Matamata is the latest town in the mighty Waikato to be named as an official motorhome friendly town by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc.
Matamata joins the other 57 destinations around New Zealand that hold this prestigious title, gaining further profile with the more than 106,000 NZMCA members across the country.
Jason Dawson, chief executive of Hamilton and Waikato Tourism says it was excellent to see Matamata join Cambridge, Te Kuiti, Morrinsville and Te Aroha in welcoming motorhome and caravan visitors to the Waikato.
“We’re very proud to see another great location in the region being named as a motorhome friendly town by the NZMCA at a time when more New Zealanders are travelling the country in caravans and motorhomes than ever before,” he says.
Dawson added that motorhomes and caravan travellers are highly-valued contributors to local economies, often traveling at off-peak times and exploring off the beaten track locations which helps with regional dispersal and visitor spend spread.
Matamata-Piako District Council’s Mayor Ash Tanner says he is really happy to hear that Matamata is recognised as a welcoming place for all visitors including those in motorhomes and caravans.
“Our district is an amazing place and our friendly Matamata retailers and residents have worked hard to ensure it is a convenient and appealing destination for NZMCA members” he says.
In order to be designated as a Motorhome Friendly location by the NZMCA a town must have the essentials that motor caravanners need: a legally-compliant Freedom Camping bylaw; a public dump station; access to potable water, refuse and recycling; medical facilities; vicinity to shops and service areas.
"It’s great to have Matamata onboard," says chief executive of NZMCA Bruce Lochore.
"Thank you to all the residents and retailers for welcoming our members. They love exploring and will appreciate having access to all of the essential amenities and services. We hope it encourages more of our members to have an adventure in the mighty Waikato. Our members are out and about supporting local and we’re glad we can play our part to boost domestic regional tourism."
