Ashburton Holiday Park - 'We're only staying one night!'

'We're only staying one night!', we said.

'Then we have to move on!', we said.

Now we've been here for two weeks and will probably stay for another 2-3 months. But let's start where it all began.

Since we couldn't find a job for a long time and money was getting tighter, we had to make our stay in Ashburton as cheap as possible. In 2-3 weeks, our long-term work will begin in Rakaia (35km from here) and until then we can only help with the potato harvest. However, that always depends on the weather and as you know, the weather here is mostly rainy. Autumn, you know. Anyway, not much money is coming in with the job, at least it seemed that way at first.

The first week, working 5.5 hours and then spending the rest of the days in the van due to the weather, the wallet doesn't like that.

The second week, the current one, looks much better. So far, we have worked every day and it looks like it will continue that way. At least the next few days show little to no rain. So good for us, our wallet, and of course the campsite where we are currently staying.

Ashburton Holiday Park (advertising: http://www.ashburtonholidaypark.co.nz).

As I said, the first week didn't look so good here, so we could only spend one night here. The price per night for two people unpowered (without electricity) was $28. At that time, I didn't know that there are also weekly terms (if you stay a whole week in a row and pay, it becomes much cheaper). It would still be too expensive. After one night, we drove to unpaid campsites again. Disappointing, I tell you. Pit toilets and no running water. And also very far off the beaten track. No, no, that doesn't work in the long run.

After two days, we finally wanted to use a proper toilet and shower again. Unfortunately, there are no public, warm showers in Ashburton (according to CamperMate). So we had no choice but to drive back to the paid campsite.

The manager, who took over everything here with her husband 10 months ago, welcomed us warmly. She asked about our well-being and we made some small talk. I told her about our weather-related work and how little money is coming in at the moment and how annoyed we are. When I wanted to pay, she suddenly said '$18.50, please!'. I could hardly believe my ears. Between $28 and $18.50 is obviously a huge difference. With a smile on her face, she just said, 'Just pay the discounted weekly rate. And not all at once, but I'll just calculate it for you daily, so it's not so much money at once. $130 per week/7 = $18.50. '

I was slightly confused, but also happy. However, I didn't know if we were even going to stay here for another week (our actual work is in Rakaia, 35km from here), so I also told her that. As friendly as she was, she simply said that it was not a problem at all. I should just come by every day if I want to stay here and ask for her if someone else is at the reception.

And that's what I did, and since then we have been here for two weeks and feel more than comfortable. Celia, that's her name, is incredibly friendly. And not artificially friendly, just genuinely friendly. Simply a really nice person. Just today, we talked for over half an hour. She gave us tips on shopping and excursions, and we talked about more personal stuff. Celia - the camp mom.

In the meantime, we moved to the 'new area' and have a powered site (with electricity). For $21/night. It really can't get any better.

The 'new area' was just recently created:

New sanitary facilities.

Stone paths to drive on, so you don't get stuck in the mud when it rains.

Pitches made of pebbles, also to avoid getting stuck in the rain.

That makes the camper, who has become quite undemanding, very happy.

$145/week for two people for a powered site is more than fair for what you get here.

So, if anyone is in Ashburton, see for yourself. But believe me, you won't be disappointed. And for those who want to make their way to New Zealand in the coming years: Remember this campground. You won't find anything better. Unless the management changes, but no one wants to assume that. During the season, there is plenty of work here. The early bird catches the worm...