The Best Camping Experiences in New Zealand with Your Dog

New Zealand’s incredible landscapes make it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and is a great place to explore with your furry best friend. Let’s look at places that are dog friendly for camping in New Zealand, highlighting some of the best dog friendly campgrounds across the country.  

Dog-Friendly Camping in New Zealand 

New Zealand is famous for its diverse natural wonders, from snowcapped mountains to pristine beaches and lush forests. Fortunately, many campgrounds across the country welcome dogs, providing pet owners with a lot of opportunities to share camping adventures and hiking trails with their four-legged companions. 

Top Dog-Friendly Campgrounds in New Zealand 

1. Muriwai Beach Campground, Auckland

Muriwai Beach Campground is a large campground that runs next to the 60km long Muriwai Beach and is nestled within the 380-hectare Muriwai Regional Park. This campground has modern facilities onsite, including a fully equipped kitchen, shower blocks, toilets, family showers and additional accessible toilet and shower facilities.

The site has 9 cabins on site, 67 powered sites for caravans if required and 66 unpowered sites. The campground is only a 40-minute drive from central Auckland, and an hour from Auckland International airport. 

Murwai Beach offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors and includes horseback riding along the shore, surf lessons, swimming, fishing, exploring, mountain biking in Woodhill Forest, bush walks or even playing a round of golf.  
There are local cafes and takeaways that are pet friendly as well so you can enjoy a day out with your dog. 

2. Arohena Campsite, Waikato and Central North Island

This campsite is located on the Western Shores of Waikato River and is the perfect place for swimming, picnicking, fishing and water sports. Dogs with a DOC permit is only allowed on this site, you can contact the relevant DOC office to obtain a permit. This campsite offers beachfront sites, allowing you and your dog to wake up to the sounds of waves crashing on the shore and explore the nearby walking trails together.  

3. Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park, Queenstown

Situated near the adventure capital of New Zealand, the Queenstown Top 10 Holiday Park is not only a great base for exploring the region but also a dog-friendly destination. With spacious sites and stunning mountain views, this campground provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for both you and your dog. 

This is a great holiday destination for the whole family. Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park has a kid's playground, trampoline, jumping pillow, spa and much more. The holiday park has a range of accommodation options to suit most travel budgets and requirements.  

Note that dogs are only allowed in off-peak times, and it is best to call before your booking to confirm you are coming with a pet. 

4. Tairua Campground, Paradise Coast

Tairua Campground, centrally located in Tairua, is a family-oriented camping ground. A brief walk will take you to the harbor, shops, restaurants, cafes, and a playground. Additionally, one of the finest surf beaches in the Coromandel region is just a short distance away for you to enjoy. 

Tairua Campground offers various accommodation to meet your preferences, including Deluxe and standard Cabins, a Family Room, as well as Powered and Non-Powered campsites. Most of the sites are generously sized at 8 meters by 5 meters, providing enough space for all your camping equipment. 

The campground is pet friendly throughout the year, with some basic guidelines in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests. Feel free to inform us if you plan to bring your four-legged family member along. 

With convenient onsite facilities and all necessities within walking distance, you may find that your car is hardly necessary during your stay. 

5. Oakura Beach Holiday Park, Taranaki

Only a quick 15-minute drive from New Plymouth in Taranaki, Oakura Beach Holiday Park is the perfect spot for a chill family beach getaway. Relax on one of Taranaki’s beaches and explore the various attractions and activities in the area. Oakura Beach Holiday Park has incredible beachfront accommodations and a diverse selection of campsites in Oakura, catering to different needs and budgets whether you’re setting up a tent or parking your campervan.  

Tips for Dog-Friendly Camping in New Zealand 

• Check Campground Policies: Before embarking on your trip, make sure you review the specific rules and policies of each campground regarding dogs. Some places may have restrictions for off and on peak season or require dogs to be on lead at all times. 
• Respect the Environment: New Zealand takes great pride in its pristine environment. Always clean up after your dog, use waste disposal facilities, and be mindful of local wildlife. 
• Pack Essentials for Your Dog: Just like you, your dog needs essentials for the trip. Pack their food, water, bowls, leash, collar, and any necessary medications for your trip together. 

Camping in New Zealand with your dog opens up a world of adventure amidst some of the most stunning landscapes on Earth. With a variety of dog-friendly campgrounds to choose from, you and your furry friend can create lasting memories while exploring the great outdoors in this beautiful island nation. So, pack your camping gear, leash up your pup, and embark on a New Zealand camping experience. 

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