Where to find Auckland’s pet-friendly hotels and restaurants

Travelling with a pet used to mean making compromises: finding a sitter, skipping overnight trips, or leaving your dog sadly watching from the window as you headed out for brunch. Not anymore!

Across Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, more hotels, cafés and neighbourhood hangouts are rolling out the welcome mat for four-legged guests.

Whether you’re planning a weekend staycation, visiting Auckland with your dog in tow, or simply looking for a café where your pup can join you for a coffee stop, there are plenty of places that happily accommodate pets.

Heading out with your four-legged friend? Keep these tips in mind:

• Check the venue’s pet policy before visiting. Some allow dogs only at specific outdoor tables.
• Bring a leash and keep your dog under control in busy dining areas.
• The pavement can get hot, so consider heading out earlier or later in the day. If the concrete is too hot to touch by hand, then it’s too hot for your pet!
• Pack water or a travel bottle, especially on warm days. Many venues will provide water bowls or even treats, but it’s always helpful to come prepared.
• Choose shaded seating so your dog stays comfortable and cool.
• Plan a walk beforehand so your pup is relaxed during your meal.

Here’s where to stay, eat and explore with your best mate.

Pet-friendly hotels in Auckland

A growing number of Auckland accommodation providers understand that pets are part of the family. While many operate with a few sensible guidelines, such as pets on request or in designated rooms, they can make travelling with your furry friend far easier.

If you want to stay close to the action, several Auckland hotels allow pets while still placing you within walking distance of waterfront strolls and nearby parks.

• QT Auckland – Known for its playful design and harbour views, this luxury stay is also known to welcome pets in select pet-appointed rooms.
• Hotel Indigo Auckland – This stylish boutique hotel offers a modern city stay with pet-friendly rooms available. Its central location makes it easy to walk along the waterfront or explore nearby green spaces.
• Holiday Inn Express Auckland City Centre – A practical base in the CBD for travellers with pets (subject to approval). It’s ideal if you want simple, comfortable accommodation close to restaurants and harbour walks.
• JO&JOE Auckland – A lively, budget-friendly stay in the city centre with a social, design-led feel. It’s a good option for travellers who want something more casual and central, and the hotel welcomes pets in private rooms only, for an additional fee.
• Swiss‑Belsuites Victoria Park – Spacious apartment-style suites make this a great option for longer stays with pets, with the large green space of Victoria Park just across the road.
• Braemar on Parliament Street – A character-filled heritage hotel in a leafy part of the city that welcomes dogs with prior arrangement.
• Marsden Suites Albany – Located on the North Shore, this apartment-style stay is close to parks and walking areas where dogs can stretch their legs.
• Aarangi Motel – A relaxed suburban option in Kohimarama that is a pet-friendly and convenient option for travellers looking for a beachside stay.

Travelling with a pet can sometimes be stressful, so staying close to Auckland Airport can help simplify things. JetPark Auckland Airport Hotel & Conference Centre is a popular airport-area hotel known for accommodating pets, making it ideal for early flights or late arrivals.

Dog-friendly restaurants and cafés in Auckland

While pets are generally limited to outdoor seating areas, many Auckland cafés and restaurants happily welcome dogs, often with water bowls, shady spots and a ready jar of treats.

In Mt Eden, The Garden Shed is a much-loved brunch spot with leafy outdoor seating that’s perfect for settling in with your dog at your side. Just down the road, Circus Circus has a lively neighbourhood atmosphere and casual outdoor tables where four-legged visitors are a common sight. 

For a classic Auckland outing, grab a coffee from Cornwall Park Café and pair it with a wander around Cornwall Park, where there are designated off-leash areas for dogs to stretch their legs. Keep in mind that at certain times of the year (the lambing and calving season), there are restricted areas where dogs are not allowed.

Over in Morningside, Crave is known for its welcoming community feel and outdoor seating that often includes a few furry companions. And if you’re craving something quick and delicious, Best Ugly Bagels in central Auckland serves its famous bagels alongside sidewalk seating where dogs can happily lounge while you tuck in.

If you’re looking for somewhere a little more social, several relaxed Auckland bars and eateries welcome dogs in their outdoor spaces. In Grey Lynn, Pocket Bar & Kitchen is a stylish neighbourhood hangout where it’s not unusual to see dogs lounging on the patio while their humans enjoy a drink. From there it’s a short drive, or a 15-minute stroll to Western Springs Park, featuring an on-leash loop full of interesting smells and scenery.

In the city centre, The Glass Goose offers a contemporary yet casual rooftop setting where outdoor tables can sometimes accommodate dogs (it’s always worth checking ahead, especially during busy periods). Down on the waterfront, Swashbucklers restaurant and bar serves marina views with relaxed patio seating, making it a great stop after a marina stroll around the Westhaven Promenade Loop. Meanwhile, The Birdcage Tavern is a classic inner-city pub with outdoor seating areas where well-behaved dogs are often welcome.

Some places go the extra mile when it comes to welcoming four-legged visitors. In Parnell, The Paw Bar & Eatery has built a reputation as a true dog-friendly hangout, where pets are part of the vibe rather than an afterthought. Your best mate is well catered for here, with their own pooch-friendly food and drink menu.

Across the harbour in Devonport, Corelli's Café is another relaxed favourite with outdoor tables that often include a few canine companions soaking up the village atmosphere. Nearby, Vondel offers a charming European-style setting with sidewalk seating that’s ideal for lingering over coffee while your dog watches the world go by. 

On the North Shore, Takapuna Beach Café is perfectly placed for a post-walk stop after exploring nearby Takapuna Beach (where seasonal on- and off-leash restrictions apply). There are water bowls for rehydrating after an ocean swim, and award-winning gelato for owners who need to cool down too. Also on the Shore, Northcote Tavern is a popular pooch spot with its relaxed, neighbourhood pub setting with outdoor space for well-behaved dogs.

Over in Browns Bay, Bark & Brew Cafe is a great stop after a beach walk. Alongside great coffee and food, there’s a dedicated dog menu featuring treats for your fur-friend and even dog-friendly ice cream.

If you have a pooch who just loves to stretch their legs at the beach, head west to Auckland’s other coastline instead. At Muriwai Beach, dogs are allowed off-leash north of the surf tower at all times, where the expansive stretch of sand is perfect for burning off energy.

West Auckland also has its own dog-friendly spots, post-walk. In Henderson, Little Sister Cafe has a cabinet full of treats and outdoor seating to enjoy a coffee, or grab a puppacino at The Sugar Grill, over in Te Atatū.