Want to head away this summer but aren’t keen on leaving your four-legged best friend behind? Here’s our list of the best pet friendly accomodation in NZ!
Most of us would take our beloved pets everywhere if we could – we all know they make holidays SO much more entertaining! With sunnier days upon us and Labour Weekend fast approaching, many Kiwis have begun their summer season travel planning (good on you, you organised lot!) setting their sights on pet-friendly accommodations so everyone in the family, including the furry, four-legged ones, can enjoy.
To help this planning and to ensure your beloved mates have a place to sleep, our pals at Booking.com have collated the best pet-friendly stays New Zealand has to offer, so you don’t have to leave your fluffy pals behind.
The Headwaters Eco Lodge, Glenorchy
The Headwaters Eco Lodge is located in the breathtaking Camp Glenorchy, and is New Zealand’s first net zero sustainable property, earning a Travel Sustainable badge on Booking.com.
The site’s latest Travel Confidence Index research reveals that more than half (68%) of Kiwis are seeking to appreciate captivating scenery and landscapes on their travels*. The Headwaters Eco Lodge has various tracks and hikes available for you to explore, many of which are pet-friendly! With picture perfect views, there are ample photo opportunities which make this holiday one to remembe
Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts, Mapua
A short drive from Nelson, Appleby House & Rabbit Island Huts has a range of different and unique property types for you and your pet to experience. This accommodation gives you the freedom to choose – pick from glamping tents, huts or even a five-bedroom house for those larger holidays with the whole family. What’s more, you get to enjoy 25 acres of paddocks, perfect for early morning walks.
The property is located along the Nelson Great Taste Trail – a popular bike trail serving up a tantalising array of tasty attractions from art galleries and boutique shopping, to fruit stalls, cafes, craft beer pubs and winery restaurants – perfect for the 63% of Kiwis who are passionate about food and dining experiences when on holiday.*
Greenstone Retreat, Kumara
Greenstone Retreat, based in friendly Kumara on the west coast, is a stay that takes its guests back to basics with wood burning fires, local stargazing and mountain biking trails just a stone’s throw away. With two–thirds (67%) of Kiwis seeking relaxing holidays by kicking back and relaxing, this enchanting retreat will get your spirits in tune with nature and leave you feeling more tranquil than ever. Delve into the complimentary yoga classes and get your pooch involved too (yes, really!). Alternatively, take them along for a meditative walk with a mountain view in the local area – there’s plenty to choose from.
Naxos, Waihi Beach
Can’t get your pup to leave the beach? With Naxos offering an ocean view from every room, you and your pet will not be far from the shore at any given moment. Located in Bowentown near Waihi Beach, this Greek-inspired home will make you feel like you’re enjoying the sun and sands of the Mediterranean. Let your excited pup run down the stretch of sands, take a dip and then watch the tide roll in from the comfort of your home. With a town nearby this stay is not only for the beach lovers among us, but this hidden gem is also super fitting for those who love strolling through a seaside town.
Honey Cottage in Ettrick, Otago
Kiwi travellers are becoming savvy spenders with nearly half (42%) wanting to choose budget-friendly accommodations in order to practise mindful spending. For those seeking an intimate getaway with your loved one and your canine without breaking the bank, there’s the Honey Cottage in Ettrick that will have your pooch prancing with joy once they see the spacious fields surrounding the property. Listed by the owners of Honey by Wrights, the hosts are known for giving out jars of honey from local bees. Step into your very own hot tub while you overlook the extravagant farmland across you. Set out a cool bevvy while you watch the sunset; or walk the various trails the property has to offer.
*Methodology: Research sourced from APAC Travel Confidence Index 2023 commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted by Milieu Insight among a sample of 8,800 respondents across 11 countries and territories across APAC (including 800 from New Zealand). The survey was taken online and took place between March 29 and April 7, 2023.
