Looking for places to park up away from the holiday hotspots this spring and summer? Check out this sizzling selection of secluded coastlines, and fabulous forest and bush, with plenty of opportunities for exploration and adventure, or simply kicking back and recharging your batteries.
Park your van, pitch a tent, or stay in charming cabins, apartments and villas, at holiday parks dotted around some of the country’s best but lesser-known locations.
Te Tai Tokerau Northland’s secret coast
Squirreled away south of Russell is a sparsely populated stretch of coast with beautiful bays, safe swimming spots, surf breaks, and lots of places to cast a line or buzz around in a boat. It’s also a haven for kayakers and stand-up paddleboarders who can explore stunning estuaries and bird-filled harbours.
The area’s laidback vibe and welcoming seaside camps shout old-school holidays in all the right ways. Three quintessential Kiwi parks dot the route – Bland Bay Motor Camp, Whangaruru Beachfront Camp, and Whananaki Holiday Park where you can cross the southern hemisphere’s longest footbridge! All of Northland’s holiday parks can be found here.
Be blown away by Ruapehu’s volcanic landscapes
Shaped by seismic forces, the Tongariro National Park’s blockbuster-worthy scenery is out of this world, with vast lava fields, hidden lakes, pristine beech forest, and blooming alpine herbs in spring. The Tongariro Alpine Crossing can be packed during peak times but Ruapehu’s vast network of trails means multiple options for walkers and off-road cyclists.
We love the heady mix of history, deep forest and great riding on the Ohakune Old Coach Road – part of the Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea Cycle Trail, and the rugged lava landscapes, panoramas and big reveal on the Lake Surprise Walk. If the weather’s unkind, head way back in time at Raetihi’s Dinosaur House for prehistoric all-age thrills.
Three smart holiday parks sit on the edge of this dual-listed World Heritage Area – Tongariro Holiday Park, Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park, and Raetihi Holiday Park.
Catch a break along Taranaki’s Surf Highway
Swooping around the Taranaki coastline between Hawera and Ngāmotu New Plymouth, and bounded by 180 degrees of ocean swell, State Highway 45 is a surfer’s dream. As well as quality waves and safe swimming beaches there’s Taranaki maunga and Egmont National Park to explore, plus a ton of cool galleries and museums, including the super-shiny Len Lye Centre that’s as fun outside as it is inside.
A series of sweet wee towns dot the highway including Opunake and Oakura, where two brilliant holiday parks sit beside two of Taranaki’s best beaches.
The region is spoiled for great places to stay with a dozen holiday parks within an hour’s drive of New Plymouth.
Hitting the holiday jackpot in Golden Bay
Never has going the extra mile paid off so handsomely. Heading over Takaka Hill to Mohua Golden Bay is like entering another world, one of sparkling seas, sandy beaches, beautiful bush, and friendly, close-knit communities overflowing with great galleries. With two national parks on its doorstep – Abel Tasman and Kahurangi – there’s wonderful walking and biking too, as well as fishing, kayaking and horse trekking.
No visit to the Bay is complete without a visit to the rustic Mussel Inn – a unique, idiosyncratic spot to meet the locals and listen to live music.
Immerse yourself in the Bay’s easy-going atmosphere at these excellent beachside camps – Collingwood Holiday Park, Golden Bay Holiday Park and Pohara Beach TOP 10.
Going with the flow in Murchison
Sitting pretty at the confluence of four rivers, Murchison is a mecca for kayaking and fly-fishing, and a brilliant base for splashing about in the water or indulging in a spot of forest bathing. Run the Buller Kawatiri River’s rapids on a rafting trip or jetboat ride, cross them on New Zealand’s longest swingbridge or head for the hills on a magical woodland tour where flames flicker naturally from the forest floor.
Wilder adventures can be found in Kahurangi National Park to the north and on the nearby Old Ghost Road – 85km of pure mountain biking heaven.
Three great accommodation at the spacious Murchison Motorhome Park.
Fret-free times in Naseby
With its ‘2000 feet above worry level’ welcome sign, you know you’re in for a hassle-free holiday in Naseby. Surrounded by a forest criss-crossed by over 50km of mostly easy mountain biking and walking trails, there’s plenty to keep the kids occupied while the parents can kick back and relax in the sun or amble around the historic township. Looking for something cool to do in the mid-summer heat? Head for the open-all-year curling rink for a game of ‘chess on ice’, or whizz down the recently restored Gold Rush Luge for an all-ages thrill.
More cycling adventures can be had on the Otago Central Rail Trail nearby, while a wander around otherworldly Blue Lake at St Bathans, followed by a pint in the Vulcan Hotel, makes a memorable day out.
Park up at the Naseby Holiday Park adjacent to the forest and the town’s cooling swimming dam. You can find the rest of Central Otago’s holiday parks here.
A Catlins walk on the wild side
East of Invercargill are the inimitable Catlins – a quiet corner of Aotearoa New Zealand blessed with wonderful wildlife, rugged cliffs, waterfalls and windswept beaches. Wake up to the sound of the sea and twittering birds and then plan your day according to the tides, which could start with a wander around Surat Bay to spy the rare Hooker’s sea lion.
Other Catlins must-sees include the sweeping sandy arch of Curio Bay, with its pint-sized Hector’s Dolphins and fossilised forest, and the mind-bogglingly barmy Lost Gypsy Gallery in Papatowai.
Base yourself at Kaka Point Camping Ground or Thomas’s Catlins Lodge and Holiday Park and spend at least a few days uncovering one of New Zealand’s best-kept secrets. The excellent Catlins touring map will help you choose your stops and activities along the way.
New Zealand holiday parks aren’t all about tents and campervanning. Our member parks offer some of the country’s best ‘built accommodation’ ranging from cute, comfy cabins to super-stylish lux apartments and villas. Find out more here.