Dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Rotorua
Rotorua isn’t just bubbling mud and hot pools—it’s also full of vibrant cafés, eateries, and garden bars where your pup is just as welcome as you are. Whether you’re craving brunch, craft beer, or a chilled-out sangria, pet-friendly Rotorua has plenty of places where dogs can lounge beside you while you dine. Here’s our guide to the best dog-friendly cafes and restaurants in Rotorua.
Good Eastern Taphouse
Looking for somewhere casual with great food, cold drinks, and room for your pup? Good Eastern Taphouse is one of the best picks for dog-friendly dining in Rotorua. With a large outdoor space perfect for dogs, this local favourite serves up epic burgers, loaded fries, and fresh brews from their sister brewery, BrewDog. Even better—they’re open for dinner too, making it a go-to spot for a post-adventure feed. Whether it’s lunch in the sun or dinner with your dog curled at your feet, the vibe here is always warm and welcoming.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs and Café
Nestled next to the Redwoods, Secret Spot is a dreamy place to relax with a drink while your pup chills in the garden bar. Known for having the best sangrias in summer and mulled wine in winter, this pet-friendly Rotorua destination is more than just hot tubs (though those are great too!). While dogs can’t hop in the tubs, they’re more than welcome in the outdoor seating areas surrounded by native bush. It’s a peaceful spot for a snack, drink, and a bit of “soak and sip” serenity—pup included.
By the way: Premium Pack Members get 10% off their next soak at Secret Spot Rotorua! Click here to become a Premium Pack Member for this discount and even more goodies!
Eastwood Café
Right by the Redwoods Treewalk, Eastwood Café is a local gem with lush forest views and a woodfired menu worth writing home about. The outdoor seating area is dog-friendly, surrounded by tall trees and fresh forest air. Pups are more than welcome to relax while you dive into fresh pizzas, hearty brunches, or a well-earned coffee after a walk. It’s a must-stop if you’re planning to explore Rotorua’s most famous forest trails with your four-legged explorer.
Aroma Café
A favourite among locals, Aroma Café offers not one, but two great outdoor areas for dogs. One is shaded by trees and umbrellas, while the other is fully covered—perfect no matter the weather. Known for their excellent coffee, relaxed atmosphere, and friendly service, it’s a lovely spot to take a break with your pup in tow. It’s just the right mix of comfort and calm in the heart of pet-friendly Rotorua, and you’ll often see a few regulars of the canine variety curled up under tables.
Ciabatta Café & Bakery
Ciabatta isn’t just dog-friendly—it’s dog-loving. This café goes the extra mile with a separate indoor seating area just for pups and their humans, making it a rare find in town. Add in some of Rotorua’s best handmade sandwiches, fresh bread, and bakery treats, and you’ve got the perfect pit stop. Whether you’re grabbing something to go or settling in for a bite, the staff are always welcoming, and your pup gets VIP vibes from the moment they arrive.
Okere Falls Store + Craft Beer Garden
Just a short drive from Rotorua, Okere Falls Store is an iconic stop for locals and travellers alike—and yes, it’s absolutely dog-friendly. The outdoor beer garden is both open-air and covered, so your pup can join you rain or shine. With a rotating craft beer list, live music, and epic food (including plenty of plant-based and GF options), it’s a buzzing spot that feels like a mini festival on sunny weekends. They’re also open for dinner, making it the perfect place to kick back after a day exploring the nearby Okere Falls walking tracks.
👉 Read more about Okere Falls Store
From central cafés to forest retreats and beer gardens, Rotorua has loads of great spots where your dog isn’t just tolerated—they’re celebrated. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a local looking for new haunts in Rotorua, dog-friendly cafes and restaurants will always be supported by our lovely community of pawrents.
Do you know about even more dog-friendly places in Rotorua, or do you own/operate a dog-friendly business you’d love to share with our community? Click here to upload your suggestion
