Media Release
29 March 2011

Christchurch holiday parks open after quake

Holiday parks around Christchurch are back in business and ready to welcome travellers, the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association NZ (HAPNZ) says.
The majority of the city’s holiday parks were closed for only a short time following the devastating earthquake that hit the city on 22 February, HAPNZ Chief Executive Fergus Brown says.

“Of the nine HAPNZ members in and around Christchurch, only Stonehurst Accommodation in the central city is closed. Holiday parks in the wider region, including at Hanmer Springs, Rakaia, Oxford, Woodend and Waikuku are also operating,” he says.

“We have capacity available to look after campervans and other travellers, domestic and international, who may be looking for motels, cabins or backpacker style accommodation outside of the CBD.”

Travellers needing to stay close to Christchurch Airport before catching early morning flights, and those arriving into Christchurch on late flights should consider holiday parks as an alternative while many of the city’s major hotels are still closed, Mr Brown says.

With Easter coming up, holiday parks are accepting bookings for Christchurch residents wanting a break out of the city, and for travellers from other parts of the country who want to visit friends and family in the area.

“We’ve heard wonderful stories from travellers in Christchurch at the time of the earthquake who were looked after by holiday park staff, even as they were battling the damage caused by the disaster and worrying about their own friends and family. Stories like these really prove the quality of the hospitality we provide and we look forward to welcoming guests over the coming weeks,” Mr Brown says.

Christchurch holiday parks make a significant contribution to the city’s economy with guests spending over $63 million in Canterbury in 2010.
“Holiday parks look forward to playing an important role in Christchurch’s recovery,” Mr Brown says.

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