Holiday Parks New Zealand

Felt Like a Sardine in a Can of Disappointment

I'm usually not one to write negative reviews, but my experience with Holiday Parks New Zealand was a major letdown, especially considering the hype around their 'unforgettable vacations.' As a solo traveler looking for a mix of adventure and relaxation, I chose two of their parks in different locations, expecting a unique cultural experience and stunning natural beauty. What I got instead was a cramped, overpriced cabin with a view of the parking lot and a bathroom that seemed to be shared with half the park. The 'fantastic facilities' they advertised were nowhere to be found - the kitchen was equipped with utensils from the Stone Age, and don't even get me started on the 'year-round availability' claim, as I had to wait in line for 20 minutes just to get a shower. The Cycle Hub feature, which I was excited about as a biking enthusiast, turned out to be just a couple of bike racks and a poster with some routes. For a organization that claims to support biking, it was underwhelming. The quarterly e-newsletter they sent me after my stay was full of generic content and felt more like spam than genuine inspiration for my next adventure. Given the partnerships they have, like with Interislander, I expected more exclusive benefits, but all I found were some mediocre discounts that didn't even apply to my bookings. The community aspect they boast about felt non-existent; the parks seemed more focused on packing in as many guests as possible rather than creating a welcoming environment. Maybe I just hit them on a bad week, but for the price, I expected so much more. If you're looking for a genuine Kiwi experience without breaking the bank, I'd suggest looking elsewhere. One star from me, and that's being generous.