Affordable family holidays
If you’re looking for a holiday where both the parents and children can unwind then nothing beats a few days or more at a holiday park.
We are lucky in New Zealand to have holiday parks located in some of the most amazing locations, yet they offer a variety of affordable accommodation. Accommodation can range from unpowered campsites to motel-like tourist cabins. They are ideal for families with facilities like playgrounds and television rooms for rainy days, and many of the parks have additional activities organised over holiday times.
Many of these parks are located in magnificent spots with unbeatable views or exciting activities both in the parks and in the local area. So if you’re looking for a new place to discover away from the throngs of tourists then check out these destinations: Te Anau, Opunake, Picton, Wanganui and Whangarei.
Whangarei
Whangarei is often overlooked as a holiday destination as tourists race through the city on their way to the Bay of Islands. For families who like the outdoors there is a lot to do. Pack a picnic and head off to the Whangarei Falls. This picturesque waterfall is 26m high, it can be seen from two viewing platforms above the waterfall, and there is a loop walk around the waterfall’s basin. Although the area is well maintained and fenced, parents should keep an eye on younger children and those who like to climb over fences – the drop is vertical and close to the falls!
For families with children over 10, why not take a day trip out to explore the Abbey Caves? This is a caving experience; not just entering to the mouth of the cave, but going into the caving network. You will need a head-mounted torch, helmet and suitable footwear (jandals won’t do!), food and water. If you don’t have experience with caves, it is highly recommended that you arrange a tourist operator who does.
Where to stay: Whangarei Falls Holiday Park is located next to the Whangarei Falls.
Opunake
Opunake is a small town on the coast of Taranaki with stunning views of Mount Taranaki. This is an ideal spot for families wanting to surf as its main feature is the artificial surf reef.
Where to stay: The Opunake Beach Kiwi Holiday Park is a perfectly choice, with its unique beachfront location. Your children will love being able to go to the beach and play in the sand. In summer, the park is treated to a view of the flowering Pohutukawa trees. If you have very young children then your toddlers can enjoy the park’s paddling pool.
Wanganui
You can do as much or as little as you want in Wanganui. If you want to relax you can take the children to Kowhai Park. It has an amazing playground that has been fun for children for more than a generation. The grounds are large and there is plenty of space for a picnic. Alternatively, you could visit Virginia Lake where large paths – ideal for pushchairs – make their way around the lake. Don’t forget to bring along your stale bread to feel the ducks!
For something a bit more adventurous, what about an exciting jet-boat ride up the Whanganui River to discover the tiny settlement of Pipiriki?
Where to stay: Situated on the Whanganui River is the Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park. You have a choice of accommodation options and you can choose to stay right beside the river if you like!
Picton, Marlborough
Picton is best known because it’s where the ferries arrive to pick up and drop off passengers travelling between the North and South Island. The Marlborough region has a lot to offer families, from safe beaches to mountain bike trails and, of course, the Queen Charlotte Track is on its doorstep. So depending on the age of your children, you can either relax and enjoy the wine trails and beaches or work up a sweat cycling or walking the many trails located around the region.
Where to stay: The Smiths Farm Holiday Park is quite different from most holiday parks as it is on a working beef farm. You can enjoy a beautiful farm and bush walk right there on the farm or try some of the many activities available in the area, including fishing, diving, boat trips or dolphin watching.
Te Anau
Te Anau is the perfect place to stop if you are planning to visit the Milford Sounds or if your family is planning to explore the Fiordland National Park. The Te Anau Glow Worm Caves are highly recommended as a great experience for children, although children who are afraid of the dark might find it a bit scary as it is pitch black in the caves.
Where to stay: Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park has the best location in Te Anau, situated on the south shore of Lake Te Anau. Imagine waking up in the morning to the superb views of Lake Te Anau and the surrounding Kepler Mountains.
So what are you waiting for? Pack up your camping gear and the kids and have a wonderful, relaxing holiday.
By Gaye Miller. Gaye Miller is a travel writer, author and the founder of www.kidsfriendlytravel.com, a travel site that specialises in family-friendly travel.
