The North Island's Top Seaside Holiday Spots

With summer upon us, now is the time to highlight what’s on offer at our top seaside holiday spots in the North Island of our beautiful country. Our holiday parks are conveniently positioned in these prime locations and not only do we offer camping and motorhome sites but also cabins, self-contained units, and motel accommodation. Check out this page to see the different options available. You’re spoilt for choice when you stay with Kiwi Holiday Parks and Accommodation.

Northland

Ahipara

What to do in the area:
Located at the gateway to 90-Mile Beach and the majestic Cape Reinga, Ahipara is the adventure capital of the North. A short distance away is the world-class surf break at Shipwreck Bay, plus fantastic fishing, quad bike hire and tours, blo-karts, horse trekking, sandboarding and a 19-hole golf course.

Where to stay:
Ahipara Holiday Park

Image: Ahipara

Paihia

What to do in the area:
Nestled on the eastern side of the North Island, Paihia is the best place to base yourself and explore the surrounding islands. Visit the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, swim with the dolphins and take a cruise through the ‘Hole in the Rock’. Then take the short ferry ride across to historic Russell or visit the stone store in Kerikeri.

Where to stay: 
Bay of Islands Kiwi Holiday Park

Auckland Region

Port Waikato

What to do in the area: Only a short one-hour drive from Auckland, the rugged Port Waikato and surrounds is known for all manner of water sports from swimming and fishing to surfing and kayaking. There are plenty of attractions to keep you busy including the Nikau Glow Worm Caves, Raglan’s surf spots or the Pokeno Market.

Where to stay:
Port Waikato Holiday Park

Coromandel

Whitianga

What to do in the area:
Located only 90 minutes’ drive from Auckland, Whitianga is located at Mercury Bay which is home to the world-renowned Hot Water Beach, Cathedral Cove and Cooks Beach. Diving, fishing, scenic cruises and kayak tours are all offered by the many operators in the area. Or you can take in some of the scenery by enjoying one of the many treks overlooking the ocean.

Where to stay:
Seabreeze Holiday Park

Image: Whitianga, Coromandel

Thames

What to do in the area:
On the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula lies the small town of Thames. Here the rugged terrain meets the magnificent coastline along one of New Zealand’s most scenic roads, the Thames Coast Highway. Make sure you catch the sunset one evening — it’s breathtaking.

Where to stay:
Dickson Holiday Park

Bay of Plenty

Omokoroa

What to do in the area:
The peninsula of Omokoroa is surrounded by the picturesque Tauranga harbour. Fishing and boating activities are plentiful, as are the gorgeous swimming beaches and scenic walks. The 19km Omokoroa cycle trail connects the town to the city of Tauranga and you can catch the ferry across to beautiful Matakana Island.

Where to stay:
Omokoroa Kiwi Holiday Park

Hawke’s Bay

Mahia Beach

What to do in the area:
The stunning Mahia Peninsula is located 75 minutes from the city of Gisborne, which itself boasts pristine beaches along the shores of Poverty Bay. Mahia Beach is a safe swimming beach and activities in the area are plentiful numbering surfing, kayaking, fishing, diving, golf and hiking. At the tip of the peninsula is the launch site for NZ-founded private space company — Rocketlab. Hang around during mid-November and you might just witness a rocket launch on your holiday!

Where to stay:
Mahia Beach Kiwi Holiday Park

Napier

What to do in the area:
Nestled in Hawke’s Bay wine country, Napier is a coastal city and is the perfect spot to base yourself for a wide variety of activities such as winery or art deco building tours and a visit to Cape Kidnapper Gannet Reserve, right through to fishing, boating and swimming.

Where to stay:
Napier Beach Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels

Taranaki

Opunake

What to do in the area:
Opunake is a 40-minute drive from the city of New Plymouth and sits right on famed coastal Surf Highway 45. With five unique surf spots all within a 15-minute drive, this is the place-to-be for keen surfers. Opunake has safe, patrolled swimming beach and the various walkways around the area lead to historic sites that are definitely worth a look.

Where to stay:
Opunake Beach Kiwi Holiday Park

Image: Opunake Beach + Holiday Park

Whanganui Region

Whanganui

What to do in the area:
Located a 2.5-hour drive from the nation’s capital, Wellington, Whanganui is a historic town situated on the mighty Whanganui River and yet only a stone’s throw from Castlecliff Beach — one of the best patrolled iron sand beaches in the district. Fishing and surfing are both popular as is the hike to Kai Iwi beach at low tide.

Where to stay:
Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park

Make great savings with a Kiwi Card!

While you’re visiting all these fun and friendly spots, you can benefit from over 35 awesome discounts on North Island tours, adventure activities, food and beverage, museums and spa treatments. Sign up for your Kiwi Card today, check out our regional discounts and save on accommodation and transport, too!

Images:
Ahipara and Coastline – Ahipara Park Location
Whitianga, Waikato, New Zealand - новичёк [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
View of Beach from Opunake Beach Holiday Park