A kennel-free dog boarding homestay in the Kaimai hills, just off State Highway 29 beyond McLaren Falls, in the Western Bay of Plenty. Dogs stay in a purpose-built, air-conditioned room connected to the owner's home, and they move freely between their indoor space and the outdoor paddocks, which the business describes as a home away from home. The homestay takes a maximum of 10 dogs at a time, and each dog has an intro evening before its first stay.
Small and elderly dogs are kept separate from larger dogs and have their own room and paddock. The farm has around 42 to 48 acres of land, with fenced grassed areas for dogs to roam. The owner, Tamzen, has a background in personal training and social work, a diploma in canine behaviour and dog training, and a pet first aid course.
Clients say their dogs are happy and tired after a stay, and that the owner understands both people and dogs. The homestay says it is not taking new dogs at present, and that its opening hours have changed, so the website should be checked before booking. The homestay is at 417 McLaren Falls Road. Our pick in Lower Kaimai for a dog that does better in a quiet home than in a kennel.