The secret's out - bring your furry friend with you
Isn't it great to be able to take your furbaby with you when you're exploring more of our big backyard. There's so many pet-friendly places to stay with dog runs and awesome walks nearby including over 60 DOC spots on public conservation land. Do your research using our NZMCA app before you go so you know where they're welcome and if any conditions apply so we keep and grow your places to stay. Ready to explore? Here's some of our members' favourite places to take their furkids for you to check out for your next adventure. Where's your favourite?
NZMCA Parks
Use our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory to discover our growing network of 54 NZMCA member-only Parks – 28 up north and 26 down south.
You can stay for the very affordable rate of $5 per adult per night (children stay free). If you just need to use the facilities and you’re not staying the night, you can fill up with freshwater, empty out at the dump station, rubbish and recycling bins - all for free. And bonus – arrive and leave when you’re ready. There’s no check in or out time at our NZMCA Parks.
Weedons NZMCA Park (Site ID 7561), Christchurch
Lovely place to park up, close enough for easy access into Christchurch, but far enough away from the road for it to be nice and quiet. Great facilities and lovely lounge for happy hour. Thank you for the dog walking area - our schnoodle had other dogs to play with to burn up energy.
Parnassus NZMCA Park (Site ID 7288)
What a gem of a place and a nice relaxing spot. Dog run, fresh water and lots and lots of space. Community room with book swap. Lovely trees and a large flat grassy area. Good swimming over Waiau River Bridge..access via gravel 4WD. Not far away from Cheviot, Four Square and a petrol station.
Bell Block NZMCA Park (Site ID 4171), New Plymouth
Thank you for having a dog exercise area. We also grabbed beers from The Theoretical Brewer down the road. Perfect location for us. Good views of the mountain and handy to a great cycle trail. Next to a lovely park to walk across to the shops. Beautiful in autumn. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly New Plymouth.
Hanmer River Bridge NZMCA Park (Site ID 7224)
Lovely quiet spot. Ideal for those travelling with dogs. The ground is firm and perfect for a winter stopover unlike the freedom camping spot that can get boggy. Lovely spot with the river close to swim in. Easy 5 min bike ride to Hanmer Springs town.
Te Aroha NZMCA Park (Site ID 1358)
Loved the Park, loved the pretty town which is close by and the tiny skink in the shed was a bonus. Great place for dogs too. Fantastic camp close to cycle trail and easy 1km walk to town. Te Aroha is a lovely place. Had the best fish n chips we have had in many years at the Stanley Ave New light minimart and takeaway. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Te Aroha.
The Willows NZMCA Park (Site ID 7469)
One of the best Parks if you're travelling with dogs with direct access at the back to the dog park. Having the river just over the other side gives you the opportunity to swim your dog in the pools and have fish. There's a large dead-end section of the river deep and safe enough for dogs to swim in. Short drive from Christchurch. Quiet and the night sky is fabulous.
Park Over Properties
Explore more of our big backyard and experience our unique NZMCA network of awesome overnight parking spots on private land throughout New Zealand. Choose from locations near sandy beaches; rivers and lakes; hilltop vistas; on a farm or vineyard; or stay, eat and play at an iconic Kiwi pub or near a local attraction. Find your favourite spots using our NZMCA app and online Travel Directory.
Warwick & Natalie Allen POP (Site ID 4837), Levin
What a fabulous place! Beautiful rural outlook. Lovely and quiet and a very peaceful place to stay with views over paddocks and out to the bush-clad ranges. Great for star gazing too! The fur babies also loved it. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Levin.
Woodbury Domain POP (Site ID 7858), Geraldine
An absolute gem. Very quiet and peaceful. Fantastic spot, idyllic setting in a lovely wee town. Just down the road from the famous Woodbury cafe. Nice walk through the trees for you and your dog - country domain gardens. More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Geraldine.
The Three Furlongs Bar & Grill POP (Site ID 738), Kaiwaka
Awesome off-road camp. A quiet paddock at the back of the hotel. Only a few young nosey cattle there with us. We had a lovely meal at the hotel, Great and safe place for dogs with a small creek at the back.
Historical Maritime Park POP (Site ID 2294), Paeroa
What a fantastic place to stay. Great for the dogs and the walks. Beautiful setting, lovely outlook and interesting heritage relics. Used as a base to cycle the Hauraki Rail Trail to Waihi. Great museum to view, great people running the place, and great cat to scritch! More reasons to visit Motorhome Friendly Paeroa.
CampSaver Camps
A great option if you’re travelling with kids, need power, a bigger shower, or access to their other convenient facilities – without breaking the bank. You’re spoilt for choice with more than 80 camps nationwide. There’s no minimum night’s stay and you’ll save heaps. Use our NZMCA app or online Travel Directory to find all our CampSaver camps and see what rate and peak exclusion dates apply. You’ll save either 25% OR only pay a fixed rate of $22 for two adults ($18 for one), which applies to a vehicle, per night, on a powered site.
Gentle Annie Seaside Accommodation & Camping Ground (Site ID 6436), Westport
This camp is a gem and the perfect base for going off to explore e.g Karamea and areas. Their cafe coffee is great and the baking is to die for, especially the muffins. Wonderful walking on the beach and so pet friendly. Hubby got a couple of good snapper off the beach.
Freedom Camping
Use our NZMCA app or online Travel Directory to find out if there are any restrictions e.g max. nights stay or vehicle numbers before you go. Check the comments section for member intel about access, site conditions, facilities and popularity.
Scargill Motunau Reserve (Site ID 7311), Greta Valley, North Canterbury
Green and quiet with lovely walks. Good parking up on the grass overlooking the reserve. Enjoyed a stroll on the tracks with the dogs. Beside the cricket field, squash court, bowls and tennis clubs. There's an honesty box if you want to use the facilities.