The South Island's Top Seaside Holiday Spots

With the New Zealand summer in full swing we wanted to showcase what’s on offer at our top South Island seaside holiday spots. The following holiday parks are conveniently located in these top spots and in addition to camping and motorhome sites, we also offer self-contained units, cabins and motel accommodation. Check out this page to see how you’re spoilt for choice of accommodation type when you visit Kiwi Holiday Parks and Accommodation.

Nelson/Marlborough

Tahunanui Beach
What to do in the area:
Located just 4.5 kilometres from Nelson city, Tahunanui Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in the South Island. A safe swimming beach, Tahunanui’s miles of golden sand also make it ideal for running and walking. Paddle boarding, wind surfing and kite surfing are also hugely popular year-round activities.

Where to stay:
Tahuna Beach Kiwi Holiday Park

Image: Tahunanui Beach

Havelock
What to do in the area:
Located on the doorstep of the Pelorus Sounds, Havelock is the perfect base for exploring Marlborough. Water Taxis provide short cruises around the Sounds or if you prefer you can hire a kayak and explore the area yourself. Mountain biking and walking tracks are plentiful — prepare to be rewarded with some spectacular scenic views. If you prefer a relaxing day, then book in for a wine tour and experience some of the region’s world-renowned vintages.

Where to stay:
Havelock Holiday Park

Waikawa Bay
What to do in the area:
Waikawa Bay opens onto the Queen Charlotte Sound and is home to the Waikawa Marina (one of the largest marinas in NZ). This makes it the ideal spot to partake in an array of boating activities such as dolphin watching, scenic cruises, boating safaris and sea kayaking. It’s also the perfect place to begin a walk or mountain bike of the famous Queen Charlotte Track.

Where to stay:
Waikawa Bay Holiday Park

West Coast

Greymouth
What to do in the area:
A historic jade (pounamu) hunting and gold-mining town located at the mouth of the Grey River, Greymouth is a short distance from a stretch of coastline that spans some 600km. The ruggedness of this area makes it a perfect place for beachcombing, coastal walks and wildlife viewing. In close proximity is Punakaiki (The Pancake Rocks), Shantytown, the Kiwi House and, for the more adventurous, black water rating adventures in the Paparoa National Park.

Where to stay:
Greymouth Kiwi Holiday Park and Motels

Canterbury

Kaikoura
What to do in the area:
Just a 2.5-hour drive south from Picton, Kaikoura is known as the area ‘where the mountains meet the sea’. It is a marine wonderland where you can swim with the dusky and Hector’s dolphins, take a boat ride out to watch Orca, Sperm, Humpback and Blue Whales or visit the NZ Fur Seal colony. Explore the majestic Kaikoura Peninsula by foot or take the Alpine Pacific Touring route by car all the way down to Christchurch and back.

Where to stay:
Kaikoura, Alpine Pacific Holiday Park

Image: Kaikoura Peninsula

Spencer Park
What to do in the area:
A short 20-minute drive north from Christchurch, Spencer Park is a great place to enjoy family-friendly activities including swimming at the lifeguard-patrolled Spencer Beach. Fishing and whitebaiting (by permit) are both popular pastimes in the area, as are the coastal path walks and horse riding and biking tracks in nearby Bottle Lake Forest.

Where to stay:
Spencer Beach Holiday Park

Otago

Moeraki Boulders
What to do in the area:
A one-hour drive north of Dunedin, the Moeraki Boulders on Koekohe Beach are one of the most popular attractions in the South Island. Originally formed in ancient sea floor sediments around 60 million years ago, they are a sight to behold! A 25-minute stroll north along the beach is Hampden Beach, safe for swimming and, if you’re fortunate enough, for viewing the Hector’s dolphin. A trip to the lighthouse (8km away) will reward you with a view of the Yellow-eyed Penguin and Fur Seal colony.

Where to stay:
Moeraki Boulders Kiwi Holiday Park

Image: Moeraki Boulders

Dunedin
What to do in the area:
Known as the ‘Scotland of the South’, Dunedin is a magnificent place to visit in the summertime. A vast array of outdoor activities, tours, arts and culture is on offer and the white sand beaches really are some of the best in New Zealand. There are numerous scenic walking and biking tracks that criss-cross the peninsula to give you some of the most stunning views you’ve ever seen.

Where to stay:
Dunedin Holiday Park

Portobello Village
What to do in the area:
Situated in a secluded bay on the Otago Peninsula, Portobello Village is 30 minutes from Dunedin city and in the heart of famed wildlife reserves including the Royal Albatross and Yellow-eyed Penguin colonies. Breath-taking scenic walks, pristinely quiet beaches and a short trip up the hill to Larnach Castle make Portobello a ‘must stop’ destination."

Where to stay:
Portobello Village Tourist Park

Get a Kiwi Card to make great savings!

While you’re touring around these excellent spots, you can benefit from more than 40 great discounts on South Island adventure activities, tours, museums, food and beverage, and spa treatments. Get your Kiwi Card today, check out our regional discounts and get savings on accommodation and transport as well!

Images:
Tahunanui Beach – NelsonTasman.nz
Kaikoura – Kaikoura, Alpine-Pacific Holiday Park
Moeraki Boulders- Moeraki Boulders Kiwi Holiday Park