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Summer in New Zealand is the perfect time to explore the great outdoors, and what better way to enjoy it than with your furry friend by your side? With its stunning landscapes, pet-friendly destinations, and temperate climate, New Zealand offers countless opportunities for adventure. Whether you’re a Kiwi planning a local pet travel holiday or thinking of travelling with your pet from overseas to experience New Zealand’s beauty, these summer pet travel tips will help you make the most of your summer getaway in NZ!

Jetpets has years of experience providing exceptional local and overseas pet travel services in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other areas in New Zealand. We’ve put together our top tips when visiting New Zealand with your furry companion.

Planning Your Trip

Travelling with dogs or pets requires extra preparation to ensure both you and your pal have a stress-free experience. A little research and forward planning can go a long way in making your trip enjoyable and safe.

Choosing pet-friendly locations

Start by finding pet-friendly travel destinations – including accommodations and recreational areas. A growing number of places around New Zealand cater to animal lovers, offering amenities to keep your pet comfortable. From pet-friendly hotels in urban hubs like Auckland and Wellington to charming lodges near Rotorua’s thermal parks, there are options for every travel style. For dining, look for cafés and restaurants with outdoor seating areas where pets are permitted. By taking care of this research in advance, you and your furry friends can relax on the road, knowing exactly where you can go!

Prepping for travel

Getting your pet used to travelling is key to a smooth journey. If your cat or dog associates car rides with trips to the vet, try introducing them to shorter, fun outings like a trip to the park to create positive associations. You can also make their travel space inviting by adding a blanket or toy they’re familiar with. If crate travel is necessary, ensure they are comfortable by gradually acclimatising them to it at home before your trip.

Pet-friendly activities

New Zealand’s national parks and beaches offer endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it’s essential to check local regulations before you head off. Some parks have restrictions on where dogs are allowed, and leashing is often required to protect wildlife, so pet etiquette is pretty important . Popular destinations like Mount Maunganui’s beach or Queenstown’s lakefront offer fantastic, pet-friendly experiences when rules are followed.

Heat Awareness

Summer temperatures in New Zealand can reach highs of 30ºC, making it vital to plan ahead for your pet’s comfort. Heat safety leads us to our next important part!

Staying Cool

Hot weather poses unique challenges for travelling pets, so understanding and mitigating risks is essential to their safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Here are our experts’ tips to help your pet stay safe and happy in the summer heat.

Temperature control

Unlike humans, pets struggle to cool themselves efficiently by sweating; their primary method of heat regulation is panting. For flat-faced breeds like pugs and bulldogs, this is even more difficult to regulate due to respiratory restriction. A healthy dog’s body temperature is around 38.5°C, and anything higher can lead to heat stress or heat stroke.

With this in mind, it’s important for their humans to take precautions to prevent their temperature from rising beyond a safe level. Be particularly cautious on days exceeding 25°C, as anything above this can quickly become dangerous. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule for what temperature is safe for dogs, as age, health, and coat type can also affect heat tolerance. The only way to keep your pet safe is to monitor them closely and stay vigilant for signs of heat stress like drooling, discoloured gums, and excessive panting.

Sun cream and skin care

Did you know that pets can get sunburnt too? Especially those with light-coloured fur or exposed skin. Grooming your pet to remove excess fur can help keep them cooler, but be cautious not to shave them too short as some fur offers protection from UV rays. To increase their protection from the sun, use pet-safe sunscreen, applying it every 3-4 hours on areas like the nose and ears. Avoid human sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and other ingredients that can be toxic to pets.

The 5-second rule

A simple way to check if surfaces are too hot for your pet’s paws is the 5-second rule. Place the back of your hand on the ground; if it’s too hot to hold for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet to walk on. If you still need to get around outside during peak temperatures, stick to grassy or shaded areas to protect sensitive paw pads.

Exercise times

Plan exercise sessions for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid vigorous activities like running or chasing balls during the day, and stick to water activities like pool or beach trips where your pup can cool down. This way, your pet can still enjoy their daily dose of movement without risking overheating. Since most cats aren’t too fond of water, we suggest leaving them safely indoors with plenty of shade and access to drinking water.

Cool tricks

Help your pet stay cool with some simple tricks. Add ice cubes to their water bowl or create frozen treats by filling a Kong toy with peanut butter or wet food and freezing it. Cooling pads are another excellent way to keep your pet comfortable, as they absorb body heat and provide relief from high temperatures.

The Best For Your Pet

New Zealand’s summer offers unparalleled adventures for you and your pet, but keeping their safety and comfort a priority is crucial. Always provide access to shade and fresh water, and plan your activities around the weather to ensure a happy, healthy trip for everyone.

For stress-free travel, take a look at Jetpet’s international pet travel services to ensure your furry friend is ready for the holiday of a lifetime, otherwise get in touch to speak with someone directly. With proper preparation, your summer adventures in New Zealand can be memorable for all the right reasons.

To-dos before you travel

When travelling with your pooch, you’ll need to take care of their pre-holiday checklist as well as your own. This includes making sure they’re up-to-date with their vaccinations and health checks, and have any documentation they may need for travel. If you’re unsure what to look for, then the Jetpets team can help you out.

Packing for your pup is another important preflight to-do. First up, you’ll want to stock up on their favourite treats and food to eat while they’re away from home. Bowls and toys are also important to bring along, as being in unfamiliar places can be stressful for dogs, and having home comforts can help to keep them calm.

Getting around

If you’re travelling New Zealand by car, then be aware of New Zealand’s laws regarding pets in vehicles. These are in place for their comfort and safety, as well as those of other road users, so sticking to them is paramount. When it comes to public transport, on the other hand, the rules can change depending on your location. In Auckland, for example, domesticated animals are allowed on public transport, but there may be some restrictions depending on the service.

Whatever the weather

Dogs can’t directly tell you when they’re too hot or too cold, so it’s up to you to be mindful of the inside and outside temperatures on their behalf.

While 25° might seem like a beautiful summer’s day to you, for your dog, it’s enough to burn their paws when they walk outside. During seasonal peaks and high heats while you travel, your dog will rely on you to keep them safe and comfortable. One way to do this is to make sure they have access to water and shade, but this can be tricky if you’re actively on the move. Cooling ice pads are perfect for use on the road, as they work by absorbing body heat without the need for refrigeration or freezing.

Winter getaways across the Land of the Long White Cloud can get pretty chilly, and even with fur to keep them somewhat warm, your travel pal will likely need more help. Having blankets to hand is a quick fix to this when you’re travelling, particularly during the colder months when temperatures below 7° can pose a threat to some breeds.

Whether you’re at home, on a  holiday or have made the big move to NZ, following pet etiquette is a must!  Here are some interesting facts you may not know.

Leash laws

New Zealand has strict laws and regulations that dog owners must follow, and councils around the country also implement their own additional rules. For your dog’s safety, it’s crucial that you familiarise yourself with the guidelines of each location you visit, as these can vary from place to place. At a minimum, you should keep your dog leashed, or be carrying the leash with you at all times. Remember that abiding by these regulations is necessary to protect yourself and other animals, as well as being crucial for the local environment and wildlife.

Cleaning up

From Auckland to Wellington, Hutt, and around the country, picking up poo is the responsibility of the dog owner. If you fail to clean up after your pup, you can face fines of hundreds of dollars, so don’t leave your holiday accommodation without dog waste bags!

Are you getting ready to set off on an adventure across Aotearoa (New Zealand) with your furry friend in tow? Travelling New Zealand with your dog can be an amazing experience, just as long as you know the ins and outs of pet-friendly travel! From coastal road trips to countryside escapes, we’ve got the ultimate guide to make you and your pet’s holiday a walk in the park.

Here, we’ll share our top dog-friendly destinations across New Zealand’s North and South Islands.

The Ultimate Travel Companion

Owning a dog comes with a range of proven health benefits, and when you travel with your pooch, you’ll likely uncover even more.

As well as being a built-in bff, your dog will also provide you with some good motivation to get out and about, particularly during New Zealand’s cold or rainy spells. On average, dog owners exercise more than non-dog owners, and your pal needs fresh air and a run around come rain or shine, encouraging you to get outdoors, too. Taking a trip to a local dog park on your travels also creates a great opportunity for you to strike up conversation with the locals, so it’s a win-win for you and your pooch.

Dog-Friendly Destinations in New Zealand

New Zealand’s 13 national parks are off limits to dogs, as are nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries, and owners can face large fines for breaking these rules as part of the Dog Control Act. If you check out the Department of Conservation website, though, you’ll find plenty of places where you can set up camp with your furry friend.

As for spots where your dog is more than welcome, here are a few of our top picks around the country!

North Island

Auckland

Cornwall park has off-leash areas that span far and wide, giving your dog plenty of space to run around just 15 minutes by car from the CDB. A stone’s throw from the city, this spot is immersed in nature, and even offers sheep-spotting experiences (which your dog must be leashed for!)

If the coast is more your style, then head over to Mission Bay. Here, your pup can frolic off-leash before 10am and after 5pm while you sit back and relax at a waterfront cafe or stroll the scenic walkway.

Waiheke Island

For a true island getaway, hop on the ferry to Waiheke Island. Your dog can make the crossing for free, and once you arrive, can enjoy all the perks of island life! This dog-friendly utopia has plenty for everyone to enjoy, from restaurants, cafes, and accommodation to winery tours that welcome your pal along for the experience.

Rotorua

With hiking, camping, and kayaking opportunities, Rotorua is the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. The small city is widely dog-friendly, so you’ll be sure to find experiences you can take your pooch along to. If you’re visiting during the transitional months, be sure to make some time for a visit to Centennial Park which is ripe with cherry blossoms in spring and dressed in fall colours throughout autumn.

South Island

Christchurch

Jump into the off-leash paradise that is Bottle Lake Forest, with more than 1,000 hectares of open space. This spot has well-marked trails for you to explore and mountain bike through, so you can embrace that kiwi sense of adventure!

Lake Wanaka

With waterfront views, rolling mountains, and open space as far as the eye can see, Wanaka is a sight to behold for anyone who finds peace and joy in nature. While your furry friend may not have the same appreciation for the scenery, there’s no doubt they’ll revel in the opportunity to run free. To pump a sweat, head 24 metres up the Mount Iron Track and take in the view from the top.

Dunedin

Situated on the south-east coast of South Island New Zealand, Dunedin is a university town with a lot to offer. For dog owners specifically, there are safe swimming beaches and off-leash areas that welcome pets, as well as a local dog community if you feel like making friends.

Planning Your Trip

For international pet travel or domestic pet transportation, Jetpets is your go-to hub of information and services. When it comes to travelling this breathtaking country with your furry friend, we’re here to help, so contact us to start planning the trip of a lifetime!