Queenstown Holiday Park opened in 1987. Since then, owners Erna and Tonnie Spijkerbosch and their team have kept their sleeves rolled up – hosting thousands of happy guests, growing the property/park, and creating a leafy, green oasis in the heart of downtown Queenstown.
In 1987, Tonnie and Erna decided to sell their plumbing business and run accommodation fulltime. Queenstown Holiday Park Creeksyde was born. Some people told them the park was too far out of town to succeed, despite being just five minutes’ walk away!
Creeksyde grew from its grassroots slowly and cautiously. Existing buildings were repurposed and grounds planted. More facilities were built as resources allowed, starting with the main office building. Neighbouring properties were added to the park to create more space.
Creeksyde’s boundaries slowly expanded as neighbouring properties were purchased, adding even more green space along with a range of ever-popular garden rooms.
The trophy cabinet has gotten pretty full over the years, with the team receiving a variety of business and tourism accolades including the AA’s Spirit of Hospitality Award in 2003. In 2011 the Holiday Parks Association of New Zealand – of which the Spijkerbosch’s are life members – honoured Erna with an award for Outstanding Contribution to the Holiday Park Industry.
Creeksyde has hosted thousands of guests, and received wonderful feedback about its people, distinctive personality and its care for the environment. One guest even remarked that place looked like it had been built by an old plumber. How right they were!