Now she’s decided it’s time to share her slice of doggy paradise with the public as a way to diversify her farm business.
“My dogs, of course, love it so much I started thinking it’s really sad that other people and their dogs don’t have the opportunity to explore places like this.”
Elizabeth Mallory said her dogs loved the area so much she wanted to share it with other dogs and their owners.
Mallory has opened up a 3.5-acre section to the public, naming it the Stream Explorer, with the first guests through on Waitangi Day.
“It’s a safe space people can bring their dogs… you basically book it, and you have it to yourself for that time period, and let your dog explore and have a great time.”
Bookings can be done via a website Mallory has set up, with a cost of $20 per hour for up to five dogs or $35 per hour for up to 10 dogs.
“One woman said to me it’s the first time in years that she could fully relax with her dog running free.”
She said the property provided a stimulating experience for dogs and their owners, with the Matamau Stream running through it.
“My farm is not just open paddocks, it’s got a lot of mature trees, it’s got this gorgeous old stream that meanders and twists and turns with these big old trees hanging over it, it’s really picture perfect.”
She said the Stream Explorer area included a bush area that was secluded and shaded, and open spaces.
Elizabeth Mallory said she bought the farm for her dogs to enjoy.
“The topography varies quite a bit in terms of whether you’re on hillsides going down or up.”
Mallory said despite there being a range of dog parks, they came with drawbacks.
“You never know who you are going meet there, whether the dogs are going to be friendly, maybe your dog is anxious, or it doesn’t deal well with other types of dogs.”
According to the Dog Control Bylaw 2022 for the Tararua District, there are four public areas where dogs can be exercised unleashed (but under continuous control) in Dannevirke.
They are the railway embankment, Stanley St, railway reserve Mangatera, and the Waihipai Domain grassed area opposite the Mangatera Hotel and High St.
Mallory said the Stream Explorer area was child-free.
Dog owners were responsible for ensuring their dogs’ vaccinations were up to date and poo was picked up.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.