Grab the lead: Pawrade returns to Dog Friendly Napier

As cities around New Zealand consider the place of dogs in their central business districts, Napier is taking a decidedly dog-friendly approach.

Across the city centre, shops, cafés, bars and other businesses are opening their doors to dogs through Dog Friendly Napier, an initiative making it easier for people to enjoy the city with their best mate in tow.

This Sunday, 13 September that welcome will be celebrated as Pawrade returns to the Napier Soundshell for its second year.
The annual event brings dogs and their owners together for an afternoon of dog-friendly fun before encouraging them to head into the city and explore businesses that welcome four-legged visitors year round.

Dog Friendly Napier began with a simple suggestion from local woman Sally Whyte through Napier City Business Inc’s Ideas Hub in 2025. The idea quickly gained traction, leading to window stickers identifying participating businesses and an online directory showing dog owners where their companions are welcome.

Napier City Business Inc General Manager Pip Thompson says one of the best things about Dog Friendly Napier has been seeing businesses put their own spin on what it means to welcome dogs.

“It’s been really cool to see how businesses have run with it,” says Thompson. “Everyone does dog-friendly a little differently, and the Pawrade gives us a chance to celebrate that and encourage people to get out and experience it for themselves.”
A year on, that welcome extends well beyond a sticker in the window, with businesses offering water bowls, treats and pup cups for four-legged visitors.

Scenic Hotel Te Pania has two dedicated dog-friendly rooms, complete with bedding and welcome treats, while dogs can join their owners for breakfast or dinner inside The Curve Restaurant & Bar.

The hotel is also sponsoring this year’s Best Dressed Dog competition, with a one-night stay in a dog-friendly room, breakfast for two and welcome treats up for grabs.

Rose Apothecary & Giftware is getting behind the day too, offering a water bowl and treats for visiting pups, along with 15 per cent off storewide for customers who shop with their dog.

There are now 50+ businesses as part of Dog Friendly Napier, spanning retail, hospitality, accommodation, services and attractions.

This year’s Pawrade will bring dogs and their humans together at the Soundshell for an afternoon of activities and entertainment, including an informal red-carpet dog-walk where pups can strut their stuff for the Best Dressed title.

From there, owners will be encouraged to grab the lead and make an afternoon of it, heading into the city to explore Napier’s dog-friendly businesses at their own pace.

Pawrade will be held at the Napier Soundshell from 1-3pm on Sunday 13 September and is free to attend.

Dogs must remain on leads and under the control of their owners. Pawrade is an outdoor event and is weather dependent.

For the full list of Dog Friendly Napier businesses, visit: napiercbd.co.nz/dog-friendly-napier