News

SMITHS FARM NEWS JUNE 2008

Another year has passed and it has been an extremely busy one for us all at Smiths Farm. We have been heartened by the amount of both NZ and overseas guests who return to stay with us or who tell their friends about us…you are always welcome and we thank you for your repeat custom.

November 2007 marked a milestone for us…ten years in the accommodation industry. There have been big changes since we first opened in Nov 1997 with just tent and powered sites and the main facilities building. Now of course we have standard cabins, self contained units and park motels.
The standard cabins and the utility building underwent a complete repaint in the winter and now have the addition of a small drawer unit for clothes. For those of you who haven’t visited for a while, there are also new tables and chairs as well. The main building has an extra outdoor sink and fish cleaning area and a new protective shelter wall has been added to the outdoor eating area.

We continue to plant specimen trees and at the moment the autumn colours on some of the dogwoods, birches and liquid ambers are stunning. We are hoping for a strong flowering of the roses this summer. In addition we are totally committed to the preservation of the native bush at the back of the farm. A large number of small rimus are thriving as are the white pines and Punga ferns.

June 2007 saw SFHP announced as one of five finalists in the AA/HAPNZ Spirit of Hospitality awards for the second year in a row. Thank you to all those guests who took the time to nominate us. We didn’t win, but we certainly appreciate the recognition.

We are proud to be members of Family Parks NZ. Remember that for $25 you can become a VIP member and qualify for a 10% discount up to $40 each stay. There is a great network of Family Parks throughout NZ and Australia and you can plan your trip using your VIP card. Overseas visitors…don’t forget to ask for your complimentary card when you visit us or one of the other Family Parks in NZ or Australia. In addition, look out for the Family Parks Free Camping weekend. This is normally held in Feb or Mar each year and is a great opportunity to try out a Family Park. Also remember that we do have some great winter discounts for those short breaks away.


News Update: Smiths Farm has again been declared a finalist in the AA Holiday Park Hospitality Awards for 2007
Smiths Farm was Finalist for AA Holiday Park Hospitality Award 2006


Winners For AA Holiday Park Hospitality Award Named Media Release Dated: Wednesday 19 July 2006

The AA has named the Bay of Plenty’s Bowentown Holiday Park as the winner of the 2006 AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Holiday Park Service.

The AA Spirit of Hospitality Awards recognise outstanding Kiwi hospitality in three accommodation categories – motel, bed and breakfast and holiday park.  Category finalists and winners are selected based on comments sent to the AA by guests relating to the quality of their stay.

“The AA is delighted to recognise the magnificent contribution of Bowentown Holiday Park to New Zealand tourism.  Guests praised Bowentown’s fantastic facilities and their amazing hosts,” says AA Tourism Manager, Bevan Dale.

“Determining a winner was tough. All finalists showed outstanding customer relations, a commitment to quality service, and the ability to create memorable holiday experiences.”

“The Spirit of Hospitality Awards are an excellent opportunity to praise accommodation providers who go the extra mile for their guests. The AA is committed to promoting New Zealand domestic tourism and recently announced a $2 million campaign to highlight the unique holiday experiences Kiwis can experience without leaving home.”

The winner of the 2006 AA Spirit of Hospitality Award for Excellence in Holiday Park Service was presented with their trophy at a gala dinner in Christchurch tonight.

The five finalists in the holiday park category were:

·          Bowentown Holiday Park, Bowentown

·          Port Waikato Holiday Park, Port Waikato

·          Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Park, Waihi Beach

·          Naish Park Motor Camp, Balclutha

·          Smiths Farm Holiday Park, Picton