Camping in a local's backyard
25 Aug 2009
Savvy travellers who want to meet the locals and save money while holidaying in New Zealand will benefit from a new network of Kiwi hosts.
Native Parks brings together a list of rural properties that allow tourists to park their motor-homes or campervans overnight at their place at no cost.
Quirky, non traditional
Native Parks properties are as diverse in culture and enterprise as the scenery that surrounds them, ranging from quirky, non-traditional sites at ceramics studios and wineries, to more conventional small farms.
About 80 'native parks' have joined the network so far and, for the cost of a membership (NZ$70), travellers gain access to any of the sites listed in the guidebook.
Kiwi hosts
The generous Kiwi hosts who are members of the network love to share their country with foreign travellers.
So, while travellers keep their on-the-ground costs down, they’ll also be meeting real New Zealanders and sharing a bit of the famous laid-back lifestyle.
Avid travellers
Native Parks was developed by New Zealand couple Adrian and Carmen Tonks.
Avid travellers themselves, the Tonks came across the concept when travelling on a small budget in a motor-home in France.
However, saving money soon became secondary to the enjoyment of meeting the locals, they say.
"Having seen the concept working so well overseas, we are very excited to bring it to New Zealand," Adrian Tonks said.
"By moving the motor-home traveller out of the truck stops and rest areas and into the rural community, Native Parks is creating wonderful travel experiences for our international visitors, while enhancing the lives of New Zealanders both culturally and economically."
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