A new motorhome park could be established on vacant red zoned land in New Brighton, with space for up to 100 vehicles at any one time.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association has applied to Christchurch City Council for a 10 year transitional lease at 60 to 80 Owles Terrace for members visiting the area in certified self contained motorhomes and caravans.

The full shaded area identified for the proposal is about 37,700 square metres, but NZMCA is seeking to lease only 5,000 to 10,000 square metres.

NZMCA National Manager Property and Policy James Imlach told chrislynchmedia.com the association did not yet have a detailed site development plan, with the proposal still subject to community feedback and council approval.

He said the proposed site would accommodate roughly 50 to 100 vans at any one time, with basic amenities likely to include rubbish bins and potable water.

An onsite wastewater dump station would also be considered if feasible.

“We first approached the council in November 2024 to explore options for using vacant red zoned land, following the success of our Kaiapoi park,” Imlach said.

“Owles Terrace was suggested as a potential site and has also been supported by local members, who think the location is ideal for a park.”

Founded in Gisborne in 1956, NZMCA represents more than 124,000 New Zealanders, including 133 people who live in New Brighton.

The association operates 65 low cost NZMCA parks nationwide, including nearby parks in Kaiapoi, Weedons and The Willows Regional Park.

Imlach said “If it proceeds, we expect the park will also attract members who would otherwise bypass New Brighton, bringing additional spend into the area.”

He said based on other NZMCA parks, some members would likely stay longer in the area and use nearby holiday parks for facilities such as showers, kitchens and laundry, which would not be provided onsite.

The proposed park would only be available to NZMCA members travelling in certified self contained motorhomes and caravans.

Members would be able to stay for up to 10 days within any 30 day period, although NZMCA said most stays at its parks were typically one or two nights.

Imlach said the association had clear rules around behaviour, including restrictions on generator use.

“The final entrance location would be guided by council preferences and community feedback. Where neighbours have concerns, we would work through practical mitigations. For example, limiting generator use near residential boundaries.”

Potential access options include using one of the existing entrances opposite 81 Owles Terrace or Hardy Street, or creating a new vehicle crossing along the eastern boundary between 77 and 103 Union Street.

The site is expected to be low key, with a mix of hardstand and grassed parking areas, controlled vehicle access through a gated entry for authorised users only, appropriate signage and a small information kiosk.

Imlach said traffic patterns at other NZMCA parks showed most arrivals and departures tended to happen outside peak traffic periods, typically late morning and early afternoon.

If there is support in principle, the next step would be to work with the council to confirm the lease area and terms of agreement.

A more detailed site plan would then be developed, with support sought from the community board and elected members.

If a resource consent is required, that process would follow.

Imlach said the association would optimistically like the park open by summer 2026 or 2027, but a more realistic timeframe was likely to be late 2027 if resource consent was needed.

Residents have been invited to provide feedback to Christchurch City Council by 5pm on Wednesday 15 July 2026.