Barking Great Time in Greytown
Here in Greytown Village we welcome you and your K-9 companions with some of the best dog friendly accommodation, cafes, restaurants, and boutique shopping in New Zealand. We know that your canine friends are more than just a pet; they are part of the family so that is why Greytown is known as one of the most dog-friendly towns around.
Walkies
As long as your pet is on a lead, dogs are welcomed on Main Street. Stores such as The Design Library, Schoc Chocolates, and Encore provide tie-up areas outside their doors including water bowls so you can leisurely shop knowing your pooch is safe and hydrated.
If they need to stretch their legs and burn off some energy off lead, we have a dedicated dog exercise park located in Cotter Street next to the starting point of the Rail Trail. Dogs are permitted on the Rail Trail but need to be on leads.
If you are heading out onto the Rail Trail on bicycles, Blackwell & Sons have your pet covered with the Buddy Rider! Your modestly sized canine companion is going to love heading out for a ride with you on a Buddy Rider! Blackwell and Sons have just received a brand new shipment of these popular pet-carrying seats, designed to keep your good boy or girl feeling safe and cradled close to you while you are out riding. Suitable for almost all bikes and couriered free anywhere in NZ. See Blackwell & Sons in-store or online for details.
Dinner Time!
Once you have exhausted your dog friend out (is that even possible?) it's time to relax, have a drink, and a bite to eat.
The Offering Cafe has a beautiful doggy welcoming outdoor area where you can have fantastic coffee and experience their extensive menu, catering for all diets.
Alternatively, a glass of local wine at The White Swan garden bar or on their dog-friendly deck so you can watch the other dogs go by.
At dinnertime, nothing beats a delicious takeout. Order a stone-baked pizza from Cuckoo's convenient street window. Here you can order, pay and pick up without experiencing that pet/human separation anxiety.
Stay Over
If you are staying for the weekend, we are fortunate to have two lovely motels centrally located in the village that offer pet-friendly units for your stay.
Oak Estate Motor Lodge is a great family and dog-friendly motel, accommodating medium to small dogs. With a trampoline and swing set for the kids, they also encourage you to bring the bikes for the cycle rail trail. Ring ahead to arrange for your family pet too.
While at Greyfriars, they welcome dogs of all sizes and make sure to say hello to their resident dogs Whitey (Ford) and Mickey (Mantle) named after baseball players.
Doggy Treats and Gifts
Fresh Choice has an extensive pet section that includes food, grooming accessories, and dog toys. They are also the supplier of locally handmade Doggytreats. Doggytreats include GF and dairy-free varieties all of which are made using locally grown fresh herbs and vegetables, free-range eggs, and free-range meat. All ingredients are human grade and oven-baked for tasty goodness.
If you are looking for dog-inspired gifts pop into Mrs. Blackwell’s Village Bookshop. There you will find not only dog-themed books but also a brilliantly fun Dog Bingo Game.
Linarte stock beautiful things for dogs like the Ollie & James leather collars and pure wool dog beds from Wetnose, which you could match with a merino sheepskin from Merino Kids.
Greytown’s Annual Festival of Christmas
It’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas as plans for our annual ‘Festival of Christmas’ come together. Greytown Village will be in full festive mode as our Festival of Christmas returns, bigger, brighter, and even more magical this July!
Dress up your Doggie Strut – in Greytown Village Sunday 25 July
Calling all dog lovers! We’re going all out to have a bit of fun with our favourite four-legged friends. Bring your pooch for a stroll in the village, get a photo together in the Dog Portrait Competition, and compete for the title of Best Dressed Dog and Owner, and Dog Who Looks Most Like Their Master. You’ll go barking mad for the prizes!
Sunday Session with the Dogs – at The Offering Sunday 25th July 5 pm onwards. Bookings essential. $40
The Offering teaming up with Parrot Dog for a doggone good feed. Enjoy live music, and a Parrot Dog beer, matched with The Offering’s signature dish, the Funky Dog – a seriously pimped hot dog, nestled in a Pretzel Bun with crunchy slaw. There are six Dogs to choose from, including their mid-winter special, the Gobble Gobble Turkey Dog, served with cranberry, bacon and pork crackling. Includes an informative beer tasting from ParrotDog. $10 from each ticket goes to Life Flight.
Look out for our soon to be released program including workshops, markets, competitions, special events and of course all things Christmas.