Kid-friendly Accommodation in the Bay of Islands
Complete a fabulous family getaway to the Bay of Islands by staying in the perfect family-friendly accommodation. Whether it’s a beautiful motel in Kerikeri, a luxury hotel in Paihia or an affordable holiday park in both, there are places to stay in the Bay of Islands to suit most tastes and budgets. Discover some of our top recommendations between both Paihia and Kerikeri, the Bay of Islands’ two main towns, in this list of family accommodation in the Bay of Islands.
For more advice on planning a trip, take a look at The Guide to the Bay of Islands for Families.
1. Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments
Stay amidst the greenery just a 10-minute walk from Paihia town at the Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments. Family studios are available, as well as a three-bedroom apartment for larger groups. Either way, each room has a freshly-decorated style inspired by nature with its timber floors and bamboo furniture. Make use of the full kitchen in your apartment, which leads to tri-fold doors onto your own barbecue area and private lawn. While the apartments are not serviced, the rubbish is taken away daily. See more recommendations in the area in the 10 Best Family Accommodation in Paihia.
Check Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments out:
- Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments on Booking.com
- Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments on Trip.com
- Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments on Expedia
2. Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel
Alternatively to staying in Paihia, how about the less-visited town of Kerikeri? For instance, you could stay among the fruit trees of the famous growing region at the Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel. The boutique motel has 10 one-bedroom chalets, three of which come with a bunk bed in the living room, sleeping up to four people. Aside from having your own space with self-catering facilities, a bathroom with shower, free WiFi and more in your chalet, the complex also has an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue area and guest laundry. See more family-friendly options in the area in the 10 Best Family Accommodation in Kerikeri.
Check Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel out:
- Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel on Booking.com
- Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel on Trip.com
- Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel on Expedia
3. Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands
Families looking for a little luxury will certainly find it at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Waitangi. In between enjoying the 10 Things to Do in the Bay of Islands with Kids, spend your downtime at the resort’s pool, tennis courts or restaurant. The Standard Rooms are the most affordable for families, sleeping two adults and two children across two double beds or a double bed and a bunk bed. Alternatively, there’s the option to upgrade to Superior Harbourview/Seaview Rooms or indulge in more space in the Junior Suite. See more recommendations like this in our 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Paihia.
Check Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands out:
- Copthorne Hotel & Resort on Booking.com
- Copthorne Hotel & Resort on Trip.com
- Copthorne Hotel & Resort on Expedia
4. Kerikeri Holiday Park & Motels
Families saving their money for experiences, rather than splurging on accommodation, should consider the Kerikeri Holiday Park & Motels. Aside from the usual tent sites and campervan sites seen in New Zealand holiday parks, Kerikeri Holiday Park & Motels also features a selection of affordable cabins to more convenient motel units. Motel units sleep up to six and have their own kitchen and bathroom, while cabins have either an ensuite or shared bathrooms. During your stay, you’ll have access to the Puketorara River passing through the holiday park, a large communal kitchen and a barbecue area.
Check Kerikeri Holiday Park & Motels out:
5. Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park
If you prefer staying in Paihia, take a look at Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park. Located on the waterfront, kids will have a blast with the kayak hire, while family time around the undercover barbecue area is also pretty ideal. Kids also have access to a well-equipped playground. Adventurous families can make use of the bike lockers, boat ramp and fish cleaning area. As for accommodation, make use of the tent and powered sites or if you’re not into camping, there are ultra-cheap but basic family cabins, kitchen cabins, one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins. There is also a holiday house for hire.
Check Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park out:
- Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park on Booking.com
- Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park on Trip.com
- Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park on Expedia
6. Avalon Resort
Back in Kerikeri, have fun exploring the grounds of the Avalon Resort with the little ones. Discover water gardens, duck ponds, fruit orchards and chicken paddocks, all within walking distance of the river. Your stay will be in one of the self-contained apartments sleeping up to four guests between a luxurious king four-poster bed and sofa beds in the lounge. Apartments have a full kitchen and a private deck with outdoor table and seating to enjoy your home-cooked meals on.
Check Avalon Resort out:
7. Stay Kerikeri
Guests at Stay Kerikeri rave about the stylishly curated apartments, each with their own unique qualities and decor, but the pool nestled in gardens is what makes it so great for families. What’s more, there are plenty of options for different group sizes, such as the two-bedroom apartments sleeping five to six guests. On the other hand, their one-bedroom apartments also fit up to three and four, so you needn’t go overboard.
Check Stay Kerikeri out:
8. Dolphin Motel
Based in the centre of Paihia, Dolphin Motel is an apartment-style motel with one and two-bedroom apartments suitable for families. The One-Bedroom Apartment sleeps up to three, while the Two-Bedroom Apartment is the best option for groups of four. Each apartment is well-appointed with perhaps slightly outdated amenities but upgraded decor. Nevertheless, the motel provides excellent value for budgeting families and also has free parking on-site and free WiFi.
Check Dolphin Motel out:
9. Aloha Seaview Resort Motel
Enjoy convenience-meets-holiday at Paihia’s Aloha Seaview Resort. The self-contained accommodation offers a tranquil retreat complete with an outdoor swimming pool, spa pool and unbeatable sea views a short drive from town. The Two-Bedroom Apartments are a fantastic option for families with a choice of being by the poolside, by the gardens or with the best sea views.
Check Aloha Seaview Resort out:
- Aloha Seaview Resort on Booking.com
- Aloha Seaview Resort on Trip.com
- Aloha Seaview Resort on Expedia
10. The Waterfront Suites – Heritage Collection
Finally, it’s hard to resist the luxury suites of The Waterfront Suites by Heritage. The apartment hotel chain boasts extremely well-appointed self-contained rooms with a full kitchen, Sky TV and an underground car park in the heart of Paihia town. Enjoy sweeping views of the waterfront from your private balcony and spend time as a family around the barbecue area or splashing around in the heated lap pool.
Check The Waterfront Suites out:
- The Waterfront Suites on Booking.com
- The Waterfront Suites on Trip.com
- The Waterfront Suites on Expedia
More About the Bay of Islands for Families
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.