Destinations
Best caravan parks for families in New Zealand guide
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Ready to load up the family and see what New Zealand has to offer? Hiring a motorhome or caravan and hitting the open road is the best way to travel at your own pace and see as much as possible. Plus, you’re spoiled for choice with caravan parks that offer stunning views, plenty of attractions, and a whole host of kid-friendly facilities to keep the youngest in your tribe busy during your stay! Discover the 7 best caravan parks for families in New Zealand below.
7 best caravan parks for families in New Zealand
1. Picton’s Waikawa Bay Holiday Park
5 Waimarama Street, Picton, NZ | From $25 per night
Located at the tip of the South Island in Waikawa, just five minutes from the ferry terminal, this caravan park is the perfect place to stop off with little ones in tow. Simply sort out your van hire on the South Island and hit the road.
On arrival, you’re treated to some stunning views over Waikawa Bay. You can get the kids ready, and head straight outdoors to the swimming beach and the third-largest marina in New Zealand.
There’s plenty to do to keep the kids busy during your stay. You can take off on boat trips to both Marlborough Sounds and Queen Charlotte Sounds, get adventurous with a waterways boating safari or take a walk and enjoy the bush and wildlife on your doorstep.
Rest back at the caravan park with access to running water, internet and tea/coffee during your stay.
2. Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park
636 Rings Road, Coromandel 3506, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Once you sort out van hire on the North Island, your first stop should be at Coromandel TOP 10 Holiday Park. It has to be one of the best caravan parks for families with all the facilities you need to relax and unwind while the kids have fun!
For parents, you can enjoy on-site laundry, Sky TV, poolside covered BBQ area and three communal kitchens, to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
For the kids, the fun is endless! There’s an outdoor heated swimming pool, a jumping pillow, basketball court, playground, go carts and more. They won’t want to leave.
Of course, you’ll want to check out the sites around, including Waiau Falls, Kauri Block Walk, The Waterworks and more. You can take a day trip to Cathedral Cove, head off mountain biking, enjoy a short walk, or take off on a hot water beach day.
Book now.
3. Treasure Island Campground
Pataua South Road, Whengarei, New Zealand | Adults: $28 per night, Child: $14 per night
If you’re on the hunt for the best family road trip destinations in NZ, then pop this caravan park on your list. Located at Pataua South on Northland’s east coast, the park actually started off as an island before it joined and became possible to drive across!
With 85 powered sites and 65 camping sites, you’ll also enjoy hot showers, toilets, a kitchen and TV room alongside their alfresco dining area.
There’s plenty of activities to keep everyone busy. Take a dip in the safe lagoon, or head to one of their two golden beaches for a dip. You can even head off exploring the coves and bays in the area. There’s also volleyball and table tennis tables, an adventure playground for kids to expel some energy and a giant slide for them to race down.
4. The Bay of Islands Holiday Park
678 Puketona Rd, Paihia 0204, New Zealand | From $38 per night
Another one of our favourite caravan parks for families on the North Island, this 3.1 hectare holiday park is the perfect spot to base yourself to explore the Bay of Islands. The Waitangi River runs along one boundary and is great for taking a dip, or simply settling back and enjoying the peace of nature. Kids will have plenty of fun taking on the tarzan swing!
There’s plenty more around the campsite for kids to enjoy, including a big playground, badminton and volleyball court, and a large recreation room with a pool table and big-screen TV.
You can also enjoy plenty of comfort during your stay with a BBQ, convenience store on-site, wood fired pizza oven, and internet access.
5. Amber Kiwi Holiday Park
308 Blenheim Rd, Middleton, Christchurch 8041 | From $40 per night
This is one of the best caravan parks on the South Island to base yourself, so you can set off with the kids and explore downtown Christchurch. It’s so easy, there’s a public bus right outside that can pick you up and drop you back - no need to worry about driving and parking.
Head off to the Gondola and enjoy stunning views of the city, get adventurous at Adrenalin Forest, enjoy a splash at Sumner Beach, or challenge the family to a race at Velocity Karts. You can even make some time for Orana Wildlife Park, or immerse yourself in a spot of culture with the Ko Tane Maori Experience.
Back at the campsite you can enjoy free Wifi, BBQs, showers and a children’s play area, so they can tire themselves out at the end of the day while you sit back and relax.
6. Spencer Beach Holiday Park
100 Heyders Road, Spencerville, Christchurch 8083, New Zealand | From $20 per night
Just a 20-minute drive from central Christchurch, Spencer Beach Holiday Park offers the best of both worlds: relaxing water views, close to the city. If you’re looking to get out and about, take a drive to The Fairy Forest, or head a little further to Witch Hill or to check out the famous Gondola.
This is also one of the most action-packed caravan parks for families who love outdoor exploration. With just a two-minute walk to the beach, there’s always lots happening at the park with mini golf, BMX track, basketball court, swimming, fishing and tennis. There’s also a large adventure playground for kids to explore, complete with a sandpit, while you sit back and enjoy the view.
With a camp shop, TV room, BBQ areas, kitchens, laundry and shower blocks, you have everything you need on hand for a comfortable stay.
7. Port Waikato Holiday Park
115b Maunsell Road, Port Waikato 2695, New Zealand | From $44 per night
One of the most scenic caravan parks for families on the North Island, this incredible holiday park is a quiet oasis where the Waikato River meets the Tasman Sea.
There’s a number of fun activities to keep you busy around the area. Check out the Nikau Glowworm Caves, head for a stroll in Cobourne Garden Reserve, treat the kids to a farm experience where they stroke an emu or pat a pony, or head to Pokeno Market.
You can take advantage of the showers, kitchen, laundry, internet, plus lounge and dining areas. The kids can also enjoy the fabulous playground, or jump on one of the trikes they have for hire to explore the place.
Hire a van for your family camping trip
Equipped with our list of the best caravan parks for families across the country, it’s time to get the whole gang sorted for that next camping trip in New Zealand. Pack your bags and head over to Camplify to find the best van to get you comfortably from A to B and all the campsites in between!
A van is one of the best family road trip vehicles, offering you a home away from home, while also housing all those family road trip essentials! Simply book a stay at each of your favourite family-friendly caravan parks, and you’ll have the adventure of a lifetime, making some amazing memories along the way!
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