The Ultimate Waiheke Guide with your Dog
Posted on February 23 2021
Waiheke is such a fabulous place for dogs and boy do we cater to them. You can walk around the main village of Oneroa and find dedicated water bowls topped up with glorious Waiheke rain water, your furry pal will get pats and belly scratches almost everywhere you go.
Coming to Waiheke for the day, weekend or week and want to know the best spots to visit with your four legged bestie? Look no further than this comprehensive guide! We want to show you the best walks to do, best cafes, eateries and wineries where you can bring your well behaved pup! Not to mention our favourite beaches.
Paw Planet
Where to walk
Te Toki Dog Park - 12 Wilma Road - This stunning little reserve is where all the locals come to meet up with other like minded dog mums and pooch friends. This little loop trail starts at Wilma Road and is off leash 24/7. There is a Little Green Dog Poop Bag dispenser at the start of the walk and a bin for doodoo right at the end. The trail is carved through paddock with the other half of the walk in shady native bush showered by impressive 600 year old Pohutakawa trees.
Owhanake Bay - Another popular spot for locals on the isle, Owhanake is open all year round for dogs and a great spot for unleashed pups to run a muck. It has both a lovely grassy reserve and a small stoney beach with sticks a plenty! A perfectly placed picnic table makes it a great meet up spot with your takeaway coffee, picnic and frisbee.
Palm Beach, Onetangi & Oneroa - The best beaches with plenty of sandy running space and open water for swimming. Off leash during summer before 10am and after 5pm. Palm beach has the perfect spot for coffee before you meet the eastern end and Onetangi boasts a wee ice cream shop right where the bus stops. Oneroa Beach is close to all the hustle and bustle of the main village which has cafes a plenty, shops and eateries.
Where to coffee?
Bettys - This little coffee cart is run by Fran and Scooby the Dog! Her baked treats are to die for, baked daily and and she’s been making a mean brew since way back. Head there for your morning coffee and take your pup with you for company.
Arcadia - Arcadia does a decent breakfast, a fabulous flat while and is right next to Palm Beach. Head there before or after your morning walk and get your cup of Joe done right.
Hotshot
Right across the road from your favourite Pet Shop, Hotshot keeps us Pet Connectors fully caffeinated, cranking Havanna greatness all day long. Grab one of Waiheke’s best java in a takeaway cup and then come and bring your pup in across the road for toys, treats or nutritional advice.
Where to eat?
Charlie Farleys - This has been an Onetangi institution since 1987 and is still a firm favourite with both locals and tourists alike. With cold beer, decent food and local Waiheke wine you can’t really find a better place to take your pup than our local watering hole. You will find dog bowls scattered throughout the venue and other pup parents enjoying a cold one after their beach walk.
Dragon Fired - This funky little food truck is right on the waters edge of Little Oneroa. The wood fired street food included the most mouthwatering pizza’s, calzones and pocket breads. Their slow cooked meats are made in their specialty pizza oven as well as their crispy pizza. Take your woofer down to Little Oneroa for the sunset where he can frolic in the ocean tide and you can enjoy some delicious flatbreads.
Akito - Located in the heart of the Oneroa Village Akito is the new cafe on the block. The owners here have a gorgeous Golden Retriever called Arlo who often visits the Pet Connect store - we have known him since he was a pup and he’s the goodest boy! Akito has lovely outdoor seating where you can hang with your pooch and their Plant focused cuisine and specialty coffee is to die for!
Ahipao - Situated on the shores of Matiatia Bay Ahipao offers a family-owned and run cafe and business with the most dog friendly venue on Waiheke. Their venue is perfect, with a large field attaching Ahipao to the shore allowing dogs freedom to run and play off-leash, as well as being close to some of the best dog-friendly walks, such as the Matiatia Headland. We also allow well-behaved dogs inside so bring in your fluffy friend for an all-day breakfast or fresh coffee!
Wineries and the like
Waiheke Distilling Co - Their big grassy outdoor front lawn welcomes pups that are on lead, well behaved and tidied up after. Stop into Pet Connect and grab a Chew for them while you enjoy some botanical gin whilst looking over the beautiful Cowes Bay.
Man O War Winery - Situated out the peaceful Eastern End of Waiheke Man O War Winery has a grand outdoor area with plenty of picnic tables to sit and your well behaved pup is always welcome. Head across to the beach between wines and have a game of fetch with your fido friend.
Wild On Waiheke - A winery that has it all! Enjoy a spot of archery in between their vineyards, try their locally made beers on the bean bags or have lunch on their beautiful deck. Just let them know if your booking a table that you have your four legged bestie with you. The staff are super friendly and always give out unlimited pats!
Where to stay?
Waiheke Holiday Homes - Whether your after a spacious beach Bach or a quaint little cottage nestled into the bush, there are so many options on Waiheke Island where your dog is welcome. Check out Waiheke Holiday Homes for your stay on our gorgeous little archipelago!
Curated Dog Tour - Wineheke
Mel at Wineheke is one of Waiheke’s biggest dog people! She has mixed both her love for wine, experience and dogs into an awesome curated package for visitors to the island. Her Wag “N” Walk adventure includes, Wine tastings at some pooch friendly vineyards, Native bush trail walks, delicious lunches, Gelato and Beach visits… where do we sign up?
Come say Hi!
After you get your daily caffeine intake at Hot shot in Ostend, shoot over the road and come say hi to our pawesome team. We are proud of our cute wee store and would love to show you around & meet your furry pal with a treat of course!
0 comments