Camp comfort

Press, 12 September 1986, Page 16

Camp comfort

Sir,—The M.P. for Waipa, Mrs K. O’Regan (September 2) is correct in saying that some of our motor camps leave a lot to be desired. My husband and I have travelled extensively throughout New Zealand. In the last two years we would have stayed in about 60 different cabins, huts and tourist flats. Regarding cabins, both graded and ungraded, we are sorry to have to admit that the North Island ones, price-related, are in the main more comfortable than those ini the South Island. Friendliness, cleanliness and locality are on a par. But, more importantly, sleeping comfort is not. By many lessons in discomfort, we now carry lilos which in 70 per cent of South Island camps we have had to use. Why do our camps insist on sagging, uncomfortable beds? Okay, short-term tenants are not always careful, but how come we only had to use our lilos twice in the north? Maybe this is why tourists mainly use camper vans? This goes for A.A. camps as well. I do feel that when a camp is graded it should be inspected and slept at during spot checks before that grading is made.— Yours, etc., (Mrs) R. BOUNDY. September 3, 1986.

[Mr- J. A. Strachan, general manager, Automobile Association, Canterbury, replies: “The operators of all motor camps would, I am sure, recognise the validity of many of the comments made by the M.P. for Waipa, Mrs K. O’Regan, and your correspondent. To ensure that all facilities, cleanliness and sleeping comfort are at the highest possible standard A.A. (Canterbury), Inc., during the past two years has spent a considerable sum of money maintaining the motor camps that the association owns and operates at Hanmer Springs and Carters Beach, Westport. Each year the A.A. produces for the benefit of members accommodation and camping guides covering both the South and North Islands. All accommodation listed in the guides is inspected by A.A. touring staff and at the time of publication is considered to be of a suitable standard for inclusion in- our publications. A.A. members are invited to report their experiences and impressions — good or bad — of a listed establishment. Members dissatisfied with service, facilities or charges at a listed place providing accommodation may complain to the A.A. Every reasonable complaint is thoroughly investigated and, if necessary, followed up on the inspectors’ next visit. Mrs Boundy, with her background of staying in a number of different motor camps over a reasonable period, obviously has some thoughts that she may- like to share with us.-If;she is an A.A. member, I would invite her to contact the association’s touring manager to arrange a mutually convenient time to meet and discuss the matters that are of concern to. her.”] + >'