Review focuses on Bay camping

By ABIGAIL CASPARI in Rotorua
Six camping grounds in the Central North Island are among an increasing number closing nationally as prime sites are sold to property developers.

Conservation minister Chris Carter says four have closed in the Tourism Bay of Plenty region and two in Taupo over the past decade. Next on the chopping block is the Taupo Motor Camp which is set to close in April to allow for a council-planned domain development.

The Bay of Plenty region had the second highest number of closures after Coromandel, where seven have closed.

A Department of Conservation review announced this week will investigate whether the department's existing camping facilities can compensate for the loss of privately-owned camping grounds. The Government is considering using public land for up to 100 new camping grounds around New Zealand.

Mr Carter said he was increasingly concerned family-oriented camping grounds were disappearing in the face of rapid development, particularly in coastal areas of the North Island. He said coastal areas in Northland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty would receive extra attention in the review, as it was in these areas "there has been the most pressure on private operators".

The department would work with private camping grounds, recreation groups, local authorities and tourism operators but the report was not intended to undermine privately owned camp sites. "The aim is ... to work alongside the camping sector to ensure the iconic Kiwi camping experience remains available for as many people as possible," Mr Carter said.

He planned to speak to Tourism Bay of Plenty, local government and private camping ground owners during the course of the review.

Plummers Point Caravan Park on the Tauranga Harbour closed in April 2003 after being sold for subdivision while an Ohope camping ground closed several years ago and has since been turned into a housing estate.