Pet-friendly Campsites in New Zealand
Author: The Good Guides Date Posted:26 November 2025
A road trip isn’t the same without your best mate along for the ride – especially when that mate has four legs and a wagging tail. Thankfully, New Zealand has plenty of pet-friendly campsites and open spaces where both you and your travel companion can feel right at home. In this helpful guide, we’ll share some top pet-friendly holiday parks and campsites in New Zealand, along with practical tips for life on the road with your pet.
Why New Zealand is perfect for travelling with pets
Travelling New Zealand by campervan offers the ultimate flexibility – and for pet owners, that freedom makes all the difference. With a wide network of dog-friendly camping grounds, scenic walking tracks, and open spaces, it’s easy to plan a trip that includes your four-legged companion.
Unlike other forms of travel, RVing means you don’t have to worry about pet restrictions in hotels or finding last-minute boarding options. Instead, your campervan becomes a familiar home on wheels, making it easier for pets to settle in and enjoy the journey. Many holiday parks and campgrounds welcome pets, particularly outside peak season, and some even offer dedicated pet-friendly areas.
New Zealand’s diverse landscapes also make for incredible pet-friendly adventures. From beach and forest walks to pet-friendly cafes, there are plenty of spots where pets can explore alongside you. With the right planning, a campervan trip through Aotearoa can be just as rewarding for pets as it is for their owners.
Top pet-friendly campsites across New Zealand
Here are some of our favourite pet-friendly campsites around New Zealand, each offering a great base for exploring the outdoors while ensuring your pet feels welcome.
Matauri Bay Holiday Park (Northland)
With a stunning beachfront location in the Bay of Islands, Matauri Bay Holiday Park is a top pick for RV travellers who love the ocean. Just 30km from Kerikeri, this park provides easy access to some of Northland’s best fishing and diving spots. Facilities include a general store, petrol station, communal kitchen, and a dive bottle filling station. The nearby Cavalli Islands are a must-visit for divers, home to the famous Rainbow Warrior wreck. Prefer to stay on land? Enjoy a scenic coastal walk or take a short drive to Kerikeri for great cafés, markets, and local history.
Pet Policy:
Dogs are welcome outside peak periods, but be sure to check ahead before arriving. Pets must be on a lead and supervised at all times. The beachfront location means there’s plenty of space for a scenic walk – just be mindful of local wildlife and other campers.
Orere Point Top 10 (Auckland)
Looking for a great pet-friendly campsite near Auckland? Just an hour south of the city, Orere Point TOP 10 Holiday Park is a great coastal stop for motorhomers looking for a peaceful break without straying too far from the city. It’s a short walk to the beach, making it a great choice for fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The park offers spacious sites and a range of useful facilities, including a communal kitchen, laundry, and even a spa and sauna (available for an extra charge).
Pet Policy:
Pets are allowed with prior arrangement, so it’s a good idea to call ahead. Dogs must be on a lead while in the park, and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. With the beach just a short stroll away, there’s plenty of space for a relaxing walk.
Bowentown Beach Holiday Park (Tauranga)
Tucked between Waihi Beach and Tauranga Harbour, Bowentown Beach Holiday Park is an ideal stop for beach lovers travelling by motorhome. With direct access to two beaches, you can choose between calm harbour waters for paddleboarding or open surf for swimming. The park provides well-maintained facilities, including a communal kitchen, barbecue area, laundry, and kayak and paddleboard rentals. If you feel like exploring further, the Karangahake Gorge is a short drive away, offering scenic walks and historic gold-mining tunnels, while nearby Waihi Beach has a great selection of cafés and shops.
Pet Policy:
Pets are allowed on-site from the end of Waitangi weekend until 20 December, though they’ll need to sit out Easter and Labour Day long weekends. Just let the team know in advance by adding your pet as a ‘guest’ when booking or giving them a quick call or email.
Tatapouri Bay Campsite (Gisborne)
For a truly unforgettable coastal camping experience, Tatapouri Bay Campsite offers absolute beachfront sites just a short drive from Gisborne. Wake up to uninterrupted ocean views, enjoy direct beach access, and be among the first in the world to see the sunrise. Facilities include a communal kitchen, café, and access to unique local experiences like stingray encounters, sunrise yoga, and some of the best surfing spots on the East Coast. Whether you're looking to relax or get out and explore, Tatapouri Bay delivers the perfect mix of adventure and tranquillity.
Pet Policy:
Tatapouri Bay welcomes dogs by prior arrangement, so be sure to check with the team before your visit. With the beach right on your doorstep and plenty of open space nearby, there are plenty of opportunities for leashed walks and fresh ocean air. Owners are expected to clean up after their pets and be mindful of other guests and local wildlife.
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park
A stone’s throw from Rotorua’s famous geothermal attractions, Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park is a great base for exploring the region. It’s the closest holiday park to the Whakarewarewa Forest mountain biking trails, and guests can soak in the park’s free onsite hot pools after a day of adventure. Facilities include a communal kitchen, barbecue area, laundry, and a seasonal swimming pool. For a pet-friendly outing, take a stroll around the Redwoods Forest (dogs are welcome on a lead), enjoy the lakeside tracks at Boyes Beach, or head to Hannah’s Bay Reserve, which has an off-leash area where dogs can run free.
Pet Policy:
Pets are welcome at this holiday park, but just give the team a heads up by phone first. There are plenty of walking tracks nearby, making it easy to get out and explore with your dog.
Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park
Located in the heart of one of New Zealand’s sunniest regions, Nelson City TOP 10 Holiday Park is a great base for exploring the Tasman region. Just a short drive from the city centre, it’s within easy reach of local cafés, galleries, and markets. Well-maintained facilities include a communal kitchen, barbecue area, free WiFi, and a laundry. If you’re up for an adventure, the nearby Centre of New Zealand Walk offers spectacular views, the Great Taste Cycle Trail winds past vineyards and artisan food producers, and Abel Tasman National Park is an easy day trip away.
Pet Policy:
Dogs are welcome at Nelson City TOP 10 with all powered sites being pet friendly. Just be sure to let them know in advance keep your dog on a lead within the park. There are plenty of nearby green spaces and walking tracks where they can stretch their legs.
Alexanders Holiday Park
For a relaxed stopover near the Interislander ferry terminal, Alexanders Holiday Park offers a peaceful setting surrounded by native bush. Located beside the Waitohi Stream at the entrance to Essons Valley, it has direct access to scenic bush walks and glowworm viewing spots. Picton’s cafés, restaurants, and galleries are just minutes away, while boat transfers to the Queen Charlotte Track make it easy to explore the stunning Marlborough Sounds.
Pet Policy:
Pets are welcome, but it’s a good idea to check in advance. With plenty of open space and nearby walking tracks, it’s a great choice for motorhomers travelling with dogs.
Queenstown TOP 10 (Otago)
Tucked into the alpine setting of Arthurs Point, Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park is a fantastic base just seven minutes from town. It provides spacious motorhome sites with breathtaking mountain views. The park offers free shuttles into Queenstown, where you’ll find world-class dining, shopping, and adventure activities. Facilities include a hot tub, free WiFi, a laundry, and a communal kitchen. Whether you’re after an adrenaline rush on the Shotover Jet, a ski trip to Coronet Peak, or a soak at the Onsen Hot Pools, everything is within easy reach.
Pet Policy:
Dogs are permitted on the campsite outside peak seasons, but just be sure to phone ahead for prior approval. They must be on a lead within the park and are not allowed inside shared facilities.
Rainforest Retreat (West Coast)
Surrounded by lush native forest, Rainforest Retreat offers a unique stay in the heart of Glacier Country. Located in Franz Josef, it provides spacious sites for motorhomes and an incredible backdrop of the Southern Alps. Guests can enjoy the onsite Monsoon Restaurant and Bar, outdoor hot tubs, and easy access to nearby attractions like Franz Josef Glacier and rugged West Coast beaches. For adventure lovers, guided hikes, scenic flights, and skydiving are all on offer.
Pet Policy:
Pets are welcome at Rainforest Retreat. As always, it’s a good idea to phone ahead. With plenty of lovely bush walks and scenic spots nearby, your dog is sure to love staying here as much as you do.
Mavora Lakes (Southland)
For those looking for a true back-to-nature camping experience, Mavora Lakes Campsite in the Southland region offers a remote and rugged setting within the Mavora Lakes Conservation Park. With two camping areas – one beside South Mavora Lake and another between South and North Mavora Lakes – this DOC-managed site is ideal for those wanting to fish, hike, mountain bike, or simply soak up the vast, untouched landscapes. The area is home to native birds, including robins and falcons, and offers stunning alpine views. The lakes themselves are great for trout fishing, kayaking, or even a refreshing swim on warmer days.
Pet Policy:
Dogs are allowed at Mavora Lakes Campsite but must be kept on a lead at all times. As this is conservation land, owners should follow all DOC guidelines to protect the environment and local wildlife.
Tips for RV travellers with pets
Travelling in an RV with your pet can be a rewarding experience, but a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring a smooth journey. Here are six tips to keep your furry companion happy and safe on the road.
Plan pet-friendly stops
Not all campsites allow pets, so it always pays to check ahead and book spots that welcome them. Look for locations with nearby walking trails, off-leash areas, or pet-friendly beaches so your pet can stretch their legs and burn off energy.
Secure your pet while driving
For safety, pets should always be restrained while the vehicle is moving. A pet harness attached to a seatbelt, a travel crate, or a designated carrier helps prevent sudden movement and keeps them secure in case of sharp stops.
Keep them cool and comfortable
Motorhomes can heat up quickly, even in mild weather. Ensure your pet has access to fresh air and shade, and never leave them unattended in the RV on warm days. A cooling mat or fan can help keep temperatures comfortable.
Pack a pet travel kit
Bring the essentials—food, water, a leash, waste bags, bedding, and any medications your pet may need. A favourite toy or blanket can also provide comfort and make new surroundings feel more familiar.
Be mindful of local wildlife
Many campgrounds are located in areas with native wildlife. Keep your pet on a lead where required and be aware of potential encounters with birds, possums, or farm animals.
Stick to a routine
New environments can be exciting but also overwhelming for pets. Keeping mealtimes, exercise, and rest periods as close to their usual routine as possible helps them feel secure and settled.
Must-have pet travel accessories for RV owners
Packing the right gear makes RV travel with pets easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential accessories to keep your pet safe, comfortable, and happy on the road.
Secure travel harness or crate
A pet harness with a seatbelt attachment or a well-ventilated travel crate keeps your pet secure while driving, preventing sudden movement during sharp stops or turns.
Portable water & food bowls
Collapsible or non-spill bowls make it easy to keep your pet hydrated and fed, whether you’re parked up or on the move.
Pet first aid kit
It’s always good to be prepared. Pack essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers for ticks, and any prescribed medications in case of emergencies.
Cooling mat or fan
Motorhomes can heat up quickly, so a cooling mat or portable fan helps regulate your pet’s temperature, especially in summer.
Leash, harness & long tie-out cable
A sturdy leash and harness are must-haves for daily walks, while a long tie-out cable allows your pet some freedom outside the RV while staying secure.
Pet-friendly seat cover or blanket
Protects your RV’s seats and furniture from fur, dirt, and scratches, making cleanup much easier.
LED collar or clip-on light
Perfect for early morning or evening walks, an LED collar or clip-on light improves visibility and keeps your pet safe.
Waste bags & portable litter solution
Always clean up after your pet with biodegradable waste bags. For cat owners, a portable, easy-to-clean litter box is a must.
Pet identification & GPS tracker
A collar with an ID tag and a GPS tracker can be a lifesaver if your pet wanders off in an unfamiliar area.
Favourite bed or blanket
Bringing something familiar helps your pet feel at home in new surroundings, making it easier for them to settle in.
Ready to hit the road with your pet?
There’s nothing better than exploring new places with your four-legged travel buddy. Whether you’re wandering scenic trails, unwinding by the beach, or just enjoying the open road, having your pet along makes every adventure even better.
A well-equipped RV makes all the difference when travelling with pets. From shade awnings to cooling systems and smart storage solutions, RV Super Centre has everything you need to keep your setup comfortable and road-trip ready.
Call into your local RV Super Centre or shop online today for all those must-have RV accessories and essentials to make your next pet-friendly adventure unforgettable!
