Central Queenstown holiday park a commercial and community success story

A central Queenstown holiday park is proving to be a business success story – notching up national accolades and injecting millions of dollars into the local economy.

Long-time local residents Peter and Cathy Coppens, who have previously successfully managed a number of local and international tourism projects, took over management of the Queenstown Lakeview Holiday Park eighteen months ago. In that time they have added structure and consistency to the product mix while making the most of the park’s enviable central-resort location.

The park recently received a plethora of awards and accolades including its first Four Star Plus Qualmark rating, a Travelbug 100% Guest Experience award, and being voted one of the Top Five New Zealand Holiday Parks by Wotif reviewers.

In the past year, figures show the park’s guests have injected nearly $13m into the local economy, a figure Mr Coppens says highlights its value as a community asset.

The park is one of the most diverse centrally-located accommodation providers in Queenstown – just a 500m walk from the town centre, bustling Queenstown Mall and stunning lakefront.

Peter and Cathy, with their “great” team of people and supportive company directors, have focused on making the park work effectively alongside its local community and increasing the scope of services on offer.

“It’s a superb facility and a great asset to the local community,” said Mr Coppens.

“The numbers talk for themselves – the park hosts 100,000 overnight stays each year and this has low impact, high value downstream benefits for Queenstown.

“As well as boosting the local economy and directly or indirectly employing up to 20 people, having good quality value accommodation encourages families to visit Queenstown and contributes another great vibe to the town.

“It is recognised that within New Zealand and then Queenstown there’s still potential for further growth in the value and campervan markets. These are visitors who tend to spend less on accommodation so they can participate in more activities and enjoy discretionary spending much more than many other market segments.

“Their spending as a consequence is enjoyed across a wide range of local businesses and has a wide ‘trickle down’ effect.

“What better place to spend money on activities than in Queenstown? There’s so much to do here.

“Being so close to town also alleviates parking issues – guests have no need to drive their campervans into the town centre when we’re just a stone’s throw away from all the action.”

The park is one of the top Real Time Booking System activity sellers in the resort, with many guests booking activities at other local businesses.

The benefits don’t stop there – the park provides a steady, positive financial return via lease payments to the Queenstown Lakes District Council and its ratepayers.

Mr Coppens believes there is still potential to grow the business at its current location.

“In 18 months we’ve focused on adding value and consistency to the product mix, taking this amazing community asset that many locals don’t know much about and moving it forward to realise its full potential.”

A holiday park has existed in the Queenstown area since 1862, with QLHP opening its award-winning, purpose built facilities in 2001. The park offers 230 sites and 44 one and two-bed accommodation units, all supported by modern, well-serviced facilities.

Mr Coppens said he and Cathy were delighted to have the park recognised on so many levels as one of the best in New Zealand.

“These recent accolades give us a great indication of where we’re positioned in the market – the cleanliness, infrastructure, the systems we have in place and our teams’ top-notch guest service have all been recognised. It’s great to have that affirmation,” he said.

The Park is operated by local company CCR Ltd, which leases four council-owned camping grounds in Queenstown and Wanaka.

ENDS

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