For as long as we can remember, the North Island city of Rotorua has been a tourist destination EVERY Kiwi has visited. Known for its bubbling mud pools and geothermal geysers, it’s a top choice for domestic getaways and international visitors alike.
From dashing down the trails of the luge to dipping in the fresh water of Blue Lake, Rotorua has something for everyone. Whilst the fun and games on offer are great for the adventure-junkies among your group, we don’t blame you if you’d rather opt for a more laid-back approach to your vaycay. If that’s your kinda vibe, you’re completely covered with a variety of cafes, hikes and natural sights to see, so let the kids take on the jet boats and set out with your Fitbit and your dog.
If you’ve travelled to the North Island’s adventure capital before, you too may have been taken aback by the signage on the streets instructing dogs are not allowed in the CBD. Disappointing? Slightly. But that doesn’t mean your furry friend can’t claim an invite for a good old fashioned roadie to Rotovegas. Most of the excitement happens outside the central city anyway, so get out there and play!
After a fun-fuelled day of exploring, there’s no better place to rest your head than Rotorua’s Jet Park Hotel.
Welcoming guests since November 2015, Jet Park Hotels has been proudly pet friendly from day one! Boasting a team full of pup-loving staff, Jet Park not only allows visitors of the furry kind but whole-heartedly welcomes them too.
Embracing the understanding that fur kids are undoubtedly an extension of the family, Jet Park caters to their canine guests with their Pampered Pet Package – what better way to spoil your best friend?
With a plush, modern pet bed, fluffy blanket and bowls provided, your furry friend will live the life of royalty during their stay at Jet Park. They will receive a complimentary treat and toy on arrival too – a point we are absolutely here for as it shows just how dog-loving the Jet Park team are! These guys really have thought of everything when it comes to keeping their furry guests happy – they even have their very own outdoor pet wash station!
Whilst Jet Park pulls out all the stops for their four-legged guests, they in no way make our (human) experience any less pleasurable. No siree.
Leave your pup with breakfast in bed as you head out to enjoy the hotel’s complimentary continental breakfast before dipping in the pool for a swim or better yet, spa to soak. They also provide guests with any time access to Rotorua’s Anytime Fitness Gym, located only a short five-minute drive away. You can even carry on binge-watching your fave Netflix series with unlimited, 24-hour Wi-Fi available for guests – how good?!
Whilst we know a good holiday for some may be best spent relaxing, for others it is best spent exploring. And when you’ve got a hyper-active fur kid with you, this is somewhat non-negotiable. Lucky for you, we’ve got the adventures covered…
REDWOOD FOREST
The gym may be great for some, but for others, it’s a walk in the fresh air with your canine companion that you can rely on for a good dose of endorphins. Head out by bike or start your daily stroll through the unmarked tracks of Rotorua’s stunning Redwood Forest – a favourite dog walking spot amongst locals. Take the chance to breathe in the fresh air, ground yourself and appreciate your surroundings amongst the fields of Coast Redwood trees, all standing tall despite their weary old age of at least 800 years old! Just be sure to keep your pup on a leash, no free-running around here!
BLUE LAKE CIRCUIT
An easy 90-minute stroll, take a leisurely walk around Rotorua’s famous Blue Lake with your furry friend. Well-known and adored for its clear blue waters popular among water skiers, swimmers and boaties, Blue Lake sits adjacent to its much-loved sibling Green Lake, and is one dog friendly track well worth the visit. Discover beautiful beaches, native bush and exotic conifers of the Whakarewarewa Forest as you embark on one of Rotorua’s best walking tracks (in our humble opinion) and do it all with your dog! Again, please keep others in mind and leash up your pup at all times.
ORAKEI KORAKO CAVE & THERMAL PARK
Well, well, well do we have a winner here! For a fun day out that your dog is indeed invited to, take the ferry to Rotorua’s unique geothermal park, Orakei Korako. Treat your pup to a new adventure and introduce them to geysers, bubbling mud and silica terraces as you leisurely wander around the self-guided boardwalk tracks of this incredible, natural phenomena. Home to New Zealand’s only geothermal cave, the Orakei Korako Cave & Thermal Park is a short (dog friendly) ferry ride away and will provide hours of entertainment for kids (of the fur or skin kind). Be sure to add this destination to your dog friendly itinerary – you won’t regret it! Get your ticket online here.
After the mayhem of a big day out with your dog, nothing beats heading back to a cosy suite, well-equipped for guests of all kinds. Book your stay at Jet Park Rotorua here and make the most of their Pampered Pet Package.
