Camping Bay of Plenty: ‘record year’ expected in campgrounds during summer

“We get a lot of returns on investment. Most people who come here are on the move during the day and we offer them a nice, safe and central place to do so. It’s a base – a base with a nice view.

Griggs lived there with his wife of 55 years and said he loved his job because of all the people he met. Most of them were vacationers happy to be on vacation.

“It’s almost like being on vacation every day.”

Tauranga City Council-owned Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park at the foot of Mauao is fully booked over the Christmas and New Year period, team manager Mark Hales said.

“Many of our guests have been coming to our campground for a long time – some have been regulars for over 60 years,” Hales said.

“We know of a guest who is returning this summer for his 73rd consecutive year, which we think is pretty cool.”

McLaren Falls Campground, also owned by the council, was expecting a busy holiday period. Only certain campsites could be booked in advance and these saw a significant number of reservations until March. Other sites operated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Team leader Christopher Baker said the campsite offered great value for money while giving locals and visitors the chance to relax and enjoy the city’s “amazing” parks and beaches.

“One of the highlights for campers staying at McLaren Falls Park is the waterfall trail where you can see glow worms after dusk.”

The Department of Conservation operates seven campsites in the Bay of Plenty, most in the Rotorua Lakes region, as well as huts and other minor campsites.

DoC Rotorua operations manager Zane Jensen said New Zealanders continued to love summer camping trips and camping bookings in Bay of Plenty generally looked strong.

“We have seen our biggest increases from last year at Rerewhakaaitu Ash Road and Matatā campsites, while Whirinaki Recreation Camp is fully booked until February. Our staff is preparing for what we anticipate will be a busy summer season – weather permitting.

Jensen said people should book early if possible to avoid disappointment, especially during peak times. DoC campsites were different from private campsites and required more planning, he said.

Users should check weather and travel information before arrival; use biodegradable products and avoid washing near rivers, lakes and the ocean; understand where to pitch tents; find out about fire restrictions before lighting outdoor fires; and plan for waste as not all campsites had waste disposal.

Sapphire Springs managers Lisa and Antony Gunner said in a statement that the Sapphire Springs Holiday Park and Mineral Pools team is “excited” and prepared for a busy summer season.

“We are seeing strong interest this year. . . many of our former campers have been visiting us for years, creating a wonderful sense of community. We are expecting a busy season overall and some dates are already filling up quickly. »

Its swimming pools were open to the public daily from 8am to 7pm, its “beautiful” bush walks were “perfect for enjoying summer days”, the Gunners said, and the Te Rereatukahia stream provided a refreshing touch to the ” adventurers.”

Aaron McFarlane, general manager of Shelly Beach Coromandel Top 10, was looking at a “record year” and expected “the busiest summer year we’ve seen”.

“We offer plenty of fun activities to accommodate nearly 500 people per night and we are in the process of training our summer teams to prepare them for the buzz of 24/7 summer entertainment, including our holiday programs, our fishing competitions and our famous outdoor films by the sea.”

Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park marketing coordinator Tim Bright said its bookings looked “extremely strong” during the busy holiday period.

“We offer a wide range of events during this busy period, including musical groups, children’s clubs, markets and fairs.”

Bowentown Beach Holiday Park owner Mike Crosby said the summer season was looking “strong” with full bookings from Boxing Day until the New Year.

“For us and a large majority of holiday parks, most guests during this period are seasoned, repeat guests, with most re-booking when departing from the previous year.”

Crosby said some of their guests have been coming back for 20 to 30 years, including regulars who have moved to the area and rented their own homes while they camp.

“We are seeing continued demand for our services, which is encouraging given the current economic climate.

“I believe a major factor in this is due to the nature of holiday parks, which offer affordable holidays or weekend getaways, whatever your experience wishes: camping, cabins, luxury villas , etc.

“Often, holiday parks offer a range of accommodation, facilities and entertainment options in some of the best locations in the country, meaning that once checked in, guests do not need to continue their expenses if they don’t want to.”

“It’s like coming home.”

Cushla Bauer has been visiting the Tauranga Tourist Park for 20 years – and even lived there in her campervan for two years while looking for permanent accommodation in the city.

Bauer, her husband and their two schnauzers lived in an RV for nine years while traveling around New Zealand and said this park was one of her favorites.

It had “wonderful amenities that are always clean” and Bauer said she particularly enjoyed the water view and easy access to the harbor promenade that connects Turret Road to 18th Avenue.

Bauer still comes to the park regularly to say hello and tells the Bay of Plenty that “every time we come back, it’s like we’re coming home.”

“It’s not too big, it’s peaceful and having water right there is just nice.”