Travelling with Pets - MARLBOROUGH NELSON TASMAN

Spend long languid days exploring this region with your dog buddy in tow. If they are partial to water then they’ll feel right at home splashing and snuffling around the inlets, walkways, creeks and bays this region has in bucket loads.

DOG PARKS

BRANFORD PARK, NELSON Energetic dogs will love an off-leash run around in the open grass area or a trek to summit Botanical Hill, clocking in the views from the Centre of New Zealand.

MARSDEN VALLEY DOG PARK, STOKE A social hub for doggos and their ‘pawrents’ alike. Large open areas, agility equipment for running with new friends and water for pit stops during the summer months. They have separate areas for small and large dogs for those who prefer to hang out with someone their own size.

DELLSIDE RESERVE, RICHMOND One of the largest reserves in the Tasman District, this has plenty of designated dog areas for off-leash fun. Different environments are provided, from grassy hills to bush walks and woodlands, plus the Richmond hills offer epic views.

ROUGH ISLAND, RICHMOND Right next to Rabbit Island, this is a great summer retreat for those keen on a splash in the estuary. There are two designated areas for dogs to go off-leash exploring but must be on leash walking through the plantation.

MORE…

• Greenslade Park, Rough Island, Richmond

• Wolfe Reserve, Nelson

• Bishopdale Reserve, Nelson

• Corder Reserve, Nelson

CHECK OUT

PAYNES FORD TRAMLINE TRACK, TASMAN This 30-minute walk (each way) follows the route of a tramline that operated between the early 1880s and 1905 that was used to take timber from the Tākaka Valley down to Waitapu wharf. It provides access to some excellent swimming holes in the Tākaka River as well as to rock climbing areas.

MARLBOROUGH RĀRANGI BEACH Just 15 minutes from Blenheim, Rārangi has stunning views of both the sea and the Wither Hills. You and your pal can meander through the pine forests, explore the sand dunes or wander for miles on the beach’s stony shores. There are plenty of sticks to collect and new smells to discover along the way. Be mindful that waters can be rough for pup swimmers and there are sometimes seals that pop in for visit that need their space. There is a DOC campsite located on the beach where you and your family can stay overnight (with a dog permit).

DOG-FRIENDLY WINERIES Wineries ready to pour youa premium glass of vino and your dog a nice big bowl of water include Colombo and Saint Clair in Marlborough and Forestry Winery in Blenheim.

MARLBOROUGH TAYLOR RIVER RESERVE This scenic spot is popular with locals, you’re bound to meet new pals (off-leash too!) especially on evenings and weekends. Coveras much or as little as you want to: there are six car park access points so you can have a quick walk through the 4.6km area of concreted pathway, or pack a picnic and walk the extra 5km up to the Taylor Dam Reserve.

Lochmara Lodge

© MarlboroughNZ

WALKIES

MOTUEKA INLET WALKWAY, MOTUEKA Easy 4km loop, on-leash

ROUGH ISLAND WALK, RICHMOND Easy 5km loop, some off-leash

FAULKNER BUSH LOOP WALK, WAKEFIELD Easy 1km loop, some off-leash

MONACO PENINSULA WALK, STOKE Easy 3.5km loop, on-leash

JIMMY LEE CREEK CIRCUIT, RICHMOND Moderate 4km loop, on-leash

TAWA, MAMAKU & GRAMPIANS WALKWAY, NELSON Moderate 5km loop, on-leash

MOTUEKA PATHWAY, HAVELOCK Easy 3.5km return, on-leash

NGĀKUTA BAY TO MOMORANGI BAY, PICTON Easy 4km point-to-point, some off-leash

GROVETOWN LAGOON, BLENHEIM Easy 3km loop, on-leash

SKYLINE WALK, MURCHISON Easy 3.5km return, some off-leash

© Nicki Worthington

TOP & TAIL TIP

‘Feet on the sand, lead in your hand.’ Always have your lead with you in case you need to keep your dog close.

Farewell Spit

© Farewell Spit Tours

HAPPY CAMPERS

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

• Tahuna Beach Kiwi Holiday Park & Motel, Tāhunanui, Nelson

• Teetotal Campsite, Saint Arnaud

• Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park

• Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, Takaka

• Okiwi Bay Holiday & Park Lodge

• Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park

• Picton TOP 10 Holiday Park

• Kawatiri Campsite, Saint Arnaud

Chips and Sherlock

© Katie Kelly

BIG ADVENTURES

MATAI RIVER WALK, NELSON Easy 7km return, on-leash

PICTON SNOUT TRACK, PICTON Easy 8km loop, on-leash

NELSON BOULDER BANK, NELSON Moderate 15.5km return, on-leash

Hearo

© Kath Ashman

DOG-FRIENDLY SPOTS

• Pohara Beach, Golden Bay

• Patons Rock Beach,Golden Bay

• Rangihaeata, Golden Bay

• Rotokura Beach, Cable Bay

• Simonsen Reserve, Blenheim – Malthouse Road off SH 1

• Wairau River, Blenheim

• Ward Beach, Blenheim

Tāhunanui Beach

© Oliver Weber

TOP & TAIL TIP

Exploring the dunes at Farewell Spit? Take a guided horse trek along the unique coastline.

Horse trek, Wharariki Beach

© Cape Farewell Horse Treks