Travelling with Pets - ROTORUA

Those with a spirit for adventure and longing for some action will feel right at home in Rotorua’s heartland. Days filled with forests, lakes, tracks and trails will fly by and evenings can be spent soaking in hot water readying to do it all again.

BIG ADVENTURES

MOUNTAIN BIKING IN WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST, REDWOODS Trail dogs trained to stay with you are welcome to join in with the fun here. The trails work on a one-way system, which is great for safety and clarity. Follow the signs as you go or grab a map from the visitor’s centre by the car park before you set off.

POHATUROA TRACK This one will get your heart pumping, with lots of up and downhill sections with some stairs. Winter months may be slippery underfoot but there is tree cover for shade on warmer days. Some parts are shared with mountain bikes but are wide enough to pass with ease. Dogs should be on-leash in popular Redwoods area.

TOKORANGI PĀ LOOP WALK This 10.1km moderate level loop trail takes 3h 15mins. If done clockwise the harder hills are in the first half of the route, marked with purple track arrows. Sturdy footwear is best as some sections can be slippery. Well controlled dogs are welcome.

DOG PARKS

HANNAH BAY RESERVE, ROTORUA The big playground and lakeside area make for a perfect pitstop for families travelling between Rotorua and Whakatāne. Look out for the bridge; just past it is the off-leash area with a huge grassy stretch and loop track – great for a run around and a swim.

TIHI ROAD RESERVE, ROTORUA You and your four-legged pal willboth love the pine tree forest with a lovely big open field for offleash playtime and small streams running throughout.

SCION TREE RESERVE PARK, ROTOTUA This area, across the road from the Redwoods, is available for some off-leash fun. You’ll easily lose track of time amongst the pine trees, native bush and riverbank; there’s even a swimming area for dogs.

REEME STREET RESERVE, ROTORUA The lake, grassy areas, native bush, trails and boardwalks make for a great all-rounder.

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• Coulter Road Reserve

• Morey Street

• Larcy Road Reserve

• Simmonds Crescent Reserve

• Boyes Park

• Corlett Street

• Rotorua Racecourse (when not in use for events)

CHECK OUT

KERESENE CREEK, ROTORUA A 35-minute drive south of Rotorua is a bubbling, steaming creek, perfect for warming up with your pup in the winter months. The creek bed is mostly sandy, so it is pleasant underfoot and paw. Set off exploring along the creek if it is busy, there are plenty of little pockets to call your own.

SECRET SPOT HOT TUBS, REDWOODS This delightful establishment welcomes sore-legged mountain bikers and their fourlegged friends, as long as they are not barky or bitey and can settle down with a treat or two.

HAPPY CAMPERS

• Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park

• Cosy Cottage Thermal Holiday Park, Rotorua

• Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park, Lake Ōkareka

Redwoods Forest

© Destination Rotorua

WALKIES

TE RERENGA TRAIL AT TECT Easy 3.2km loop, some off-leash

REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE Easy 2km loop, on-leash

REDWOOD QUARRY TRACK Moderate 5km loop, on-leash

WAITAWA WALK Easy 3.5km loop, on-leash

TIKITAPU BLUE LAKE TRAIL Easy 5.5km loop, on-leash

LAKE OKARO WALKWAY Easy 2.5km loop, some off-leash

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS

LAKE TIKITAPU Great for dogs who love a swim, kayak or paddleboard

LAKE ŌKAREKA Perfect for campers. Dogs only permitted between 1 March to 14 December

HAMURANA LAKEFRONT

Paddleboarding, Rotorua

© Miles Holden