Native Parks - Motorhome Havens has been developed by Adrian and Carmen Tonks. We have travelled widely together, in both our personal and professional lives, but ultimately the lure of home won out and we in 2003 we chose to return and settle in New Zealand.

A successful idea from overseas

At the end of our time overseas we were fortunate to do a six month tour, by self-contained camper, around Europe. It was on this trip that we came across France Passion and from our experiences we developed the Native Parks concept. As Kiwis travelling on a budget our first attraction was the zero cost overnight parking, however this soon faded as our principal motivation and was replaced by our enjoyment from interacting with the local people and sampling a little of their lifestyle.

The start of Native Parks - Motorhome Havens

Upon returning home in 2003 we were overwhelmed by the number of campervans and motorhomes that were busily making their way around our country. This crystallised our resolve to turn a “good idea” into a reality. Having seen the concept working so well overseas we are very excited to bring it to New Zealand. By moving the motorhome traveller out of the truck stops and rest areas and into the rural community Native Parks is creating wonderful travel experiences for our international visitors while enhancing the lives of New Zealanders both culturally and economically. 

Native Parks - Motorhome Havens: Summer 2007 - 2008

Native Parks continues to be personally very satisfying, with a great source of enjoyment from meeting people throughout New Zealand and travellers from all over the world. The third edition of the Native Parks guidebook has been prepared and is available through this website. With 77 Motorhome Havens, 55 in the North Island and 22 in the South Island, Native Parks has established itself as a excellent resource for travellers and the perfect way for wider New Zealand to interact with visitors to our country. New Motorhome Havens continue submit their listings for the Native Parks guidebook and interest from travellers and the motorhome rental industry has been huge.

Life on the Farm

In July 2007 our long held dream of moving into the countryside was finally realised. Carmen and I now live on a 12 acre block in Northland, on the northern side of Whangarei not far from the famed Tutukaka Coast.

Having both grown up and lived in cities there has been plenty to learn, amongst which has been raising animals. At the time of writing we are on the cusp of weaning our first brood of babies, comprising of 6 heifer calves and 3 ewe lambs. While we started out pragmatically, taking care not to give them individual names, they collectively became known as The Curly Girls (Hereford cattle and sheep, you see?). Having now spent many hours raising them pragmatism has flown out the window and we'll struggle to join the ranks of "real" farmers, not that we'd have it any other way!

If you are travelling through Northland you will find directions to us in the Native Parks guidebook. Carmen, I and the Curly Girls look forward to welcoming you.