a trend. It’s a shift in what we want from getaways. And science backs it up: Petting your dog after a long roadie actually helps you unwind faster. No joke.

How to Pick a Dog-Friendly Destination

The ideal spot for a holiday with your dog depends a lot on your furry mate’s personality, not just on cool features. Start by asking: Does your dog love water? Several beaches in Northland, like Paihia or even Mangawhai, allow dogs off-leash in many areas, especially in winter and shoulder seasons. Does your pup prefer forests to sand? Think about Rotorua’s Redwoods or the dog-friendly parts of the Waitakere Ranges. Big cities are easier than you’d think—Auckland has over 100 parks where dogs can run off-leash at certain times of the day, though you’ll want to double-check council rules before you go.

Consider how far you both like to travel, too. If your dog hates car rides, aim for something close to home, maybe just a couple of hours away. For water lovers, the Coromandel remains a hit, and plenty of Airbnbs and baches there list themselves as dog-friendly—but check their house rules for specifics. If you prefer something wilder, regions like Southland or Taranaki offer epic nature walks almost no one else bothers with. While New Zealand is the focus here, there’s no shortage of dog-friendly travel options in Australia, the UK, or the US, if you want to go big. Research border requirements carefully, though. NZ’s rules on pet entry are famously strict, thanks to biosecurity laws, and dogs that travel overseas face mandatory quarantine on their return.

The Best Dog-Friendly Accommodation Types

Let’s talk beds—not all dog-friendly accommodation is equal. Holiday parks used to be the gold standard. Now, boutique hotels and B&Bs are competing for the top spot. Fancy a modern apartment in Queenstown that includes a dog bed, water bowl, and little treats? There are heaps. Some even provide fenced patios and recommend local dog walkers for when you want to try more ‘adult’ activities (like wine tasting). Want to camp under the stars? DOC has a handy website that pinpoints which campsites allow dogs. These are usually in areas declared ‘dog access allowed’ zones, meaning no native wildlife at risk and basic rules to follow.

Motels and guesthouses are probably the most flexible option, but always call ahead. Owners can have wildly different definitions of ‘pet-friendly.’ One Auckland motel proudly describes itself as ‘dog tolerant’—not quite the same thing. There are even luxury pet retreats cropping up—think spa treatments, room service for pups, and heated sleeping pods. For something special, look for rural farm stays that allow dogs to meet the animals (just check your dog is actually cool with sheep and chickens before you try it). Some Airbnbs allow dogs with no extra cleaning fee, while others add a small charge. Always read the recent reviews—dog-owning guests leave the best tips about safe areas, fences, and grumpy neighbours.

Packing and Preparing for a Successful Dog Holiday

Think your dog needs just a lead and bowl? Think again. Travelling with your dog means packing like a scout. Here’s a short packing list, but keep in mind that every dog is different:

• Secure harness or crate for the car—NZ law says dogs can’t ride unrestrained in the front seat
• Vaccination records—some accommodations require proof if there are other animals on site
• Poo bags (lots)
• Your dog’s food (to avoid upset tummies from new brands)
• A couple of favourite toys for comfort
• Collapsible water bowl for hikes
• Spare towels (for beach runs or muddy woodland fun)
• Basic first-aid kit (including tick/flea treatment, just in case)
• Photo of your dog, just in case someone needs to help find them

Before the trip, take your pup for a check-up if you’re heading somewhere far or if they’re older. Ask your vet about the area (are ticks common? Is there water that might have giardia?). Microchip your dog if you haven’t already; New Zealand councils require it anyway. For dogs prone to getting carsick, try feeding them early, then waiting at least an hour before travelling. Take plenty of rest stops—Kiwi roads are twisty, and not every dog loves the drive through the Coromandel hills.

The Best Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog

Now for the fun part. What can you do with your dog on holiday? In New Zealand alone, there are over 2,500 off-leash dog parks, with Auckland topping the list at 108. Beaches open up after 6pm and before 10am for off-leash runs, especially in summer (the rest of the time, check the signs). Hiking rules differ—dogs can’t go into many national parks, but are allowed on plenty of regional and forest walks. It’s worth researching your track before you go, but parks like Whakarewarewa Forest in Rotorua and the Hatea Loop in Whangārei are well-loved by locals for their smooth paths and swimming spots.

Kayaking might sound wild, but some rental outfits actually let you take your dog along—just bring a doggy lifejacket. Dog-friendly wineries are popping up everywhere; in Hawke’s Bay, a handful have treats and water bowls at the door, and allow pups to snooze under your table as you taste. For a treat, check dog cafes or bakeries in bigger cities; Auckland’s Doggy Deli offers birthday cakes and meat pies made just for your canine. If you’re into road trips, mix it up with a drive-in movie or a sightseeing train that allows leashed pets (the Glenbrook Vintage Railway hosts a ‘Dog Day’ every winter, with hot drinks for you and snacks for them).

One last thing—sometimes the best activity is just stretching out together at the end of the day, letting your dog nap by your toes while you swap travel stories.