Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park

holiday park — Kai Iwi · Whanganui

About Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park

Established in the 1960s on idyllic park-like grounds, Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park offers a relaxed and quiet seaside escape just a short stroll from the soft iron sands of Kai Iwi Beach. Overlooking unhindered views of the Tasman Sea and framed by striking coastal cliffs, the park provides an immaculate setting to relax, unwind, and experience the natural beauty of the West Coast.

Accommodation options cater to every style of coastal traveler, featuring everything from self-contained sea view cabins to compact single-room cabins, alongside sea view campsites, powered van sites, unpowered tent pitches, and spacious 8x10m weekender sites. Guests enjoy modern amenities, on-site Wi-Fi, and convenient proximity to adjacent family-friendly attractions including an adventure playground and beachfront BBQ areas.

Conveniently located only 10 minutes from Whanganui and 2.5 hours from Wellington, the holiday park serves as an ideal base for exploring regional heritage, botanical gardens, and arts institutions, or as a scenic stopover point for travelers connecting to or from the Cook Strait ferry.

Coastal Solitude and Family Getaways at Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park

Nestled along the scenic coastal edge of Whanganui, Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park has welcomed travelers since the 1960s. Set across spacious, park-like grounds, the retreat offers an unhurried escape from urban bustle. Bordered by towering coastal cliffs and the dramatic waters of the Tasman Sea, it pairs the nostalgic charm of classic Kiwi camping with well-maintained facilities suited for modern road-trippers, couples, and families.

Oceanside Grounds and Varied Stays

The holiday park provides accommodation suited to diverse travel styles and budgets. For those who prefer solid walls and self-contained comfort, the park features cabins ranging from cozy single-room options with double beds to fully self-contained sea view units that look out toward the horizon. All cabin stays include access to on-site Wi-Fi, ensuring visitors can remain connected while resting by the sea.

Campers and caravan travelers can choose from established sea view sites, powered pitches designed for campervans and motorhomes, and unpowered grounds ideal for traditional tent camping. For holidaymakers seeking an extended base across the warmer months, the park provides dedicated 8x10m weekender sites, offering plenty of space to set up camp close to the surf.

Beach Access and Local Recreation

The park sits only a short stroll from the iron sands of Kai Iwi Beach. Patrolled during the summer months, the beach provides a safe swimming environment alongside rewarding surfcasting and fishing opportunities. Right near the shore, visitors have access to a massive adventure playground and communal barbecue facilities, making day outings seamless for families traveling with young children.

Nature lovers and walkers can explore the unique Kai Iwi cliffs or stroll for hours along the sweeping waterline. For gentle inland wanderings, the renowned Bason Botanic Gardens sits just a two-minute drive down the road, while scenic Lake Westmere is located further along Rapanui Road.

A Base for Whanganui and Cook Strait Travelers

Positioned just ten minutes from central Whanganui and approximately two and a half hours from Wellington, Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park serves as a practical, scenic stopover for motorists heading to or returning from the Cook Strait ferries. Its proximity to town allows guests to easily explore Whanganui's regional heritage and creative community, including visits to the Sarjeant Gallery, the Whanganui Regional Museum, and the working hot-glass artists at New Zealand Glassworks.

Whether dropping in for a tranquil overnight rest on a cross-island journey or anchoring down for a classic summer holiday by the sea, visitors find a calm, welcoming park grounded in West Coast scenery.

Signature items

  • Sea View Self Contained Cabin
  • Sea View Campsites
  • Weekender Sites
  • Powered Campervan Sites
  • Single Room Cabin

Menu

Cabins

  • Sea View Self Contained Cabin — Self-contained cabin accommodation offering unhindered views of the Tasman Sea and complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Single Room Double Bed Cabin — Cozy private cabin featuring a double bed setup with included Wi-Fi access.

Campsites & Caravan Sites

  • Sea View Campsite — Picturesque site situated to enjoy elevated coastal vistas across the Tasman Sea.
  • Powered Site — Equipped campsite suitable for campervans and caravans needing electrical hookups.
  • Unpowered Site — Traditional grassy campsite suitable for tents and self-contained vehicles.
  • Weekender Site — Spacious 8 x 10m site ideal for regular seasonal getaways and summer family stays.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park located?
The holiday park is located at 66 Mowhanau Drive, Kai Iwi Beach, approximately 10 minutes from Whanganui and 2.5 hours from Wellington.
What types of accommodation are available?
Accommodations include self-contained sea view cabins, single-room double bed cabins, sea view campsites, powered motorhome/caravan sites, unpowered tent sites, and 8x10m weekender sites.
Is Wi-Fi provided at the park?
Yes, Wi-Fi access is included with the cabin accommodations and available on the grounds.
Is the nearby beach safe for swimming?
Kai Iwi Beach is just a short stroll from the park and is patrolled by lifeguards during the summer season.
Are there facilities for children and families nearby?
Yes, the adjacent Kai Iwi Beach area features a large adventure playground, barbecue facilities, and safe swimming areas.
Can groups or school camps be accommodated?
Yes, the holiday park caters to school camps and group bookings.

Tips

  • {"body":"Wander down to the iron sands of Kai Iwi Beach in the evening to view unobstructed sunsets framed by the coastal cliffs.","title":"Take in the Sunset over the Tasman"}
  • {"body":"Plan a quick two-minute drive to the nearby Bason Botanic Gardens on Rapanui Road for scenic garden walks.","title":"Explore Bason Botanic Gardens"}
  • {"body":"Located 2.5 hours north of Wellington, the park makes an easy, quiet stopover point before or after a Cook Strait ferry crossing.","title":"Ferry Stopover Option"}

Good to know

  • {"wifi":"Included with cabin bookings and accessible on-site.","family":"Safe swimming beach patrolled in summer plus a large adventure playground and BBQ areas nearby."}