Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park

Five years ago, English-born owners Ben and Jeannie Kay had three items on their bucket list: emigrate to New Zealand, start a family and buy a camping ground. They have ticked all three with this genuine Kiwi camping ground just a few metres from the river.

Keen environmentalists, they appreciate having nature’s bounty on their doorstep. They have installed solar power and encourage recycling. Two friendly pigs consume leftover foods. The holiday park is popular with hikers, cyclists and canoeists, and Te Araroa trail hikers are offered discounts and free transport into town. There are 55 powered sites, numerous unpowered sites and 34 units that sleep from 2-24 people, as well as a playground, pool and hire bikes and kayaks. 460 Somme Parade. (06) 343 8402, wrivertop10.co.nz

Jeannie and Ben Kay