FOR those whose holiday is ruined unless all family members are included (and that means Fido as well), this book should be your constant companion while travelling within New Zealand.
It begins with some tips for holidaymakers to start on the right foot with hotel/motel owners when they arrive at their destinations - for example, never use motel crockery to feed or water your dog; never brush it inside the rooms; always carry your dog's vaccination certificates; and never allow your dog to bark and annoy others. Most tips are just common sense, but Graeme Beal of Holiday Park Family Motels has composed the list from experience.
A guide to the book is next, with symbols, tariffs, and lost dog information, ferry and map references, hydatids information, what to do with doggy-do, and 10 how-to pages on DoC parks and walkways, camping areas and offices, beaches and forests and the rules that apply to dogs.
Next come travel tips, first aid and homoeopathic assistance for travel-related problems, before the listings begin.
The listings are really comprehensive. Each region has a map and a list of numbered pet-friendly accommodations. The numbers are also located on the map so that each location is easy to find - if you don't recognise the name of the township, just consult the map!
Many of the listings have photographs as well, which give readers a view of their holiday surroundings and what to expect. Many of the establishments listing their business have chosen the smaller list with not so much information, but anyone is welcome to phone for information and booking requirements.
Following each area's listings there is some really good information on the region's local authority rules governing beaches, forest walks, dog-walking parks, along with phone numbers and contacts for councils and information centres - if there is anything else you need to know, just phone!
The Guide covers both North and South Islands and is a real boon to anyone travelling with their pet - as long as you follow the rules and expectations your holiday with your pet should be a very happy one.
One of the most useful books any dog owner could possess. - EP
