Popular beachside holiday park gets make-over

More than $1 million is being spent on upgrading the accommodation at the popular Spencer Beach Holiday Park ahead of the busy summer season.

More than $1 million is being spent on upgrading the accommodation at the popular Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park ahead of the busy summer season.

One of the refurbished cabins at the Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park.

The Christchurch City Council-owned campground is a popular holiday spot, particularly for Christchurch residents who like the convenience of a camping holiday close to home.

Last year the Council began a two-year programme to upgrade the campground, putting in a new bathroom block, kitchen and laundry facilities, and revamping the children’s playground.

This year, it has turned its attention to upgrading the campground’s ageing accommodation and amenities blocks.

The sixteen tourist flats at the campground have been given a make-over, with air conditioning added to some.  Ten cabins have also been given a fresh new décor and new beds.

Changes have also been made to the campground’s main reception and shop to improve the layout and upgrade the IT systems.  

The main amenities block, which was damaged in the earthquakes, has also been strengthened.

Council Outdoor Activities and Events Manager Colin Jacka  is confident the improved facilities will find favour with this summer’s holidaymakers.

“It is fair to say that some of buildings and the facilities at the campground were showing their age but the work we’ve done over the past 18 months has really transformed the campground.

“The Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park still has the traditional campground vibe that people love, but it now has the modern facilities people want,’’ Mr Jacka says.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming holidaymakers there over the summer and seeing the improved facilities put to full use.’’

The Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park stretches over 17 hectares and has 85 tent sites and 250 powered sites, a 36 bunk lodge, as well as a range of cabins and flats.

Make a booking at the Spencer Beach Kiwi Holiday Park.

The Council also operates, with the support and input of local residents' groups, three campgrounds on Banks Peninsula - at Pigeon Bay, Duvuachelles and Okains Bay.

Regular campers at Okains Bay will notice some big changes this year. A large scale landscaping project is underway to replace a number of old pine trees with native plants that will provide more food for the birds and improve camper safety.

Find out more about camping and freedom camping in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.