New operator for upgraded Maitai camp
The Maitai Valley Motor Camp will reopen under new management from June, following a major $1.8 million upgrade and a fresh lease agreement between Nelson City Council and Kiwi Cash Limited, trading as Penny.
Penny, a New Zealand-owned company that manages campgrounds nationwide, was appointed following a public selection process. The lease agreement runs for five years, with the option to renew for another five.
Mayor Nick Smith said Penny’s appointment is part of a wider strategy to modernise and revitalise local campgrounds.
“Campgrounds play an important role in our city’s tourism, but running them is not council’s core business,” said Smith. “By investing in upgrades and partnering with experienced operators like Penny, we’re delivering real benefits for the city and our visitor infrastructure.”
The Maitai campground has undergone significant improvements, including a new wastewater system that replaces outdated infrastructure from the 1960s. This upgrade lifts the campground’s capacity from 80 to 400 campers per night and reduces environmental impacts.
Other enhancements include new picnic and barbecue areas, relocated cabins, extra water taps, and campervan dump stations.
Penny founder Chris Wagner said the company will blend classic Kiwi camping with modern conveniences.
“Guests will be able to use self-service devices and the Penny App to book and manage their stays … while still preserving the relaxed, friendly feel that locals and visitors love,” he said.
Penny plans to retain current key staff and maintain existing long-term resident arrangements. The company also hopes to partner with local groups like the Waahi Taakaro Golf Club, Nelson Mountain Bike Club and bike hirers to promote year-round activities.
The lease was publicly notified earlier this year, attracting no objections. Rent is set at $40,000 plus GST in the first year, with a performance-based model thereafter.
Group manager community services Andrew White says the improvements would ensure the campground remains open.
“The majority of our $1.8m upgrade to the camp’s facilities has gone into replacing the campground’s wastewater system, which dated back to the 1960s and no longer met modern environmental or regulatory standards.
“Without this work, the site’s ongoing operation would have been at risk.”
By Warren Gamble, Nelson Mail
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