New Zealand's Top 20 Family Friendly Holiday Parks
    Family Friendly

    New Zealand's Top 20 Family Friendly Holiday Parks

    November 23, 2022Tom Lanauze

    9 min read

    Holiday Parks are as kiwi as pavlovas and the All Blacks! Every kiwi or traveller staying at them remembers their favourite spot from their childhood. It’s where they met their best new friend, did an awesome walk, relaxed in the sun or just had some amazing memories with their family.

    We are here to help you and your kids have the very best memories possible from your New Zealand holiday, so we picked our Top 20 Family Friendly Holiday Parks from across New Zealand.

    If you’re looking for even more amazing places to stay, check out our full lists below;

    These Holiday Parks offer a mix of styles, from farmyard stays with animals you can feed and pat, accommodation with their own water parks and pools, to bush camps packed with outdoor activities and exciting kids holiday programmes. It allows your family to holiday how it wants too.

    Here are our Top 20 Family Friendly Holiday Parks from across New Zealand

    North Island

    Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park - Bay of Islands

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    Your UNIQUE opportunity to hear and see Kiwi in the wild! Relax by the Pool, explore the Kiwi Trail and indulge yourself in nature. Conveniently located to explore the Bay of Islands, Russell - Orongo Bay Holiday Park is set in 14 acres with amazing birdlife (the BBC filmed here!). It has incredible facilities, with a massive playground and stunning swimming pool, pizza oven and more. You can see why this is an award winning Holiday Park.

    Treasure Island Camping and Campground - Northland

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    Tranquility Sun, Surf, Sand. Treasure Island features a safe lagoon, ideal for young children and two excellent golden sand beaches where you can swim at any time of the day. It has a playground, tennis and volleyball courts along with a massive slide!

    Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - Auckland

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    The best of both worlds - this award winning Holiday Park is situated in a beautiful valley with direct access to the shoreline of the safe and sheltered Kikowhakarere Bay. There is a new heated pool and splash zone and kids can go exploring in the rock pools when the tide is out or walk to the Kauri Grove.

    Taupo DeBretts Holiday Park - Taupo

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    This is the ultimate all-year-round relaxation and recreation destination for the whole family! Here you’ll find a mix of unique New Zealand experiences – from the mineral waters of the historic Taupo Hot Springs to their modern Living Waters Spa - you choose your adventure. Just a stone’s throw from stunning Lake Taupō and a million miles from stress, soak up the atmosphere in their natural thermal pools, fresh water pools and park-like grounds. Kids will especially love the warm water playground and hydroslides.

    Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park -Coromandel

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    This lovely park is situated in the heart of Coromandel Town with bush, beach and cafes at your doorstep. Enjoy the playground and outdoor pool set to the stunning views of the Coromandel Ranges. It is perfect for families who want to enjoy nature, but still have civilization close at hand!

    Ohope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park - Bay of Plenty

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    A fantastic holiday destination in New Zealand’s scenic Bay of Plenty. Ohope has an unbroken 11 km white sand ocean beach that offers the most spectacular views of White Island (Whakaari) and Whale Island (Moutohora) plus far-reaching views towards the East Cape. Camping by the beach is a fabulous experience helped by the onsite playground, games room and swimming pool - they even have a mini golf course!

    Tasman Holiday Parks Waihi Beach - Bay of Plenty

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    This is a stunning seaside Holiday Park set amongst mature native trees alongside the Waihi Beach stream. The park also fronts child friendly Waihi Beach along with a fantastic swimming pool and playground making it the ideal family friendly getaway spot.

    Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park - Hawke’s Bay

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    This is the first step to unwinding in the sunny Hawkes Bay, with a tranquil park-like setting with shady tree lined avenues and well landscaped gardens providing for a relaxed setting. There is a great children's playground and swimming pool complex that ensures an enjoyable time for all while the water park Splash Planet is just across the park!

    Mohaka River Farm and Holiday Park - Hawke’s Bay

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    Whether you’re looking for a relaxing long weekend on the banks of the river, a horse trekking adventure or an opportunity to learn some new skills and engage in a hands-on farm experience, Mohaka River Farm has it all. Reconnect with nature as you take in stunning views, explore the variety of different settings and trails around the property or take a dip in the refreshing Mohaka River as you take the family off the grid!t

    Paekakariki Holiday Park – Wellington

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    A relaxed family focused holiday park in the small coastal township of Paekakariki. It’s close to the railway station for excursions into Wellington city. They're set in a very quiet location close to the beach with abundant native flora, fauna and bird life. They have loads of activities for children, from jumping pillows and a massive playground to eels in the local stream they can feed!

    South Island

    Kaiteriteri Recreation Reserve and Holiday Park - Nelson

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    Sitting right on the gateway to the world renowned Abel Tasman National Park and famous for its golden sand, turquoise water and four seasons of recreation and events with accommodation and dining to suit everyone. Situated right on Kaiteriteri Beach (voted as one of the top five in the world by the United Kingdom’s Guardian newspaper) and with its own playground, this is one of the locals favourite family destinations.

    Quinney’s Bush – Nelson

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    Quinney’s Bush is a popular, back-to-basics adventure camp set in spacious grounds of 10 hectares with native trees and safe river swimming. Hosts Mark and Marama Quinney would like to welcome you to Quinney’s Bush, a camp which promotes memorable, traditional family holidays. The camp is packed full of adventures including a playground, flying fox, BMX track, waterslide, skatepark and obstacle course to name a few!

    Spring Creek Holiday Park - Marlborough

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    Nestled next to the crystal clear waters of Spring Creek and surrounded by trees in a quiet park-like atmosphere, this is an ideal place to bring the kids to get closer to nature, while still having the luxuries of a swimming pool and playground on hand!

    Gentle Annie’s - West Coast

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    More than a place to stop for a night, Gentle Annie’s is a destination in itself. It offers a relaxed & friendly atmosphere in a stunning location on the Great Coast Road. It has plenty to do nearby to help keep the young and old entertained, from glow worm walks to spotting seals and dolphins. There is even a native bush maze to lose yourself in! With everything from a playground to a wood-fired hot tub, to roasting marshmallows on a driftwood bonfire on the beach, Gentle Annie’s is a great place for a family holiday.

    Kaikoura TOP 10 Holiday Park - North Canterbury

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    This is an award winning holiday park in the maritime wonderland of Kaikoura where you can relax and unwind in their extensively landscaped park with mountain vistas. While there are tons of things to do nearby, onsite you will find a swimming pool, spa, playground and games room to keep everyone entertained.

    Hanmer Springs TOP 10 Holiday Park - North Canterbury

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    This is the perfect place to relax, being just a short walk from the famous thermal pools of the alpine resort village of Hanmer Springs. The Park is adjacent to an historic forest reserve featuring walking and mountain biking tracks with the local woodland walk being a favourite. It also has a large playground and a spa on site, with a swimming river a short distance away.

    Farmyard Holiday Park - South Canterbury

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    One of the most unique parks on this list, here you can stay at an Idyllic farm property that offers a games room, swimming pool, tennis court and playground. But that’s not all as guests can interact with the animals onsite which range from wallabies and donkeys to water buffalo, guinea pigs, Llamas, cockatoo’s and many more!

    Lake Waihola Holiday Park - Otago

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    This family orientated holiday park nestled against the stunning Lake Waihola is perfectly placed for those exploring the East coast. The lake is a great place to take the kids fishing or swimming, and they even set up inflatable toys on the lake for the kids in summer, along with their indoor games and playground.

    Queenstown Holiday Park and Motels Creeksyde - Central Otago

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    An easy five-minute stroll from the vibrant town centre, Queenstown Holiday Park is a peaceful and convenient base for your Queenstown holiday while offering the comforts of a sauna and spa - perfect after a hard day on the slopes or just because you can! The grounds are stunning and are a haven for local bird life, making this a stunning area of natural beauty.

    Tasman Holiday Park Te Anau - Southland

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    Te Anau is the gateway to Fiordland and Milford Sound and this is an ideal place to base yourself at while you explore the area with your family. The park is centrally located and just a few steps away from the gorgeous lake. While there, you can also lay back and relax in the fresh water hot tubs after a day on the many walking tracks around you or have fun onsite in the playground and games room.

    Have a family favourite that isn't on this list? Get in touch so we can look into it!

    If you're looking for an extra fun activity to try with your kids while on holiday, check out our Guide to Fishing with Kids!

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