Coromandel Shelly Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park has taken out three major national awards at the 2025 Holiday Parks New Zealand Awards, including the industry’s top honour, the Supreme Industry Award.
The family-owned holiday park was also recognised with the Community Engagement Award and the Holiday Park Improvement Award – Medium Park. The triple win solidifies the park’s reputation as a standout in New Zealand’s holiday accommodation sector.
Park operator Aaron McFarlane said the recognition is a significant milestone for the business.
“To be recognised on this level — alongside so many amazing parks and people in the industry — is truly humbling. This is a huge win for our small, family-run park in the Coromandel, and a massive credit to our crew who deliver ‘Memories for Life’ every day,” he said.
The Supreme Industry Award acknowledges excellence across all areas of operation, including guest experience, sustainability, innovation, leadership, and business development. Judges commended Shelly Beach for its strong staff culture, consistent growth, investment in guest-friendly technology, and commitment to local community and environmental partnerships.
The Community Engagement Award, sponsored by Big Save Commercial, recognised the park’s deep involvement in the Coromandel community. Initiatives include hosting school groups, supporting local events, donating mattresses to community organisations, and providing pool access for local families. The park also supported the development of the new CoromandelColville.nz website for the Coromandel Business Association.
The Holiday Park Improvement Award – Medium Park was presented in recognition of the park’s after-hours self-check-in kiosk. The kiosk connects directly to the park’s live booking system, allowing late-arriving guests to book and check in securely, without staff assistance. McFarlane said the idea came from the need to accommodate late arrivals and has improved both guest experience and operational efficiency.
“We were missing bookings because people couldn’t check in late. Now guests have a seamless, secure option and our team gets their evenings back — it’s been a win for everyone,” he said.
The awards reflect the park’s ongoing efforts to innovate while maintaining a strong local focus.
Also recognised at the awards evening in Nelson was Hot Water Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park, which received the Best Park Development Award for its new pool complex and Hotspot Pizza & Brews. Judges praised the facility as a “world-class design.”
