Kiwi-as camping at Waihi Beach

Debbie Griffiths finds a comfortable holiday park with plenty to do at the northern entrance of Tauranga Harbour.

The place

It’s a place where iconic Kiwiana memories are made; children bounce, run, fish, and swim, then fall asleep to the sound of waves.

‘‘My parents had a holiday park for around 30 years and, before that, my grandparents owned it,’’ says owner Mike Crosby.

‘‘I grew up as a kid in a holiday park so those are my family memories, too. You’d see the same families coming back, year after year. I had great friendships. We want people from all walks of life to feel welcome and comfortable in our little piece of paradise.’’

The park is next to the beach, on about eight kilometres of white sand stretching down to Waihi Beach. In the three years since Mike and his Australian wife Bec took over, it has undergone a major overhaul.

‘‘Everything from the teaspoons to the pillows, the bed bases and bedspreads, carpets, [and] painting. You name it, just about every aspect of the business has had a facelift.’’

The space

Bowentown Beach Holiday Park is at the base of Te Ho Pa¯ between a surf beach and sheltered familyfriendly Anzac Bay. It has 183 sites spread over 3.5 hectares, ranging from traditional tent or caravan sites, park motels, self-contained units to cabins (some are specifically pet-friendly), and even two quirky Kombi Cabins.

‘‘The Kombis are becoming really popular. They’re purpose-built, so slightly taller and wider than an actual Kombi van. They have a double bed, coffee and tea-making facilities with a small fridge and their own deck,’’ Crosby says.

At the top end of the accommodation scale, the two-bedroom Ocean View Cabins are beautifully furnished, with a barbecue, television, full kitchen facilities and hair dryer.

‘‘We spend time thinking carefully about how we would use each space,’’ he says. ‘‘We just want our guests to walk in and feel as though they can just relax.’’

Stepping out

Hire a bike or go-kart to ride around the holiday park or walk over to Anzac Bay for some gentle waves. Bowentown is an easy 20-minute drive from the Waihi Beach township.

Keep an eye out for alleyways that are home to hidden gems such as Chez Moi, where Swiss chocolatier Ines Haster creates her treats on the premises from cacao beans imported from Belgium.

For an evening cocktail, head to the Lounge Bar at The Waihi Beach Hotel. The barman, Ben, shakes up a great cosmopolitan.

Flatwhite Waihi Beach cafe is on the beach, and is a local favourite, so book dinner in advance. The menu has a nostalgic Kiwiana vibe, including

classics such as lamb’s fry and fish and chips, as well as beef wellington (look for Beach Wellington on the menu). Your choice for dessert is impossible to get wrong.

The award-winning Surf Shack Eatery is home to what Lonely Planet claims are ‘‘quite possibly the best burgers in New Zealand’’. Milkshakes are served in cool retro milk bottles and the french toast is dreamily decadent.

Highlights

Watch the sunrise over Mayor Island/Tu¯ hua while strolling on the beach. Later, it’s perfect for boogie boarding with the kids.

Lowlights

Watching the jumping pillow being deflated at 8pm, which signals the end of another day in paradise.

Insider tip

Keep an eye on the noticeboard for the children’s movie night. Crosby offers his service as chief popcorn maker and responsible adult, while you step out for dinner in Waihi Beach.

The writer was a guest of Bowentown Beach Holiday Park, and travelled with support from Tourism Bay of Plenty