Set between Whakatāne and Matātā in the Bay of Plenty, Thornton Beach Holiday Park sits right on the beach, with the Rangitāiki River just metres away. It's a relaxed place for beach days, fishing, family time and classic Kiwi camping.
Wake up to the sound of the waves and step straight onto the sand, with Moutohorā (Whale Island) sitting right in front of the park. Surfcast from the beach, launch the boat from the ramp just 200m down the road, or hire a kayak or paddleboard and explore the estuary at your own pace.
However you like to holiday — a three-bedroom house, park motel, tourist flat, cabin or a powered site for your tent, caravan or motorhome — there's a spot for you here, with Whakatāne's shops and cafés only a short drive away.
Thornton Beach
Beach on one side, the Rangītaiki River estuary on the other, and Moutohorā on the horizon. There's heaps of space to build sandcastles, swim, paddle or simply sit back and relax.
Jumping pillow
Laundry facilities
Come Out & Play
Spring is here, and it’s far too good to spend indoors. Stay two nights and save 25%* at participating parks across New Zealand.
Booking Dates: 25 September - 17 December 2026
Stay Dates: 11 October - 17 December 2026
Nature & Wildlife
Boat tours depart Whakatāne
A predator-free island sanctuary managed by the Department of Conservation, home to rare species including tuatara, kākāriki and kiwi. Access is restricted, so join a licensed tour to explore it.
Nature & Wildlife
Huna Road, Coastlands
Pick your own berries, meet the farm animals and treat yourself to berry ice cream and home baking in the sheltered garden café.
Nature & Wildlife
Kawerau
One of New Zealand's best short walks, where the river bursts out of fissures in a sheer cliff face surrounded by native bush.
Location
Set at the end of Thornton Beach Road between Whakatāne and Matātā, our holiday park sits between the ocean and the Rangītaiki River, with the boat ramp and wharf just 200m away. Whakatāne is around 15 minutes' drive, Ōhope around 25 minutes, and Rotorua and Tauranga are each a little over an hour away.
The answers to the questions we hear most, all in one place. Can't find what you're looking for?
Our reception is open 8.30am-7pm daily in summer, and 9am-6pm the rest of the year. If you know you'll be arriving after hours, please let us know.
Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am. Early check-in or late check-out may be available on request, subject to availability.
If you know you will be arriving after hours, please let us know so we can make arrangements.
Pet-friendly sites are limited to Sites 1-20 only, and only during the off-peak season. Pets aren't permitted anywhere else in the park, including all of our accommodation, and all pets must remain on a lead at all times.
Yes, we have free, unlimited Wi-Fi for guests.
Yes, there’s a boat ramp about 200m down the road from the park, near the wharf on the Rangitāiki River. It’s owned and run by Whakatāne District Council, not by us.
Council charges a fee to launch there to help fund the ramp’s upkeep, and it applies to everyone, including guests staying with us. Pay by scanning the QR code on the signage at the ramp or through Council’s website. Fees are set by Council and can change, so check their boat ramp fees page for current pricing.
Whether it's a long summer holiday with the whole whānau or a fishing weekend with the boat in tow, our team can help you make the most of Thornton and the Eastern Bay of Plenty — from when the kahawai are running to the best rainy-day spots nearby. Got a question? We're just a call or click away.
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