Best Holiday Parks in New Zealand: Our Top 10 Picks
If you want to see Aotearoa without overspending, holiday parks in New Zealand are scattered along its coasts, lakes, and glacier valleys, and they are hard to beat. They put you in the middle of the scenery, offer everything from tent sites to self-contained cabins, and cost far less than most hotels. Here are ten of the best, listed from north to south.
Many of these parks belong to the Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) network. Note that “TOP 10” in a park’s name is a holiday park brand, not a ranking. Every park below is on our list on its own merits.
How We Chose These Holiday Parks
We looked for a mix of location, facilities, reputation, and variety. Each park sits close to something worth seeing, such as a beach, hot springs, a geothermal area or a glacier. Together they also cover both islands, so you can plan a full road trip. Where a park has won awards or holds a quality rating, we have mentioned it.
Top 10 Holiday Parks New Zealand Travellers Love
The first seven parks are on the North Island, and the last three are on the South Island. Each entry explains what makes the park special and who it suits best.
North Island Holiday Parks
North Island holiday parks range from subtropical Northland to the capital, with hot pools, surf beaches and geothermal attractions along the way. For more ideas on what to see, read our guide to the best North Island tourist attractions.
1. Paihia Holiday Park – Bay of Islands
Paihia is the gateway to the Bay of Islands, and this park sits close to town. You can walk to restaurants and shops, then hop on a boat cruise from the waterfront. A short ferry ride also takes you across to the historic village of Russell. The Waitangi Treaty Grounds are nearby too, which makes this an easy base for a few days of history and sea views.
Best for: first-time visitors and cruise lovers. Browse more Northland and Bay of Islands activities to fill your days.
2. Hot Water Beach Holiday Park – Coromandel
Few experiences beat digging your own hot pool at Hot Water Beach. Volcanic water flows beneath the white sand and bubbles up near the surface, so you can dig a hollow, let it fill and soak while the waves roll in. It is also a lively surf beach, so take care when swimming. Check the tide times first, because the hot water is easiest to reach around low tide, and pack a spade.
Best for: couples, families and anyone chasing a classic Kiwi beach experience. Our Coromandel Peninsula activities guide covers nearby highlights such as Cathedral Cove.
3. Athenree Hot Springs & Holiday Park – Bay of Plenty
This park was named the 2026 Holiday Park Supreme Industry Award winner at the HPNZ Awards in Hamilton on 30 July, after first winning Medium Park of the Year. News reports say judges highlighted its hospitality, community contribution and ongoing environmental programme. They also noted its role as the largest local employer. The owners are geologists who bought the park in 2020 without any tourism experience, which makes its success even more impressive. Hot springs on site mean you can unwind after a long day on the road.
Best for: relaxing breaks and travellers who want a proven, award-winning park. Explore the wider Bay of Plenty region or see our list of hot pools and health spas.
4. Ōhope Beach Holiday Park – Bay of Plenty
Ōhope Beach is an award-winning park and is regularly named among the best on the North Island. Its biggest drawcard is the beachfront position, with sites close to the sand so you can wake up to the sound of the surf. The park’s own pitch mentions kiwi, an active volcano and an incredible beach. It lies around six kilometres from Whakatāne, so shops, cafés and tours are close by.
Best for: beach holidays and coastal road trips. If sand and sea are your priorities, see our list of the best New Zealand beaches.
5. Blue Lake Holiday Park – Rotorua
Rotorua is the heart of New Zealand’s geothermal country, and Blue Lake is a popular base for exploring it. It is a recommended stop on the Thermal Explorer Highway, the scenic route from Auckland to Napier. That drive takes about six hours in total, but it is best enjoyed over four or five days. From the park you can reach geysers, bubbling mud pools and Māori cultural experiences, including a traditional hāngī feast.
Best for: geothermal sightseeing and cultural experiences. See our Rotorua tours and activities for ideas.
6. Napier Beach Holiday Park – Hawke’s Bay
This beachfront park in Bay View is about ten minutes north of Napier along State Highway 2. It trades as Napier Beach Holiday Park & Snapper Café, and was previously known as Napier Beach Kiwi Holiday Park. The on-site café is a real bonus when you don’t feel like cooking. Meanwhile the camp kitchen, powered sites and playground keep family trips running smoothly, and children can be in the water within minutes of arriving.
Best for: families who want a beach stay plus a weekend of Art Deco and wineries. See our Hawke’s Bay activities page for more.
7. Wellington Holiday Park – Lower Hutt
About 20 minutes from central Wellington, this Lower Hutt park gives you a capital-city base without inner-city prices. It offers powered sites and camp kitchens, plus plenty of green space for children to burn off energy. It also makes a practical stop before or after the Cook Strait ferry crossing, so it works well if you are travelling between the islands.
Best for: city sightseeing and ferry travellers. Explore Wellington and Wairarapa activities to plan your stay.
South Island Holiday Parks
South Island holiday parks put you beside glaciers, alpine lakes and wildlife-rich coastlines. Distances are longer here, so plan your driving carefully. Our best South Island tourist attractions guide will help you choose your stops.
8. Franz Josef Holiday Park – West Coast
Set below towering mountains, glaciers and lush forest, this landscaped park has plenty of space to spread out. It is an ideal base for exploring Glacier Country, where guided glacier walks, scenic flights and rainforest trails are all close by. Because the West Coast has limited accommodation in peak season, booking early is wise.
Best for: glacier adventures and nature lovers. Learn more about West Coast tours and activities before you go.
9. Hampshire Holiday Parks – Queenstown Lakeview
Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, but its accommodation is among the priciest in the country. Staying in a holiday park is a smart way to balance the budget. Bungy jumping, jet boating, skiing and wine touring are all on your doorstep, and the surrounding lakes and mountains make the scenery hard to beat. Book early for summer and the winter ski season.
Best for: adventure seekers on a budget. See our Queenstown activities guide for inspiration.
10. Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels – Otago
Located in St Kilda, about ten minutes from central Dunedin, this park holds a Qualmark 4-Star Plus rating. It has 65 powered sites, tent sites and around 60 motel-style units, so you can choose a powered site one trip and a cabin the next. The city centre is only about 4.5 kilometres away, and the Otago Peninsula, famous for its wildlife, is a short drive from the park.
Best for: flexible stays and wildlife watching. Browse Dunedin and Otago activities to plan your visit.
Other Holiday Parks Worth a Mention
These parks narrowly missed the top ten, but they are well worth considering for North Island holiday parks and South Island holiday parks alike:
- Takapuna Beach Holiday Park (Auckland): On the sand, about 15 minutes from the city centre. Check current dates, as an upgrade may cause short closures. See Auckland activities.
- Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park (Auckland): A council-run park with calm, shallow water that suits young children.
- Whangārei TOP 10 Holiday Park (Northland): A practical stopover on the drive north.
- Motutere Bay TOP 10 Holiday Park (Lake Taupō): Lakefront sites with kayak and paddleboard hire. See Taupō activities.
- Kaiteriteri Reserve (Nelson Tasman): Golden sand and turquoise water near Abel Tasman. See Nelson Tasman activities.
- Tasman Holiday Parks – Christchurch: About 15 minutes from the city centre, formerly known as Christchurch TOP 10. See Christchurch and Canterbury activities.
- North South Holiday Park (Christchurch): Five minutes from the airport, so it suits late arrivals and early flights.
- Hampshire Holiday Parks – Wanaka: Close to the lake and a short walk from town. See Wanaka activities.
- Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park & Motels: A gateway to Milford Sound. See Fiordland activities.
What to Look For in Family Holiday Parks NZ
Family holiday parks NZ wide share a few key features. Before you book, check the following:
- Powered sites with enough room for your caravan or motorhome
- A well-equipped camp kitchen that copes with busy dinner times
- A playground, pool or beach within easy walking distance
- Quality ratings such as Qualmark, which signal consistent standards
- Cancellation terms in case your plans change
When to Book Your Holiday Park Stay
Summer is the busiest time for holiday parks. Sites fill fastest from Christmas through late January, so book as early as you can. Check our list of New Zealand public holidays to avoid clashes with long weekends.
Alternatively, consider the shoulder seasons for lower prices and quieter parks. Our guide to the best time to visit New Zealand explains what each month offers, and the weather and climate page helps you pack for each region.
Combining Holiday Parks With a Self-Drive or Motorhome Trip
Holiday parks pair naturally with a road trip. If you are hiring a vehicle, start with our guide to car rental for self-drive tours. Prefer to sleep on wheels? Read about campervan hire, our motorhome holidays and our self-drive tours.
Not sure how to link your stops together? These resources will help:
- New Zealand itinerary ideas
- A two-week New Zealand itinerary
- A 9-day South Island self-drive tour
- The top 15 scenic highways and drives
Also read our tips on driving in New Zealand, especially if you will be towing or driving a larger vehicle for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Parks NZ
What is a holiday park in New Zealand?
A holiday park is a commercial accommodation site that offers powered and tent sites alongside cabins, units and shared facilities such as camp kitchens, bathrooms and laundries. Many also have pools and playgrounds.
Are holiday parks in New Zealand good for families?
Yes. Most parks are designed with families in mind, offering playgrounds, safe outdoor space and self-contained rooms. Always check each park’s facilities before booking.
Do I need to book New Zealand holiday parks in advance?
For summer and school holidays, booking well ahead is strongly recommended. Outside peak periods you will often find more availability, but popular parks still fill up on weekends.
How much do holiday parks in New Zealand cost?
Prices vary by region, season and accommodation type. Powered sites are generally the cheapest option, while cabins and motel units cost more. Always check current rates directly with the park.
Plan Your New Zealand Holiday With Us
Holiday parks are a great way to experience New Zealand’s landscapes at your own pace. If you would like help combining them with accommodation, transport and activities, our team can build a trip around your dates and budget. Start by browsing our North Island tours and South Island tours, or request a custom itinerary. You can also compare more accommodation options for tour packages, explore our NZ’s Top 10+ lists, or check our frequently asked questions.
