Activities For Dogs In New Zealand
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Introduction
Each place has its own unique activities that you can engage in or sights that you can see with your canine companion and New Zealand is no different. Whether you are a resident of the beautiful country or just visiting with your pup, you will find that there are plenty of activities available that can keep the two of you busy. In addition to keeping your dog occupied and offering the chance to get the physical activity that they need, the activities will give you and your pooch the chance to spend time together and further develop your bond with one another, while enjoying the beauty of the North and South Islands!
Otari-Wilton's Bush
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Waste Bags
Water and Bowl
Activity description
Wellington's largest area of original native forest can be found at Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve. Open between sunrise and sunset and free to enter, you and your pup can enjoy Otari-Wilton's Bush as often as you like. Since it is located a mere five kilometers from downtown Wellington, it is also easy to access, whether by car, bus, bike or by foot. Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in the country dedicated only to native plants. Some of the oldest trees in Wellington can be found here, to include a rimu (native tree) that is 800 years old! Numerous walking tracks are available for you and your pup to explore.
Step
1
Plan your visit
Depending on where you are in New Zealand, visiting Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve may require some travel. If you are already in Wellington, travel won't be necessary and you can choose to visit by car, bus, bike or by foot. However you plan to get there, make sure to save some energy so that you and your pup can explore the grounds and view the native plants. Consider how long you think you will want to visit; there is plenty to see so you may want to arrive early!
Step
2
Pack and bring what you need
Put some thought into what you will need for your visit. What you will want to bring will likely depend on your travel time to get there as well as how long you and your pup plan to stay. If you have to travel a long distance to get to Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve or plan to spend a good amount of time exploring, make sure to bring plenty of food and water for you and your pup. Dogs must be leashed while visiting so be sure to have your pup's leash with you. It is also mandatory that you clean up after your dog, meaning that bringing waste bags in necessary.
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3
Explore the beauty
Upon arriving at Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve, you and your pup can begin exploring the grounds and taking in a lot at all of the native plants on the property. Enjoy the available walking trails while admiring the beauty of the landscape. With multiple walking trails, you and your pal can take multiple walks, or take a different walk each time you visit. Being active, of course, is not a requirement; you and your pup can enjoy the beauty while sitting back and relaxing!
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Dog Park Fun
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Easy
30 - 60 min
Items needed
Leash
Water and Bowl
Treats
Waste Bags
Frisbee or Ball
Activity description
When in New Zealand with your pup, you will find that the country offers numerous dog parks for you and your canine companion to explore. Your choices will depend on where you are in New Zealand and how far you would like to travel. For example, you can check out Green Island Dog Park, located in Dunedin, New Zealand, which offers a fenced-in section and an obstacle course that is great for small dogs. There is also the Styx Mill Conservation Reserve Dog Park, located in Christchurch, which includes a fenced area with two small ponds, many trees and wide open spaces. Also in Christchurch is The Groynes, which is securely fenced-in and offers spring-fed streams, trees, open space and three agility courses.
Step
1
Choose the park location
Choosing a dog park to visit will depend heavily on where you are located in New Zealand and how far you would like to travel. You can search online or ask friends for recommendations of dog parks that you and your pup can visit. You will find that each dog park has something to offer and you can choose those that you feel best meet the needs of you and your pup. For example, if it is very hot out, choose a dog park that offers shade and water for your pup to cool off in.
Step
2
Make sure you have supplies
Regardless of for how long you plan to visit the dog park, you will want to bring some things along with you and your pup. For example, you will want to bring a leash for your dog, as well as waste bags so that you can clean up after your canine. Water and a water bowl are also good to have on hand. Your dog will likely get a good workout at the dog park and you will want to be sure your pup remains hydrated. Bring along a ball or Frisbee as well, so that you can engage your dog in some activity, particularly if there are not a lot of dogs around for your pooch to play with.
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3
Watch your dog have a blast!
Your dog will likely find much to do at the dog park and have plenty of opportunities to make some new friends and get some energy out. When you are not playing a game of fetch with your pup, take some time to sit back, relax and watch your special friend play. It is wonderful to watch your pal experience the joy that comes with running free in big, open spaces, as well as engaging in some play!
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Park Walk
Popular
0 Votes
Any Day
Free
Normal
1 - 2 hrs
Items needed
Leash
Water and Bowl
Treats
Waste Bags
Activity description
You and your pup can enjoy a walk in the park in many places throughout New Zealand. A walk is a great way to spend time with your dog as well as get some exercise (for the two of you) and take in some natural beauty. Bottle Lake Forest Park is one such park. Located in Christchurch, you and your pup can enjoy the park's walking and biking trails that will take you through the beach and the forest. Make sure that your pup is on leash when visiting this park and that you scoop any poop. Te Puna Quarry Park in Tauranga is another option. The park includes a circular track that takes around 45 minutes to walk and even longer if you want to do some exploring. Dogs must be on leash and be cleaned up after!
Step
1
Research the parks
The first thing you will want to do is find a park to visit. This will depend in part on where you are in New Zealand and how far you are willing to travel. The internet will provide plenty of information on parks in the country, what they offer and which ones are open to dogs. After doing some research you should be able to come up with a few top choices.
Step
2
Get your gear together
While you may need to bring more with you if you are coming from farther away, there are some basic things you will want to bring with you and your pup to the park, like their leash and waste bags, as well as plenty of water. You may also consider packing a picnic lunch; bring some treats for your pet, as well as a blanket to sit on. Makes sure to check the weather before you go, depending on the forecast you may decide to bring some layers.
Step
3
Enjoy yourself
Enjoy the adventure with your pup and let them know that they are number one. Allow your dog the opportunity to take in new scents at their convenience and enjoy meeting new friends (human or canine). Take a break and relax together when you find just the right spot. Particularly if your pup is getting a lot of exercise, make sure that you offer them plenty of water!
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More Fun Ideas...
Visit Lyall Bay Beach
Lyall Bay Beach, in Wellington, has a dog exercise area where dogs can run off leash at any time of day. Visiting the area is an excellent opportunity for your pup to not only meet their activity needs, but to socialize with other dogs enjoying play time in the sand. In addition to the exercise area, there is a walk that you and your pup can embark upon between the end of Seatoun Beach, where you can follow the path to Breaker Bay Beach, where dogs can be off leash. If you and your pup are feeling particularly energetic, you can hike over the mountain, back to Seatoun along the path.
Go Camping With Your Canine
Camping is a great way to spend time with your pooch outdoors, further enhancing your bond while having fun together. While you can't camp just anywhere with your pup, there are places that welcome canine customers to spend the night. Make sure to check before bringing your pup with you. Waitangi Holiday Park is one place that welcomes pups, noting that they have "never had a dog that stole our towels". Tapu Campervan Park is another option, and it is located right on the beach. It also has rivers and swimming holes, ensuring this will be a favorite among dogs in hot weather!
Work On Agility Activities
Sometimes you and your pup just feeling like staying home. This is a great opportunity for the two of you to work together on agility activities. You can create activities for your dog at a minimal cost. For example, use a hula hoop for your pup to walk through and then jump through as they get comfortable. You can also use a kiddie tunnel for your pup to run in and out of and PVC pipe can be great for setting up jumps of varying heights. Make sure to reward your pup with treats and ensure they remain hydrated.
Conclusion
Whether you live in New Zealand or are visiting, you will find that there is plenty for you and your pup to keep busy doing, no matter your (and your pup's) activity level. With a little effort, you and your best friend can find yourselves regularly occupied and having a blast in the beautiful country. In addition to having fun, seeing cool things and getting the exercise that you and your pup require, through the time spent together you and your pup will further develop the bond that you have with one-another.