Travelling with Pets - GREATER WELLINGTON

Hot foot through the cosmopolitan metropolis or cruise along the coastline dropping in at the lookout points. You’ll be wishing for more time to pack it all in.

DOG PARKS

IAN GALLOWAY PARK This big and fully fenced dog park in Wellington is a must-do for dogs who love to run with the pack. Best in summer, as it gets muddy over winter. Tap and water bowl for mid-play refreshment.

WILLOWBANK RESERVE, TAWA A large reserve flush with 5ha of space and flat grassy areas perfect for leisurely walkies. Need some time apart? Two big off-leash areas surrounded by trees and long grass for your pooch to shuffle about in.

COUSINS RESERVE, NEAR FOXTON BEACH Large open grass areas to bounce around, awesome for burning off the last of the day’s energy. With trails to explore and the beach not too far away, fit in a quick swim, too.

MORE…

• Kennedy Park, Levin

• Whitireia Park, Porirua

• Tawatawa Reserve, Island Bay

• Plimmerton Dog Park, Porirua

• Les Dalton Dog Park, Lower Hutt

• Woof Woof Ruff, Newtown

• Ōtaki Dog Park

• Kowhai Park, Levin

• Tresslick Park, Wellington

WALKIES

ŌTAKI RIVER TRACK Moderate 3.5km point-to point, on-leash

KOHEKOHE WALK, WAIKANAE Easy 1.5km return, on-leash

WHAREMAUKU STREAM , KĀPITI COAST Easy 2.5km point-to-point, on-leash

TAWA BUSH RESERVE, WELLINGTON Moderate 6km loop, on-leash

SETON NOSSITER PARK, WELLINGTON Moderate 3km return, some off-leash

JOHNSTON’S HILL, WELLINGTON Easy 3km return, on-leash

PINNACLES LOOP TRACK, PUTANGIRUA SCENICRESERVE Moderate 3km loop, some off-leash

DONNELLY FLAT, TARARUA Easy 2.5km loop, some off-leash

WETLANDS LOOP, LOWER HUTT Easy 2km loop, on-leash

MOUNT VICTORIA LOOP, WELLINGTON Moderate 4.5km loop, on-leash

CENTENNIAL RESERVE CONVICTION TRAIL, WELLINGTON Easy 1.5km return, on-leash

EASTERN WALKWAY, ATATURK PARK, MIRAMAR PENINSULA Moderate 2.5km loop, on-leash

FIVE MILE LOOP TRACK, REMUTAKA FOREST Easy 4km return, on-leash

WAIPŌUA RIVER TRAIL, MASTERTON Easy 2.5km point-to-point, on-leash

CHECK OUT

BEACH BABYLON’S PET MENU This awesome place in Oriental Bay knows the way to a dog’s heart, offering doggacinos (with beef gravy in place of coffee), dog biscuits, meat platters and a deluxe mince dish to feed those cheeky chops. Happy dog, happy life!

WEEKLY DOGGIE CATCHUP Head to Charlie Plimmer Park at 12 noon every Sunday to meet friendly owners and play with other dogs. Perfect for socialising, especially if you have a new puppy! Follow their Facebook page for updates.

PINTS FOR POOCHES Time for walkies from pub to pub on Wellington’s thirstquenching, dog-friendly fundraiser in aid of the SPCA Wellington Centre. Infamous brewers the Garage Project along with Golding’s Free Dive, donate kegs of craft beer to six dog-friendly venues; you simply stop in, donate by the pint and hang out with lots of doggos! Seetheir Facebook Page for news.

BERNIE’S ON THE BAY Meet Bernie the Burmese Mountain dog at his daily café hang out in Oriental Bay. Relax in the sunshine with amazing coffee, tasty food and friendly doggy pals.

Milk Crate, Ghuznee St, Wellington

© Nicola Edmonds

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS

• Kio Bay beaches, Wellington

• Little Karaka Bay, Wellington

• Mākara Beach, Wellington

• Oriental Bay Beach – dogs are permitted off-leash 1 May to 31 October, prohibited 1 November to 30 April

• Weka Bay Beach

• Island Bay Beach – dogs permitted in the area from the pier to the western end of the beach

• Lyall Bay, Wellington – dogs are not permitted from the seawall steps opposite 30 Lyall Bay Parade to the western end of the beach

BIG ADVENTURS

TE ARA WHAREROA, KĀPITI COAST Easy 11km return, on-leash, shared with cyclists

MANAWATŪ RIVER WALK, FOXTON Easy 10km point-topoint, some off-leash

TE ARA PIKO, MEANDERING PATH WALKWAY, PORIRUA Easy 9km return, on-leash

CANON POINT WALKWAY, UPPER HUTT Easy 8km loop, on-leash

Castlepoint

© Adobe Stock

HAPPY CAMPERS

Make sure before you book that your accommodation welcomes your furry friends and also that you agree to all of their pet policies.

• Wellington’s Kiwi Holiday Park, Upper Hutt

• Foxton Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

• Bucks Road Campsite, Tararua Forest Park

• Catchpool Valley Campsite, Remutaka Forest Park

• Corner Creek Campsite, Palliser Bay, Wairarapa

• Ōtaki Forks Campsite

• Holdsworth Campsite, Carterton

• Kiriwhakapapa Campsite, Masterton

• Putangirua Pinnacles Campsite, Featherston

• Waiohine Gorge Campsite, Carterton

© Maddie Long