Far North holiday park offers escape from rat race

Rawene Holiday Park looks out over Hokianga Harbour.

The Rawene Holiday Park, one of the oldest holiday parks in the Far North situated on the top of a ridge overlooking the scenic Hokianga Harbour, has been placed on the market for sale.

"This well-presented freehold going business has a long history as part of the Hokianga community," says Cynthia Hedger of Bayleys Kerikeri who is marketing both the business and property for sale at 42 Manning Street, Rawene, by tenders closing on November 27.

"The holiday park is within walking distance of the Rawene Township where guests can see Clendon House and other historic buildings, visit arts and crafts outlets, dine at the famous Boatshed café and other restaurants," Hedger says.

"Rawene with its mangrove boardwalk is on the Twin Coast Discover Highway and is the embarkation point for tourists and vehicles boarding the Hokianga ferry for a 15 minute scenic crossing over to picturesque Kohukohu."

The 1.66 hectare park has a capital valuation of $690,000 and is run full time by its two owners.

The bush sheltered property encompasses nine cabins of varying size and facilities, 10 powered sites for caravans or motorhomes, three powered tent sites and 13 unpowered tent sites. Rates for the cabins range from $40 per night for two people for a bunkroom through to $95 for a family cabin. Powered and unpowered sites cost $32 a night for two people.

Guests have the use of fully equipped communal kitchens, internet kiosk with wireless access, two communal bathrooms with unmetered 'free' hot showers, laundry facilities, a fully fenced swimming pool, a small shop, lounge, book exchange, phone and fax access and barbecue facilities.

Bookings for the park are generally made through an online reservations system.

Chattels that are part of the sale include beds, linen, tables, chairs, kitchen appliances, barbecue facilities and swimming pool cleaning item.

The owner's accommodation and an office are located in a two-storey dwelling on the property. The reception area and a park shop are within the business focused ground floor of the building.

"Upstairs are two bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry, kitchen and an open plan dining area with stunning harbour views," Hedger says.

"The sale presents an ideal opportunity for a new owner to move straight in and take over an established business with a regular leisure clientele prior to the busy summer holiday period," she says.

"It is a popular holiday park on an interesting and beautiful site. One of its features is a memorial to the former owner and Rawene's historian, Jean Irvine. The business has been operating since the early sixties and has become part of the local community.

"The park combines the sought-after features of a stunning location, well-maintained buildings, and park-like grounds," she says.

'It has gained an excellent reputation within the community and from visitors, with positive reviews from guests on the website aatravel.co.nz".

Hedger says the park's geographic location in a popular holiday destination enhances the occupancy levels of the business with further potential to develop the site and grow the existing revenue stream.

"The existing business occupies only 50 per cent of the land, with the remainder being a fenced paddock. The property is zoned Coastal Residential and could be subdivided."

Local regional tourist attractions include the annual Hokianga Country Music Festival, Koutu Boulders, the Wairere Boulders Nature Park, giant sand dunes, the Waipoua Kauri Forest, the Ngawha Hot Springs horse trekking and swimming at safe, sheltered beaches.