Accommodation Guide to Holiday Parks in New Zealand
What are the accommodation and facilities like in holiday parks?
Some of the world’s best value and well-equipped holiday parks are right here in New Zealand. This comes as no surprise when the very essence of a Kiwi lifestyle is enjoying the great outdoors. Both backpackers and Kiwi families use holiday parks, usually brought together by the budget prices and stunning outdoors location.
We’ll not only go through the differences between the holiday park accommodation options, but we will give you average prices. Be aware that during peak season (November-March), prices may be higher and bookings should be made more in advance. If a holiday park is first-come first-served, get their early in the peak season.
Most holiday parks are worthwhile to stay in if you are travelling as a couple or a group in order to split the price. However, if you are travelling solo, look out for holiday parks that offer accommodation or sites per person for a better deal.
Facilities in New Zealand holiday parks
All holiday parks in New Zealand have a communal kitchen, toilets and showers. Other facilities are usually abundant but varied.
- Communal kitchen – a large kitchen with cooking hobs, fridge, boiling water dispensers, hot and cold water with sinks. Some holiday parks may have microwaves, kettles, toasters, ovens, freezers and dining areas.
- Communal toilets and showers – divided into male and female blocks with hot and cold showers, toilets and sinks. Be aware that some showers are metered so you will need coins or tokens to use them.
- Laundry rooms – equipped with coin-operated washing machines and tumble dryers.
- Dump station – for campervan waste and sewerage.
- Facilities for the disabled – will have the international symbol of access.
- WiFi
- Swimming pool and/or hot pool
- Sauna
- Cafe and/or restaurant
- Gym
- Barbecue
Tent and powered sites
Got your own tent or campervan? There are empty spaces in holiday parks waiting for you to pitch your tent or park your campervan or car.
Tent site/non-powered site
A tent site is a grassy area, usually without power, to pitch tents. They are sometimes called a “non-powered site” meaning you can park a car or campervan on the site, but you will have no power.
Powered site
A grassy area with a power point for campervans/motorhomes. Check out the Different Types of Campervan in New Zealand.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$15-$50 (average NZ$33); high season NZ$16-$78 (average NZ$37).
Onsite caravan
A rental caravan on a powered site. The caravan will have cooking facilities and other facilities found in a caravan or motorhome. They tend to sleep 2-4 people. It is likely that you’ll have to bring your own linen or sleeping bag, however, you might be able to hire linen and blankets from the holiday park reception. You will also be using the communal toilets and showers.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$26-$150 (average NZ$56); high season NZ$26-$150 (average NZ$60).
Holiday park Cabins
This is basic accommodation and a good option if you don’t have your own tent. Although linen and blankets are usually not provided, you may be able to hire them from reception. Alternatively, bring a sleeping bag.
Standard cabin
Basic sleeping area with beds and bunks only sleeping 2-6 people.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$40-$90 (average NZ$59); high season NZ$40-$170 (average NZ$68).
Ensuite cabin
Sleeps 2-6 people in a sleeping area with the cabin’s own toilet and shower for cabin guests to share. Although you will have to use the holiday park’s communal kitchen, there may be tea and coffee-making facilities in the cabin.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$40-$90 (average NZ$59); high season NZ$40-$170 (average NZ$68).
Kitchen cabin
Sleeping area for 2-6 people, with toilet, shower, cooking facilities and kitchen equipment. These kitchen and bathroom facilities will be communal within the cabin.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$50-$115 (average NZ$75); high season NZ$50-$185 (average NZ$89).
Self-contained and motel Units
Self-contained units
Units may have one or more bedrooms sleeping 2-8 people. They are equipped with kitchen facilities and equipment. There will also be a shower, toilet and TV. Linen and blankets may not be provided, so supply your own or hire from reception.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$65-$250 (average NZ$105); high season NZ$75-$250 (average NZ$121).
Motel units
Sleeps 2-8 people. Motel units come with a shower, toilet and TV. Some motel units have kitchen facilities with equipment or just tea and coffee-making equipment. Bedding and towels are included. Usually there will be complimentary tea, coffee, milk and sugar on arrival.
- Fee for two people: low season NZ$65-$250 (average NZ$105); high season NZ$75-$250 (average NZ$121).
Hostels and Lodges
Some holiday parks will have bunk-style accommodation with a hostel or lodge. This is ideal for backpackers travelling alone, as you pay per bed per night. Expect to sleep in a shared bunk room and use the communal toilet, shower and kitchen facilities. For more information on what to expect from hostel-style accommodation, check out How to Live in a Hostel.
- Fee for one person: low season NZ$18-40 (average NZ$22); high season NZ$20-$42 (average NZ$25).
More on holiday parks and camping grounds
Camping and staying in holiday parks is a favourite Kiwi pastime. Make sure you’re fully informed on New Zealand’s holiday park and campsite etiquette by reading these articles.
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