Tasman Holiday Parks

Month: October 2021

Top Five Reasons you need to Spend Winter at Racecourse Beach

by tasmanholidayparks

Racecourse Beach offers the perfect setting with beautiful scenic beaches and bushland, cosy and romantic wineries and restaurants, and the perfect surfing conditions. Racecourse Beach is on the outskirts of Bawley Point Don’t hibernate this winter, come out and explore the beautiful Racecourse Beach.  

1. Best time of year for whale watching

Winter is one of the best times of year to spot the majestic Humpback Whale.

Between May and November, more than 30,000 whales make their way across the south coast of New South Wales.  You can catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures at Snapper Point Lookout which is about a seven-minute drive from Racecourse Beach.

The winter waters glisten in the sun as they come to life with whales playing as they pass through. It’s also the perfect spot to see dolphins, eagles, falcons, and other sea birds. If you prefer to get a little closer, there are whale watching cruises that set sail from nearby Jervis Bay.

2. Gnarly surfing

Whether you’re an amateur surfer or pro, you’re going to love paddling out in the waves at Racecourse beach during winter. The ocean temperature in the south coast stays at a warm 18 degrees year-round and the swell tends to be better during winter.

The waves will be less crowded with fellow surfers but more crowded with a few friendly dolphins. You may even catch a glimpse of a humpback in the distance. So, grab your winter wetsuit, your board, and surfs up.

3. Beat the crowds

Swap the summer heat and crowds for a cool winter breeze and serenity.

The beaches, national parks, hiking trails and other tourist attractions will be less crowded during winter. Picture a romantic picnic in a quiet bush setting or a family game of beach cricket without another person on site. It’s the perfect opportunity to get out in nature in solitude and connect with this glorious part of Australia.   

4. It can be more affordable

Travelling during winter can be kinder to your wallet. Quite often accommodation, national park entry fees, and other tourist attractions will be slightly cheaper during the low season.

That’s more money in your pocket to spend elsewhere on your winter escape. With the money you save you could take the kids to nearby Mogo Zoo or indulge in a some wine tasting at Bawley Vale Estate.  

5. Bushwalking & hiking

You can still bushwalk and hike the beautiful trails around Racecourse Beach during the summer, but how pleasant would it be without the summer sun blasting down on your neck, flies buzzing around your head, and not to mention those nasty little blood-sucking ticks.

Racecourse Beach is surrounded by beautiful national parks to explore. Take the coastal track from the beach through Murramarang National Park to see the Spotted Gum Trees that stand tall along the coastline. Take a walk over to Pebbly Beach to visit the resident kangaroos grazing the grass nearby or hopping along the beach.

Where to stay?

The best Bawley Point accommodation is the Tasman Holiday Parks – Racecourse Beach. Offering a wide range of modern self-contained accommodation, caravan and camping options – you will find something to suit all travel styles and budgets.

It is conveniently located to eat, play, and stay in comfort. Whether you choose to stay here during winter or summer, Racecourse Beach has something for everyone.

Is Waihi Beach the Best Beach in NZ?

by tasmanholidayparks

Kilometres of white sand. Swells to surf and play in. Fishing worth travelling for. Some of the best flat whites in NZ. These are just a few of the things Waihi Beach is well-known for.

That being said, this beach isn’t just beautiful; it’s inclusive too. Waihi Beach is making leaps and bounds to being one of NZ’s most accessible beaches. Because everyone deserves to enjoy a fun day in the beach.

The cool coastal community have rallied together to fund and install beach mats at the north beach access near Tasman Holiday Parks – Waihi Beach and the surf lifesaving club. This beach access now has 80m of accessibility matting installed to help make beach access easier and safer.

Speaking to The Bay of Plenty Times,  Dave MacCalman, from the Halberg Disability Sport Foundation, voiced just how much this move meant to him.

“It’s monumental for myself and all others that love the beach and simply want to enjoy it too. We hope this is the start of a change in mindset for other communities to follow suit.”

It’s monumental for myself and all others that love the beach and simply want to enjoy it too. We hope this is the start of a change in mindset for other communities to follow suit.

– Dave Maccalman

Other strides towards accessibility include the donated beach wheelchairs. These can be hired from our holiday park Tasman Holiday Parks – Waihi Beach at no charge. Just ask our friendly team.

Looking for accessible accommodation?

Ask our friendly teams at Tasman’s Waihi Beach & Tasman’s Beachaven about our accessible accommodation options. We are here to help!

I’m In!

Top 3 National Parks on South Mission Beach’s Doorstep

by tasmanholidayparks

With so much natural beauty surrounding Tasman’s South Mission Beach make sure you don’t miss stopping by one of these fantastic National Parks, located within 30 minutes.

Dunk Island and the Family Islands National Park

A stones throw from Tasman’s South Mission Beach, Dunk Island and the Family Islands National Park are a must-visit during your stay at the park. The islands offer the opportunity to explore the beauty of the unique tropical landscape, uncover the secluded beaches, and marvel at the hilly, rocky shores. Explore the islands either on one of the many walking tracks, snorkel or swim the shoreline reefs, or explore the islands on board a boat.

Walk: Muggy Muggy Beach.

Winding through a stunning combination of mangroves, rainforest, coastal woodlands and finally arriving at Muggy Muggy beach, this 3km return walk is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Finish it off with a dip in the bay before making your way back the same way you came.

Distance: 10 minute boat ride.

Tully Gorge National Park

Tully Gorge National Park is split into two sections, with the closest section being the Tully section. Why not take a picnic lunch for a day of fun exploring the butterfly walk. It’s an easy circuit that is famed for its beautiful butterflies, or head to the closer picnic area at Alligators Nest. Located beside two beautiful, crystal clear aqua creeks, it’s a popular swimming spot. Rest assured though, the chance of meeting an alligator here is slim, the spot was named after the local scout group of the same name who were using the area for their swim meets.

Swim: Alligator Nest

Distance: 24 minute drive.

Djiru National Park

Home to the rare Licuala fan palm, stroll beneath the canopy of these bright green, patterned palms, as you keep an eye out for the resident cassowaries. There’s an information shelter where you can read up on these fascinating animals before you head out, and remember to be cass-o-wary.

Spot Local Flora & Fauna: Licuala Palm & Southern Cassowary

Distance: 16 minute drive.

Three cycle trails to explore near Waihi Beach

by tasmanholidayparks

Wind in your hair, the road behind you, and two wheels beneath you. Life is just better on a bike ride.

Luckily for you, Waihi Beach is home to some of New Zealand’s spectacular cycle roadtrips. Waihi Beach is right in the middle of one of New Zealand’s longest cycle trails, the Hauraki Rail Trail. This makes Waihi the perfect destination for some cycling day trips, or just a great stop along your cycling journey. 

Life is not about the destination, it’s about the ride.

  1. Goldfields Heritage Railway Track

Another shorter track as part of the Hauraki Rail Trail, this 9 kilometre track is a lot of fun for the whole family. Start your journey in Waihi and cycle through to Waikino. After a decent bike ride, grab something to eat at the Waikino Station Cafe, walk through the Karangahake Gorge, or swim in the nearby Owharoa Falls. 

The best part about this ride is that it is adjacent to Goldfields Heritage Railway Track. This railway is fully operational and has dedicated space for bikes. After you are worn out from your cycling adventure, hop on the train and enjoy the scenic ride back to your starting point. 

Check the Goldfields Heritage Railway website for more information including their timetable. 

2. Karangahake Gorge Cycling

Cycle straight through the Karangahake Gorge on this short and unique bike track. Part of the larger Hauraki Rail Trail, this track begins at Karangahake Gorge carpark and ends at Waikino Station, leading you through the Karangahake Tunnel. The picturesque scenery of the track in addition to the flat terrain makes this a great casual ride. 

This track is 6.6 kilometres one-way and we do recommend bringing a headlamp for going through the tunnel. While the tunnel has lighting, it can still be relatively dark. 

View the map here.

3. Hauraki Rail Trail

The Hauraki Rail Trail is an easy grade-one cycling trail, suitable for all ages and abilities. A great day out with the family or an adventure all on your own.

You may wish to enjoy the journey over two or three days or enjoy a day ride. You can access the trail from Thames, Paeroa, Waihi or Te Aroha.

The trail showcases some of the best scenery New Zealand has to offer, rich in pioneering history. 

We recommend visiting the official trail website to get planning your ride today.

Distances

Waikino to Paeroa – 14 km
Paeroa to Te Aroha – 23 km
Paeroa to Thames – 33 km

Tasman Holiday Parks, the Largest Trans-Tasman Holiday Park Group is Poised for Expansion

by tasmanholidayparks

Tasman Holiday Parks has announced the creation of the leading trans-Tasman
holiday park group after bedding down a series of acquisitions and developments
totalling more than $250 million over the past 18 months.

Tasman Holiday Parks, backed by Tasman Capital, a leading private equity group, is setting its sights on becoming a market leader in the sector. The fast-moving group has quickly capitalised on emerging opportunities in the holiday park sector in Australia and New Zealand as travel restrictions begin to ease in a post-COVID environment.

The emerging holiday park powerhouse, led by industry veteran Nikki Milne and a management team with more than 75 years’ combined sector experience, currently has a portfolio of 21 holiday parks following an acquisition spree that has consolidated quality assets in iconic destinations under the new Tasman Holiday Parks banner.

A recent $300 million capital raise has armed Tasman Holiday Parks with a warchest that will allow the group to double its asset base over the next two years. The pace of acquisitions since early 2020 has positioned Tasman Holiday Parks as the fastest growing owner, developer, and operator of holiday parks in Australia and New Zealand.

Among the latest acquisitions, is Christchurch TOP10 Holiday Park. The significant 277-site asset brings the total number of sites owned by Tasman Holiday Parks to more than 3,000, comprising cabins, caravan & camping sites, and short-term holiday sites.

The group now owns and operates 16 holiday parks in Australia and five in New Zealand and employs more than 300 staff across its operations. Tasman Holiday Parks CEO Nikki Milne says the group has targeted the launch of the consolidated consumer platform, tasmanholidayparks.com to catch the new wave of growth and increasing demand across domestic drive markets as borders reopen.

“We believe a desire for a more timeless touring and travel experience was returning prior to COVID, and the pandemic has only just accelerated this,” said Ms Milne.

“The growing popularity of an iconic cabin, caravan and camping holiday is an emerging mega-trend, and we are positioning ourselves to capture this return to authentic travel experiences with quality assets in iconic destinations across Australia and New Zealand.”

Tasman Holiday Parks is expecting a surge of travel demand as borders reopen across Australia and New Zealand throughout 2022 and beyond.

“While we are anticipating a strengthening of our domestic travel markets, we believe this will translate to a robust trans-Tasman demand for all of our holiday parks as holiday makers make a comeback,” said Ms Milne.

Tasman Holiday Parks has focused its acquisition strategy on quality independent holiday parks, with strong development upside in strategic locations.

Tasman Holiday Parks has recently undertaken a capital raise to restock its war chest with over $300 million available to grow its network and deliver a multi-milliondollar redevelopment program of its iconic holiday assets across Australia & New Zealand.


“We believe in delivering wonderful guest experiences and will focus investment to ensure we have the highest quality parks to delight our customers now and into the future,” said Ms Milne.


Tasman Holiday Parks currently has a deep pipeline of projects and acquisitions to double the size of the business over the coming 24 months. The group’s current development pipeline has the capacity to add an additional 500 sites to its existing portfolio.

Stuart Lamont CEO of the Caravan Industry Association of Australia said the investment into the sector was timely and acknowledged the commitment to quality from Tasman Holiday Parks.


“Holiday Parks are the backbone of the great Australian touring holiday and essential to the social fabric of our communities. Quality, well-funded corporate groups with a strong commitment to re-investment are essential to the delivery of a leading guest
experience,” said Mr Lamont.

“We are excited to support and welcome Tasman Holiday Parks as an active member of the caravanning and camping market and an emerging leader in the trans-Tasman market.”


Tasman Holiday Parks are the fastest-growing owner, developer & operator of holiday parks across Australia and New Zealand. With more than 3,000 sites under management across 21 iconic locations, Tasman Holiday Parks welcomes more than 250,000 guests each year.