Destinations
Best places for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury
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Hoping to explore the Canterbury region with your favourite furry companion by your side? With a host of fantastic sites offering dog-friendly camping in Canterbury, there has never been a better time to hit the road.
Discover this spectacular area of the South Island together with our ultimate list of the 7 best dog-friendly camping grounds in Canterbury. This round up includes the price, location and pup-perfect features for each campsite so that you can choose the perfect spot to set up camp with your dog.
H2: 7 best dog-friendly campgrounds in Canterbury
1. North South Holiday Park
530 Sawyers Arms Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand | Powered sites $30 per night
In the heart of the Canterbury region, just five minutes from Christchurch town centre, this holiday park offers a host of facilities and is super pet-friendly. Enjoy access to two communal kitchens, two laundry rooms, bathroom facilities, a swimming pool, BBQ area, car wash, dump station, vehicle and luggage storage, and free WiFi!
A stone's throw from the International Antarctic Centre, Orana Wildlife Park, Christchurch Gondola and more, this spot for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury is ideal for exploring all that Christchurch has to offer. While pets are welcome, the park does request advance notice of their stay.
Dog-friendly features:
Plenty of wide-open areas to exercise your dog.
No additional charge for pets staying at powered sites.
Leashed pets are welcome in all outdoor areas of the park.
2. Leithfield Beach Holiday Park
18 Lucas Drive, Leithfield Beach, North Canterbury 7446, New Zealand | Powered site rental $23 per adult, $36 for 2 adults, $13 for each extra adult and $7.50 per child aged 2-15, under 2 free.
Wake up to the fresh, salty air at this beach holiday park/campsite. The perfect stop on any road trip with a dog, this is easily one of the best options for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury. Enjoy fantastic facilities including a shared, fully equipped kitchen, BBQ area, pristine bathrooms, coin laundry and kids playground.
Take a sunrise walk along Leithfield beach or if you’re staying over a weekend, we recommend strolling the local Amberley farmers market held each Saturday morning with your pup. The stunning nearby Kowai River Walk is also dog friendly and should not be missed.
Dog-friendly features:
Dogs are welcome year-round pending permission from camp management, even during school holidays when some other parks decline pets.
There is an off-leash beach attached to the park.
One fully fenced, powered site is available for ultimate doggie freedom during your stay.
Book Now
3. Lake Taylor Campsite
4394 Lake Sumner Road, Canterbury 7385, New Zealand| Adult (18+ years): $10 per night, Child (5–17 years): $5 per Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Nestled within Lake Sumner National Park, escape the city and immerse yourself in the stunning natural setting that is Lake Taylor. Enjoy wide open green spaces flanked by spectacular mountain ranges while camping right on the lake’s shoreline at this river campground.
These non-powered sites allow pets on a leash and offer easy access to several trails that you and your furry companion can explore. Should you prefer, there is also the option to fish, kayak or swim in the pristine waters. This is one of the best pet-friendly campgrounds in New Zealand for lovers of outdoor recreational activities.
There are toilets on site, but no drinking water available, so bring your own or be prepared to boil what is available - though fires are not permitted.
Dog-friendly features:
Dogs are welcome year-round.
Dogs can freely enjoy the campground so long as they remain on a leash.
Plenty of trails to explore and swimming to enjoy in the lake.
Book Now
4. Pioneer Park Campsite
1705722, Broomfield, Christchurch 8042, New Zealand | Adult (18+ years): $10 per night, Child (5–17 years): $5 per Infant (0 - 4 years): free
Forming part of the Pioneer Park Conservation area, this option for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury provides 40 unpowered sites with access to toilets and approved campfire pits. Surrounded by deciduous trees, this camping area is particularly beautiful in the Autumn when you and your dog can enjoy stunning foliage and leaves to run through!
Explore the nearby historic Burkes Cottage and St David’s Church among other relics or experience the many dog-friendly short walks and tramp trails connected with the campground. Once again, you’ll need to bring your own water for you and your pet.
Dog-friendly features:
Dogs are welcome on the campsite and surrounding trails while leashed.
Plenty of wide open spaces for exercising.
Fresh stream access for dogs that enjoy swimming.
5. Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park
154A Selwyn Street, Waimataitai, Timaru 7910, New Zealand| Powered sites from $51 per night
This spot for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury offers large powered camp sites with plenty of room for you and your pets. Enjoy the perfect position that is close to the coast and city centre while still offering that relaxed country vibe.
Stroll with your dog around stunning Caroline Bay or wander to the town centre just a short distance away. Make time to see the famous Te Ana Māori Rock Art, visit the breathtaking Sacred Heart Basilica or see it all from above with a scenic flight over the region (you’ll have to leave your pup on the ground for this one!).
Back at camp, make use of the immaculate bathroom and kitchen facilities as well as picnic tables and BBQs dotted across the park.
Dog-friendly features:
Walking distance to the town centre where pet-friendly cafes abound.
Pets are welcomed year-round without added fees.
Close to several dog-friendly waterfront areas.
6. Alpine Adventure Holiday Park, Hanmer Springs
200 Jacks Pass Road, Hanmer Springs 7334, New Zealand | Powered sites from $40 per night for two adults, $20 for each additional adult, $10 per child, infants free
Home to famous thermal pools and spectacular mountain trails, Hanmer Springs is a fantastic destination to visit with your pet. Enjoy a comfortable stay at this holiday park, where pets are welcomed provided they remain on leash and do not enter shared areas.
Featuring a swimming pool, laundry facilities, dump station, communal kitchen, BBQ areas and pristine ablution blocks, this holiday park comes highly recommended. Sit back and enjoy the lush mountain surroundings together or take your furry companion exploring on numerous dog-friendly trails.
Dog-friendly features
Several nearby trails allow for dog walking including Dog Stream Reserve and Woodland.
No additional charges for bringing your pet.
Spacious grounds allow ample space for your pet away from other campers.
7. NZMCA Park Lake Tekapo
Te Araroa Trail, Canterbury 7999, New Zealand | On top of membership fees: $5 per night for adults over 16 years
Arguably one of the best spots for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury, Lake Tekapo offers a wealth of activities where your dog is more than welcome. This campsite has a dog exercise area adjacent to the park where your furry friend can stretch their legs and make some new friends.
Enjoy some of New Zealand’s best views at this favourite kiwi holiday spot that is just a 10-minute drive to the township or a leisurely walk if preferred. Cycle, swim, kayak, fish and more in truly breathtaking surroundings.
Should you wish to explore further, Tekapo Springs offers the perfect place to relax or for keen photographers, the nearby Church Of The Good Shepherd should not be missed.
Dog-friendly features:
Fully fenced, off-leash dog exercise area adjacent to the campground
Plenty of wide dog-friendly trails surrounding Lake Tekapo and Lake Tekapo Regional Park.
Nearby cafes in the township welcome dogs in their outdoor dining areas.
Hire a dog-friendly van for your Canterbury camping trip
If you’ve decided to explore the Canterbury region with your pawed pal then all that remains is to arrange pet-friendly campervan hire in Canterbury. With so many options for dog-friendly camping in Canterbury, you and your beloved pet are sure to enjoy some incredible experiences together. From golden beaches to incredible forest trails, Canterbury has so much to offer both humans and canines alike. Start planning your adventure today with Camplify!
For more travel inspo, check out the best camping grounds in Canterbury (note: not all of these welcome pets)!
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The information in this blog is accurate and current as of the date of posting. Please be aware that information, facts, and links may become outdated over time.