Manakau Lodge
Kaikoura, New Zealand · Star Hotel
Dogs Stay Free
Onsite Garden
No Weight LimitManakau Lodge Dog Friendly Review
Manakau Lodge holds an acceptable C Roch Rank, and it makes a strong case for itself with dog owners from the outset. Your dog is welcome on the terrace or patio and in the lounge, and there are large grounds and gardens he is free to use, giving him plenty of room to roam beyond the usual four walls. There are wonderful walking tracks nearby, with maps and directions supplied in the lodge, so you will not be left guessing where to take him. With no weight or size limit, this is a lodge that genuinely opens its doors to dogs of any size.
Day to day, you can take your dog into any of the rooms, which keeps things simple whichever room you are allocated. There is no additional charge for bringing your dog, and the lodge does not normally take a damage deposit, though it reserves the right to charge your credit card up to the value of its insurance excess if damage is discovered after you leave. If you want to head out for dinner, it is possible to leave your dog in the lodge for a short period while you do so. Up to two dogs are permitted per room, which suits those travelling with a pair.
There are some notable gaps to plan around. The lodge does not allow dogs in the bar or restaurant, and it does not provide a dog wash area, a dog bed, food or water bowls, dog food, treats, toys or poop bags. There is no dog-walking service, no grooming or sitting arranged, and no emergency vet number kept on file. For an owner who wants a free stay with room to roam, grounds to use and nearby tracks mapped out, and who is happy to bring their own bowls, bed and bags, Manakau Lodge suits very well. Owners wanting on-site extras or dining with their dog should look elsewhere.
Roch Score: 32/77. This hotel does not meet the Roch Dog Friendly Standard. This hotel has been evaluated, ranked and reviewed using the Roch Standard, the world’s first dog friendly standard for the hotel industry. We gathered data directly from the hotel and benchmarked it against thousands of other hotels to accurately and fairly derive its rank.
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This hotel was last certified on 12 October 2026.
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Manakau Lodge With Your Dog · Pet Policy
Is Manakau Lodge dog friendly?
Manakau Lodge welcomes dogs, and we have independently assessed and listed it against the Roch Dog Friendly Standard, where it holds a Rank C rating. It does not meet every minimum requirement of the Standard, so it sits below our top-rated dog friendly hotels; the review above explains what a stay is actually like with a dog.
Is there a pet fee at Manakau Lodge?
No. Manakau Lodge does not charge a pet fee. Your dog stays with you at no extra cost, which is still rarer than it should be across the hospitality industry.
How many dogs can stay per room at Manakau Lodge?
Up to 2 dogs are permitted per room at Manakau Lodge, which makes it a practical choice for households travelling with more than one dog. It is always worth confirming the details with the hotel when you book.
Is there a weight limit for dogs at Manakau Lodge?
No. Manakau Lodge has no weight limit, so dogs of every size are welcome. From the smallest lap dog to the largest breed, your dog's size will never stand between you and a room.
Can I leave my dog alone in the room at Manakau Lodge?
Yes. Dogs may be left unattended in the room at Manakau Lodge. We would still suggest letting reception know and making sure your dog is calm and settled before you head out, so housekeeping and other guests are never caught by surprise.
Where are dogs allowed in Manakau Lodge?
Dogs are welcome in several public areas at Manakau Lodge, including the terrace, lounge and garden. We would always suggest keeping your dog on a lead and settled in these shared spaces, out of courtesy to other guests.
Is Manakau Lodge pet-friendly?
Manakau Lodge welcomes dogs. We hold no confirmation that it accepts cats or other animals, so check with the hotel before bringing any pet other than a dog. Our independent assessment gives it a Rank C rating.
Are pets allowed at Manakau Lodge?
Yes. Manakau Lodge allows dogs to stay. There is no weight limit, so size is not a barrier. Tell the hotel you are travelling with your dog when you book, so they can prepare the right room for you both.
What Roch Dog rank does Manakau Lodge hold?
Manakau Lodge holds a Rank C rating from Roch Dog, on our scale of A+ to F. It does not meet every minimum requirement of the Roch Dog Friendly Standard. The rank comes from an independent assessment of the hotel's dog policy, fees, facilities and services, and no hotel can pay to change it.
What is the pet policy at Manakau Lodge?
The pet policy at Manakau Lodge covers the essentials: dogs stay free with no pet fee, up to 2 dogs per room, no weight limit and dogs welcome in the terrace, lounge and garden. Every detail here comes from the hotel's own independently verified assessment under the Roch Dog Friendly Standard.