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Dog friendly

Discover the best dog-friendly adventures

Welcome to one of New Zealand's most dog-friendly regions. Bring your pup along on your next adventure, and make sure to tag #dogsofnelsontasman.

Dog-friendly walks

There are plenty of dog-friendly activities, parks and attractions in Nelson Tasman to entertain your four-legged best friend.

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Motueka Waterfront Walk

The Motueka Waterfront Walk stretches 4 km along the Motueka Inlet shores, offering stunning coastal scenery and easy accessibility.
 
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Maitai River Walkway

The Maitai River Walkway is an off-road, shared pathway adjacent to the Maitai River. It is popular with daywalkers, dog walkers, city workers, and cyclists.
 
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The Grampians Reserve

The Grampians are a prominent group of hills that form the backdrop to Nelson City. Home to a network of tracks that vary in length and difficulty, The Grampians are popular with walkers.
 
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Rough Island Walk

A diverse network of tracks on a small island dedicated to shared recreation and forestry.
 

Dog-friendly eateries

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Tern Coffee House

Nestled in the heart of Nelson, we brew each cup with care and serve it with a smile in our family-run haven.
Silver Partner 
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Hooked

A locally run, family restaurant on the Marahau waterfront. Open from October to May.
Silver Partner 
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Base Café

Located on the premises of Cable Bay Adventure Park, only 15 minutes from Nelson, and is set in a nice rural setting.
Silver Partner 
blurry placeholderFlaxmore Cellar Door

Wine Tasting at Flaxmore Vineyards

Wine tasting with a personal touch - all tastings are with one of the owners of this boutique vineyard, who love to share their passion and knowledge of wine and the area's history.
 
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Eddyline Pizzeria & Brewpub

Eddyline Pizzeria & Brewpub is a family-friendly, unpretentious, and casual brewpub renowned for serving wood-fired pizzas and fine craft beers brewed just down the road.
 
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Culture Beer House

Welcome to Culture Beer House, the newest gem in the Culture empire. An exclusive Hop Federation tap room alongside the one in Riwaka, Culture Beer House offers a unique experience for beer enthusiasts.
 
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DeVille Cafe

DeVille Café is a local favourite, known for its lush garden setting, music events, laid-back vibe, and delicious, fresh food.
 
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Little Dove Café

Little Dove Café in Whakatū Nelson, nestled in a charming corner near the Maitai River, brings the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean to town with cosy vibes, excellent coffee, and pastries that keep locals coming back.
 
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The Wholemeal Café

This vibrant café offers wholesome food, quality coffee, and a unique collection of art.
 
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The Courthouse Café

A must-visit iconic café in Collingwood. Producing fresh food daily, made here with as much locally sourced produce as possible.
 
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Greenmeadows Café

Located close to the airport and halfway between Nelson and Richmond, Greenmeadows Café is very handily located to many amenities. A five-minute walk brings you to Isel Park, one of our local heritage houses and parks.
 
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The Boathouse Nelson

Nelson's iconic waterfront heritage venue. The Boathouse is a member's society open to the public as a cafe, a venue for weddings and events and wonderful live music from international and local artists. Come and enjoy chowder on the deck and see what all the fuss is about.
 

Remember to be a responsible dog owner

  • Keep control of your dog at all times.
  • Pick up after your dog - remember to carry doggie doo bags.
  • Keep in mind that some rules change during the summer months.
  • Keep an eye on toxic algae during the summer months. 
  • Keep wildlife safe by knowing where to look out for them while dog walking on beaches.

Dog exercise areas in Nelson Tasman