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Between the mountains, beaches, glaciers and lakes, there’s a lot to fit into a South Island road trip. And when you're travelling with kids, there's also the question of where everyone will sleep, what they'll eat, and how to keep them entertained between adventures.
That's where TOP 10 Holiday Parks come in. With family-friendly South Island accommodation in well-positioned locations across the East and West Coasts, they're perfect for exploring New Zealand at your own pace.
Here’s why we think you’ll love them, and the best choices if you’re planning a family road trip this year.
Why Families Love Staying at TOP 10 Holiday Parks
One thing you’ll learn quickly on a family road trip is that the day doesn't end when the sightseeing does. You could have spent hours wearing the kids out on mountain trails, and yet somehow, they always get a second wind by the time you’ve got back to your accommodation.
Holiday parks make the witching hour easier, with playgrounds, jumping pillows and games rooms where the kids can burn off their energy. And, while they’re doing that, you can whip up dinner in the communal kitchen or BBQ area, throw on a load of laundry, or sit down with a glass of wine to plan the next day’s itinerary.
Of course, facilities vary between parks, so it's worth checking what's available at each one before booking.
Save on South Island Accommodation with a TOP 10 Membership
There’s no two ways about it, the costs of a big South Island road trip soon add up. And with so many once-in-a-lifetime things to see and do, staying at TOP 10 parks is a great way to keep more money in your pocket for adventures.
A TOP 10 Club membership costs $55 for two years, and new members receive 10% off accommodation at TOP 10 Holiday Parks throughout New Zealand, up to $40 per stay.
TOP 10 members can also access nationwide travel discounts, including offers on Interislander ferry crossings, rental vehicles and scenic train journeys. And if you're visiting from Australia, there are reciprocal accommodation discounts at participating BIG4 Holiday Parks back home.
On top of all that, you’ll also access a wide range of local benefits, with discounts on qualifying attractions, activities, cafes and restaurants. Here on the West Coast, for example, members can access offers at attractions like Shantytown Heritage Park and Monteiths Brewery.
Our advice? Check the membership benefits while you're planning your itinerary, not halfway through your holiday. You might find that some of the activities you've already got on your list come with a discount.
Browse current West Coast member benefits.
Four TOP 10 South Island Holiday Parks Worth Building Your Itinerary Around
If you're travelling with children, a well-positioned base is worth its weight in gold. It's much easier to enjoy a full day of sightseeing when you know you’ll be returning to comfortable, clean accommodation at the end of the day.
Instead of repacking the car every morning or hunting for the bag with the kids' pyjamas at the end of a long day, you can set up once and settle in for a few days.
If you’re planning a road trip that takes in the West Coast, these are the four TOP 10 South Island parks we’d recommend.
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park for Abel Tasman and Nelson
Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park is a great base for exploring the northern part of the South Island. You're well placed for day trips into Abel Tasman National Park, where you can take a water taxi to one of the beaches, walk a section of the coastal track or head out kayaking.
The park itself has a swimming pool, which is always a hit with the kids, and it’s only a short walk to Motueka's shops and supermarkets.
Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park: Explore the Central West Coast
Naturally, we think Greymouth deserves a spot on your itinerary!
Although there are plenty of great options for West Coast accommodation, Greymouth Seaside TOP 10 Holiday Park really does tick all the boxes. Located a short drive from wilderness trails, treetop walks and picturesque lakes, there’s something new to see and do every day.
And when you get back to the park, the kids will be spoiled for choice, with a playground, jumping pillow, basketball hoop and games room on-site, and the beach just a stone's throw away.
Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park: Explore Glacier Country
Continue south, and you'll find Fox Glacier TOP 10 Holiday Park, which is in a fantastic location and surrounded by some of the West Coast's most dramatic scenery.
As well as the world-famous glacier, you’ll also find great spots like Lake Matheson, rainforest walks and the wider ‘Glacier Country’ region, including Franz Josef.
We suggest building in a little more flexibility in this part of your itinerary. Some glacier excursions are weather-dependent, and West Coast weather can be unpredictable at the best of times. Book one night more than you think you’ll need, just in case.
Glendhu Bay Hampshire Holiday Park: Explore the Southern Lakes
From Fox Glacier, the road continues south through Haast Pass and on towards Wānaka. It's a beautiful drive, with plenty of places you'll want to stop along the way.
We think Glendhu Bay Hampshire Holiday Park is one of the best bases for exploring the Southern Lakes region. Like Greymouth, there are walking trails nearby, places like stunning Lake Hāwea within a short drive, and if you're continuing towards Queenstown, you're well positioned for the next part of your trip.
Read more tips for Planning a Family-Friendly West Coast Road Trip.
South Island Accommodation for Every Budget
Finding accommodation for a family can be surprisingly tricky, especially if there are more than four of you. Some motels only allow two adults and two children under a certain age, but booking two rooms isn’t always cost-effective or even possible with kids in tow.
Thankfully, the South Island’s TOP 10 Holiday Parks have plenty of options for families of all sizes, from affordable family rooms where everyone can bunk in together, to spacious multi-bedroom units with room to spread out.
Here at Greymouth, for example, families can choose from camping sites, cabins, motel units, self-contained units, as well as our spacious Seaview Apartments with two or three bedrooms, full kitchens and views over the ocean.
If you’re exploring the South Island on a tight budget, some families save on costs by camping for the majority of their trip, but treating themselves to a self-contained unit partway through the trip for a well-earned break.
Make the West Coast Part of Your South Island Itinerary
It can be tempting to race south to Queenstown to see the big attractions, but there's so much to see between Nelson and the glaciers, so we'd recommend you set aside enough time for the West Coast when planning your itinerary. We cover how much time you need in How Many Days You Need On New Zealand's West Coast.
One of the nice things about staying in Greymouth is that you can head in a different direction each day. Drive north to see the Pancake Rocks at Punakaiki, head south to Hokitika Gorge, or spend a day closer to town exploring Shantytown, local galleries and the beach.
And if the kids need to stretch their legs, there are some wonderful walks around here that don't require a whole day or a backpack full of supplies. We've rounded up a few of our favourites in The Best Short Walks Near Greymouth And The West Coast.
Planning Your South Island Family Holiday?
There's a lot to love about exploring the South Island with kids, and choosing a few good bases along the way can make the whole experience that much easier. If your South Island road trip brings you through Greymouth, we'd love to take care of you on this part of your journey.
Take a look at our family accommodation in Greymouth and make yourself at home for a few days. There's plenty to explore around our neck of the woods.