Tourism future for Army town

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 318, 19 December 1989, Page 6 (Supplement)

Tourism future for Army town

Frances and Barry Hodgson believe Waiouru has a bright future in tourism.

So much so they have got a major expansion programme underway at the Waiouru Motor Camp which they bought last November. Its very isolation makes it the perfect stopping place for

travellers, particularly in winter when driving conditions are not so good, and Barry says there is a growing demand from recreational visitors. "We get regular enquiries for groups ranging in size from 50 to

100 who want to stay in Waiouru. With its prime location by the intersection of SH1 and SH49, the Waiouru Welcome Inn is well paced to meet the needs of the travelling public. Waiouru Military Camp provides its own share of clientele at times - passing out parades sees visitors travelling from as far away as Taupo and Taihape daily. Military-based reunions seem to be becoming popular, and Barry sees potential in this area. In keeping with the expansion plans, the camp is to be renamed

The Waiouru Welcome Inn. Frances and Barry Hodgson's plans don't mean a complete departure from budget style accommodation. Barry says the existing cabins will be upgraded by the addition of en suite facilities, but they'll still be in the right price range for back-packers. In addition, there will be camper van sites for those travellers who like to take their own beds with them. The couple already have approval to erect motel units on the site, but are seeking further planning approval for additional features.

An application is also to be made for a liquor licence for the proposed 60 seat restaurant/lounge bar. Barry says the restaurant will be designed so that it presents two different faces to the customers, depending on the time of their visit. The restaurant will be "open plan" for lunches, while at night, diners will be able to have seclusion for private, candlelit dinners. The proposed bar facilities are to modelled on the lines of a traditional English pub. Barry said most travellers who are staying one or two nights like to have a drink or two to relax. When the whole complex is finished, there will be a heated indoor swimming pool, sauna, two spa pools,

children's play area and conference facilities. "We're aiming to cater for everyone - family groups, business people and tourists of all types. The Hodgsons are not going to be content with attracting passing traffic, however. They plan an aggressive programme that will bring groups of visitors to Waiouru for special interest excursions. Ski tours are the obvious but Barry believes there is potential to attract groups of golfers, hunters and anglers. We are looking at developing special packages holidays for people like this. We'll do everything, even transport them to and from the site, with packed lunches and a guide." ' Such concepts are

popular in the United Kingdom, where Barry hails from, and Europe, although the people in the northern hemisphere take more readily to coach travel than Kiwis, who generally expect , to drive themselves everywhere. Barry has spent the last seven years in tourism in the United Kingdom. He came to New Zealand after meeting Frances who was holidaying in Europe last year. The couple decided to settle in Waiouru after passing through on their way to a wedding in Wellington. "We needed somewhere to stop - the motor camp was the only place and it was up for sale. "We could see the business potential," Barry says, "So we bought it."