POPs N PARKs

  read more on the 'What is....' page 

 *If I have omitted anyone in this list it is because the list of valued parking providers is growing all the time.

I with many others say to you

GEM What is a GEM..... The subject I have tried to avoid.. How much ??

 I do not want to print costs on this site as I would for ever be changing or missing an alteration and up set some one. So the closest I will get is to create a rating.. of sorts.. that may be a guide to you for cost effective stop overs.

How does one arrive at a value, that the old time worn statement always applies when land is in the equation and that is "Location, location, location". However just how much is that perceived value eroded when the amenities are tired, worn, malfunctioning and needs a coat of paint. 

Just how much value are you getting for your dollar on the best piece of sand in the country but the shower before dinner always delivers cold water. That time worn excuse "Oh there are just so many here this year" gets very thin when night after night you don't see arrivees being turned away.

Next point, when you have invested a sizable figure in amenities within your motor home, you don't want to pay for facilities you wont be using. One site I located starts from $7.00 per night then plus whatever you use. i.e. $3.00 for power, $1.00 for a shower etc.

One camp ground I have visited charges charges $18.00 per person. Has what I have to call top end amenities and maintained in 'like new' condition all the time. It would begin to rate with some of the camp sites I have stayed at in New South Wales Australia, and they were top stuff but at a lesser price. 

So taking $17.00 as a high starting place, and for a family that can knock a big hole in the holiday budget so I dug a little deeper and found that $12.00 was a good indicator when looking for affordable all round rate. This rate may vary during the summer months but these places I have found will still be good value and as such get my GEM rating. So look for the GEM comment in the site information.

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 What is NZMCA. New Zealand Motor Caravan Association functioning for over 50 years and rated by many as a must to join if you want to get the most out of your campervan or motorhome. Within the association there are many special interest groups that bring that extra dimension to touring this great country.

leane@nzmca.org.nz

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What is a POP, a POP is a Park Over Property that is offered by members of NZMCA (New Zealand Motor Caravan Association) land owners who have land suitable for the over night parking of Camper vans or caravans.

A range of services are available at these sites and indicated at each listing. There are rules that apply to the use and conditions of these sites. The property owners are aware of the conditions under which their property applies and a copy is available in the club Travel Directory / Hand book.

Maintaining the legalities of parking in these POP's is strictly between you and the provider and if more than one vehicle is parked and a fee charged there is no responsibility accepted by the NZMCA or this writer.These POP sites are available to members only. To become a member of the NZMCA contact the Takanini office Phone 09 298 5466.

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What is a PARK, a park is an area made available by the local area council for the overnight parking of camper vans or caravans.

These areas are not an entitlement or an area specifically designed for good or safe parking. They are invariably designated car park locations at which you are able to stop. Please treat these parks with the same attitude in which they are offered by being responsible for the site; no damage, no rubbish and consider others using or living in close proximity.

Using a certified self-containment vehicle is preferred by the councils that I have spoken to. Be prepared to move if requested by an official officer or member of the council. It is always a good plan keep your vehicle pointing and ready to move quickly if you have to.

A PARK may not be a safe place, especially if obscured from normal view or an out of way position. I recommend "If a site dosn't feel safe; then it probably isn't" Then move on. Secondly I say its good to travel in SIN ....Safety In Numbers.

Always trust you intuition, if you don't you probably wont sleep well anyway. 

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What is SELF CONTAINMENT CERTIFIED. I will speak only in broad terms, it is a vehicle that has a minimum of around 110lt. of waste water collection, carries 3 days of fresh water, has correctly installed shower and toilet. Approved rubbish containers and many other technical details and specifications which are available from local area self containment officers. Their contact details as well as a complete description of  certification is printed in the NZMCA handbook available to members through that office at Takanini  09 298 5466.

All motor caravan owners are encouraged to get and maintain this certification as another way we can expand our endeavors to keep this country enjoyable for all.

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SIN Safety in numbers, no park is totally safe and I do not recommend anyone takes a risk. If it don't feel safe then it most likely isn't. Move on. Should you decide to stay somewhere remote or out of general sight it is a good rule to keep your vehicle ready to move. Especially before bed, pack down loose items and have the keys ready.

  Do not confront. If a challenging situation occurs and I speak from experience

  remove yourselves from a bad scene.

  If easily possible get a description but not at the risk of delaying your departure.

 W.T.T.T.

 WTTT stands for 'wave to the tourists'.  WHAT ! I can hear you say from here.

Settle down now, the Guys and Girls back at the NZMCA are doing a great job in their ongoing discussions with parliamentary leaders trying to get both agreements and decisions made to improve camper vanning in this country . The way I see it is that if the vanning tourist increase dramatically then the minister of tourism will put his weight behind anything that will improve those dollars and gain extra leverage for the ideals we all know will benefit all of us.  

Make them feel welcome..not targets

I can still hear you crying out "but it is the tourists who don't follow our clean green practices". Well, take a moment to tell them, the ones I have spoken to have been pleased to get the information.

Don't growl ...explain. Its something we can all do to support and appreciate what is happening back at the NZMCA office.

 "O.K." I hear you say "There is a world wide recession on at the moment, who will spend money to make more stop overs for camper vans"? That is just it. Have the government encourage local councils to make existing parking places available over night. I am sure many overseas folk are looking at this country as an affordable holiday destination at this time. You can stop waving your hands in the air; those of you lucky enough to be in summertime popular destinations. Limit those parks to, March to October.

 We all know the local business houses will benefit especially out of peak trading times. And the more those tills keep ringing the more happier those traders are when it comes to paying the rates.

I want to encourage all vanners to patronise those areas that do make an effort to provide park over places available. Stock up your cupboards, clothing, dine out, refuel, get repairs and service work carried out while you go on a tour in these areas.

 Whangarei District Council, Rodney District Council, Franklin District Council, Toupo District Council, Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga District Council,  Kawerau District Council, Gisborne District Council, Hastings District Council, Central Hawkes Bay District Council, Tararua District Council, New Plymouth District Council, Manawatu District Council, Horowhenua District Council, South Wairarapa District Council, Tararua District Council.

South Island

Marlbourgh District Council, Kaikoura District Council, Nelson City Council,Tasman District Council, Buller District Council, Grey District Council, Westland District Council, Ashburton District Council, Timaru District Council, MacKenzie District Council, Central Otago District Council, Dunedin City Council, Clutha District Council, Central Otago District Council, Clutha District Council and the Southland District Council

Note : The above listed Councils have specific areas set aside for over night parking. Check to ensure you are parked in right area.