Dunedin couple Rena (89) and George (87) Divett spend their holidays every year in a caravan at the Cromwell Top 10 Holiday Park.
They are in residence most Labour Weekends, Easter and Christmas breaks. They wouldn't have it any other way and laugh at the suggestion advancing years might result in them moving into a motel or buying a crib.
‘‘This is our crib,'' Mr Divett says.
Co-owner of the camping ground John Searle says the couple are among the longest regular campers at the facility.
‘‘I don't think we'll ever get sick of being here,'' Mrs Divett says. She used to play bowls but failing eyesight has ruled out that pastime for her.
Her husband is still a keen golfer, however, and brought his clubs on holiday.
‘‘I just come along these days and sit, now I can't play bowls, but I'm quite content with that,'' she said.
‘‘Anyway, when you're on holiday, you make your own entertainment and do what you want to do.
‘‘You don't expect things to be organised for you.''
The Divetts used to take their family to Kaiteriteri Beach but as the children grew older, they looked for somewhere closer to home and Cromwell was it.
They usually stay at least a fortnight at Christmas but are cutting their visit short this time for a special occasion. Mrs Divett turns 90 on January 9 and a get-together is planned back in Dunedin.
‘‘We tried to organise something here, [Cromwell] but it didn't work in with where the kids would be, so it was easier to have something in Dunedin,'' she said.
However, her 80th was celebrated in the camp with all the neighbouring campers. They say it's a ‘‘well-run'' camp and popular with families, especially those with young children.
‘‘There's no rowdy ones here. ‘‘They get put out if they're rowdy and they don't come back and that's a good thing,'' Mrs Divett said.
Over the years, the facility has expanded and the town has become busier but some things remained constant.
‘‘It's always good weather and you always enjoy good company here,'' she said.
