Dogs’ day out

Christchurch and its surrounding towns are perfect for embarking on a tail-wagging adventure. 

With the growing popularity of dog-friendly spaces, Avenues finds some of the best in the city and Canterbury. Your canine companion can join you for puppacino or indulge in a doggy-sized ice cream at the myriad of pup-friendly establishments, or simply a welcoming “good dog” and a big bowl of water.

Beyond the cafés, bars, and restaurants, we have an array of scenic trails and captivating day trip destinations tailor-made for those with four-legged companions. So, leash up your pup and venture into Canterbury’s canine cornucopia! 

BONOBO 

To owners Deane Simmonds and Annelies Basten, Bonobo isn’t just a café; it’s a sanctuary on a mission to spread kindness to the planet, animals, and everyone who walks through its doors. Four-legged friends are embraced both inside and outside this Sumner plant-based haven, with dedicated dog bowls and treats available. The BonoBowl, Big Love Breakfast, and the Boss Burger are dishes that continuously prove popular. Beyond the food, Bonobo is a hub for community connection. Annelies describes it as a space with a warm and positive energy, where people and animals alike feel at home, surrounded by laughter, hugs, and boundless kindness. 

25 Marriner Street, Sumner, bonobo.nz

FRANCES NATION 

Operating since 2017, Frances Nation feels like a long-standing Christchurch institution. Offering top-quality New Zealand-made goods, it has dramatically expanded its home store across the ground floor of Old The Boys High Building at The Arts Centre, with its café right next door serving coffee, lunch, and real fruit ice cream. A stone’s throw from Hagley Park, their garden seating facing Worcester Boulevard is popular for a post-dog walk coffee. Pups are allowed inside the café and home store. In the home store, you will even find dog accessories such as locally-made leather leads and natural dog soap. The café has Joe Bennett’s dog treats on offer and plenty of water. For the two-legged customers looking for refreshment, every Friday evening over summer, the café transforms into a little wine bar – serving a range of wine, beer, and bar snacks until 10 pm. It’s relaxed and family-friendly, and yes, the family dogs are very welcome! 

28 Worcester Boulevard, francesnation.co.nz 

DUX DINE AND DUX CENTRAL

Both Riccarton’s Dux Dine and the central city’s Dux Central have expansive outdoor spaces where they provide water bowls and have dog treats available at the bar. They also offer Dog Beer for purchase. Perfect for pooches is Dux Dine’s courtyard garden. It’s sheltered, and you wouldn’t know you were on Riccarton Road as it’s so quiet. For dog owners, the Crusted Fish is highly recommended. This is a dish that has not changed since its opening, as it’s their absolute number one signature dish. You also can’t go past the scones, including their famous toasted cheese (“best in Christchurch”) with salmon and cream cheese mousse, or date scone with cream and berry coulis. 

28 Riccarton Road, duxdine.co.nz; 6 Poplar Street, duxcentral.co.nz 

THE BREWERY BAR & RESTAURANT 

At The Brewery in Woolston, dogs are very welcome. Dogs on leads and under control are allowed under the weatherproof marquee, which provides shelter from the elements year-round, and water bowls are also provided. For owners to enjoy while their pup chills out is a new summer menu, and year-round, they have a range of weekly deals, like Monday, kids eat free with any paying adult or come the weekend, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, grab the Takeaway Deal, which is two pizzas, one fries, and a two-litre rigger of beer for $70. Adjacent to The Brewery, The Tannery is also dog-friendly. It is up to each store’s discretion, but many of them love canines and even have their own store dogs! The Tannery’s Christmas Store is open now, and a Christmas Market is on 7 December, with live music, a bar, complimentary canapés, and extended store hours – and, of course, dogs are welcome! 

3 Garlands Road, cassels.nz/brewery-bar

SUMNER SOCIAL 

Nestled across from Sumner Beach, Sumner Social welcomes you with sandy bare feet after your beach stroll with your pooch! Enjoy a coffee and scone or a cocktail after a beach day; they promise summery vibes! Live music graces Saturday afternoons and Friday evenings in summer. With a large dog-friendly courtyard, it’s perfect for a pint with your pup post-beach. They care for thirsty canines, provide fresh dog bowls, and offer free puppacinos on weekend brunch bookings! A new menu has just launched too, with the desserts coming highly recommended – the chocolate panna cotta comes with cocoa crumbs, freeze-dried raspberries, and house-made peanut butter ice cream. It’s seriously good. Explore the new Coastal Pathway, hit the beach, and visit Sumner Social this summer! 

22A Esplanade, Sumner, sumnersocial.co.nz 

GRATER GOODS 

With the roller doors open this summer, Sydenham’s Grater Goods is the perfect spot for canine friends! Founded by Kiwi musician Flip Grater, this plant-based bistro and deli has become known for its innovative dishes. While you tuck into a KFT burger (marinated and fried tofu, dill pickles, lettuce, house-made aioli, and hot sauce) or a vegan antipasti platter, you can rest assured your pooch will be comfortable, both inside and out. Staff are accommodating to dogs and have water on hand. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner with ‘Apero hour’ drink specials and free bar snacks on weekdays 4pm–6pm. 

105 Orbell Street, gratergoods.co.nz

URBAN EATERY 

For the owners of Urban Eatery Cashmere, their fluffy family is a huge part of their lives. It started with Shepherds and now a headstrong Shih Tzu named Betty goes with them wherever they go. So, to them, it was logical that their non-threatening and accepting cafés allowed them as well. Owner Manu says, “I recently heard a saying that resonated with me. From the eyes of a dog, ‘I may be only one chapter in your life, but to me, you are my whole chapter.’ So who wants to leave their dog in the car or at home?” The food on offer is a full à la carte and cabinet offerings. With an extensive cabinet range from savoury items through to all types of slices, everything is made fresh. 

205 Cashmere Road, theurbaneatery.co.nz 

SUBURBAN EATERY 

The big sister to Urban Eatery, Suburban Eatery in Leeston, is all about good food and good vibes. Being a part of the community they are based in is important to the owners, and dogs are as welcome here as in their other establishments. Boasting great cabinet food, they make everything from scratch. They also have a full à la carte menu, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and even offer takeaway. Check out their friendly and welcoming customer service for yourself by taking a drive out to Leeston with your pooch! They’d love “your dog to be a part of our furry family, so feel free to bring them in.” 

112 High Street, Leeston, suburbaneatery.co.nz