64 DOC campsites are now dog-friendly

A trip to DOC’s Mavora Lakes campsite is unforgettable. Set right on the edge of North Mavora Lake, the campsite delivers tranquillity and majestic New Zealand landscapes in equal measure. The stunning vista of the lakes and the Thomson and Livingstone mountains is reminiscent of the Queenstown Lakes area, but without the crowds. 

Campsite information: There are two main camping areas within the campsite – one on the edge of the lake, the other between South and North Mavora Lakes. The campsite has 60 non-powered sites. Amenities include untreated water from a tap, a fireplace, BBQ, toilets and a boat launching area. Dogs must be kept on leashes. The DOC/NZMCA campsite pass can be used year-round. 

Getting there: Turn off SH94 at Centre Hill or Burwood Station, approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Te Anau, then follow the gravel road for 39kms. 

Activities: Mavora Lakes campsite is the perfect place to relax. But for more active visitors, there are also opportunities for boating, trout fishing, hiking and mountain biking. Several places around the lakes were filming locations for Lord of the Rings, for scenes at Nen Hithoel, the Anduin River and Fangorn Forest. For an enjoyable day walk, try the South Mavora Lake walking track. This track leads along the side of South Mavora Lake to a swing bridge at its outlet. Allow 2hrs 30mins to the swing bridge. For a longer walk, you can also continue on the track between Lake Mavora and Kiwi Burn Hut (the hut is an additional 4hrs). Alternatively, just a short drive down Mavora Lakes Road is another entrance to the Kiwi Burn Hut track – a walk from here to the hut is 3hrs return. Dogs are allowed on these tracks on a leash.

Whatever your favourite outdoor activity, Teetotal campsite is probably near it. Boating, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, ice skating – this area has you covered. It’s also dog-walking heaven; the Teetotal area is a general recreation area where dogs are allowed off leash, with many kilometres of walking options. Keep an eye out for kaka flying overhead. 

Campsite information: The campsite has 12 non-powered sites and bookings are not required – spaces are first come, first served. Dogs are allowed and are not required to be on a leash, but they must be under control at all times. The DOC/ NZMCA pass can be used year-round. 

Getting there: Follow SH63 west of St Arnaud for 1km. The campsite is on the right and is accessed via a gravel road.

Activities: From Teetotal campsite, it’s a two-minute drive or a 20 minute walk into the centre of St Arnaud. It won’t take long to explore the small settlement, but you can stop for a coffee at the Clinker Café, have a beer or a meal at the Alpine Lodge, or get some fish and chips to eat beside Lake Rotoiti.

The Nelson Lakes Visitor Centre has displays on the local geography and history.

The main attraction for dogs is the Teetotal recreation area, which offers extensive off-leash walking, both on-track and off-track over open ground. There are also mountain bike tracks through this area, with options for rides from easy to expert.

Please note that dogs are NOT allowed in Nelson Lakes National Park. However, there are a number of popular day walks in the park – a favourite is the Mount Robert Circuit, a five-hour tramping track that offers splendid views over Lake Rotoiti (good fitness needed).

For a gentler walk, try the Rotoiti Nature Recovery Project. Extensive predator control in this 5,000-hectare area has brought back a wealth of native birds, including kiwi, South Island robins, tui and fantails. It’s important to follow the no dog rules, as they protect the kiwi population.

Dogs can, however, be taken into the nearby Mount Richmond Forest Park with a permit. To obtain a permit, contact the Wairau/Renwick DOC office (03 572 9100; renwick@doc.govt.nz).

There are lots of great walking options there – for a short walk with stunning lake views, you can’t beat Lake Chalice. A one-hour walk leads to Lake Chalice Hut, which sits on the eastern end of beautiful Lake Chalice, the only lake in the Mount Richmond Forest Park.

For a longer trip, you can walk some or all of a 2hrs 30mins loop track around the lake.

In winter, there’s skiing and snowboarding nearby at Rainbow ski area – a 40mins drive from St Arnaud. It’s also possible to ice skate at the campsite, on Duck Pond.

Camp beside the Putangirua stream on the south Wairarapa coast, at the start of the walk to the famous Putangirua Pinnacles rock pillars. The campsite is near the beach and has wonderful views across Cook Strait to the South Island.

Campsite information: The campsite is motor caravan accessible and does not take bookings. There are flush toilets but the only tap water available comes from the stream. It’s not suitable for drinking, so bring your own water or water treatment/boiling facilities. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash. The DOC/NZMCA pass is accepted year-round.

Getting there: The campsite is 58kms south of Martinborough. Take Lake Ferry Rd, then turn onto Cape Palliser Rd and continue for another 13kms. The turnoff to the campsite is on the left, immediately before the bridge over Putangirua Stream. 

Activities: Take a memorable two to four hour walk to the other-worldly Putangirua Pinnacles. These spectacular rock formations were formed by rain and wind erosion over many thousands of years.

You can either walk to the base of the pinnacles or take a longer loop track, which includes a lookout over the pinnacles and great views of Palliser Bay and Lake Onoke.

The walk to the base is rough in places and it is up a stream bed, so expect to get your feet wet if you take this route.

You can also enjoy a beautiful drive around the coast to Cape Palliser to check out the North Island’s largest colony of fur seals. If you’re feeling active, you can climb 250 stairs up to the Cape Palliser lighthouse – the spectacular views at the top make it worth the effort.

To see the full list of DOC campsites where dogs are allowed, visit the camping section of the DOC website and filter by access type and dogs.