Well, it just so happens that #WELOVEDOGS, so check out all the accommodation, eateries and activities where dogs are welcome with open arms (and paws). Life is always better with your best friend by your side.
Dog-Friendly Accommodation
From motels to motorhome parks, holiday houses and hotels, there’s a wide variety of accommodations in Taupo, and surroundings, which allow dogs to stay too!
At Cascades Lakefront Motel you’re just a hop, skip and splash into the beautiful waters of Lake Taupo. And for a pet that’s only used to luxury, check out the dog-friendly rooms at the Hilton Lake Taupo.
For a dog-friendly campground in Taupo, the Taupo Top 10 Holiday Park is a fantastic place to set up camp for a few nights (or more), and a number of our incredible glamping locations also accommodate dogs - such as Totara Perch, Te Tuhi Dome and Kawakawa Hut.
If you’re looking for that real home-away-from-home experience, how about Lake Cottage Co, Lupin Lodge Bed & Breakfast or Omori Lodge.
And when you’re having the adventure of a lifetime in Tongariro National Park, you can choose from a number of dog-friendly accommodation providers, such as Parklands Motor Lodge, Tongariro River Motel and the spectacular Awa Rere Hideaway.
Dog-friendly Cafes & Eateries
Between the morning walks and the afternoon activities, there will be cravings-a-plenty for something delicious, so head to any of these dog-friendly eateries in Taupo, and they’ll be sure to rustle you up a treat! (Please note that as long as you’re bringing along a well behaved, on leash dog, you’ll be welcome in their outdoor areas.)
For a front row seat to people-watching, you can’t go past Replete on Taupo’s main street, Te Heu Heu. Their outside tables provide a perfect post position for you (and your pooch) to enjoy their incredible food.
Market Central is a fantastic destination for Sunday morning eats and treats in Taupo, and you’re sure to make a few new furry friends while you’re here. And if you’re out for a stroll along the lakefront, stop by The Steaming Bean for a hot (or cold) beverage.
On the edge of the beautiful Atea Square are a bunch of amazing eateries that offer outside dining - from Jimmy Coops Lakehouse to Pub n Grub, Dixie Browns and Cafe Baku - and if you’re looking for a view of the lake, you’re in luck.
After you’ve hit up the bike trails in Craters or along the Waikato River, be sure to refuel at Kefi at The Hub. You also can’t go past the Two Mile Bay Sailing Club where doggies are always welcome - in fact, on the first Saturday of every month, between 12pm and 2pm, they host Dogs and Grog. Bring a dog, make a purchase and get a complimentary beverage!
And when you’re down Turangi way, check out the Creel Tackle House & Cafe. Their food is incredible and the service second-to-none.
Dog-Friendly Activities
Aside from there being walks galore around the incredible Lake Taupo region (including the ever-popular Great Lake Pathway/Lion’s Walk), there are also plenty of fun activities where well-behaved dogs can join in too!
Head out on the water with Ernst Kemp to see the beautiful Ngātoroirangi Mine Bay Māori Rock Carvings up close. Sit back and relax while enjoying a hot beverage out on the deck, taking in all the lovely lake vistas. Time for another water adventure? Board the Huka Falls River Cruise for a jaunt along the tranquil waters of the Waikato River, to the base of the mighty Huka Falls. The roar of the waterfall and foaming whitewash at the bottom is simply spectacular.
Orakei Korako also welcomes good doggies too! Here you can explore, with your furry friend, a volcanic world of gushing geysers, hot springs, bubbling mud pools and some of the largest and most amazing silica terraces in the world.
And if you’re keen to really give everyone’s legs a good stretch, spend a morning or afternoon at Craters Mountain Bike Park. With two wheels, you might even have a chance at winning the race to the end of the trail!
Off-Lead Exercise Areas
Is there anything happier on earth than a dog playing fetch? We think it’s pretty hard to beat.
Luckily there are plenty of off-leash/off-lead exercise areas throughout the Taupo district where your four-legged friend can get all of their zoomies out.
The best place to keep updated on where these are is on the Taupō District Council website.
(Please keep in mind that normal dog etiquette applies. Please obey any signage that recognises where dogs can and cannot be exercised off-leash. Dogs must be kept under proper control by the person responsible, and any doggie deposits are picked up.)
Other Things to Remember:
As with most regions across New Zealand, there are some rules that we all need to follow when it comes to where our four-legged friends can be, at different times of the year. And we just know that Rover, Bear, Charlie or Daisy will always be keen to be a ‘good doggie’! (Especially if it means a pat or belly rub).
Common things to be aware of:
- You must carry a leash with you at all times.
- Always pick up and appropriately dispose of your dog’s droppings.
- Your dog must be under proper control at all times – you must be aware of where your dog is and what it is doing. Ensure the dog responds to commands and prevent it from endangering or causing distress to people, other animals or any wildlife.
- Dogs are not allowed in any children’s play areas.
The Taupo lakefront is one to pay particular attention, as between 1st of December and 31st of March (from the hours of 9am to 7pm), dogs are prohibited on the reserve below the embankment from the Lake Terrace pump station (excluding the access road and the Great Lake Pathway) through to and including the Sea Scouts building. For other prohibited areas, check out the Taupō District Council website.
We truly hope that you and your fur family enjoy your next vacay Taupo. And if you’re keen, we’d love to feature you! Simply upload a photo of your pet having a paw-tastic time and tag us #LOVETAUPO @lovetaupoNZ