the best dog friendly camping spots in coromandel
There is a little slice of paradise known for its pristine beaches, lush forests, and countless outdoor adventure spots. The Coromandel Peninsula is a camper’s dream come true, especially if said camper has a furry, four-legged companion.
Dog-friendly travel is a must these days. Our pets are part of the family, and leaving them behind can dampen even the most exciting trips. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly camping spots in the Coromandel to ensure you and your pup have a fantastic adventure.
Just a short drive from some of Coromandel’s must-see spots, Seabreeze Holiday Park is perfect for pet owners looking to explore the region. While your dog may need to stay back for some activities, the park itself offers a comfortable base with ample amenities, including a recreational room, large kitchen, and laundry facilities.
Among seven acres of beachfront parkland, this holiday park offers a relaxing spot where you and your fur-bud can enjoy the heated pool, playground, and various outdoor activities, all while being steps away from the beautiful Kikowhakarere Bay and Shelly Beach Kauri Walkway Loop.
Set on the banks of the Waiwawa River, this campground offers a stunning spot with easy access to outdoor activities like horse trekking, bush walks, and kayaking. There's an awesome natural swimming hole, and it is easy to explore the nearby Coromandel beaches with your pup.
This spacious family farm camp offers a choose-your-own adventure of relaxation and experiences. With its picturesque bay location and numerous outdoor activities, Otautu Bay Farm Camp is ideal for a getaway with your canine, thanks to the available walks, stunning sunsets, and vast open spaces.
With a picturesque beachfront location, Long Bay Motor Camp & Cabins provides a serene setting for campers and their pets. Take a hike on the 3km Kauri Track or the Tucks Bay Coastal Walk, both offering stunning views and easy access to Coromandel Town. This spot is primed for fun thanks to the onsite boat ramp, playground, and water sports equipment hire.
Dog-friendly travel is a must these days. Our pets are part of the family, and leaving them behind can dampen even the most exciting trips. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the best dog-friendly camping spots in the Coromandel to ensure you and your pup have a fantastic adventure.
The Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
Hahei Area
Seabreeze Holiday Park
Just a short drive from some of Coromandel’s must-see spots, Seabreeze Holiday Park is perfect for pet owners looking to explore the region. While your dog may need to stay back for some activities, the park itself offers a comfortable base with ample amenities, including a recreational room, large kitchen, and laundry facilities.
- Location: 1043/1 Tairua Whitianga Road
- Highlights: Central to key attractions like Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach, offering easy access to popular sites.
- Amenities for Dogs: Pets are welcome year-round except during peak summer (24 Dec - 4 Jan). Leashed pets are welcome in all outdoor areas.
- Restrictions: No pets during peak summer.
Thames Coast
Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Among seven acres of beachfront parkland, this holiday park offers a relaxing spot where you and your fur-bud can enjoy the heated pool, playground, and various outdoor activities, all while being steps away from the beautiful Kikowhakarere Bay and Shelly Beach Kauri Walkway Loop.
- Location: 243 Colville Road
- Highlights: Beachfront access with stunning views over the Hauraki Gulf.
- Amenities for Dogs: Seven acres of parkland to explore, beach access, and pet-friendly policies outside peak periods.
- Restrictions: Pets allowed outside peak times; call ahead to confirm.
Whitianga Area
Riverglen Holiday Park & Campground
Set on the banks of the Waiwawa River, this campground offers a stunning spot with easy access to outdoor activities like horse trekking, bush walks, and kayaking. There's an awesome natural swimming hole, and it is easy to explore the nearby Coromandel beaches with your pup.
- Location: Tapu Coroglen Road
- Highlights: Riverside location surrounded by native bush, with a nearby waterfall.
- Amenities for Dogs: Plenty of bushwalks, open space for shady spots, leashed pets welcome in outdoor areas.
- Restrictions: Pets must be leashed.
Colville Area
Otautu Bay Farm Camp
This spacious family farm camp offers a choose-your-own adventure of relaxation and experiences. With its picturesque bay location and numerous outdoor activities, Otautu Bay Farm Camp is ideal for a getaway with your canine, thanks to the available walks, stunning sunsets, and vast open spaces.
- Location:257 Port Jackson Road
- Highlights: Located along a bay with access to boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming..
- Amenities for Dogs: Wide-open areas for exercise, easy beach access, dog-friendly during certain times of the year.
- Restrictions: Pets allowed outside peak summer (15 Dec - 6 Feb) and other holidays; prior arrangement and vaccination certificate required.
Coromandel Town Area
Long Bay Motor Camp & Cabins
With a picturesque beachfront location, Long Bay Motor Camp & Cabins provides a serene setting for campers and their pets. Take a hike on the 3km Kauri Track or the Tucks Bay Coastal Walk, both offering stunning views and easy access to Coromandel Town. This spot is primed for fun thanks to the onsite boat ramp, playground, and water sports equipment hire.
- Location:3200 Long Bay Road
- Highlights: Beachfront destination close to Coromandel Town, surrounded by sheltered bays and bushland.
- Amenities for Dogs: Wide-open areas for exercise, beachfront access, dogs allowed during winter months.
- Restrictions: Pets allowed during winter; call ahead to confirm.
Tips for Dog-Friendly Camping
Camping with your dog is a lot of fun, but you've got to be well-prepared. Here is a checklist to make sure you are:
Bring Necessary Supplies
Make sure you pack all the essentials for your dog, including:- Food and Water Bowls (Collapsible bowls are great for travel)
- A sturdy leash and harness are a must for keeping your dog safe.
- Waste bags to keep the campsite clean.
- Bring familiar items to help your dog feel comfortable and entertained.
- A First-Aid Kit with items like gauze, adhesive tape, pet-safe sterile eyewash, and a digital thermometer.
Ensure Proper Identification and Vaccinations
Make sure your dog has ID tags with correct contact information, and consider adding a temporary tag with your campsite number. It's also a good idea to bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records and ensure they are up-to-date.
Mind the Leash Laws and Respect Other Campers
Most of the campgrounds we listed require dogs to be on a leash at some point (if not all the time). Keep your dog leashed until you’re in the designated spot, even if there are off-leash areas. It's also important to remember that not everyone is comfortable around dogs. Keep your dog close and be mindful of other campers’ space.
Keep Your Dog Safe
Make sure your dog is well hydrated and provides shade during hot weather. Watch for signs of heatstroke, like heavy panting, drooling, or lethargy. Be cautious of wildlife that could pose a threat to your dog, such as snakes, spiders, and certain plants. Protect your dog’s paws from hot pavement, sharp rocks, and other rough surfaces.
Plan Dog-Friendly Activities
Choose trails that are suitable for your dog's abilities and check for any restrictions. If you’re near a beach, ensure it’s dog-friendly and bring fresh water to rinse off salt or sand.
We’ll go camping with you!
Eukanuba is here to keep your dog full of energy to tackle the trails, open spaces, beaches and other fun areas available while camping. Explore our range of active dog food, pack some ready for your camping trip, and get ready to make some great memories with your dog.