I am on a roadie with my Westie, Brookie, investigating how well our canine friends are welcomed by the hotel industry or to phrase it slightly more negatively, dog discrimination.

Sadly, when we want to shout our canine best mate a great vacation it is often hard to find accommodation to woo them and really show our appreciation for their love and loyalty.

So Brookie and I left Auckland yesterday morning, heading north to the Bay of Islands to find out how well we would be welcomed and treated in the eating establishments and hotels in one of New Zealand’s famous regions.

 Today we have some positive, pleasing results.

First coffee stop – Top of the Dome Café – State Highway 1, out of Warkworth 9/10

Nobody batted an eyelid when Brookie jumped out of the car and played on the deck of the cafe while we had a coffee.

Second Coffee Stop –  The Trainspotter -Kawakawa – 15 min from Paihia  9/10

We took Brookie into the cafe in Kawakawa where she played with Ice, the cafe dog. We were welcomed so long as Brooke didn’t go into the food prep area behind the counter.

Lunch Paihia – Charlotte’s Kitchen, on the Paihia Wharf 8/10

When asked if we could bring Brookie into this very nice restaurant on Paihia’s wharf we were welcomed and seated in an area that even had a water bowl.

Haruru Fall just around the corner from Paihia 0/10

Taking Brookie to Harura Falls and to the Waitingi Treaty grounds was not as successful as apparently our Kiwis roam in this neck of the woods.

Edgewater Palms Ramada – with great views of Paihia Beach 10/10

Brookie enjoying the view from her balcony at the Edgewater Palms Ramada across the road from the beach.

Nosey Brookie is taking a peak at the neighbours

Look out for tomorrows blog. We are looking to do a cruise through the famous hole in the rock and will explore Kerikeri before heading off to Russell to spend the night.

Come on Brookie hop in the car, we’re off………………