Camp store
The office includes a shop stocking basic necessities and commonly needed items. We are 3 kilometers from town where major grocery shopping is easy, but for bread, milk, ice creams, drinks and simple needs the park shop can provide most of your requirements. Shopping is always availble for those arriving late and maybe needing something for a late supper.
Telephone, Fax & Email facilities
There is public card phone in the camp and telecom phone cards are available from the shop ($5, $15, $30 and $50). Inward and outward fax facilities are available from the shop and email messages can be received on behalf of guests (enq@dicksonpark.co.nz) please put guests name in subject line and include dates expected to be here.
Free bikes
If you are a backpacker without transport or in a campervan that you have just parked up for the evening then we have free bicycles for that 3 kilometre flat trip to town. They are not modern, or even good looking, but will usually get to town and back! Good rental Mountain Bikes are available in Thames Town ... Price & Richards sport store.
Kitchen & Dining area
A fully equipped kitchen and dining area also incorporates a large outside deck with views over the stream and valley. As is standard in New Zealand camps FULLY equipped means you only have to bring the food. You will find stoves, microwaves, plates, bowls, glasses and cutlery. To keep your food fresh we have a community fridge and freezer or you may hire your own private fridge locker. Use of all of these facilites is free to all guests (except $1 a day for the use of the private refrigerator lockers).
Dickson Park is in an old gold mining area. Our earliest pioneers made their homes in canvas tents (in 1870 the population of Thames was greater than Auckland). As the community established the famous miners shanties evolved. Usually little more than a simple corrugated iron shed with a wood burning stove for cooking and heat. Our Pioneer kitchen recreates some of these features like the ancient wood burning stove and simple construction. We have added a barbeque and a wok with gas burner. A cordial atmosphere makes this one of the most popular social areas in the camp. It may also give a little insight into the life of the pioneers...you get to split your own firewood!
Barbeques
There are several barbeques by the stream and around the camp with free firewood available (split it yourself). And plenty of places to set up your own!
Laundry
Coin operated washers and dryer are available for use of all guests and clotheslines are provided. There are tubs available for hand washing.
Ablutions
Clean showers and toilets are provided for men and women. The showers are metered. It will cost you 20cents for six minutes of hot water. This charge is necessary to ensure fair and equal access for all guests. In Dickson Park it is never far to the showers and toilets but people with special needs can usually be accomodated nearer if required.
Recreation Room
Pool table, table tennis (ping pong), television, darts and table football, or just a place to get together and relax. This is open to all guests from early morning till ten at night.
Television & Reading lounge
A quiet adults only room for those who want to watch some T.V., read a book or maybe write a long letter home!
Swimming Pool
Solar heating helps to boost the temperature of this very popular attraction extending the swimming months from October through May. The big pool is large enough for serious swimming or not so serious games. The smalller, shallow pool is perfect for smaller children. Or for a change kids over the years have dammed up pools in the stream that runs through the camp and people spend hours relaxing in them. For the more adventurous a beautiful hike up the valley from the camp will get you to the 'Black Hole'. This three metre waterfall with a deep clear pool is a summertime favourite for locals and visitors alike. Sliding over this waterfall is a thrill not to be missed and hours can be spent jumping, diving, swimming and exploring in this area.
Childrens Play area
We are a favourite destination for people with young families. Hidden in our quiet valley traffic is not a problem and the bush surrounds and our assorted pet animals make the whole camp an adventure playground. But we do have a dedicated area for children to play. From a sandpit for the toddlers, and of course the swings and trampoline your kids are easilly amused and have a great place for meeting other kids in the camp. Everything is so centrally located that it's easy for Mum and Dad to keep an eye on their family.
Games Area
In addition to the childrens area and the recreation room and swimming pool, we try to provide ammusemant for guests of all ages. You will find the following games and facilities around the camp.
Mini Golf
Nine holes of sheer hell to improve or destroy your putting technique.
Half court Tennis
Raquets available from the office.
Petanque (Boules)
We have a small set and great places to play. we might even join you for a game?
Volley Ball
We have the equipment...you may have to put the net up, but there's plenty of room.
Swingball
This is a great game to turn the best of friends into fiery competitors.
Basketball
There is a hoop at one end of the Tennis Court and a ball, usually to be found in the swimming pool.
Croquet
If you don't know the rules, do as we do...make them up for great fun.
Trampoline
Sure, this is in the childrens play area, but it is really popular with some VERY OLD kids!
Indoor games
One day a few years ago the weather was bad! For those occasions try Trivial Pursuit, Chess, Yahtzee etc..
