Tash from Pup and Running is an Auckland local and dog mum. We asked her to tell us about her favourite dog friendly cafes across the city of sails...

As someone who lives in Auckland, I perceive Auckland as… not very dog friendly! Of course, there is the obvious like Bunnings and pet stores but there is so much more to "dog friendly" in Auckland! Each and every shop (including supermarkets) is allowed to state their own rules for dogs, and our trains and buses are pet friendly with little dogs having to be in a carrier and big dogs muzzled, but pet friendly nonetheless! However, there are some places better than others so for the best places (in my opinion) to take your dog in Auckland!

The Stoned Cow - Browns Bay
The Stoned Cow cafe comes in at number one because your dogs are allowed to sit inside with you and there are puppucino’s on the menu! Always the best! The atmosphere is amazing and there are so many dogs there every time I go which is amazing! Once you have finished eating, you can head across the road and down the beach (outside of bylaw hours) and let your dog have a run around and a swim!

Good George - Mission Bay
Good George is a good time! At Mission Bay they allow dogs inside, so you can have your lunch/dinner and drinks (they even do a tasting rack of beers), and then head across to the beach (following bylaw rules and hours)! Walk your pup at the reserve and have a play at the beach!

Woolfy’s - Highbrook
Woolfy’s in East Tamaki has such good food! Technically dogs are only allowed outside at Woolfy’s but their outside area is a fully covered courtyard - even the sides can come down and there are heaters for winter! They bring out water for your dog and… there are puppucino’s on the menu which you can see Petal enjoying in the photo above! The best! Before you sit down, to tucker out your pup for a more enjoyable experience for yourself, there is the East Tamaki River walk nearby too! Pawfect!

Geeks on Sainsbury - Mount Albert
I heard about Geeks and how good it is long before I got a dog. I went and then kept going back because the food was so good! When I got a dog I kept taking my dog and sitting in the outside area and saw there were homemade dog treats available. Only recently did I learn they actually let dogs inside which is perfect for the weather we have been having in Auckland this year. After your brunch you can take your dog for an on-lead walk at Western Springs – a two minute drive down the road with free parking!

Kohi Beach Store and Eatery - Kohimarama
At Kohi Beach you can have a seat outside in the courtyard at the seated café on the main street, but if you want a takeaway coffee you can take your pup inside to the takeaway bar on the corner with you to order! They have amazing cabinet food that is just delicious and water bowls everywhere for your pup - perfect for if you have just let your dog have a run around across the road at the beach and they need a little refresh. The takeaway bar is a hot spot so it is always busy, but such a nice spot along the beach!

Kings Plant Barn, Stonefields - Mount Wellington
All Kings Plant Barns are dog friendly but Stonefields was just newly built and it is such a nice shop! You can take your dog in for a little décor shopping for your home, plant shopping, and have a stop at the café! Not only that – have kids? There is a playground too! Dogs must be on lead the entire time at the shop but personally, I just love taking my dog with me! Stonefields Heritage Walk is a nice big walk just across the road too where it backs onto Mt Wellington with a little forest. To let your dog's energy out – I do recommend doing the walk first. It is a big walk so you don’t want to be carrying your shopping around with you!

Takapuna Beach Café and Store - Takapuna
Dogs are only allowed outside at Takapuna Beach Café but they have made the list, because they have a whole dog menu! I love treating my pup out to a nice meal and drink. Takapuna Beach is a big dog hotspot on weekends so great for taking your pup for a run around if they are social with other dogs.

Beach Club - Orakei
Beach Club allows dogs inside! They also often do events with Tu Meke – a brand I love! The food there is so good and you can walk Orakei Basin before or after your meal! Orakei Basin is great for walking dogs in the large off-leash area, and whilst you likely will see many of the dogs swimming – just keep an eye out for the large number of watersports that happen in the basin like water skiing or jet skiing. If there are events booked in with the water ski club then the water will be closed to dogs - you can look this up on the Auckland Council website.

Eastridge Shopping Centre - Mission Bay
Eastridge is a small shopping centre with a variety of shops. Dogs are welcome inside the mall! This does not mean they can go into every single shop. There are some places where they can’t risk having dog fur everywhere (such as the hairdresser and nail salon!) but your pup is allowed inside the mall and at all of the eatery options. Check the signs at every shop before taking your pup in – I have seen multiple dogs in the supermarket but I can’t find anything online to confirm or deny if they are allowed, so just check before you take your dog inside any of the actual shops.

This list is just a small selection of places you can take your pup in Auckland but there are so many more! We really are quite dog friendly and if your small dog is in a carrier or your large dog is muzzled, you can even take public transport to get there. Go explore Auckland – and take your dog with you!