First-world problems, but organising a holiday can sometimes feel like a Herculean effort – especially when there are pets involved. If you’ve ever phoned around expensive, booked-up kennels (especially over the festive season) and thought “it’d be so much easier if we could just take Snuffles with us” then you’re in luck; there are plenty of accommodation options up and down the country that will welcome your best four-legged friend.

If you’re keen for your pooch to explore their new surroundings, a helpful tip provided by holiday rental website Bookabach is to contact a host before booking to make sure there’s a fenced-in yard. The providers we’ve included below also have easy pet-friendly filters you can toggle on to sift through viable holiday homes.

Ruru on the Hill via Airbnb, Langs Beach, Northland
In less than two hours’ drive from Auckland, you’ll be gazing at white sand, sparkling clear water and sprawling pōhutukawa trees – surrounded by many coves to explore. And you can take your pooch to this private holiday home on the hill between Waipu Cove and Langs Beach. It sleeps four, and it’s fully fenced and surrounded by greenery with plenty to keep everyone occupied.

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Oakura Bay Villa via Stay Waiheke, Waiheke Island, Auckland
A weekend on Waiheke with your furry pal – what could be better? This restored kauri wood villa is a real gem; located on its own private beach, it sleeps up to 10 in four bedrooms, and dogs can stay too. Even the most high-energy hounds can burn it off all day long on the lawn (great for kids, too); plus there’s a barbeque area, plenty of outdoor seating and charming wraparound porches ideal for falling asleep on as you read your book.

Nikau Ranch House via Bookabach, Muriwai Beach, Auckland
Auckland’s West Coast beaches are compelling year-round. Even in the cooler months, their rugged looks suit a moody and overcast day. There’s usually plenty going on down at Muriwai – horse treks, four-wheel driving and dirt biking, windsurfing and walking. North of the surf tower, it’s an off-leash dog area, and there’s also a lovely forest walk, so why not stay at this pup-friendly ranch house for a couple of nights? The interiors are airy, clean and contemporary, with Egyptian cotton linens and a smart TV with Netflix. It’s only a few minutes’ drive to the beach, the forest and the golf course.

Raglan Love Bus via Airbnb, Raglan
Maybe one for those with a pint-sized pooch, this high-spec house in a converted bus is perched on a Raglan hillside, surrounded by 35 acres of secluded greenery. There’s an outdoor bath, a firepit, a hot shower and a cosy bed, and it’s perfectly positioned for all the natural beauty that Raglan has to offer.

Vineyard Holiday House via Bookabach Blenheim, Marlborough
When you’re in the heart of renowned New Zealand wine country, it makes sense to stay on a vineyard. This charming stay gives you – and any dogs lucky enough to tag along – 100 acres to roam, encompassing vines, gardens, woodland and lawns. The house sleeps six in beds made up with Egyptian cotton sheets and goose-down comforters, and there’s a private swimming pool. Wake to freshly baked bread that’s provided for breakfast, along with homemade jams and jellies, and head out for a leisurely stroll among fruit trees where you can forage apples, figs, apricots, feijoas and citrus.

Winter Escape via Bookabach, Lower Shotover, Otago
If you’re heading to Queenstown with a small dog in tow, this newly renovated holiday home is a stunner. It sleeps up to 10 people in four bedrooms, and is 15 minutes’ drive away from all the action of both Arrowtown and Queenstown (if you can tear yourself away from the house’s views of Coronet Peak and Shotover River). The owners allow one tiny pup (less than 10 kilos) per stay – pugs, dachshunds, mini schnauzers, we’re looking at you.

This article was originally published on January 10, 2023. It has been updated.