| 109 T T Sue Russell On the hunt for beautiful places Eastwoodhill Hill NZMCA Park has forged a long-term partnership between the organisation and the Eastwoodhill Arboretum Trust. COMMUNITY New Zealand Motor Caravan Association One of the strategic initiatives the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc. (NZMCA) has been increasingly working towards is to create spaces that open up a wider range of camping opportunities and experiences for its members. Such is the case with the Eastwoodhill NZMCA Park, which opened in March 2024 and can accommodate up to 60 self-contained motorhome vehicles. Located some 35kms north-east of Gisborne, it is adjacent to the internationally recognised Eastwoodhill Arboretum, home to more than 25,000 species of exotic and native trees, and spread over 135ha grounds. National manager property and policy for the NZMCA, James Imlach, says the park’s situation next to a natural heritage park of such significance very much reflects how the organisation sees itself offering its members wonderful opportunities to explore parts of this country while enjoying life on the road, and to find ways to enhance and preserve these valuable spaces. “Places to Stay is a strategy that is increasingly gaining our attention. I have a team of five, who work with me to build relationships with land-holders whose properties have something really special to offer. There’s growing interest from members of NZMCA to be involved in helping create motorhome parks in these places,” James says. Eastwoodhill Hill NZMCA Park has forged a long-term partnership between the organisation and the Eastwoodhill Arboretum Trust. The agreement is an example of NZMCA’s desire to promote regenerative tourism through creating space to offer campers a place to stay and explore. “This, in turn, will increase visitor numbers to the beautiful area. Through our Greenfund, and sharing the profits from park fees, the NZMCA is doing its bit to support future conservation initiatives and development of the arboretum. It’s a very mutually beneficial relationship and one that we welcome.” Along with an array of beautiful trees of huge botanical value, Eastwoodhill Arboretum is home to 25kms of walking/cycling tracks, catering for all fitness levels, extending from flat, tree-lined paths to steeper climbs where riders will take in wonderful views of the arboretum and surrounding land. For members staying in the park next to the arboretum, other attractions include Rere Falls and Rere Rock Slide Waterfall. NZMCA was responsible for the upgrade of the entrance into the park, removing the normal farm-style gate to create a more open, accessible entry area. One really positive outcome of the relationship formed between NZMCA and the Arboretum Trust is that it gives NZMCA members an opportunity to volunteer at the arboretum. It is partnership relationships such as this that the organisation sees as the way of the future. “Our members benefit, as do the owners/ guardians of the spaces nearby, which is a great way to operate and really worthwhile for our members to be involved in,” says James. The Eastwoodhill Arboretum trustees and staff, Thrive Spaces and Places for initiating this opportunity, The Eastland Area NZMCA committee, and local members, all warrant a mention for their support and assistance, James says. “It’s another wonderful example of what can be achieved with many people putting up their hands to help. “I thoroughly recommend to members visiting this very special part of New Zealand.” Finding places where potentially motorhome parks can be created, takes a whole village of people spread across the country, as James explains. “The organisation is broken down to 26 different committee areas, and one of the goals these groups have is to be looking out for interesting places for NZMCA to potentially purchase or lease to create a motorhome park for certified self-contained vehicles. It’s a good way to work, as locals know of special areas we wouldn’t necessarily be aware of at a national level.” NZMCA has 120,000 individual members, who own their own private motorhomes and caravans. It was formed in 1956 by Andy and Gladys Anderson of Gisborne, who become membership No. 1. Next year marks the 70th year of the organisation’s founding. • Freedom camping assessments • Establishment of Motor Caravan Sites • Open Space Design and Development • Covering all of Aotearoa • Regulatory & statutory process knowledge • Project and programme management Thrive Spaces and Places is your nimble and experienced Parks & Recreation Consultancy that the industry knows and trusts. www.thrivespacesandplaces.nz Auckland | Tauranga | Wellington | Waikato | Christchurch | Queenstown | Costa Rica
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