Looking for dog friendly camping spots in Tasman? We recently embarked on an unforgettable camping adventure with our trusty campervan, a Nissan Civilian 1991 named Pingu after her "noot noot" horn sound. Camping with our dogs is the ultimate bonding experience as we spend 24/7 with them. We are NZMCA members (New Zealand Motor Caravan Association) and as such we get access to a variety of sites, including park over properties. However if you're not a member or you're tenting, here are our top three picks of places to camp in Tasman with your dog. 

Murchison Motor Home Park

There is so much space here! These are the most beautiful gardens and paddocks to roam with your pup just off the main highway. The sites in the outer areas of the grounds are spacious. The amenities block is modern and clean, with kitchen, showers, and washing facilities. To top it all off, the site has it's own river access which is perfect for swims if your pup loves a splash! If your dog is easily spooked by farm animals, just be mindful of the caged chickens in the front paddock and fenced cows outside the premises. They are easy enough to avoid on your walks.

The Barn Marahau

Situated just before the Abel Tasman walk starts, this campground offers the most beautiful view of the golden sand and blue water beach of Marahau. There are spacious grounds, but if you feel like a longer walk head down the main road to Hooked On Marahau. It's a dog friendly cafe and bar with a great happy hour deal.  Do be aware of the free roaming pukekos and chickens at The Barn, and fenced cows and horses around. In the public areas of Marahau, rules about where dogs can go are grey given the Abel Tasman is nearby. We recommend sticking to The Barn and the main roads to be sure you're where you're supposed to be.

Cable Bay Holiday Park

Cable Bay Holiday Park is a a super dog friendly campground. We were initially assigned a small powered site near the main office, however we found some spacious unpowered sites out back which were perfect for our doggos (ask for the terraces or fenceline areas). This is a very peaceful spot with cow moos and bird song around. It's a short walk to the rocky beach which our dogs loved. Again, there are free roaming chickens and fenced sheep and cows here.

In general, the Tasman region is a little less dog friendly due to its national parks, and in some areas dogs are prohibited such as in Kaiteriteri and Takaka. We recommend checking this out before you go, as well as checking the local signage when you arrive. However there are still many places you can go to enjoy the warm climate, great breweries and wineries, and beautiful beaches of Nelson, Motueka, and the wider Tasman area.