5 Purrrfect Pet Friendly NZ Airbnbs

Since COVID changed the world, local travel has sky-rocketed and global travel has taken a bit of a backseat. This has some great perks, including that travelling with pets in your own jurisdiction is less of a challenge. For us Kiwis this means making the most of pet friendly Airbnb accommodation and other stay-cays across New Zealand.

We’re luckier than most because we have not one but two land masses that make up our country. With the North and South islands running longitudinally we also get a broad range of weather and geological travel options. This is precisely why PD Insurance put together the below list of great pet friendly Airbnb destinations to choose from.

In no particular order, here they are…

Pet friendly Kiwi Airbnb destinations

1. Ecoescape
2. Cosy Cabin
3. The Treehouse
4. Raglan Treehouse (with outdoor bath)
5. Te Waihou Riverside Retreat

Ecoescape: self-contained off-grid tiny-home

Ecoescape won the 2021 Regional Airbnb of the Year. It’s nestled between lakes and mountains in Korito, Taranaki, just 15 minutes from the beach and town.

You’ll be able to kayak or take the rowboat, hike in the mountains, walk the gardens and hopefully catch the glow worms at dusk. It’s worth noting there are farm animals, so be sure your cat or dog doesn’t mind nearby animal company.

Every drop of electricity at this pet friendly Airbnb is powered by wind and solar energy, so you won’t leave behind a carbon footprint. (Only footprints and paw prints from your adventures).

Ecoescape sleeps four guests in two bedrooms. Just an FYI that one of the two bedrooms is up a vertical ladder.

The cosy cabin with stunning view and private spa

This gorgeous ‘Cosy cabin‘ is a romantic and relaxing getaway with indoor heating and an outdoor spa tub. Nestled on a farm surrounded by 25 acres of fruit trees, deer and sheep you’ll have a panoramic view of rolling mountain tops.

That’s pet friendly accommodation with the smell of fresh cherries, apples, plums, pears and peaches growing on your doorstep!

BTW, the farm is also home to the Lookout Lodge, which is a great wedding venue… If you’re planning a wedding here anytime soon, bring your pets and honeymoon at this super-cosy cabin.

Guests rave about star gazing while lying in the hot spa tub, so that’s an absolute must! The hosts have also ensured your cosy experience won’t end in teeth chattering when you exit the tub, by supplying soft robes for that luxury spar sensation.

While cooking is minimal (with only a microwave, small fridge and basic utensils available) you can get an enviable coffee and pastry breakfast 7 km away in Albertown. While you’re there it’s advisable to pick up a picnic dinner from Fed Deli or Big Fig – plus treats for your dog or cat – to bring back to your hideaway.

The cabin sleeps two and definitely calls for a glass or three of champagne while soaking up the experience.

The Treehouse: off-grid retreat

The Treehouse won the 2022 Small Home of the Year and was highly commended for the Green Home of the Year award. It just so happens that the host of this pet friendly Airbnb is the brother of the Ecoescape host. Talk about award-winning superhosts!

The Treehouse is a multi-levelled dwelling that spans four floors. The rustic-chic style abode is built from recycled materials and connects the different floors via a spiral staircase. Now that’s architectural sophistication – no wonder this home is an award winner.

Like Ecoescape, the Treehouse is also completely off-grid, so you won’t be contributing to the climate crisis on your stay. Pat yourself on the back as you enjoy power made entirely from pure and renewable energy.

The house sits at the base of Mt Taranaki national park, offering up a multitude of activities for pets and people. You can choose from walks along the lake and stream to kayaking and row boating. You can even hire E-bikes onsite and there’s a charging point inhouse.

You’ll swoon over the picturesque timber balconies, outdoor breakfast nook, swing chair and hot tub that look out onto a canopy of tree foliage. The view from the bedrooms through lavishly large, angled windows is breathtakingly impressive too.

This Treehouse sleeps three guests, meaning you and your pets certainly won’t be cramped for style, and if you don’t like being woken up by the dawn sunbeams you’ll (all?!) be supplied with eye masks.

Raglan Treehouse in the woods

While on the topic of pet friendly Airbnb treehouse destinations, we’ve another accommodation option on the list that you won’t be able to resist. The Raglan treehouse is built in a traditional style and set against a backdrop of pine trees looking out on a seaside panorama. Simply splendid!

Take your dog on beach walks or across rolling hills swathed in natural grasses and foliage. Additionally, you’ll have the pick of streams, rivers and waterfalls as destinations all within a 20-minute walking radius from your dwelling.

The Raglan Treehouse is 4kms from Whale Bay and takes its name from Raglan, which is just 12 km away. The house sleeps three guests (one on a sleeper couch). Oh, and did we mention the hosts supply Morning Glory organic coffee, among other delights?

Te Waihou Riverside Retreat… Now this is a destination

This is one of the very few pet friendly Airbnb options that actually states “We love pets”. Certainly a winner from the get-go in our books!

If you’re looking for a cabin with a river rather than a pool, look no farther. This dream destination perches on the elbow of a river, where the water is slow and languid. Set in Waikato’s town of Matamata you’ll be a meagre 15 minutes from where the hobbits live.

In addition to sightseeing the Hobbiton film set, you can visit the TeWaihou blue springs. Or simply relax at home on the floating pontoon, in the hammock or in the outdoor hot tub. Ahhh the life… Wagging tails and smiling faces all the way. 

Te Waihou Riverside Retreat sleeps five guests in a shared bedroom.

Tips for staying at pet friendly Airbnbs

Whether you stay at a pet friendly Airbnb, hotel or guesthouse, it’s always advisable to let the hosts know your pet/s are coming. There could be other guests onsite who also have pets. There may also be a maximum number of pets allowed at any given time.

Make sure your pet is a happy traveller. You don’t want them getting spooked by other people, pets or by being in the car. Here are some extra resources to ensure your pet friendly stay in Airbnb accommodation is a happy one:

• Getting a pet carrier 
• Tips for travelling with your dog or cat
• Tips for flying with pets
• More furbulous tips for travelling with pets

And because you don’t want to pay a pretty penny if your dog or cat wrecks up the pet friendly Airbnb linen, furniture or bites the local cow… Be sure you know all about third party liability in pet insurance.

It’s part of the PD Insurance cat insurance and dog insurance plans and helps cover costs for damage to others or their property. Plus your plan can help pay for all kinds of care if your pet has an accident or falls ill while away – things like unexpected vet visits, medicine as well as hospitalisation if your pet suddenly needs them.

We give you one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy online. Click below to start today.