The Ngongotaha NZMCA Park
The property was purchased in 2013 by the NZMCA for the price of $485000.00 and now has a current rating valuation of $2,050000.00. The purchase was driven primarily by Brian Stanley (then NZMCA Rotorua Area Chairman) who eventually convinced the NZMCA Board at that time that it would be a good property for an NZMCA Park (how right that turned out to be).
The NZMCA Ngongotaha Park officially opened in 2015 at 61 Ngongotaha Road, Ngongotaha, a suburb of Rotorua.
The park's official opening coincided with Rotorua receiving official 'Motorhome Friendly' status under the NZMCA campaign to build a dedicated network of low-cost overnight parking spaces for our NZMCA members and their self-contained vehicles.
The Ngongotaha Park has a capacity for 120 member motorhomes / caravans. It has a shed and large canopy area where users of the park can congregate and enjoy a social fellowship time with other members users of the park. Rotorua Area members use this area for their monthly barbecues.
An overview of the Park situated off Ngongotaha Road just north of the Ngongotaha Village
Some of the Ngongotaha Park Milestones and Upgrades:
2013 - 2014:
Property purchased and Resource Consents etc. applied for and received to allow the development of the park to proceed.
Numerous issues overcome to clear overgrown weeds etc. and make level the three areas of land to be used for the Park, install the sewage system, some drainage and a water supply.
Build the shed (named 'The Stockman's Hut' in recognition of the park's previous life as a Stockyard), install solar lighting (no power to the property at that stage).
Some of the grounds were then grassed and planting done along the front fence line.
2015:
The Park is formally opened in April as an integral property within the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association's expanding nationwide member only facility network.
2016 - 2020:
A huge amount of ongoing volunteer work saw the grounds developed with the building of the main retaining tyre wall and the planting of many plants around the edges of the park and on the retaining wall.
In 2017 / 2018 the Stockman's Hut was extended with a 6 metre x 6 metre carport canopy area extending the undercover facility and usable social area.
The Dog Run Area was built and has proved to be a popular spot for members with dogs.
A combined Planter and Bench Seat was constructed along the shed wall area by a member and is built out of solid Rimu planks rescued from the old cattle pens when the property was a stockyard.
2021:
The NZMCA Board decided to erect a suitable building at the park to permanently house the REO No. 1 Motorhome vehicle which had been restored and rebuilt by a group of NZMCA members in Gisborne. This is now a significant feature at the Ngongotaha Park.
As a result of the REO Shed being built we were fortunate to have power finally connected to the property.
The Stockman's Hut walls were lined and carpet tiles laid around this time.
2022:
The Ngongotaha Park was selected as the site for a highly successful trial of the then advanced user-pays KiwiCamp technology, featuring automated power plinths and charging stations for members to have a Powered Site and the ability to charge their e-bike and computer batteries.
Following the trials popularity, the NZMCA formally purchased the on-site power and charging infrastructure that set the benchmark for future park technology.
2023 - 2026:
Many improvements have continued to be made to the NZMCA Ngongotaha Park.
These have included the construction of a high Colour Steel fence along the rear boundary line (installed by volunteer members). The fence line includes a number of wonderful metal cut-out objects made by a local member and they certainly add colour and character to that area.
A small area at the rear has also been cobbled and a huge picnic table made by another member has been installed for members to enjoy a relaxing time, plus a 'Walk of Wisdom' walk area along the rear boundary makes this part of the park enjoyable.
A Petanque Court has been constructed on the northern grass area for members to enjoy some games along with the other games available in the shed area.
Patio Blinds were installed on the shed canopy area making that area more user friendly in all weathers and all year round.
The REO Motorhome
One of the features of the park is it's housing of one of the original motorhomes built in New Zealand. It is housed in a dedicated garage area and is available to view by users of the park, generally by arrangement with the duty park custodian or whenever the NZMCA Rotorua Area has a event on at the park.
The NZMCA owned vintage REO motorhome was originally owned by the Association founders Andy and Gladys Anderson. It sports the first NZMCA Number 1, and numberplate NZMCA 1.
History and Origins
1928 Chassis:
The vehicle arrived in New Zealand as a REO truck chassis (built by Ransom Eli Old's Manufacturer).
Early Use:
It served as a passenger and freight bus operated by C.E. Grey, and later transported workers to the Gisborne freezing works for Merv Scragg.
Founders Vehicle:
Brought by Andy Anderson to start their mobile lifestyle, laying the foundation for the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.
Restoration and Display
Restored by Volunteers:
Painstakingly brought back to life through the collective work of association donors and volunteers.
Public Unveiling:
Formally revealed in its fully restored state at the 63rd NZMCA National Rally held in Gisborne.
Special Events:
Occasionally exhibited as a treasured piece of Kiwi RV history at major events like the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show.
You can see more details about this historic motorhome by visiting: https://www.nzmca.org.nz/reo-restoration-a-labour-of-love
