Banks Peninsula camp ground managers call time after 13 years

Ken and Kaye Bramley. Photo: Newsline
Ken and Kaye Bramley. Photo: Newsline
After 13 years running the Duvauchelle Holiday Park on Banks Peninsula, Kaye and Ken Bramley are hitching up their own caravan and hitting the road.

The couple managed the Christchurch City Council-own waterside holiday park through earthquakes, tsunamis warnings and the pandemic, but are handing over the reins to a new management team so they can finally retire.

Kaye says they loved running the holiday park, which has 122 camping sites, as well as a tourist flat and cabins. But she said it is now time to move on and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.

"We’re both passionate about what we do and have really enjoyed it. 

"We’ve always treated the holiday park as our home and everybody coming to stay as our guests.

"We have met some wonderful, wonderful people.

"Some of our campers come and stay every year and we’re like a large family.

"We’re going to miss the place but it is a job where you’re on call 24/7 and it is time for Ken to slow-down," Kaye said.

The couple own a caravan and the first thing on their retirement to-do list is a trip through the Caitlins.

A gathering of minis at Duvauchelle Holiday Park. Photo: Facebook
A gathering of minis at Duvauchelle Holiday Park. Photo: Facebook
Eventually they plan to settle on the West Coast so they can be closer to their son.

Kaye says while it will be sad to say goodbye to the Duvauchelle Holiday Park, it was reassuring to know the new management team are keen to continue with their guest-centred approach to running the park.

The new team - Dale Hayes, Tracy MacLeod and her husband Kylee - all have previous campground experience.

"They are as passionate as we are, so we’re leaving it in good hands."

City council head of recreation, sports and events Nigel Cox said the Bramleys have done a wonderful job managing the Duvauchelle Holiday Park over the past 13 years.

Photo: Facebook
Photo: Facebook
"The fact that customer satisfaction is sitting at 100 per cent is testament to Kaye and Ken’s warm, friendly approach to managing the park.

"We really appreciate all they have done and wish them the best for their retirement," Cox said.

The Duvauchelle Holiday Park is currently taking bookings for summer at duvauchelleholidaypark.co.nz.