A New Zealand road trip around Hawke’s Bay opens up a world of adventure for families. And there’s no better way to experience everything on offer than by campervan. With so many fantastic family-friendly campsites and holiday parks in Hawke’s Bay, it’s a great way to blend the comfort of home with the thrill of the great outdoors. 

To help you plan the ultimate road trip itinerary planner, we’ve put together this handy guide to the best family-friendly campgrounds in Hawke’s Bay. But first …

 

Why Hawke’s Bay is a good place to visit

Hawke's Bay is an unforgettable destination for families looking to experience the best of New Zealand’s outdoors. This region is famed for its sun-soaked climate and rich cultural heritage, offering a diverse array of activities that cater to all ages and stages. The area is renowned for its spectacular landscape combining beaches, vineyards, and scenic trails perfect for van travel. Whether you’re cycling along the Hawke’s Bay trails or exploring the local farmers' markets, you’ll be surrounded by New Zealand’s natural beauty at every turn. There are plenty of parks and outdoor spaces where younger kids can play and explore, while parents can relax and enjoy the stunning views. And for teens and tweens, attractions like the National Aquarium of New Zealand, Splash Planet, and Bay Skate are sure to be popular choices.  

 

What’s the best way to explore Hawke’s Bay?

Exploring Hawke's Bay by campervan offers a uniquely relaxed and intimate way to discover the region's breathtaking landscapes and charming locales. With a campervan hire, you have the flexibility to craft each day to your liking, whether it's waking up to the sound of the waves at Waimarama Beach or enjoying an impromptu picnic among the picturesque vineyards.

Van travel also means that comfort travels with you. You've got a kitchen to whip up meals whenever hunger strikes and cosy beds to end the day. And all while avoiding the hassle of checking in and out of motels. It’s the perfect setup for families wanting to keep things simple yet adventurous.

Plus, you save on time and money, giving you more freedom to enjoy all that Hawke’s Bay has to offer. Fancy an extra day exploring the Art Deco wonders of Napier or the natural delights at Te Mata Peak? With your campervan, changing plans is as easy as deciding where to park next.

 

Our favourite family friendly campgrounds and holiday parks in the Hawke’s Bay area

Looking for somewhere to park up your campervan as you explore Hawke’s Bay? Here are our top picks:

Clifton Motor Camp

Located near the entrance to the Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony, Clifton Motor Camp serves as a perfect launching pad for families looking to explore the natural beauty of Hawke's Bay. With amenities like a laundry, dump station, and playground, it ensures a hassle-free stay for campervan travellers Beyond the campsite, families can enjoy guided tours to the gannet colony, trek through the nearby walking trails, or take the short drive to Ocean Beach for a family day out by the sea. 

Kennedy Park Resort Napier

Planning to explore Napier? One of the best spots to park up is at Kennedy Park Resort Napier. This family friendly paradise offers fantastic facilities to ensure a fun-filled stay. The resort features a cool playground that includes a jumping pillow and a gym, alongside an entertainment room and Sky theatre, perfect for keeping the entire family entertained. There's even a swimming complex with a heated pool and a separate children’s pool with fountains. After a day full of activities, families can dine at Storkey's Restaurant, the onsite eatery, making it easy to unwind without the need to travel far for a delicious meal.

Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park

If Hastings features on your New Zealand travel itinerary, be sure to plan a stay at Hastings TOP 10 Holiday Park. This great campground offers a stellar combination of comfort and entertainment that makes it a top pick for families travelling by campervan. You’ll find a variety of activities to keep everyone entertained, including a children’s playground, a TV/recreation room, and a swimming complex complete with barbecue areas. Guests can connect freely with unlimited Wi-Fi, making it easy to plan the next day’s adventures. Nearby, families can enjoy the Hawke's Bay Farmers' Market, offering a taste of local produce and crafts, or visit the Hastings City Art Gallery, which showcases compelling exhibits that captivate visitors of all ages. 

Bay View Motel & Holiday Park

Just 8 km from the centre of Napier, the Bay View Motel & Holiday Park offers a quiet retreat with a dash of convenience for every campervan family. The park provides essential facilities such as showers, toilets, laundry, and a well-equipped kitchen, ensuring everything you need is at hand. Its garden setting adds a homely feel, ideal for relaxing after a day’s adventure. For families looking for activities, nearby attractions include the educational Marine Parade, where kids can explore the National Aquarium of New Zealand, play mini golf, or ride the bike pump track. 

Napier Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park

Experience beachfront camping at its best at Napier Beach Top 10 Holiday Park. The park features a children’s playground complete with a trampoline and a jumping pillow, ensuring hours of entertainment. For days when relaxation is key, take advantage of the nearby cycle and walkways, or explore the Ahuriri Estuary Walking Track, a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers. For a bit of local history, the nearby National Tobacco Company Building offers guided tours that showcase stunning 1930s Art Deco architecture. 

Waimarama Holiday Park

Discover a slice of seaside paradise at Waimarama Holiday Park, perfectly placed for families to enjoy Hawke's Bay's sunny East Coast. This campsite boasts a prime beachfront location. Families can make the most of the newly refurbished playground, while the nearby white sandy beach provides a safe spot for swimming under the watchful eyes of surf lifeguards. For those looking to explore beyond the camp, there's plenty to do. Take a short drive to visit the stunning Te Mata Peak for hiking and panoramic views.

Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park

Just 30 km from Napier, Waipatiki Beach Holiday Park offers a beachfront escape ideal for families looking to soak up the sun and surf. Make the most of the great outdoors with walks along the beach or through the scenic reserve next door. The campsite is well set up with everything needed for a relaxing family holiday including kitchen and laundry facilities, a lounge room, and a playground. And if you’ve got a keen fisher in the family, there are some great spots for catching kahawai and gurnard. The campsite has fish filleting facilities and barbecues too – perfect for cooking up your catch.

Mohaka River Farm

Nestled between Napier and Taupo, Mohaka River Farm offers a unique getaway on a 280-acre working farm along the pristine Mohaka River. This family-friendly destination has everything needed for a comfy stay including complimentary Wi-Fi, barbecues, and untimed hot showers. The farm is not just about relaxation but also adventure and learning. You can explore the scenic landscape on horseback with treks suitable for all experience levels or engage in hands-on farm experiences that teach about sustainability and regenerative agriculture. 

 

5 top tips for travelling in a campervan with kids

1. Plan your route in advance

Before setting out on your New Zealand road trip, map out your route and identify kid-friendly stops. Include parks, playgrounds, and picnic areas where kids can run around and burn off energy. Planning helps minimise long stretches of driving and keeps the little ones excited about new destinations.

 

2. Pack smart

Overpacking is easy when you're travelling with children, but space is at a premium in a campervan. Pack versatile clothing suitable for various weather conditions and plenty of reusable water bottles, healthy snacks, and simple toys or games that don’t take up too much space.

 

3. Create a kid-friendly schedule

Kids thrive on routine, so try to maintain a regular schedule for meals and bedtime, even on the road. A familiar routine can help children feel more secure and manage their expectations about when it’s time to explore and when it’s time to rest.

 

4. Ensure safety and comfort

Safety is paramount. Make sure child seats are properly secured and that everyone wears seatbelts while the van is in motion. Keep essentials within easy reach – like first aid kits, sunscreen, and insect repellent – to ensure quick access when needed.

 

5. Engage and involve your kids

Make the journey engaging by involving your kids in trip planning and decision-making. Let them choose some activities or stops along the way. Provide them with cameras or travel journals to document their journey, enhancing their experience and keeping them engaged throughout the adventure.

 

Plan the perfect Hawke’s Bay family holiday with Apollo

Whether you're soaking in the coastal beauty of Hawke's Bay or exploring its fascinating history, Apollo has the ideal campervan to make your family camping trip effortless, cosy, and enjoyable.

Ready to create lasting memories? Book your Apollo campervan online today and begin your ultimate Hawke's Bay adventure. With the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and exploration, your family holiday in this stunning region is guaranteed to be remarkable.