Timaru Top 10 Holiday Park

Happy Camping Review

Timaru Top 10 was established in 1940, and is has been run by Gordon and Alison Collister for 12 years. They ran a site in Hamner Springs for 8 years, and Gordon has been involved in the Top 10 Holiday Parks company since 1988.

Located just off State Highway 1, 2 1/2 hours drive from Christchurch, the site is located within a short driving distance (or a healthy walk) of Timaru's town centre and attractions. The Aigantighe Art Gallery is a short stroll away and worth seeing. For shopping excursions, a mall 2 minutes walk from the site contains a large Pak N Save, and a range of smaller shops.

Timaru is a pleasant small town, with a decent range of shops and places to eat. It's well located as a stopover on the way from Christchurch to Dunedin and the Otago peninsula, but it's also worth a visit in it's own right. Caroline Bay is lovely, with it's pool, aviary, coastal walk and beach. The town also hosts a yearly Summer Carnival, for 3 weeks after Christmas.

The Timaru Top 10 site itself is nicely planned, and manages to create a park-like atmosphere, avoiding the straight lines of some parks. All of the 100 sites and 23 cabins are within reasonable distance of the two facility blocks, and tent sites are considerately placed on good grassy ground near trees. The facilities are comprehensive, with spotless kitchens and toilets, laundry, TV room and a bouncing pillow for the kids.

The kitchens contain both cooking and dining areas, along with a kettle and hot water boiler, microwave, and modern stoves. There are some cooking utensils in the cupboards, and leftover food items are thoughtfully presented. The TV room contains 2 coin-operated internet computers, and the site has recently gained wireless internet ($5 per hour, $12.50 24 hours).

The toilets are tiled, clean and modern. Renovated along with the other facilities 2 years ago, they have hand soap, dryers and excellent showers. Access for disabled people is provided.

The site has a friendly atmosphere, and the grounds contain many mature trees and a river along one boundary. The result is that the site feels private, even though surrounded by houses. If you like ducks, you won't be short of feeding opportunities (though I imagine the site owners would rather you ate the ducks than fed them), and the park also has two friendly cats wandering around, evidently not doing their job.

On the several occasions I've been able to visit this site, I have always found it to be a very welcoming and relaxing experience. Even when full, the site is nice and quiet, and never feels crowded. For people starting off from Christchurch, or winding up their trip there, it's a handily located and pleasant stopover. Families looking for a comfortable stay and interesting activities will find plenty to like.

Tarrifs

Accommodation (per couple unless noted otherwise):
Park Motels (Sleeps up to 6), $95-$105 ($18 per extra person)
Self Contained Units (Sleeps up to 3), $87 ($18 per extra person)
En-suite Units, $70-$85 ($15-$18 per extra person)
Kitchen Units, $60 ($15 per extra person)
Standard Cabins, $50 ($15 per extra person)
Sites $28 without power, $30 with power ($15 per extra person)
Discounted rates apply for children 2 to 14 years of age.

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