Hundreds of campers to pack grounds

NO VACANCY: Greytown campground is expecting an influx of campers this long weekend. PHOTO/FILE

Greytown campground is heading for a record-breaking weekend, with between 400 and 500 campers expected for the long weekend.

Manager Stan Matovich said although numbers in December were lower than the previous year due to the late summer, Waitangi weekend was set to be busy.

"It's the first time that I'm aware of it being fully booked."

While the Boxing Day to New Year period was usually the busiest time, Wellington Anniversary and Waitangi weekend looked to be busier this year, probably due to the late summer, Mr Matovich said.

If this month's weather was good, the campground might be on track for a record February, Mr Matovich said.

Mr Matovich credited the previous operators, Neil and Ann Smith with making the campground a success.

"The previous owners did a tremendous job ... and I think the word is getting out."

A lot of tourists were finding the campground using a smartphone app called Campermate which allowed them to locate facilities for campers, he said.

Other families were second or third generation Greytown campers.

"You have families that keep coming back. We are in to our second or third generation. It's pretty cool."

The campground has 95 sites and employs four staff during the summer.