06/07/2026
We've seen a lot of discussion about the proposed NZMCA park, and we'd like to clear up a few assumptions.
We agree that the park will bring NZMCA members to the area. However, what is often overlooked is that it is also likely to take a significant number of guests away from South Brighton Holiday Park. We estimate that up to 20% of our revenue could be affected, as we welcome hundreds of NZMCA members every year who would likely choose to stay at their members-only park instead.
Every guest who stays with us receives information about our local community, including maps, QR codes for local eateries, shops, services and attractions. Over the past three years alone, we've welcomed more than 72,000 visitors to the wider brighton area, with most staying between September and May. These visitors have helped support our local businesses and community.
One of our biggest concerns is that we were never contacted by the City Council or any local councillors to discuss this proposal or the impact it could have on our business.
Some people have commented that our prices are expensive. In reality, our rates are in line with other holiday parks across Christchurch and the wider region. Operating a holiday park comes with significant costs, from heating water and maintaining facilities to providing the level of service our guests expect.
We are a locally owned family business. We live here, employ local people, and support our community through donations such as firewood, bark and other contributions whenever we can.
South Brighton Holiday Park has proudly served this community for over 60 years. Through earthquakes, challenging economic times and changing tourism trends, generations of local families have worked hard to keep this park operating while supporting the wider Brighton community.
