15 of New Zealand's best dog friendly events

We have done the homework for you and compiled a list of the best dog-friendly events including walks, markets, runs, shows and pool events across New Zealand.

1. Dog & Grog - Auckland (Grey Lynn)

Enjoy a pint with your four legged friend at the Vetcare Dog & Grog event. On the third Saturday of every month the Pocket Bar & Kitchen opens its doors to dogs of all shapes and sizes. This event is a great way to socialise your new pooch and meet like minded dog lovers. There's delicious food and drinks for the humans and lots of treats, spot prizes and goody bags for the dogs.

2. Fur Child Supply Co. Brunch Club - Hamilton

Cafes, restaurants and bars are becoming increasingly pet friendly! Every month the team from Fur Child Supply Co. hold a brunch to celebrate these pet friendly establishments and invite dog owners and their four legged friends to dine out with other like minded people. The event consists of a pack walk and brunch at some of Hamilton's most pet friendly eateries.

3. Dog Day Afternoon - Auckland (Silo Park CBD)

This is one of the most popular events in the Silo Park summer programme, Dog Day Afternoon has something for everyone. There's street food and drink, dog activities and spot prizes between 12-4pm, all in one of Auckland's most awesome locations. Find out more here and make sure you don't miss out on this one.

4. Bark In The Park - Bay Of Islands

Kawakawa's Bark In The Park Event is an annual event that helps to raise funds for Bay Of Islands Animal Rescue. The day features competitions, displays, as well as dog focused stall holders and spot prizes and giveaways happening throughout the day.

5. Dirty Dog Challenge - Hamilton

If your dog loves running, climbing, water or mud – and you don't mind getting a bit grubby yourself then we have the perfect event for you! Mud run meets dog run at the Dirty Dog Challenge a unique event where dogs and their owners can navigate their way through a mud filled obstacle course at Ngaruawahia Christian Youth Camp in the Waikato. Keep an eye on the Waikato District Council's Facebook page for info on this years event.

6. The Big Dog Walk With Lots of Dogs - Auckland, Wellington & Christchurch

In April dog lovers around the country get together for the biggest organised dog walk of the year. The Big Dog Walk With Lots Of Dogs brings together dogs of all shapes and sizes at many locations across the country. Keep up to date with the Big Dog Walk team on their Facebook Page so you don't miss out on news about this years events!

7. Western Bay Wander Dogs Summer Series - Bay Of Plenty

Western Bay Wander Dogs Summer Series is back for summer 2019-2020 with eight fun run or walks between November and April throughout the Western Bay area. These events give dog owners the chance to get out and about with their pooches in a safe, friendly and social environment.

8. 4 Paws Marathon - Christchurch

Finally, a chance to run with your best friend! An off road walking/running event set in the beautiful Bottle Lake Forest and beaches of Christchurch. The 4 Paws Marathon has a choice of 2.4km, 5km, 10km, 15km, half marathon, and marathon distances to cater for all levels of fitness. Click here to make sure you don't miss out on this years event!

9. Catalina Bay Dog Day - Hobsonville Point - Auckland

Catalina Bay Farmers Markets Pet Event is all about our furry friends with a variety of stalls offering dog photo booth, leads, collars, bandannas, coats, beds, grooming and so much more. Keep an eye on their Facebook page so you don't miss out on the next Pet Event.

10. American Express Openair Cinema

American Express Openair Cinemas is a celebration of summer, bringing the greatest films to spectacular outdoor locations across New Zealand and best of all you are welcome to share the experience with your four legged friends. Click here to find out about the event nearest to you.

12. The Queenstown Dog Walk - Queenstown

Take the lead and join the QLDC Animal Control team for a great big dog walk in Queenstown. There will be doggy hamper giveaways and a photo booth running, so you can grab a family photo of you and your four legged friend. Once everyone has had a chance to mingle there will be a group walk around the gorgeous Queenstown Gardens. Click here to register for a free ticket to this event.

14. Woof The Rainbow Dog Show - Auckland

Dogs and dog lovers from across the Rainbow spectrum and their friends and whānau, are invited to an afternoon of four-legged fun in Western Park, Ponsonby. This event is complete with a catwalk and a celebrity panel of judges and prizes for a range of categories including Best Dressed, Best Dog/Owner Look-a-like, Best Talent or Trick – and, of course, the coveted title of Best in Show! Click here to keep up to date with news for this year's show.

15. End Of Season Dog Pool Events

It is becoming increasingly more common that at the end of the Summer season outdoor swimming pools across the country open their doors to dogs to enjoy a day full of fetching, swimming goodness. These events run across the country from late March to April often with all proceeds from entries going to support charity animal groups. Here are some of the pools across the country that hold end of season doggy events:

• Soggy Doggy Splash at the Molyneux Aquatic Centre in Alexandra
• Bark In The Pool at the Point Erin Pools in Auckland
• Dogs 'n' Togs at the Khandallah Park Pools in Wellington
• Doggy Day Out at the Massey Park Pools in Auckland
• Doggy Pool Party at Waltham Pools in Christchurch
• Dogs In Togs at the Te Puke Memorial Pools in Tauranga
  Doggy Day Out at YMCA Onehunga War Memorial Pools in Auckland