Another step forward for NZMCA’s campsite plans

The NZMCA’s aim to expand the camping ground network for our members and New Zealand families has taken another significant step forward.

Following last year’s successful acquisition of the Moeraki Boulders Holiday Park @Hampden Beach business, the Association has now entered into new long-term lease agreements with Kaipara District Council to manage the beachfront Kellys Bay Reserve and Glinks Gully campgrounds, on the Pouto peninsula in Northland.

James Imlach, the Association’s National Manager Property & Policy, says the decision was    driven by the Board’s desire to safeguard opportunities for New Zealanders to go camping – including, of course, the opportunities available to our members.

“Both campgrounds will be available to NZMCA members all year round under the CampSaver programme,” says James.

“We have also committed to ensure both campgrounds are available to the public for at least 16 weeks per year over the summer period, while using all reasonable endeavours to keep them open to the public for the entire year. 

"The campsites will have managers over the extended summer period and will be open to the general public to pre-book sites on a first-come-first served basis.

James says the goal is to open both campgrounds by Labour weekend, while spending the next couple of months progressing a number of improvements planned for both campsites.

Those improvements include:

• At Kellys Bay Reserve, upgrading the power supply points, improving drainage, installing an entry gate with digital access, and re-metalling and extending the driveway; and
• At Glinks Gully, installing an entry gate with digital access, upgrading the power supply points, additional fencing, repairing and painting the exterior of the toilet block and making improvements to the kitchen which will include supplying new chattels.

“We are also working on a new website and online booking system,” explains James.

“The campsites’ tariffs and the ability to book ahead will be confirmed at a later date, however our intention is to introduce a simple online booking system to keep operating costs down and ensure both sites remain affordable campgrounds.”

An important aspect of the agreement with the Kaipara District Council is that net profits generated from the Kellys Bay Reserve campground will be shared with the Kellys Bay Improvement Society.

“That fits with our Association’s goal of enhancing the social licence of vehicle-based camping by giving back to host communities,” says James.

District Council General Manager for Strategic Improvement Hayley Worthington is looking forward to the campgrounds becoming fully operational ahead of summer. “We ran a competitive process for interested parties to take on the operations of Glinks Gully and Kellys Bay and NZMCA stepped up to the mark.”

“We’re so pleased that both campgrounds will soon be available for bookings for both NZMCA members and the general public. Bring on a Kaipara camping summer and opportunities to stay at one of these iconic classic kiwi campgrounds!”