Couple's new lifestyle by the sea

Joline and Ryan Papple want locals to get to know what the Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park has to offer. Photo/Rae Cliffe

Joline and Ryan Papple have opened the door to their new home and want locals to enjoy it.

The couple have taken over the lease of the Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park in Castlecliff and have some clear ideas about how they want to develop the business.

They have signed a 20-year lease for the camp ground in Rangiora St and have been there less than a fortnight.

For the past two-and-a-half years they have been managing the 30-room Aubyn Court Spa Motel in Palmerston North, but their home town beckoned.

"We wanted to come home to Wanganui, so when this opportunity popped up we jumped at it," Mrs Papple said.

Mr Papple said they don't see the task as a challenge, but there were a number of projects at the property they had in mind. More importantly, they love working together, and running a holiday camp is the ideal position.

"Ryan will have his roles and I have certain things, but really it's like having a holiday every day," she said.

The couple want to boost traffic through the camp, but will also be targeting locals to get them interested in holidaying at the seaside camp.

"They can come and camp here with the family and still work in the city while the others are holidaying if they want to. But we'll definitely be promoting it as a very family-friendly camp."

Mr Papple said it was a very safe environment. The property was hedged all around with only one entry and exit and they lived on site.

Set on three acres of park-like grounds, Whanganui Seaside Holiday Park is virtually right beside Castlecliff Beach.

A few years ago, the owner put in a pool, bbq area and sauna and also tiled the ablution block.

All accommodation offers access to shared facilities including a communal kitchen, a TV lounge and a laundry room. There is a variety of on-site accommodation available including powered and tents sites and a range of bungalow-type units.