Big bang theory put into action

It’s been a slower than usual start for holidaymakers in South Canterbury but balmy weather in recent days has seen numbers swell.

Long term weather forecasts initially deterred some people with camp grounds reporting slower than usual booking rates up to Boxing Day.

However, a few days of warm weather had been encouraging holidaymakers, managers reported even though the region is not guaranteed fine weather over the coming week with drizzle and high cloud forecast alongside fine spells.

Warm and muggy conditions are forecast for the rest of the week as much of the region, including Timaru will be in for a high of 27C on New Year’s Day followed by a high of 29C on Wednesday, MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said.

Lake Ruataniwha Holiday Park owner Tony Ritchie said bookings for their site near Twizel had been ‘‘full on’’ since December 22.

‘‘We have 2000 people here; it’s all families here.

‘‘It’s pretty good, there’s no real dramas. It’s just a matter of maintaining standards.’’

Waitaki Lakes camping supervisor, contractor Simon Fox, said there had been a ‘‘slow build up’’ to Christmas.

‘‘I think the weather had contributed to it being slower than usual up until December 24.

‘‘It’s taken off in recent days and there’s heaps of families around now.’’

Like other operators, Fox advised campers to be mindful and tolerant of neighbours during New Year’s celebrations.

‘‘Have a great time and please be respectful of your camping neighbours.’’

Lake Tekapo Holiday Park receptionist Lydia Hughes said it had been ‘‘crazy busy’’.

About 80 backpacker rooms, 20 motel rooms and 300 campsites were booked out as more than 1000 people had arrived in recent days, she said.

In Timaru, Top 10 Holiday Park Timaru owner and operator Gordon Collister said the long term weather forecast for rain had initially affected some people’s holiday plans.

Collister said there had been a rush of bookings on Saturday following a change in the weather forecast.

‘‘It was a bit slower than usual up to Boxing Day,’’ he said. There’s going to be a big bang as the skies light up above Timaru to welcome in the New Year – rain or shine.

It’s taken six months of planning as the deadline draws nearer for the fireworks show on Caroline Bay.

It appears the weather is going to hold out for revellers with

JOHN BISSET/STUFF

MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr saying it will be fine as the region welcomes in 2019 at midnight.

Kerr said scattered showers were forecast early today with some light drizzle early tonight.

A light onshore breeze and a temperature of 14C is forecast for midnight on Caroline Bay.

Caroline Bay Association pyrotechnicians said the show would go ahead rain or shine and