Yes, in most cases your dog can travel around New Zealand with you. Going by car is the simplest way. Both Cook Strait ferries take dogs, with rules about where they sit for the crossing. Air New Zealand flies dogs in the hold on some domestic flights, but not in the cabin. Once you arrive, most national parks don't allow dogs. Operator rules can change, so check the details with each one when you book.
| How you're travelling | Can your dog come? | Where your dog travels |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Yes | Inside the car, in a crate or a dog car harness |
| Ute or trailer deck | Yes, on a public road if secured | On a tether or in a cage |
| Interislander ferry | Yes | In your vehicle, or in an on-board kennel |
| Bluebridge ferry | Yes | In your vehicle, in a kennel on the vehicle deck, or in a dog-friendly cabin |
| Air New Zealand | On some domestic flights | In the hold as checked baggage, never in the cabin |
| National parks | No | Only certified disability assist dogs, while working |
Can I take my dog on the inter-island ferry?
Yes. Both ferries across Cook Strait, Interislander and Bluebridge, take dogs. Where your dog spends the crossing depends on the operator, and on whether you're bringing a vehicle.
Interislander
If your dog stays in the car. Your dog can stay in your vehicle at no extra charge, as long as it's safe and comfortable for them. Tell staff at check-in that you have an animal with you. They'll give you a hanger for your rear-view mirror. Leave the windows open about 7cm for ventilation, and leave water for your dog.
Your dog has to be inside the vehicle or in a crate. They can't be tethered outside it, and they can't ride on the deck of a ute.
If your dog goes in a kennel. If your vehicle isn't suitable, you can book an on-board kennel. Book the kennel with your Interislander ticket, because kennels fill up, especially in summer.
If you're a foot passenger. Foot passengers with a dog must book a kennel in advance. Only certified assistance dogs are allowed on the passenger decks.
If conditions allow during the sailing, crew may take you down to check on your dog. Listen for the announcement.
Bluebridge
Your dog can travel in your vehicle, in a kennel on the vehicle deck, or in a dog-friendly cabin.
If your dog stays in the car, leave water and keep the windows open a little. If they're in a kennel, bring a water container with you.
Bluebridge also has a Dog Pawsport. Your dog gets a stamp for each sailing they make.
Can my dog fly on a domestic flight in NZ?
Dogs can't fly in the cabin on Air New Zealand, only in the aircraft hold. The exception is certified assistance dogs. Other dogs can travel as checked baggage, and only on some domestic flights. Checked baggage means your dog travels in the hold, not with you in the cabin.
How do I book my dog on a flight?
Before you book, check the size limits for your flight. They're tighter on the smaller turboprop planes, the ones with propellers. Once your own flight is booked, ask Air New Zealand to add your dog to your booking.
A carrier that meets the standard has a solid, leak-proof floor, and a door your dog can't get a nose or paw through. The dog and carrier together can't weigh more than 60kg.
Can every breed fly?
Not always. Air New Zealand has breed restrictions for snub-nosed breeds, meaning dogs with a short, flat face. They're more sensitive to heat and to the stress of travel. Check the airline's page for the current list.
How do I keep my dog safe on a road trip?
Keep your dog secure while you drive, stop regularly, and never leave them in a parked car on a warm day. A dog on the back of a ute has its own legal rule.
Inside the car
A crate or a dog car harness keeps your dog secure inside the car.
Stop regularly for water, a toilet break and a stretch. Those toilet stops are when you'll want a poop bag within reach.
On the back of a ute
A dog on the open deck of a ute or trailer on a public road must be tethered or caged, so they can't fall or hang off. Working farm dogs moving stock are exempt.
If you use a tether, get the length right. It should be short enough that their legs can't reach over the side. It should also be long enough for them to stand or lie down naturally.
Hot cars
Dogs can suffer quickly and die in hot cars. Never leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day.
Where you're staying
Check your accommodation takes dogs before you book.
Can I take my dog into national parks?
No. Pets aren't allowed in national parks, most other conservation land, or wildlife reserves. That applies even on a lead or in a carrier. The rule is there to protect native wildlife.
It doesn't rule out every walk on conservation land. Some conservation areas are open to dogs, and some allow dogs with a permit. DOC's dog access pages list the places dogs can go. DOC, the Department of Conservation, puts the dog rules at the top of each track's page. You'll also find them on signs at the track.
Certified disability assist dogs can go on any conservation land while they're working.
Work out where your dog can walk before you arrive. For an everyday walk while you're away, council beaches and parks are often the easier option. Try our picks of dog-friendly beaches around NZ, or these dog-friendly hiking spots.
What should I pack for my dog?
- Water and a bowl, for the regular stops
- Their usual food
- Their bed or blanket
- A lead
- A supply of poop bags, for every stop and every new walk
Keep your dog on the food they're used to while you're away. A sudden change of food on top of travel is hard on a sensitive tummy.
Where Little Green Dog fits
New walks and roadside stops go easier when the bags are already on the lead. The Poo Pod clips to a lead with a velcro strap, or to a belt or key ring with a metal clasp. It's made from recycled plastic drink bottles. Our poop bags are certified home compostable, so they can go in a backyard compost bin.
Questions people ask
Can dogs fly in the cabin in New Zealand?
Not on Air New Zealand, unless they're a certified assistance dog. Other dogs can travel as checked baggage in the aircraft hold on some domestic flights. You book your own flight first, then ask Air New Zealand to add your dog.
Can I take my dog on the Interislander as a foot passenger?
Yes, but you must book an on-board kennel in advance. Only certified assistance dogs are allowed on the passenger decks. Kennels fill up, especially in summer, so book the kennel with your ticket.
Can my dog stay in the car on the ferry?
Yes, on both Cook Strait ferries. On the Interislander, your dog can stay in your vehicle at no extra charge, as long as it's safe and comfortable for them. Leave the windows open about 7cm, leave water, and tell staff at check-in that you have an animal. On Bluebridge, leave water and keep the windows open a little.
Are dogs allowed in national parks in NZ?
No. Pets aren't allowed in national parks, most other conservation land, or wildlife reserves, even on a lead or in a carrier. Some conservation areas are open to dogs, and some allow dogs with a permit. DOC lists the dog rules at the top of each track's page.
Can my dog ride on the back of a ute?
Yes, but on a public road they must be secured with a tether or a cage, so they can't fall or hang off. A tether should be short enough that their legs can't reach over the side, and long enough for them to stand or lie down naturally. Working farm dogs moving stock are exempt. On the Interislander, dogs can't travel on the deck of a ute.