A New Zealand-wide review of Department of Conservation camping grounds is welcomed by Venture Taranaki as an opportunity for the region to identify suitable sites for an Egmont National Park campsite for residents and visitors.
Those keen to get away from civilisation - and its more traditional motorcamps – by camping in the ranges of one of New Zealand’s most popular mountains are out of luck in Taranaki, Mr Monaghan says.
This is because Taranaki does not have any DOC-administered camping grounds in the region or within the national park, even though hut accommodation is available, and Mr Monaghan says there is a distinct gap in the local market.
However, any new camping ground plans will need to be mindful of the spiritual significance of the mountain to tangata whenua, and development will need to be restricted to the existing DOC estate.
“The experience of being away from everything is something a lot of people have never enjoyed, and one that lots of people covet,” Mr Monaghan says.
“Whilst we have several camping grounds located in more isolated areas, it would be great to have a DOC campsite designated for those wanting a more intimate experience with Mt Taranaki’s ranges.
“This review could be the perfect opportunity to debate upgrading existing facilities on the mountain, such as adding adjacent tenting facilities to huts or upgrading the existing plateau carparks with camping facilities.”
A survey of DOC campsites around the North Island shows 14 located in Northland, nine in Auckland, 10 in the Waikato, seven in the Bay of Plenty, 10 in the Hawkes Bay and three in the Tongariro/Taupo area. Wanganui boasts two and Wellington seven.
“The Department of Conservation manages more than 230 vehicle-accessible camping areas throughout New Zealand. Other New Zealand regions have a plethora of DOC- managed camping grounds, with the Nelson/Marlborough region having 40 sites, and East Coast/Hawkes Bay having more than 20 sites,” Mr Monaghan says.
“This review could be our opportunity to lobby for, and secure, a facility in this area for our residents and visitors.”
The Department of Conservation review will consider making more public land available for camping where necessary, particularly in coastal areas.
It will include research on the extent to which there has been a change in the availability of family-friendly camping opportunities around the country, and will also look into the trends in demand for camping, and the relationship to the variety of campground types currently available.
Elsewhere, Taranaki is well catered for in privately-owned camping facilities, with campsites ranging from an Indian tepee experience and farm stays to surf camps and animal parks.
Taranaki is well serviced by more than 25 holiday parks and camping grounds, with the majority in coastal locations and privately-owned. The industry contributes more than 150,000 guest nights to Taranaki’s tourism sector per annum, with more than two-thirds falling in the summer period between December and March.
“The caravan and holiday park market is vital to Taranaki’s tourism sector, with the average stay length per visitor being much longer than average figures – 2.5 nights compared to two nights,” Mr Monaghan says.
“The Taranaki holiday park market has experienced annual double digit growth in visitor nights for the past three consecutive years.”
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