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Dog friendly

Dog friendly Nelson Tasman

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 things to do

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

blurry placeholderCentre of New Zealand Nelson City aerial

Centre of New Zealand

The centre of New Zealand is the site of the central survey point used for geodetic surveys in the 1870’s.
 
blurry placeholderFamily cycling around Nelson Matai River Walkway by Oliver Weber

Matai River Pathway

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.
 
blurry placeholderGrampians Reserve by Nelson City Council

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.
 

Dog-friendly places to stay

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Tāhuna Beach Holiday Park and Motel

Beside the beach camping - from tents to campervans - plus cabins, studios and motels. Large variety of onsite activities plus fun park on the doorstep at Tāhunanui Beach, iconic for swimming and walking, and just 5km from downtown Nelson.
from NZ$22
Silver Partner 
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Deals Available

Karu ō te Kiwi

Welcome to Karu ō te Kiwi, a haven nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Puponga, New Zealand. Here, the air smells of adventure, and the horizon stretches endlessly, inviting you to explore.
from NZ$560
 
blurry placeholderThe 22 infinity pool overlooking the Tasman Bay and Moutere Inlet.

Windhover Estate

The Windhover Estate is an exclusive retreat located on the beautiful cliffs of the Kina Peninsula in Tasman, New Zealand. In the heart of the properties own vineyard, overlooking the Tasman Bay and Moutere Inlet with the most spectacular sunsets.
from NZ$650
 
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The Lookout - Nelson Holiday Home

A charming one-bedroom holiday home featuring stunning timber floors & locally-crafted furniture & artwork. The well-equipped kitchen & Weber gas BBQ make mealtimes a breeze & high-speed WIFI & TV are there for your entertainment.
from NZ$200
 
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Quinneys Bush Camp

Quinney’s Bush is a popular, back-to-basics adventure holiday park set in spacious grounds of 10 ha with native trees and safe river swimming.
from NZ$20
 
blurry placeholderNelson City Sanctuary - Nelson City Centre Holiday Home

Nelson City Sanctuary

Affordable, cosy & cool. This retro-styled holiday home is situated in the heart of Nelson City - an easy 10 mins walk to the Cathedral, restaurants, craft beer pubs, galleries, shopping, markets, walking trails, World-class mountain-biking & more.
from NZ$250
 
blurry placeholderOcean Dreaming - Nelson Waterfront

Ocean Dreaming

Ocean Dreaming is a fantastic seaside holiday home getaway situated amidst one of the finest waterfront neighbourhoods in Nelson, New Zealand.
from NZ$500
 
blurry placeholderBarrys Bunk House can sleep up to 14 people.

The Gorge Mountain Bike Park - Barry's Bunk House

Barry’s Bunk House is a rustic hostel-style accommodation at the base of The Gorge Mountain Bike Park.
from NZ$150
 
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Old Macdonald's Holiday Park

Welcome, we have powered & non-powered campsites, backpacker dorms, family cabins and a self contained studio unit available.
from NZ$25
 
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Golden Bay Holiday Park

Centered in the heart of sunny Golden Bay on Tukurua Beach, 18kms noth of Takaka. Golden Bay Holiday Park is bounded by native bush, a peaceful stream and most beautiful private secluded beach.
from NZ$50
 
blurry placeholder View of the park.

Murchison Motorhome Park

Stunning vistas & spacious sites - The Park was built and designed with the camping traveller in mind, featuring a peaceful riverside setting. With modern facilities, free WIFI and great views, it is an ideal stop off point, or great for a few days.
from NZ$22
 
blurry placeholderGibbs Dinning.

The Gorge Mountain Bike Park - Gibbs Lodge

Perched at 1000 metres above sea level, nestled in a native forest, you are in your own world. Gibbs Lodge is not your average mountain hut.
from NZ$799
 

Dog-friendly eateries

blurry placeholderCable Bay Adventure Park Base Cafe food credit George Guille

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 
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TOAD Hall Café & Store

Located in Motueka, TOAD Hall is a popular café known for its fresh, locally sourced food, delicious coffee, and cozy garden area. It's a favourite spot for both locals and visitors to relax and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere.
 
Greenmeadows Café

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.
 
blurry placeholderRubbys Espresso summer bean bags

Ruby's Espresso

Serving the best brews with the best views. On Akersten Street, the Gateway to the Nelson Marina
 
blurry placeholderHarvest Kitchen Seifrieds Vineyard by Wine Nelson

Harvest Kitchen

Harvest Kitchen is a Winery Restaurant and function venue located in the beautiful Seifried Estate Winery in tranquil Appleby. Offering relaxed indoor and outdoor dining in the heart of the vineyard.
 
blurry placeholderRiverside cafe in Nelson City River Kitchen

River Kitchen

Situated on the banks of the Maitai River, in the heart of beautiful Nelson's city centre, you can sit back and relax away from the hustle and bustle. Enjoy our terrace in the sun or find a cosy chair inside.
 
blurry placeholderMapua Wharf credit Neat Places

Alberta's

Specialty coffee, gourmet milkshakes and quality cafe-style food located at the Mapua Wharf.
 
blurry placeholderTwo Thumb Nelson pub

Two Thumb Nelson

Craft beer haven and local trail dog favourite.
 
blurry placeholderSprig Fern beers

Sprig + Fern Tāhuna Tavern

Sprig + Fern Tahuna is your bar by the beach – only a dash across the playing fields to the world-famous Tāhunanui Beach. Whether you’re post-paddleboard, just finished football, or spent the day soaking up the sun – Sprig + Fern Tahuna is the perfect spot to unwind.
 
blurry placeholderSprig Fern beers

Sprig + Fern Milton Street Tavern

Set in a renovated bungalow in a graceful old part of Nelson, Sprig + Fern Milton Street Tavern provides a cosy, relaxing and intimate atmosphere enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
 
blurry placeholderSprig Fern beers

Sprig + Fern Brightwater Tavern

Sprig + Fern Brightwater is a special place with a speakeasy, cozy, snug vibe. It’s a community pub and community hub that feels like an extension of your living room.
 
blurry placeholderSprig Fern beers

Little Sprig Wakefield

While smaller in size, Little Sprig Wakefield certainly doesn’t sell short the Sprig + Fern Tavern experience.
 

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