Festive City Escape: Christmas in Auckland
Auckland transforms into a hub of festive activities during Christmas. The city boasts dazzling light displays, bustling Christmas markets, and iconic events like the Auckland Santa Parade. Take a stroll down Queen Street to admire the illuminated decorations or enjoy a special Christmas meal at one of the city’s waterfront restaurants.
For family fun, head to MOTAT (Museum of Transport and Technology) for its annual Christmas Lights display or visit the Auckland Zoo for festive-themed activities. Want a serene Christmas morning? Pack a picnic and head to Cornwall Park for a sunny outdoor brunch.
Beachside Destinations: Christmas at the Beach
Christmas and summer go hand in hand in New Zealand, making the country’s stunning beaches an ideal destination for holiday cheer. Here are some of the best beach spots to celebrate the festive season:
Bay of Islands
The Bay of Islands, with its 144 islands scattered across azure waters, is a paradise for holidaymakers. Spend Christmas morning on the white sands of at Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park, where you can swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the serene views. For those craving adventure, book a boat tour to explore the nearby islands, snorkel in hidden coves, or try fishing. Russell TOP 10 Holiday Park is situated in the charming historic town of Russell and is perfect for a Christmas dinner in a cozy waterfront restaurant.
Bay of Plenty
Situated on a quiet peninsula in Tauranga, you’ll find Ōmokoroa TOP 10 Holiday Park. This is the perfect spot to spend your day paddleboarding, building sandcastles and relaxing in the water. A 40-minute drive will take you to the well-loved town, Mount Maunganui. Further down the coast, you’ll find Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park. Try to find a kiwi who hasn’t spent a Christmas holiday here, it’s almost impossible. Ōhope Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park is the ideal spot to enjoy a quintessential Kiwi Christmas. With tonnes to do in the Park, you won’t need to leave. But if you do, the beach is on the doorstep waiting for you. There is plenty to do in the Bay of Plenty this Christmas.
Abel Tasman National Park
Famous for its golden sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, Abel Tasman National Park offers a peaceful escape for your Christmas holiday. You’ll find Pohara Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park on one side of the Abel Tasman, and Motueka TOP 10 Holiday Park on the other, making either spot a great place to stay before, during or after your journey to the national park. With warm weather and stunning scenery, the Tasman region is a great place to escape and celebrate Christmas.
This is only just scratching the surface! With 49 locations nationwide, you’ll be sure to find a TOP 10 Holiday Park close to the perfect location that will allow you to enjoy this Christmas at the beach.
Mountain Destinations: Best places to camp at Christmas
For those seeking an active, nature-filled Christmas, New Zealand’s mountain regions provide the perfect escape.
Tongariro National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tongariro National Park offers stunning alpine scenery and world-class hiking. Set up camp at Ohakune TOP 10 Holiday Park and explore trails like the Tongariro Alpine Crossing or enjoy relaxing walks to waterfalls.
Stargaze this Christmas
Spend your Christmas in Martinborough this year and experience the remarkable Star Safari Dark Sky Experience, for yourself. Located between Martinborough and Carterton, the Star Safari Experience offers easy accessibility for visitors and an unobstructed view to learn about astronomy, stargazing and star orientations.
After you've explored the stars and constellations, rest your head at our Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park. The park is offering a wide range of accommodation options including apartments and cabins, tents and caravan parking sites which are all perfect for any holiday. If you are a TOP 10 Holiday Park member, you can receive a 10% discount on your booking and children under 15 are free when accompanied by a parent on the Star Safari Experience. Reach out to the reception team at Martinborough TOP 10 Holiday Park if you’re interested in this benefit.
Queenstown and Wānaka
The Southern Alps provide an epic backdrop for a Christmas getaway. Camp near Lake Wānaka or Queenstown and enjoy activities like jet boating, mountain biking, or a quiet lakeside barbecue. Camping in Queenstown and Wānaka offers the ultimate mix of adventure and relaxation, making them some of the best places to camp at Christmas. Queenstown, known as the adventure capital of New Zealand, lets you celebrate with thrilling activities like bungee jumping or white-water rafting.
Meanwhile, Wānaka’s serene lakeside vibe is perfect for unwinding with festive treats or a picnic on the beach. With ample camping facilities, both destinations cater to families, friends, and solo adventurers looking to make the most of the holiday season amidst spectacular mountain scenery. We offer three nearby TOP 10 Holiday Parks in Otago in Queenstown TOP 10 Holiday Park, Wānaka TOP 10 Holiday Park and Kingston TOP 10 Holiday Park. All three locations offer a variety of amenities for the whole family including playgrounds, laundry facilities and BBQ areas.
Celebrate this Christmas with TOP 10 Holiday Parks, near all the best Christmas holiday destinations in New Zealand
No matter where you choose to spend your Christmas in New Zealand, TOP 10 Holiday Parks make an excellent accommodation option. With locations across the country, these Parks offer everything from powered camping sites to comfortable cabins, perfect for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.
Book your stay now and explore some of the best Christmas holiday destinations New Zealand has to offer. Whether you’re after a city escape, a beachside retreat, or a mountain adventure, New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and welcoming holiday parks ensure your Christmas will be unforgettable.
This Christmas, make New Zealand your playground, where every destination feels like a gift waiting to be unwrapped!