New motor caravan site at Riversdale Beach. PHOTOS/SUPPLIED
JADE DAVIES
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One of the newest New Zealand Motorhome Caravan Association [NZMCA] sites will be situated at Riversdale Beach.
The NZMCA supports more than 110,000 kiwis who enjoy exploring New Zealand in their certified self-contained motor caravans, with access to thousands of sites across the nation for overnight stays.
“Our members love visiting and relaxing in idyllic areas like Riversdale Beach, while on holiday or for weekend getaways,” national manager of property and policy James Imlach said.
“Everybody in the village thought it was an excellent idea,” Riversdale Beach Community Association president John Christie said.
“We see vans coming out virtually every day that turn around and go away because there is nowhere for them to stay.”
Discussions about the new site began in 2019 among the landowner, the NZMCA and Riversdale Beach community representatives, and identified an “opportunity that would benefit the NZMCA and the local community”.
“Since then, we’ve spent time working through agreements, consulting with our neighbour and obtaining a resource consent among covid 19 restrictions and lockdowns.”
The site can accommodate 28 motor caravans and the association finds that its members usually travel in pairs.
“It will provide our members with a designated safe and convenient place to stay while visiting Riversdale,” Imlach said.
“Members will spend money locally during their stay, and the lion’s share of profit from the park will go back into community projects.”
Christie said it would be a good addition to the community.
“It will be good for business for the store and the golf course.”
The plans include planting native trees, which will grow up to eight or nine metres, spaced six metres apart around the boundary.
The NZMCA aims to open the member-only park later next month.
