Real adventures from the Pet Sitting NZ community
If you’ve ever hit the trail with a dog in tow, you’ll know it’s not just about the walk — it’s about the shared adventure. In this Q&A, we catch up with Anne, who’s spent years exploring Aotearoa with her dog Guinness by her side.
Based in Richmond, Anne shares some of their favourite dog-friendly hikes (including a few hidden gems), along with the ways she supports Guinness on the track — from keeping an eye on weather and terrain to packing the right snacks and gear. From first-aid kits to creek zoomies, we are here for all the insights and stories.
A big thanks to Anne for taking the time to share her experience, and to Guinness, who sounds like the ultimate hiking buddy.
1. Personal Experience and Dog-Friendly Trails
- Based on your own experience, can you share a few of your favourite dog-friendly hiking spots in New Zealand? What makes them special for both you and your dog?
Since we live in Richmond we do a lot of hiking in the Mt Richmond Forest Park which extends over to Marlborough and has plenty of dog friendly tramps. We also hike down the West Coast a lot and basically wherever I end up travelling to in NZ.
- Are there any hidden gems or lesser-known trails you’ve discovered that you’d recommend to other pet owners looking for a great hike with their dogs?
Emerald Pools ( pelorus river) are great for dogs ( just need a Doc Permit, which only involves an email).
Hackett & Browning tracks – all of these are in the Mt Richmond Forest Park
TeeTotals Recreational area up at St Arnaud is dog friendly with loads of trails, shared with mountain bikers but not usually a problem.
Hanmer has lots of walks, we often head there for a few days.
Mt Lyford is AMAZING! But expensive. We loved it but will have to save up to go again.
Nydia Track in the Marlborough Sounds.
2. Preparing for a Hike
- What do you consider before taking your dog on a hike? (e.g., fitness level, weather conditions, or anything specific that helps prepare your dog)
Weather is always paramount. Guinness is pretty fit and so am I so not usually an issue. If lots of river crossings its more a summer trip.
- How do you personally prepare your dog for a long hike? Are there any gear or essentials you always take, like hydration packs, boots, or a first-aid kit?
Guinness is a small dog, he is a Shitszu Maltese cross – too low to the ground to carry a pack ( sadly) But he can easy do 30km per day. No gear as such, he wont wear boots. I carry a small first aid kit for him, and water if that’s going to be a difficult thing to find enroute. If its an overnighter then I always have to carry a tent.
- Do you have any trail etiquette tips when hiking with dogs, particularly around other hikers or animals?
Depending on the dog approaching I tend to put him on a lead, around people I don’t tend to worry, if we are near a hut I keep him on a lead. If deer or goats are around I keep him on a lead – he loves hunting with my hubby!
3. Safety and Health
- In your experience, what are the biggest safety concerns for dogs on hiking trails, and how do you mitigate those risks? (e.g., ticks, paw injuries, dehydration)
Bikers – on the easier trails, he is getting better at coming back close when a biker is approaching. Non friendly dogs are my biggest fear – he has been attacked three times. And he is a friendly pup who loves other dogs, he doesn’t go barking wildly at dogs.
He can get sore feet after several days of hiking, especially on shale or in water.
- What are some of the best ways you've found to protect your dog from potential hazards, like wildlife or toxic plants?
On lead for deer, goats & pigs. He is well trained for birds, weka, kiwi etc but I still put him on a lead if I think they are around. We do a lot of kayaking so if seals are nearby he goes on a lead coz he loves playing with them. Once we landed on a beach and I didn’t see the seal pups and he took off after them - I found them all sitting on a rock together. He just wants to be friends – same with goats.
Hook grass is a big issue – he is a seed magnet. Keeps me occupied at night removing the seeds. Wasps can be a problem in summer.
4. Dog Behaviour and Training
- How do you prepare your dog for the hike in terms of behaviour? From your experience, what should pet owners whose dogs are new to hiking consider?
Extendable lead, lets the dog explore/sniff but gives you that extra protection if they are startled into chasing something.
- Are there specific commands or training tips you've found helpful for keeping your dog under control on the trail?
I keep treats in my pocket as a distraction, his recall is 95% good but its always that one time…..
- How do you manage your dog’s energy and excitement during a hike?
Not usually a problem, when hes tired he follows rather than leads.
5. Dog-Friendly Amenities and Services
- Are there any dog-friendly facilities or amenities on your favourite trails (like water stations or off-leash areas)?
Not where we hike, its rivers or streams or people usually.
- How do you handle bathroom breaks and waste disposal when hiking with your dog?
I carry bags and use them. If we are way out in the back country I make sure everything is well off the track
6. Post-Hike Care
- After a long hike, do you have any recovery or post-hike routines with your dog? (e.g., stretches, baths, or things you monitor for to make sure they’re feeling okay?)
Guinness usually likes a quiet recharge day after an over nighter, lots of water available.
I check his eyes and ears thoroughly if seeds are an issue.
7. Favourite Memories
- What’s been your most memorable hiking experience with your dog? Any funny or heartwarming stories you’d like to share?
Just watching him suddenly get the zoomies with a branch after several hours of walking, or the look on his face when we are slogging up a hill and he is already at the top watching us. Sitting in the helicopter with him on my knee excited about a new adventure. Enjoying our snack on the tops before heading back down.
8. Advice for New Hikers
- What advice would you give to someone who is new to hiking with their dog? How do you make sure the hike is enjoyable for both you and your dog?
Start gradually with shorter hikes, let your dog learn by experience. So take it slowly as they learn what they should/shouldn’t do. Make it fun for them.
9. Trail Responsibility
- How do you make sure your dog’s presence on the trail is responsible? Are there things you personally do to minimize impact on the environment or show respect for other trail users?
We always give way to bikers on tracks. If people are approaching I make sure Guinness is out of their way, though he is small so not usually a problem.
10. Sleeping Arrangements
- What’s your dog’s sleeping setup when you’re out on a multi-day hike or camping trip? Do they have their own sleeping space or do you just snuggle up together?
Definitely snuggle up together, he loves the sleeping bag.
11. Finding New Trails
- What resources do you use to find new dog-friendly hikes? Do you find them online, social media groups, hiking networks or word of mouth?
Online research, word of mouth, FB Hiking With Dogs is a great forum to ask when we are going somewhere different.
“Guinness loves climbing rocks and fallen trees, getting high so he can view the area”
12. Trail Challenges
- Have you ever encountered a trail or hiking experience that was a bit more challenging than expected? How did you and your dog handle it? (e.g., tough terrain, steep climbs, weather conditions)
Multiple river crossings can wear Guinness out, he gets cold and tired and usually lets me know if he has had enough. When I notice him getting tired we either have a rest and assess the route ahead or turn back.
13. Campsite Companions
- Do you ever meet other dogs or hikers while out camping, and how do your dog and the other pup get along at the campsite or during the hike?
Meeting other dogs while walking is a mix nowadays, if it’s a dog/owner I am not sure about then I put Guinness on a lead to pass, most dogs he either assesses himself and greets accordingly, either ignoring or the usual nose to butt circle thing.
We don’t tend to stay where there are other people/dogs.
14. Adventure Buddy
- Do you and your dog have any "hiking rituals" or quirks that make your hikes together extra special or fun? (e.g., does your dog have a favourite rock to climb, or a habit when out exploring?)
Guinness loves climbing rocks and fallen trees, getting high so he can view the area. He loves finding creeks and if the water is deep enough loves having a stick thrown to fetch.
If he finds a patch of sand or loose dirt he will dig for a few seconds. And he loves finding dead punga branches or strips of gum bark which he then picks up no matter what the size and goes loopy on the track dragging it up and down.
15. Trail Fashion
- Does your dog have a favourite hiking outfit or gear? Maybe a bandana, a backpack, or something that helps carry the load on the trail?
No but he does have a helicopter harness for when we fly into places, he loves helicopters and as soon as that goes on him he is one excited pup.
16. Pup Trail Tunes
- Do you have a hiking playlist that you and your dog jam out to before or during the hike? Or is there a certain song that reminds you of your adventures together?
Not really – he just loves me singing, hes the only one!
17. Doggy Trail Snacks
- What’s your dog’s go-to hiking snack? Is there a special treat you pack to keep them fueled during a long hike, or maybe something they love that others should?
Smackos! Always gotta carry them in the pocket. I have to buy the type of muesli bar he likes too to share.
18. "Paws" for a Photo
- Do you have any favourite photo spots on your hikes? Do you capture memories with your dog while out exploring?
High rocks, rivers – he loves standing on these. He poses but hates looking at the camera. I take hundreds of photos and he gets bored with that.
“He poses but hates looking at the camera”
19. Special Bonding Moments
- Is there a "heartwarming" moment you've had while hiking with your dog that really deepened the bond between you two?
Plenty. Sitting high on a ridge looking at the view sharing food. Playing in the rivers. Snuggling down after a long day. The few times I have to help him up a rock face or over a huge tree trunk.
We really enjoyed reading through Anne’s answers — you can feel how much she and Guinness love getting out there together and I know many of our audience are keen to explore and bring their best mate along. It’s moments spent together that you remember forever and seeing the joy in your pet.
Huge thanks to Anne for sharing a glimpse into their adventures. We’ll be popping a pack of Little Green Dog compostable poo bags in the post for her to use on local outings with Guinness — a small way to say thanks and support clean, dog-friendly outings.
If you’ve got a favourite walk or a hiking story with your pup, we’d love to hear it.
(P.S. We’ve also got a 10% discount on Little Green Dog products for the PSNZ community if you ever want to grab some)
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