The top 5 dog-friendly camping spots in rotorua
Nothing beats getaways with your dog, and camping is one of the easiest (and cheapest) options available. Camping is a popular activity in Rotorua, and it's no surprise why. There is almost too much natural beauty here! Luckily, dog-friendly camping spots are plentiful in Rotorua, inviting you to discover the great outdoors with your fur buddy.
From the moment you arrive, the distinctive scent of sulphur emanating from geothermal hot spots serves as a testament to the city's volcanic heritage, and there are many activities and attractions for thrill-seekers. Rotorua is nothing short of an adventure playground with world-class mountain biking trails that wind their way through the iconic Redwood Forest and Lake Rotorua, the largest among the 17 lakes that dot the district's landscape.
Let's find the best locations for a healthy dose of natural beauty and canine-friendly adventures in Rotorua, which is a camping paradise for both seasoned travellers and first-time explorers.
We begin on the serene shores of Lake Rotorua, where Willowhaven Holiday Park offers affordability, convenience, and natural beauty. Strategically positioned near the city's popular tourist attractions, Willowhaven is a dog-friendly campsite with powered and non-powered sites, campervan spaces, and flats or cabins for those who like the creature comforts.
Willowhaven has a tidy toilet block, convenient shower facilities, a children's playground, and a boat ramp if you and your dog like a gentle float in a kayak along Lake Rotorua. Located on the western shores of the lake, just six kilometres from the city, Willowhaven is also close to the Ngongotaha Shopping Centre, just in case you are running low on treats.
Location: 31 Beaumont Road, Bay of Plenty 3010
The Rotorua Family Holiday Park is a dog-friendly site within walking distance of Lake Rotorua, Ngongotaha Village, and pretty much everything else you and your dog could want to explore! They have powered campsites, cozy cabins and units, all of which are dog-friendly!
The park is very family-friendly, with an on-site playground, a netted trampoline, a TV/games room and a solar-heated swimming pool. There are pet-friendly facilities and ample green spaces for your dog to burn some energy in, and the park is conveniently located near some of Rotorua's most popular attractions. From the thrill of Velocity Valley and the Skyline Restaurant with its gondola and luge to the interactive experiences at Zorb and the Agrodome, there's no shortage of entertainment options for you and your dog.
Location: 22 Beaumont Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua
From the moment you arrive, the distinctive scent of sulphur emanating from geothermal hot spots serves as a testament to the city's volcanic heritage, and there are many activities and attractions for thrill-seekers. Rotorua is nothing short of an adventure playground with world-class mountain biking trails that wind their way through the iconic Redwood Forest and Lake Rotorua, the largest among the 17 lakes that dot the district's landscape.
Let's find the best locations for a healthy dose of natural beauty and canine-friendly adventures in Rotorua, which is a camping paradise for both seasoned travellers and first-time explorers.
Willowhaven Holiday Park
We begin on the serene shores of Lake Rotorua, where Willowhaven Holiday Park offers affordability, convenience, and natural beauty. Strategically positioned near the city's popular tourist attractions, Willowhaven is a dog-friendly campsite with powered and non-powered sites, campervan spaces, and flats or cabins for those who like the creature comforts.
Willowhaven has a tidy toilet block, convenient shower facilities, a children's playground, and a boat ramp if you and your dog like a gentle float in a kayak along Lake Rotorua. Located on the western shores of the lake, just six kilometres from the city, Willowhaven is also close to the Ngongotaha Shopping Centre, just in case you are running low on treats.
Location: 31 Beaumont Road, Bay of Plenty 3010
Rotorua Family Holiday Park
The Rotorua Family Holiday Park is a dog-friendly site within walking distance of Lake Rotorua, Ngongotaha Village, and pretty much everything else you and your dog could want to explore! They have powered campsites, cozy cabins and units, all of which are dog-friendly!
The park is very family-friendly, with an on-site playground, a netted trampoline, a TV/games room and a solar-heated swimming pool. There are pet-friendly facilities and ample green spaces for your dog to burn some energy in, and the park is conveniently located near some of Rotorua's most popular attractions. From the thrill of Velocity Valley and the Skyline Restaurant with its gondola and luge to the interactive experiences at Zorb and the Agrodome, there's no shortage of entertainment options for you and your dog.
Location: 22 Beaumont Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua
Boyes Beach Reserve
Boyes Beach Reserve is a 15-minute drive from the city centre along the expansive shores of Lake Ōkareka. As one of the largest beaches on Lake Ōkareka, Boyes Beach Reserve is a popular spot for campers and their dogs during the warm summer months. The pristine sands become a playground for a variety of activities that you can partake in with your dog, from refreshing swims in the lake to idyllic picnics. The reserve offers a picnic area, convenient barbecues, a children's playground, drinking water, toilets, showers, and dishwashing facilities.
Boyes Beach Reserve provides a designated overnight parking area designed to cater to motorhome and campervan enthusiasts' needs. A picturesque walkway also connects Boyes Beach to the Lake Ōkareka Department of Conservation campsite, offering a scenic walk for you and your fur-friend that passes by two local jumping rocks.
Boyes Beach Reserve's dog-friendly policy has some restrictions during the summer months. From December 15 to March 1, dogs are not permitted on the reserve between 9 am and 7 pm, but outside of these hours, dogs can be either leashed or unleashed, provided they are under control at all times.
Location: Millar Road, RD 5, Lake Ōkareka, Rotorua
Trout Pool Reserve Campground
The Trout Pool Reserve Campground along Trout Pool Road is ideal for campervan owners and the self-contained traveller (and their dog). Approximately 22 minutes away from Rotorua, this free camping site is a great way to explore the Okere Falls area.
There's just one catch: This campground caters exclusively to vehicle-based accommodations, and tents are not permitted. So, for those of you who camp on wheels with your dog, this is an excellent base for exploring the Okere Falls area, with the Okere Falls Track conveniently running from this location. The hike is a leisurely stroll, and white water rafting is available on the world's largest commercially rafted falls. The campground also offers on-site toilets to make things a little more comfortable.
Location: 103 Trout Pool Rd, Okere Falls
Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground
Right in the heart of the enchanting Waikite Valley, the Waikite Valley Thermal Pools Campground is a picturesque camping site with exclusive access to stunning local hot pools that are completely free! You can unwind against the backdrop of the Waikite Valley and the serene Otamakokore Stream with your dog!
There are also some more personal and intimate soaks available via private hot pools for reservation at a cost, and you can enjoy a bite to eat at the 'Pukeko in a Ponga Tree' licensed cafe. You can also take a short walk along the track that leads to Te Manaroa Spring to see geothermal spring water bubbling to the surface, and all of this is just a 24-minute drive from Rotorua!
It is, however, important to note that while pets are allowed to stay, responsible pet ownership is crucial. Dogs must be kept under control at all times, and unruly behaviour may result in removal without a refund. To maintain the thermal environment and ensure the safety of all patrons, dogs are required to be on a leash and are not permitted in the Pool complex.
Location: 648 Waikite Valley Road, RD1, Rotorua 3077
At Eukaunba, we love the beauty of New Zealand, but we're even happier to see people out enjoying it and being active with their dogs! Check out our article on the best dog-friendly hiking trails in New Zealand, and spend your weekend soaking in all of NZ's natural beauty with your best friend!