Keith Miller and Hannah Rogers are part of a group of families visiting from the Kāpiti Coast. They are pictured supervising the children in a game of Kubb. / Bevan Conley
Keith Miller and Hannah Rogers are part of a group of families visiting from the Kāpiti Coast. They are pictured supervising the children in a game of Kubb. / Bevan Conley
Summer holidaymakers have been flocking to Kai Iwi Beach Holiday Park near Whanganui.
As Christmas campers were departing, New Year visitors took their spots.
Park owner Diane Taylor said groups of families and friends had been converging from different parts of the country to gather at the park for abreak.
“It seems quieter this year even though there are a lot of people here,” Taylor said.
“People seem to just want to relax and enjoy the beach and the company.”
Christchurch visitors Scott and Kathryn Beatty, with their 4-year-old daughter Ruby, were enjoying their last day at the park after spending two weeks with family members who had travelled from other parts of the country to join them.
They said as first-time visitors, they were impressed with the facilities.
“We’ve enjoyed fish and chips from the cafe here and we’ll be having some more tonight.”
The Beattys and their extended family select a different destination to meet up each summer.
“Last year went to Nelson and that was nice but we’re glad we decided to come to Whanganui this year.”
Christchurch visitors Scott and Kathryn Beatty with their daughter Ruby, 4, were enjoying their first stay at Kai Iwi Holiday Park. Photo / Bevan Conley
Glen Bullen from New Plymouth was enjoying a game of cricket with his sons Kobe (13) and Sawyer (8).
“I’m glad we made the effort to come this year,” he said.
“I’ve driven past the turn-off so many times when I’ve been on the way to somewhere so it’s good to finally find time to turn off and check it out.
“We’re here for five days and we’re thoroughly enjoying it. And it’s great that we didn’t have to come a very long way to get here.”
The boys said they pooled their Christmas money to buy a new PS5 Playstation console but were enjoying interspersing their game time with some outdoor exercise with their dad.
Glen Bullen with sons Kobe, 13, and Sawyer, 8, from New Plymouth were first-time visitors to the holiday park. Photo / Bevan Conley
A group of families visiting from Pukerua Bay and Raumati South were enjoying a game of Kubb.
Also known as Kings and Queens or Viking Chess, it involves knocking your opponent’s blocks out of the ground by hurling wooden batons.
Jed likes to welcome dog-loving visitors while Eliza prefers to take a more observational role.
Liz Wylie is a multimedia journalist for the Whanganui Chronicle. She joined the editorial team in 2014 and regularly covers stories from Whanganui and the wider region. She also writes features and profile stories.
