New signs for motorhomes a welcome sight

Annette Main and Kevin O'Sullivan with the new motorhome friendly sign on Anzac Parade/State Highway 4, one of four around the city. Photo/Supplied

The Wanganui area is recognised as motorhome friendly and now it has the signs to prove it.

Four "motorhome friendly" signs have been installed; one at each main entrance to the city. The signs let motorhome travellers know they can expect all the facilities they require to enjoy their stay in the district.

To become motorhome friendly a city must have suitable dumping stations and amenities such as sufficient parking. One dump station is already available for motorhome users in Springvale Park next to the Splash Centre, while another will be built in Hatrick St opposite the fire station.

Kevin O'Sullivan, chairman of the New Zealand Motorhomes and Caravans Association Wanganui area, said the status was likely to encourage more motorhome users to visit and he was glad to be working with the Wanganui District Council to promote the district as a destination for motorhome travellers.

"Motorhome visitors who stay here tell me they enjoy our heritage buildings and our magnificent awa.

"A lot of them tell me they didn't realise what a pretty city this is. With this new status we are letting them know we are a friendly community with all the amenities and that is really important to them.

"Now they can see the motorhome friendly status on our website and think to themselves, 'we will go there'. There have already been quite a lot more travellers this season."

Mayor Annette Main agreed as she said motorhome travellers were a significant visitor group for the Wanganui district and that such people were not just retirees.

"Motorhome travellers range from baby boomers who enjoy the luxury of travelling in their own home on wheels to younger people from around New Zealand and the world who travel in vans or campervans. All of these visitors can use the facilities our district provides for them."

She said statistics in Wednesday's Chronicle which suggested a decline in visitor numbers did not include motorhome users, who were significant contributors to the local economy by purchasing goods and services.