About McKenzie Manor

Personalised, attentive dog care in a calm, country setting, where every detail is designed for your dog’s happiness and wellbeing.

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Our Story

McKenzie Manor was founded by Sharnie and Theo in May 2023 with one simple goal: to provide dogs with the kind of care they deserve, in a setting where they can truly relax, play, and feel at home.

Sharnie grew up on Waiheke Island, spending hours in the whelping box and challenging herself with agility courses on her grandparents’ farm. Her grandmother, a registered border collie breeder, inspired a lifelong passion for dogs. Watching pups go on to serve in search and rescue, guide work, or compete in sports gave Sharnie a deep respect for each dog’s potential. As an adult, she volunteered in rescue, helping anxious and guarded puppies build confidence before joining their forever families—always with patience, calmness, and compassion.

When Sharnie and Theo first discovered the Mangatāwhiri property, they felt an immediate, undeniable draw.

Though both had established professional careers and no plans to start a business, their own experiences with limited high-quality boarding options sparked an idea. What began as a pet-sitting venture quickly grew into McKenzie Manor—a boutique facility centred on the wellbeing of each dog in our care.

Every detail at McKenzie Manor is purpose-built for exceptional care, from the routines to the facilities, ensuring a premium boarding experience your dog will love.

Our Care Philosophy

At McKenzie Manor, we know that traditional kennels aren’t suitable for every dog. Our boutique boarding approach prioritises emotional, physical, and mental wellbeing, providing a calm, safe, and enriching environment for every guest.

Our own dogs inspired the creation of McKenzie Manor. We wanted a space where dogs could feel at home, build meaningful relationships with consistency of carers, relax in natural surroundings, and enjoy thoughtful comforts such as cosy indoor sleeping areas and year-round climate control. Here, dogs are valued members of our family—even those staying away from home.

We take a personalised approach, considering each dog’s emotional, social, and medical needs. By keeping our guest numbers low, we ensure every dog receives meaningful human companionship, enrichment, and supervision. There are no shift changes, no strangers, and no distractions—just continuous, dedicated care from a familiar, attentive team.

Our capacity is determined by need, not numbers.  
This ensures:

Smooth settling for first-time guests

Only a limited number of new dogs at any one time.

Balanced socialisation

Dogs are grouped according to comfort and personality, with options for one on one care.

Client commitment

Returning families benefit from priority bookings and reserved emergency spaces for life’s unexpected events.

A Peaceful Country Setting

McKenzie Manor is nestled on a five-acre lifestyle block in Mangatāwhiri, surrounded by natural bush, paddocks, and a meandering creek. This serene rural environment allows dogs to enjoy the finer things in life, fresh air, and plenty of space to explore safely.

Our boutique size ensures we can focus on each dog’s needs—whether they love romping in the paddocks, relaxing in shaded nooks, or enjoying hands-on play with our team. Every detail of our property, from the private suites to outdoor enrichment areas, is designed to promote calm, comfort, and connection.

Meet Our Team

The heart of McKenzie Manor is our dedicated, close-knit team. Sharnie and Theo lead daily operations, providing hands-on, attentive care to every guest.

Joining them is Michelle, Sharnie’s mother, who became part of the McKenzie Manor family in October 2024 after relocating from the South Island. With extensive experience in pharmacy dispensary and business management, Michelle brings both professionalism and warmth to the Manor. She is actively involved in the dogs’ daily routines, from greeting guests at check-in to overseeing their care throughout the day, ensuring every dog feels safe, comfortable, and cared for.

Our small, on-site team means that all clients will be greeted by either Sharnie, Theo or Michelle, allowing dogs to build trust and familiarity with the same caring faces. This continuity fosters a calm, relaxed environment and reflects our philosophy that dogs thrive best with consistent, personalised care.

Ready to see if McKenzie Manor is the right fit for your dog?

Enquire now

We’d love to hear from you. Submit an enquiry and we’ll be in touch to talk through your dog’s needs, answer any questions, and arrange a visit if it feels like a good match.

Spots fill quickly – early booking is recommended.