Holiday park celebrating centenary

Dunedin Holiday Park co-owner Daniel Grubb wants people to share stories about the place as it celebrates its 100th birthday. PHOTO: PETER MCINTOSH

The Dunedin Holiday Park & Motels is marking a centenary, and its owners want the public to share their stories of the place.

Co-owner Daniel Grubb said it was the longest continually running holiday park in the country, and was formally registered in November 1925 to help house visitors for the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition.

"It’s always housed people for events over the years, so we imagine visitors will have some stories to tell."

Campers in Tahuna Motor Camp in 1926. PHOTO: ODT FILES

Mr Grubb said it typically had a capacity of about 1000 people, but this could double or even triple when big events occurred.

"When you think about the Rugby World Cup, the British & Irish Lions Tours or even that Elton John concert at Forsyth Barr Stadium in 2011, you had people from all over the place coming to stay with us."

The styles of camping had changed over the years, he said.

"It’s pretty obvious that there are now fewer tents and more vehicles."

Campers in Tahuna Motor Camp in 1938. PHOTO: ODT FILES

The park was originally known as Tahuna Motor Camp, and Mr Grubb wanted to establish a "Memory Wall", where people could share their photos and stories about the place.

"It’s going to be a celebration of the people who have made this place special.

"We've seen children grow up here, couples meet here and families create life-long intergenerational memories."

To mark the occasion, the park is unveiling two new attractions: a giant jumping pillow and a mini golf course.

“We wanted to add something playful and timeless.