The summer of 2012 is shaping up to be one of the busiest on record for Dunedin camping grounds.
Dunedin Holiday Park manager Daniel Grubb said it had been a particularly busy season in terms of tenting.
"There's a lot of people coming from Christchurch who are taking a break from everything that's been going on up there.
"And the weather has been fantastic. It's really drawn the tenters in.
"We have a busy year every year, but the way the world is going with the economic situation, people are changing their holiday habits and looking for more cost-effective accommodation."
Mr Grubb said the park had 60 motel/cabin units, 70 powered sites and 100 tent sites - all of which had been consistently three-quarters full for the summer.
"When you drive through here in the evening, the place looks like a miniature city."
There were "strong bookings" at the park right up until the end of April, he said.
The situation was similar for Leith Valley Touring Park owner Terry McLaren, Brighton Caravan Park owner David Meyer and Lake Waihola Holiday Park manager Mary-Jo Nardone, who said they also were having one of the best years on record.
Mr McLaren said many customers, particularly motor-home owners, were staying for longer periods this year.
"It's been a terrific season. There's no two ways about that."
Mr Meyer said his facility had been so busy in the past two months, he had had to turn away visitors several times.
"We're the busiest we've ever been - the phone just doesn't stop ringing.
"We're fully booked out for the next three months."
A crew of workers from the North Island had booked into the facility for the next two months to complete a road signage contract, and there had been a large group of bookings while the Masters Games and a racing event at Beachlands were on.
Ms Nardone said bookings at Lake Waihola Holiday Park had increased significantly this summer, mainly due to major refurbishment work at the camping ground during the past year.
"That's drawn a lot of new customers," she said.
"We've had lots of caravans, but this year there's been a lot more tents.
"The boss is over the moon. He hasn't seen it so busy in years."
Last year, Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand chief executive Fergus Brown predicted the growth in popularity of holiday parks this summer, after strong growth in guest nights during the traditionally quiet winter months of 2011.
He believed Rugby World Cup 2011 would provide long-term benefits well into 2012 because visitors from France and Argentina had enjoyed their holiday park experiences and word of mouth would attract many visitors from these countries.
"Across the board, travellers are recognising that holiday parks provide a lot more than just a tent site.
"There has been a substantial growth in the number of motel-style units, basic cabins and backpacker accommodation available in holiday parks throughout the country.
"Both international and domestic visitors find that holiday parks provide quality accommodation options in a relaxed family environment."
