Holidaymakers keep it local
Thousands of holidaymakers are making the most of Nelson’s sunshine hours and packing the chilly bin for the summer break. But some aren’t even having to fill the petrol tank to get to their destination.
Nelson couple Jude and Phil Kouka, who live a short stroll from Ta¯hunanui Beach, have found some serenity at Cable Bay Holiday Park, less than 30 kilometres from their doorstep.
Their red T25 Volkswagen Kombi campervan stands out amongst the caravans, tents and other motorhomes in a spot where the awning sits between the sea views and the Christmas dinner table under the shade of a gazebo.
Jude said they had been making the short trip to Cable Bay for 12 years. They choose it for the peacefulness and the ‘‘soft, beautiful water’’.
‘‘And the birdsong in the morning’’, Phil added.
The couple arrived on Christmas Eve, in time to host their family for Christmas Day. Jude said she cooked a roast ‘‘with all the bells and whistles’’.
The 1980 Kombi, named Ean after part of its number plate, is a talking point. ‘‘We certainly get a lot of attraction with the old girl,’’ Jude said.
The Koukas paid $1000 for the ‘‘heap’’ in 2006. A Scottish traveller had brought it out to New Zealand for a trip and returned home without it, leaving it with a farmer in the Motueka Valley.
The Kombi has been through two renovations but has retained the original look inside, still sporting its original fridge.
Jude said there were plans to keep the labour of love in the family by leaving it to their grandsons, who grew up in it. ‘‘It’s never being sold.’’
The couple’s neighbours, Jess Fanning-Randall and partner Vince Matschke, were also from Nelson, taking a four-night break with their children. Matschke said they were ‘‘serial local campers’’, choosing Cable Bay this year for the first time.
Campground operator Jo Hunter said a lot of tourists stayed there, with more Kiwis in over New Year. ‘‘There’s been a great bunch of people around.’’
The largest campground in the southern hemisphere, Tahuna Beach Holiday Park, is a popular destination for many. Campground finance manager David Pattinson said 150 bookings were due to arrive on Boxing Day, with that number expected to increase to over 200 ‘‘by the time we get walk-ins’’.
But December 27 would be even busier, he said, with 200 arrivals booked. The amount of sunseekers peaked around January 3, with numbers starting to ease after that.