Where are the best places to dine with dogs around the South Island? From time to time we ask Hound fans to share their favourite spots with us and we’re keeping a running list.
We want to keep building this collection, so if there’s a great yappy hour or puppuccino spot you'd like to shout out, let us know!
Nelson
Sprig + Fern Tahuna is your bar by the beach – only a dash across the playing fields to the world-famous Tahunanui Beach. After a gallop on the sand with your hound, head over for a cold one and some of the famous house-cut chips.
Blenheim
Kaikoura
Strawberry Tree, a rustic, iconic spot was named in the Estrella Damm Top 50 NZ Gastropubs list and awarded Number One venue in the Upper South region 2024. Hosting live music and serving fresh seafood, it’s a favourite with locals of all leg numbers.
Christchurch
Moon Under Water - This friendly neighbourhood cafe in Somerfield even has portraits of its favourite pupstomers on the wall and sells branded Moon Under Water dog coats! With an extensive craft beer menu and biscuits for the doggos, this is a happy place for you and your pal.
For the health conscious Cantabrian, Barefoot Eatery offers a plant-based, dairy-free, refined sugar-free, additive free menu - and their tropical-themed, leafy covered courtyard is a beloved haven for hounds, too.
Oamaru
Scott’s Brewery - This seaside brew pub in the historic district of Oamaru has a sunny outdoor area that is just the ticket for a tag-along pup or two. Welcoming dogs is part of the ethos here – as well as serving great local beer.
Queenstown
The Boat Shed Cafe - Tucked away in an historic boat shed overlooking the sparkling waters of Lake Wakatipu, this Frankton favourite welcomes leashed dogs of all sizes. Known for their breakfast and great coffee, this is a perfect spot to stop on a walk around the lakefront with your fluffball.
Beech Tree - With a wall of doggo Polaroids, this local favourite in the heart of Queenstown even serves up burgers and beers made especially for your four legged friends, and they hold events just for dogs! Truly a place for happy hounds and their owners.
Sundays - The courtyard at Sundays makes the perfect spot to stop a while while browsing the wares at Country Lane in Frankton – and they love their dog visitors! A recent addition to the cafe and restaurant scene set within a repurposed historic chapel, Sundays is well worth a visit.
Dunedin
With 'dog' in its name, they couldn’t very well shut your buddy out! Quite the opposite, Long Dog in St Clair are long-time dog lovers, welcoming everyone in to enjoy the ocean views and offering biscuits for sandy, post-walk paws.
Steamer Basin Brewing - Tucked away in Dunedin’s old Bond Quarter, this locals' gathering spot makes no secret of their love of dogs, naming regulars on their Instagram page and welcoming in paws of all shapes and sizes.
The Catlins
Peake's Kitchen in the beautiful seaside settlement of Papatowai is Kiwiana at its best and brightest. Famous for their burgers and towering scooped ice creams, Peake's love to see a pup in tow. There are plenty of spots to explore nearby after dining too.
