Mike and Christine first purchased the Holiday Park 22 years ago, alongside Mike’s parents, Pat and Ian. After years of dairy and then chicken farming, the family liked to joke that they had moved into “people farming” – welcoming travellers from all over the world into their Taranaki backyard.
From the very beginning, it’s been a family affair. Mike and Christine’s son Matt has been part of the Park since day one, and nearly 14 years ago his wife Jasmine joined the journey too. Their children, Gemma and Ezekiel, have grown up immersed in Holiday Park life. Ezekiel is often spotted in the office pointing out his favourite spots around New Plymouth, while Gemma can usually be found out and about making new friends with guests.
Matt is passionate about Taranaki Maunga and loves sharing his knowledge with visitors heading up the mountain. Whether he’s chatting with guests or tinkering around the grounds, he’s always happy to stop and say hello. Jasmine keeps the Park humming – often behind the reception desk or handling paperwork, but just as likely to be out weeding gardens, sorting recycling, or snapping photos for social media to capture the life of the Park.
Though Mike and Christine have moved offsite, their presence is still felt every day. Mike continues to help with maintenance and keeping the grounds in top shape, while Christine is still a familiar voice on the phone (sometimes even while she’s in the veggie garden or tending to sheep!). On busy days, you’ll still spot her helping with the cleaning too. The wider family has played their part as well – Matt’s sister Kimberley has worked in different roles over the years and is now part of the office and cleaning team.
Guests often remark that New Plymouth TOP 10 feels like home, and many return year after year. From motorcycle groups who have been coming longer than the Hickfords have owned the Park, to families who never miss the summer Festival of Lights at Pukekura Park, the Park has become a meeting place for traditions, reunions, and lifelong memories. Sports teams, especially netball groups, also return regularly thanks to the Park’s handy location near the courts.
Beyond the Park, the Hickfords are deeply woven into the local community. Jasmine runs a music group for children under five, while Matt serves on the board of a local charity. Together with Gemma and Ezekiel, they can often be spotted biking or walking to school, collecting rubbish along the way to keep their neighbourhood looking beautiful.
With so much to discover around Taranaki, New Plymouth TOP 10 Holiday Park is the perfect base to explore it all - and the Hickford family can’t wait to welcome you and help create Memories for Life™.
To learn more about the locals behind the Parks, click here.