Waimate is to be declared motorhome-friendly, only the second area in the South Island to receive the accolade.
That is predicted to bring more motorhomes and caravans to the town and district, a boost for businesses.
The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association has approved the whole district under the motorhome-friendly scheme, South Canterbury branch chairman Ken Batchelor said last week. The other is Grey district.
That will be formally recognised at a ceremony tomorrow outside the Waimate District Council headquarters with a display of motorhomes and a barbecue.
A certificate and signs, which will be put up at the town and along SH1, will be presented to Mayor Craig Rowley, who has been active in encouraging motorhomes to the district as an economic initiative.
To qualify, the council had to satisfy the association it had the facilities, such as a dump and watering station, and policies on freedom camping that were legal.
Facilities were provided at Victoria Park, but the council and association were putting in a new facility with better access on Hillary St opposite the former Waimate Hospital.
''Our [Waimate] council also decided it didn't have a problem [with freedom camping] and decided not to have a policy,'' Mr Batchelor said.
He predicted the declaration would result in even more visitors to the town.
''Businesses are already telling me about the extra business this already brings to the town,'' he said.
During Strawberry Fare in December there were 100 motorhomes and caravans in the town.
About four years ago, the association opened up a ''park over property'' in Queen St at the back of the hospital. It was so popular, 18 months ago additional land was bought to double the size.
Mr Batchelor said about 300 motorhomes and caravans would use the site this month, which would increase, as the membership of 50,000 was climbing rapidly.
''South Canterbury gets about 40 to 50 new members a month.''
