Athenree Hot Springs and Holiday Park, located in Western Bay, received the industry's top honor at the Holiday Parks New Zealand (HPNZ) Awards Dinner in Hamilton. The park was named the winner in the 'Best Holiday Park 2026' category and also earned the title of best medium-sized park of the year.
The owners, two geologists, purchased the business in 2020, three days before the nationwide lockdown, with no tourism experience. The park now features 5 self-contained units, 7 cabins, and about 100 campsites, including 35 for caravans. Visitor numbers have grown from 18,000 to nearly 30,000 per year.
