Opening on Friday 22 March, the NZMCA’s latest addition to its property portfolio, the Eastwoodhill NZMCA Park, offers members something truly special.
In keeping with the Association’s Places to Stay strategy, which seeks to provide a wider range of camping opportunities to better meet members’ needs, the NZMCA’s 60th Park (in operation) is spectacularly located alongside New Zealand’s national arboretum.
The internationally-recognised Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a national treasure that’s home to over 25,000 species of exotic and native trees, shrubs and climber plants spread over the beautiful 135-hectare grounds.
The site also contains some 25kms of walking/cycling tracks which cater for all levels of fitness and ability, from flat tree-lined paths to steeper climbs which reward visitors with glorious views of the arboretum and the surrounding countryside.
Founded in 1910 by William Douglas Cook, each season at the arboretum boasts its own display of colour and bloom, with autumn and spring being particularly picturesque.
Thrilled with the new site, the NZMCA’s National Manager Property & Policy, James Imlach, says the long-term partnership agreement with the Eastwoodhill Arboretum Trust provides members with an enjoyable place to stay in a unique and tranquil rural setting.
“It’s another tangible example of NZMCA promoting regenerative tourism by broadening the appeal of the Eastwoodhill Arboretum as a place to visit and stay and by doing so increasing visitor numbers to the arboretum and its visitor-related revenue.”
Another mutual benefit is the opportunity it provides NZMCA members to volunteer at the arboretum and contribute to its conservation efforts.
“Using the NZMCA’s Greenfund and sharing the profits from the park fees with the Eastwoodhill Arboretum will further support their operation and conservation programme,” says James.
Along with visiting the Arboretum, other activities and attractions in the area include Rere Falls and the Rere Rock Slide Waterfall, and various walking and cycling trails.
How to get there:
Eastwoodhill NZMCA Park (Site ID #3594) caters for up to 60 vehicles and is located alongside the arboretum some 35kms from Gisborne. It’s a 30-minute drive through the picturesque Ngatapa Valley on the Wharekopae Road.
From Gisborne, at the Waipaoa River bridge roundabout, take the Wharekopae Road exit and head northeast. An Eastwoodhill sign is approximately 50 metres along. Eastwoodhill itself is 23km from this point.
Paying park fees:
Park fees to be paid online only. However, please note the Wi-Fi is patchy. So while we’re working on a solution, members who can’t get Wi-Fi on site, please pay before or after your stay.
Special acknowledgements:
On behalf of the NZMCA, James would like to acknowledge the support and assistance of the following:
- Eastwoodhill Arboretum Trustees and staff.
- Thrive Spaces and Places for initiating this opportunity.
- David Dewar (the Eastland Area Chairperson), the Area Committee, and our local members for all their hard work and ongoing support.
- Alan Johnson, at National Office, for spearheading this project.
