🐾 Traveling to New Zealand with Pets
Pet-Friendly New Zealand
New Zealand is highly pet-friendly, particularly for dogs, with vast outdoor spaces, beaches, and trails. However, strict biosecurity laws require thorough preparation. Pets are welcome in many hotels, cafes, and national parks (on leash), making it ideal for animal-loving families.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Microchip Identification
All dogs, cats, and ferrets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before any vaccinations.
Microchip must be readable and linked to all health documentation for entry clearance.
Rabies Vaccination & Testing
Rabies vaccination required if from a rabies-risk country; must be given at least 21 days before blood test.
Rabies antibody titer test needed, followed by 180-day waiting period before import permit application.
Health Certifications
Veterinary certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming pet is healthy and free of parasites.
Additional tests for leptospirosis and brucellosis may be required for dogs from certain countries.
Import Permit & Quarantine
Apply for MPI import permit at least 1 month in advance; all pets undergo quarantine upon arrival.
Minimum 10-day quarantine at Auckland's approved facility; costs NZ$2,000+ including tests and boarding.
Restricted Breeds & Pets
No specific breed bans, but aggressive dogs may face restrictions; all pets must be declared on arrival.
Exotic pets like birds or reptiles require separate CITES permits and may face longer quarantine periods.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and small mammals have stringent rules due to biosecurity; contact MPI for species-specific requirements.
Many non-traditional pets are prohibited to protect NZ's unique ecosystem; check eligibility early.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across New Zealand on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Motels & Hotels (Auckland & Christchurch): Many mid-range motels welcome pets for NZ$20-40/night, with nearby parks. Chains like Novotel and Ibis are consistently accommodating.
- Holiday Parks & Cabins (Queenstown & Rotorua): Camping grounds and cabins often allow pets free or low fee, with space for exercise. Ideal for outdoor adventures with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Bookabach listings commonly permit pets, especially in rural South Island areas. Homes provide yards for pets to play.
- Farm Stays (Waikato & Marlborough): Rural farms welcome pets alongside resident animals; great for families experiencing NZ's agricultural life.
- Campsites & DOC Huts: Department of Conservation sites allow leashed dogs; holiday parks near beaches are pet hotspots with dog exercise areas.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: Resorts like Huka Lodge in Taupo offer pet packages with walking services, gourmet treats, and spa facilities for pampered pets.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Bush Walks & Trails
New Zealand's national parks like Tongariro and Abel Tasman have dog-friendly tracks; keep on leash to protect wildlife.
Check DOC signs for restrictions; many short walks are perfect for family hikes with pets.
Beaches & Coastal Areas
Beaches like Piha and Cathedral Cove allow dogs off-leash in designated zones; seasonal restrictions apply.
Bay of Islands and Coromandel offer pet-friendly swims; always clean up after your pet.
Cities & Parks
Auckland's Domain and Wellington's Botanic Garden welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafes often allow pets.
Christchurch's Hagley Park has vast green spaces for picnics and play with pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Kiwi cafe culture is pet-inclusive; many in Queenstown and Dunedin provide water bowls and outdoor seating.
Ask before entering; well-behaved dogs are usually welcome on patios.
Guided Nature Tours
Many eco-tours in Fiordland and Rotorua accept leashed dogs; book pet-specific options.
Avoid indoor attractions like museums; focus on outdoor adventures.
Ferries & Boat Trips
Interislander ferries allow pets in vehicles or on deck (NZ$20 fee); some whale-watching tours accept dogs.
Check operator policies; carriers required for small pets on board.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Domestic Flights (Air NZ): Small pets in cabin (under 8kg) for NZ$50-100; larger in hold with crate. Book early and provide health cert.
- Buses (InterCity): Pets allowed in carriers free for small animals; dogs NZ$10-20 with leash/muzzle. Avoid peak hours.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and local taxis accept pets with notice; select pet-friendly options in apps.
- Rental Cars: Companies like Apex allow pets with cleaning deposit (NZ$50-100); book SUVs for comfort on long drives.
- Flights to New Zealand: Check airline pet policies; Qantas and Air New Zealand handle international pets. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Qantas, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines permit cabin pets (under 8kg) for NZ$100-200 each way. Larger pets in cargo with MPI approval.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics like Auckland Veterinary Emergency (Auckland) and Massey University Vet Hospital (Palmerston North) offer urgent care.
Travel insurance should cover pets; consultations cost NZ$80-250.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Petstock and Animates stores nationwide sell food, meds, and gear; supermarkets carry basics.
Pharmacies provide over-the-counter pet remedies; bring scripts for controlled substances.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban areas have salons and daycare for NZ$30-60 per session; book in advance for holidays.
Many accommodations recommend local pet minders for day trips.
Pet-Sitting Services
Pet Nanny and Mad Paws offer sitting in major cities for day or overnight stays.
Hotels can arrange trusted sitters; always verify references.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in public areas, beaches during peak times, and all national parks to protect native birds.
- Muzzle Requirements: Not generally required, but some transport and crowded areas mandate for larger dogs; carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; fines up to NZ$300 for littering in public spaces.
- Beach & Water Rules: Off-leash areas marked; no dogs on popular swimming beaches 8am-8pm in summer. Respect marine life.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Outdoor seating usually allows quiet pets; indoor entry rare but ask politely.
- National Parks: Dogs prohibited in many sensitive areas like Milford Sound tracks; check DOC website for allowed zones.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly New Zealand
New Zealand for Families
New Zealand captivates families with adventure playgrounds, interactive museums, and stunning nature. Safe, clean cities and kid-focused attractions like wildlife encounters ensure memorable trips. Facilities include playgrounds, family restrooms, and child discounts nationwide.
Top Family Attractions
Rainbow's End (Auckland)
Thrilling theme park with rides, bumper boats, and kid zones for all ages.
Tickets NZ$50-60 adults, NZ$40 kids; open weekends and holidays with seasonal events.
Auckland Zoo
World-class zoo with native kiwis, elephants, and interactive feeding sessions.
Entry NZ$28 adults, NZ$14 kids; family passes save on multi-attraction visits.
Hobbiton Movie Set (Matamata)
Lord of the Rings tours through hobbit holes with guided stories and green landscapes.
Tours NZ$89 adults, NZ$41 kids; immersive experience with photo ops and feasts.
Te Papa Museum (Wellington)
Interactive national museum with Maori culture exhibits, dinosaurs, and hands-on science.
Free entry; special exhibits NZ$20-30; perfect for rainy days with engaging displays.
Glowworm Caves (Waitomo)
Boat rides through glowing caves with underground adventures and storytelling.
Tours NZ$50 adults, NZ$25 kids; magical for children with safe, guided explorations.
Queenstown Adventure Park
Luge rides, gondolas, and bungee for families; milder options for young kids.
Activities NZ$30-60 per person; stunning views over Lake Wakatipu.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across New Zealand on Viator. From Hobbiton tours to glowworm caves, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Auckland & Wellington): Properties like Copthorne and Quest offer family suites (2 adults + 2 kids) for NZ$150-250/night. Include pools, kids' menus, and cribs.
- Resorts (Queenstown & Rotorua): Family-oriented resorts with kids' clubs, pools, and adventure programs. Places like Millennium Hotel Rotorua focus on geothermal fun.
- Holiday Parks (Northland & Coromandel): Cabins and powered sites for NZ$80-150/night with playgrounds, BBQs, and beach access.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-contained units with kitchens ideal for families; space for meals and laundry in cities like Christchurch.
- Hostels & Lodges: Budget family rooms in YHA hostels for NZ$100-180/night; clean facilities with communal kitchens.
- Eco-Lodges: Nature stays like those in Fiordland offer family baches with wildlife viewing and educational programs.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Auckland with Kids
Sky Tower views, zoo visits, ferry rides to Waiheke Island, and Kelly Tarlton's aquarium.
Beaches and parks like Cornwall Park offer picnics and farm animal interactions.
Wellington with Kids
Te Papa museum, cable car to Botanic Gardens, Zealandia sanctuary for bird spotting.
Space Place planetarium and Oriental Bay beach for family fun.
Queenstown with Kids
Lake cruises, luge tracks, wildlife parks, and gentle hiking in Remarkables.
Kiwi Birdlife Park and TSS Earnslaw steamship rides delight young adventurers.
Rotorua Region
Geothermal parks, Maori cultural shows, luge, and Polynesian Spa for family relaxation.
Redwoods tree walks and agrodome farm shows engage kids with nature and animals.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Domestic Flights: Kids under 2 fly free on laps; 2-14 get 20-50% off. Air NZ family lounges at major airports.
- Buses & Ferries: InterCity offers family passes (NZ$50-100/day); Interislander ferries have kids' play areas and discounts.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (NZ$10-20/day); book in advance for infants and boosters up to 7 years.
- Stroller-Friendly: Cities like Auckland have good accessibility; trails vary, but many boardwalks suit strollers.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Most eateries offer child portions (fish & chips, burgers) for NZ$8-15. High chairs standard.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Cafes in Christchurch and Queenstown have play areas; markets like Auckland's provide variety.
- Self-Catering: Countdown and New World supermarkets stock baby food and organics; fresh produce from roadside stalls.
- Snacks & Treats: Ice cream parlors and pie shops abound; hokey pokey ice cream is a Kiwi favorite for kids.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, attractions, and rest stops with nursing spaces.
- Pharmacies: Chemist Warehouse carries diapers, formula; staff advise on child health.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels arrange sitters (NZ$20-30/hour); apps like Bubble for vetted caregivers.
- Medical Care: Pediatric services in all cities; ACC covers accidents for visitors. Dial 111 for emergencies.
♿ Accessibility in New Zealand
Accessible Travel
New Zealand excels in accessibility with ramps, accessible transport, and inclusive sites. Tourism operators provide mobility aids, and info centers offer barrier-free planning resources.
Transportation Accessibility
- Flights: Air NZ provides wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and onboard aids; request 48 hours ahead.
- Buses & Trains: InterCity buses have lifts; Great Journeys NZ trains offer accessible carriages and staff help.
- Taxis: Wheelchair taxis via apps like Uber; standard cabs fit folding chairs.
- Airports & Ferries: Full services at Auckland and Christchurch; Interislander ferries have ramps and accessible cabins.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Parks: Te Papa and Auckland Zoo feature ramps, elevators, and tactile exhibits for all abilities.
- Nature Sites: Many tracks like Abel Tasman have boardwalks; gondolas in Queenstown are wheelchair-friendly.
- Beaches & Cities: Wellington's waterfront and Christchurch gardens offer smooth paths; beach wheelchairs available seasonally.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (Dec-Feb) for beaches and hikes; winter (Jun-Aug) for snow sports in the South Island.
Shoulder seasons (Mar-May, Sep-Nov) bring mild weather, wildflowers, and fewer crowds.
Budget Tips
Family passes for attractions; NZ Travel Card covers transport and sites. Campervan rentals save on lodging.
Picnics with local produce and free parks keep costs down for growing appetites.
Language
English is primary; Maori phrases appreciated. Tourist areas are multilingual and welcoming to kids.
Packing Essentials
Layers for variable weather, sun protection, sturdy shoes for trails. Pets: tick prevention, familiar toys, and MPI docs.
Useful Apps
MetService for weather, DOC for parks, Pet Travel for services. Google Maps works well island-wide.
Health & Safety
Very safe; drink tap water. Pharmacies advise on sun/UV protection. Emergency: 111; travel insurance essential.