Five New Zealand Holiday Parks are finalists for a national award for mastering the art of turning an average holiday into a memorable one.

Russell Top 10 Holiday Park, Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park in Whitianga, north of Auckland’s Whangateau Holiday Park, All Seasons Holiday Park in Rotorua and Kaikoura Peketa Beach Holiday Park have all been selected as finalists for the 2016 AA Traveller Spirit of Hospitality Award.

AA Tourism Publishing General Manager Moira Penman says the award showcases real life examples of putting hospitality knowledge into practice and truly going the extra mile for New Zealand holiday park guests.

“Holiday parks are a Kiwi institution and sometimes they can be remembered for the wrong reasons. These awards are a way to recognise those that go above and beyond and highlight the ever growing standard of New Zealand holiday parks.”

“Whether it’s helping a 10-year-old achieve her Make a Wish dream of soaking in a hot pool on Hot Water Beach and sleeping under the stars, or driving stranded guests to their destination, each of these holiday parks know how to make their guests feel welcome and special, which is the mark of true hospitality,” says Ms Penman.

The winner of the AA Traveller Spirit of Hospitality Award will be announced on Wednesday, June 22 at the Holiday Parks Conference in Rotorua. The judging panel was made up of representatives from AA Traveller, Tourism New Zealand and Inside Tourism.

AA Traveller is an expert in domestic tourism in New Zealand and publishes and distributes more than three million maps and guides every year to assist motorists and visitors as they explore the country.