10 Best Family Accommodations in the Bay of Islands 👪 [2023]

Where to Find Child-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 the best family accommodations 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 and the 10 Things to Do in the Bay of Islands with Kids.

1. Bay of Islands Holiday Apartments (Paihia)

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 Accommodations in Paihia.

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10 Best Family Accommodation in the Bay of Islands

2. Kerigold Secluded Chalets Motel (Kerikeri)

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 Accommodations in Kerikeri.

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3. Copthorne Hotel & Resort Bay of Islands (Waitangi)

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 Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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4. Kerikeri Holiday Park & Motels (Kerikeri)

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. For alternative budget options, check out the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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5. Paihia TOP 10 Holiday Park (Paihia)

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 and one-bedroom and two-bedroom cabins. There is also a holiday house for hire, or take a look at the 15 Best Holiday Homes & Apartments in the Bay of Islands.

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6. Avalon Resort (Kerikeri)

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 an outdoor table and seating to enjoy your home-cooked meals on. Discover more stays with kitchen amenities in our 10 Best Self-Catering Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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7. Stay Kerikeri (Kerikeri)

Guests at Stay Kerikeri rave about the stylishly curated apartments, each with its 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. See more quaint stays like Stay Kerikeri in the 10 Best Boutique Accommodations in the Bay of Islands.

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8. Dolphin Motel (Paihia)

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 out more budget options for families nearby in the 10 Best Budget Accommodations in Paihia.

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9. Aloha Seaview Resort Motel (Paihia)

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.

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10. The Waterfront Suites – Heritage Collection (Paihia)

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.

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More Family Accommodations in the Bay of Islands

That’s it for our list of the best family accommodations in the Bay of Islands but if you want alternative stays or things to do, check out the following:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Guide to 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.

Contact Laura via our contact page