Warm weather is just within reach which means it’s time to shake off the winter blues and what better way to do so than by planning a holiday trip! Or a trip to a Holiday Park, rather, right here in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Make the most of school holidays and book a spot where you can stay AND play, at any one of Auckland Council's three holiday parks.
For the perfect break up north, choose from a unique coastal escape on the edge of the beautiful Martins Bay beach, at Martins Bay Holiday Park; the tranquil waterfront at Whangateau Holiday Park along Whangateau Harbour, or the bustling, iconic spot that is Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park.
Regardless of your pick, rest assured everyone will be comfy and more importantly, super entertained at these beloved holiday parks with these fun family-friendly activities that’ll tick everyone’s boxes.
Land activities to explore
Looking for epic views and stunning scenery? Take a walk or cycle on the wild side! Our holiday parks couldn’t be better situated to offer this and more to guests. Whether you’re an avid hiker, enjoy the occasional brisk walk or simply take joy in picnics outdoors with the whānau, this is where you should be holi-staying.
Just 30 minutes north of Auckland is the Ōrewa Beach Holiday Park, the only pet-friendly option of the three holiday parks (for camping sites outside of peak period, conditions apply). If you’re after a stroll or cycle, you can choose from the Ōrewa Beachfront Path, the Te Ara Tahuna Estuary Cycleway and Walkway, the Orewa Estuary Reserve or the Alic Eaves Scenic Reserve to explore.
An hour from Auckland and East of Warkworth, near Leigh in the Matakana Coast area is Whangateau Holiday Park, where you can take your pick from scenic bush or coastal walks, like Matheson Bay, Tāwharanui Ecology Trail, Leigh Coastal Path or Goat Island Coastal Walkway. Or perhaps a leisurely stroll of Omaha Beach is more your speed? For those keen on a challenge, don’t miss out on Mount Tamahunga Walkway to get your blood flowing.
If you’re after a beautiful long sandy beach, then Martins Bay Holiday Park is for you. Also, only an hour’s drive from Auckland central and boasting amazing scenery, here you’ll find some of the finest regional parks like Scandrett, Tāwharanui and Mahurangi to discover. You won’t get bored with these walking tracks that take you through all kinds of terrains including coastline, through native bush and forest, along beaches even across farmlands.
The fun continues back on the ground at each of these holiday parks, which all offer top quality facilities, safe playgrounds and hireable pedal karts for tamariki to enjoy.
Also available are BBQ and picnic tables for that time of the day when the whole whānau comes back together from a day spent on their preferred activity to share some well-earned kai.
Table tennis, for those indoor competitors, a basketball hoop pad and a designated games room are all available at Ōrewa Holiday Park. A trampoline, children’s games, toys and books to borrow can be found at Martins Bay Holiday Park.
Outdoor chess, for the strategic players, await at Whangateau Holiday Park, along with air hockey, books and games to borrow.
Water activities - dive right in!
You’ll also find the perfect opportunity to connect with our moana at any of the three holiday parks, as they all offer safe swimming, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards (SUPs) for hire – no matter your preferred water sport, you’ll find a hobby here.
At Ōrewa Holiday Park you’ll find a stunning beachfront that you won’t want to part from. This spot provides safe swimming with a surf club patrolled all-tide beach, a boat ramp and even a tidal estuary to explore in adjoining reserves, where it's always fun to marvel at the marine life with the little ones.
Whangateau Holiday Park offers a tranquil waterfront on the Whangateau Harbour, perfect for family holidays. Here you’ll find pontoon access, fishing and a tidal estuary that is just as much fun when the water is out as when it’s in.
Gather your marine explorers and go for a walk out on the estuary flats - did you know Eagle Rays often make hollows when they’re feeding? When the tide goes out and fills the hollows with water you can spot the little pools, and if it’s recent, you can see an actual indent and outline of them - have a go!
For a coastal getaway, there’s the scenic Martins Bay Holiday Park, which has something on the horizon come Labour Day Weekend… the ever-popular swim platform! This all-tide pontoon is available for all to enjoy until after Easter at this safe swimming beach. And for the avid fishers, this is the ideal location.
Check out the nearby islands! There’s plenty to explore both under and above water in these parts, there’s also a handy fish cleaning area upon your return, as well as boat wash and casual trailer boat/pwc parking sites.
Seasonal activities – what’s on
If it’s a gloomy weather day and you feel like a day trip, we’ve still got you covered. Check out the seasonal activities in the area, like the upcoming Auckland Heritage Festival which runs from 20 September to 05 October and celebrates the Auckland at Play theme this year.
It also marks the 75th anniversary of the 1950 Empire Games and offers more than 100 free or low-cost events throughout Tāmaki Makaurau. For more play inspired activities, from 29 Sept - 31 October be sure to check out Celebrating Play - a series of free or low-cost activities that encourage Aucklanders to do simply that… play!
So don’t miss out and overthink your next family outing. Ōrewa, Whangateau and Martins Bay Holiday Parks are here to make your holiday planning easy.
Stay, play and enjoy.
