Holiday parks enjoyed a hot December, with a healthy 4.7% increase in guest nights for the month, compared with December 2010.

The trend for holiday park guest nights has risen since the most recent low point in September 2010, reaching its highest level since the series began in 1996.

Nationally, holiday parks accounted for 28% of all guest nights in December. They also recorded a 2.7% increase in guest nights for the 2011 year.

Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of NZ Chief Executive Fergus Brown says holiday parks have grown their guest nights every month since May 2011, in spite of the challenging economy.

"Holiday parks around the country have been adapting to meet the needs and expectations of visitors. They are offering more facilities and accommodation choices, ranging from basic tent sites to self-contained family units," Mr Brown says.

"Increased built accommodation is also helping parks to achieve better occupancy rates during the off season."

Parks are becoming more sophisticated in their use of online accommodation booking agencies and other online systems which enable visitors to find accommodation options and book them easily.

"The latest statistics show that holiday parks remain a favourite holiday option for New Zealanders and, increasingly for international visitors," Mr Brown says.

Holiday ParksHoliday Parks End Year on a High