Destinations
Best places for dog-friendly camping in the Northland
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Hoping to explore the Northland region with your favourite furry companion by your side? With a host of fantastic sites offering dog-friendly camping in the Northland, there has never been a better time to hit the road with your pooch. This incredible subtropical region on New Zealand’s North Island is home to sheltered beaches, sweeping sand dunes, wineries, colonial-era towns, and a significant cultural site: Waitangi Treaty Grounds.
Discover this spectacular area with our ultimate list of the 9 best spots for dog friendly camping in the Northland. 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.
9 best dog-friendly campgrounds in the Northland
1. Whananaki Holiday Park And Motels
2160 Whananaki North Road, Whananaki | Powered sites $22 per night
Situated on the stunning Tutukaka Coast, Whananaki Holiday Park is right on the ocean with hidden coves, pristine beaches and the Whananaki estuary to explore. Check whether your dog can come for a dip before you leave camp - dogs are allowed on many beaches in the Whangārei District, provided they don’t have conservation bans to protect wildlife.
There’s plenty more to do outdoors, from rock fishing to paddleboarding. You can even hire paddle boards and kayaks from the camp. This is also the only pet-friendly caravan and motorhome park in the immediate area, so your four-footed friend can join for adventure!
At the campsite, you will find a wood fired pizza oven, BBQ and large camp kitchen. There’s also hot showers for you to enjoy, as well as a laundry room, playground and swimming pool.
Dog-friendly features:
Plenty of wide-open areas to exercise your dog.
$5 charge for pets staying at sites.
Leashed pets are welcome in all outdoor areas of the park.
2. Blue Heron Holiday Park
85 Scott Road, Tamaterau 0174, New Zealand | From $43 per night
This dog-friendly holiday park sits on the waters edge under a canopy of trees, with a gorgeous outlook over the water. The beach is on your doorstep, so you can enjoy water sports or simply take a dip, or take off on a nearby bush walk with your pooch to explore the surrounding area - just keep them on a leash while you explore.
You can take advantage of their year-long summer in Northland with the best surf beaches, sheltered bays, forests for you to take your furry friend through, islands, and historic towns to check out.
Back at the campsite, relax with some stunning views and make use of their camp kitchen, waterfront BBQ house, laundry facilities, bathrooms and onsite shop that has plenty of convenience foods.
Dog-friendly features:
Dogs are welcome year-round.
Dogs can explore anywhere in the park outdoors, as long as they are on a leash.
Plenty of trails in the area to take them exploring with you.
Book Now
3. Houhora Heads Motor Camp
Pukenui 0484, New Zealand | From $15 per person per night
This is one of our favourite pet-friendly campgrounds in New Zealand situated right on the harbour entrance, where you can enjoy some stunning views.
There’s lots to keep you busy during your stay here. Head to the country’s northernmost golf club at Houhora Golf Club for a 9-hole course, drive past the Houhora Tavern, head off fishing or enjoy some water sports.
Houhora Heads Motor Camp is a great spot for dog friendly camping in the Northland, with a shaded pet area set aside so you can stay with your furry pooch. The campsite also has a swimming pool and trampoline for the kids, small communal kitchens, coin-operated washing machines and dryers, and more.
Dog-friendly features:
Special area set aside for dogs (called Baskerville).
Plenty of natural shade to keep your furry friend cool during the day.
Lots of trails in the area to take them exploring with you.
4. Riverside Holiday Park
41 Black Swamp Road, Mangawhai 0975, New Zealand | From $44 per night
This spot is ideal for dog friendly camping in the Northland. Settle back and enjoy a breathtaking sunset from your shorefront site.
Just a few minutes’ drive away, you can visit Mangawhai’s many restaurants and cafes for a bite to eat, or enjoy a round of golf at the championship course. There’s also a bird sanctuary that’s worth making a trip to or head to the world-famous Mangawhai Tavern (either way, it’s probably best to leave your dog at home!). There’s also plenty of all-weather walking tracks so you can get out with your pup and enjoy some panoramic gulf views.
The park offers a kitchen, TV and games room, laundry and two amenity blocks. There’s also plenty of open space to walk your pooch, as well as a children’s playground with two trampolines, Pentanqe court and more.
Dog-friendly features:
Dogs are welcome for $5 per night.
Great walk to the sand dunes or nearby ocean beaches - just make sure they’re dog-friendly first.
Plenty of walking tracks in the area.
Book Now
5. Pukenui Holiday Park
34 Lamb Road, Pukenui 0484, New Zealand | From $18 per person per night
This is one of the best dog-friendly camping grounds on the North Island and an ideal pet-friendly stop-over when exploring the top of New Zealand. The park is just 500m from the famous Pukenui Wharf and Houhora Harbour. It’s also easy to visit Cape Reinga and the Lighthouse, the Bay of Islands and the many beaches in the area.
There are plenty of sites to choose from where your dog is welcome to join. At the camp, you can enjoy two kitchens, two bathroom blocks, a laundry and a BBQ area. There’s also a tree hut with farmyard animals for you to visit. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a lead at all times while wandering the park.
Dog-friendly features:
Sites with clear boundaries for pets.
Plenty of large, grassed areas for your pet to run.
Lots of shaded sites to choose from to keep your furry friend cool throughout the day.
6. Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments and Campervan Park
52 Puketona Road, Paihia 0204, New Zealand | From $16 per person per night
Set in relaxing surroundings that include a mature olive tree grove and a large lily pond, the Bay of Islands Campervan & Caravan Park is an ideal spot for dog friendly camping in the Northland.
It’s also just a two-minute walk to the beach, or a 10-minute stroll into Paihia, where you can check out the restaurants and cafes, or take off on a tour. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are just a short walk, as well as Action World for some fun (you may need to leave your dog back at camp for these attractions!). There’s plenty of walks to take from the park itself, with your dog in hand or on a leash.
There are plenty of facilities to enjoy including free unlimited Wifi, covered BBQ area, coin-operated showers and more.
Dog-friendly features
Several nearby trails to explore.
No additional charges for bringing your pet.
Spacious grounds allow ample space for your pet away from other campers.
7. Waitangi Holiday Park
21 Tahuna Road, Paihia 0200, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Waitangi Holiday Park is centrally located in the Bay of Islands, with a short walk along the Te Ti Bay shoreline to Paihia town, where you can find restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
There are also plenty of nearby attractions that you can check out with your dog in tow. Head off on one of the many bush walks, or take the Waitangi mountain bike trail to explore the Northland region.
You can also make use of many facilities during your stay with a shared kitchen, laundry and BBQ area, along with toilets and TV room. It’s the perfect place for dog friendly camping in the Northland!
Dog-friendly features
No additional charges for bringing your pet.
Many bush walks in the area to check out.
Peaceful setting surrounded by trees providing natural shade.
Book Now
8. Baylys Beach Holiday Park
24 Sea View Road, Dargaville 0377, New Zealand | From $20 per night
This Dargaville holiday park is a great place for dog friendly camping in the Northland. It is just a short walk from the incredible sandy beaches of Northland, with coastal walks, surfing, horse trekking and golf all on the agenda.
Head to Ripiro Beach, the longest drivable beach in New Zealand, and take your dog for the 112km journey. Make sure they are on a leash. You can also check out Dargaville Museum (leaving your pup behind for this one) to learn more about shipwrecks found in the area.
During your stay, you can make use of the large communal kitchen, BBQ area, coin-operated washing machine and dryer, and much more.
Dog-friendly features
Next to Ripiro Beach where you can take your pooch for a drive.
No additional charges for bringing your pet.
Plenty of walks and tracks in the area.
Hire a dog-friendly van for your Northland camping trip
Ready to head off on a road trip with a dog? If you’ve decided to explore the Northland region with your furry pal, then all that remains is to arrange pet-friendly campervan hire in the Northland region. You can plan the ideal Northland road trip with your best friend in tow, stopping along the way in some stunning places where you can hike, swim and explore for days on end!
You and your beloved pet are sure to enjoy some incredible experiences together staying at these ideal spots for dog friendly camping in the Northland. Start planning your adventure today with Camplify.
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