Go camping in your own back yard
Hurunui District Council media release: 15th October 2024
A thrifty summer may be on the cards for some, as holiday planning during the warmer months begins.
Those living and visiting the Hurunui District don’t need to go far to find a good spot for recreation and relaxation - thanks to the many camping grounds. Dogs are welcome at some of them too.
Last year, a number of Hurunui’s camping grounds received a makeover. One highlight was Waikari Reserve Camping Ground where a classroom was relocated from Hurunui College (donated by the Ministry of Education) and repurposed into a kitchen area, four self-contained bathrooms, a laundry, a separate multi-purpose meeting room and a ramp for wheelchair access.
Funds for upgrades are raised by camping fee revenue, and the government’s Tourism Infrastructure Fund which Council regularly applies for with success. The practical work is carried out largely by dedicated local volunteers.
Hurunui District Council’s Senior Property Officer Evan Schoombie said there is great community pride taken in the camping grounds, as a place where locals can make their mark on their own reserve or green space, and create a holiday spot they are proud to show visitors.
“Tourism is a major part of what the Hurunui District is about, and to intertwine that with our beautiful green spaces creates something special,” said Schoombie.
Last summer KiwiCash became involved with the management of some of Hurunui’s camping grounds, including Waikari Reserve Camping Ground, Scargill Motunau Reserve, Culverden Domain and Amberley Beach Reserve. This means digital payment is used for facility operations including power, kitchen facilities, bathroom facilities and paying for a site. This company has now been rebranded as Penny, and any keys purchased last year under KiwiCash will work just the same as the rebranded Penny keys.
Operations manager of Penny, Mike Anderson, said the camping grounds it manages in Hurunui make up part of a list of more than 30 camping ground nationwide which can be visited using the same digital key, creating easy access to many convenient facilities and holiday spots.
“If you’re looking for a cost-effective holiday this summer, camping is an affordable choice. Hurunui offers some of the best spots for relaxing and recreation in New Zealand, so come and check them out.”
The remaining camping grounds in Hurunui are still managed privately, which include Gore Bay and Buxton Camp, Balmoral Recreation Reserve Camping Ground, Pines Holiday Camp, Hurunui River Mouth Reserve Camping Ground, Motunau Beach Camping Ground and Leithfield Beach Holiday Park.
Learn more about Hurunui’s camping grounds, and where to purchase your digital key for the camping grounds managed by Penny. Locally managed camping grounds still operate on a cash system.