Top 10 Timaru has been a camping ground site since 1940. Gordon and Alison Collister have owned and operated Top 10 Timaru since 1996 and involved in running camping grounds for over twenty years. Running TOP 10 Timaru is hard work but it is also a lot of fun. They enjoy meeting the wide variety of people that the facility attracts and they have a passion for making their guests stay as enjoyable and carefree as possible.
“Have traveled to four other sites, none could compare with this site for style, cleanliness and positive attitude to customers.” — A. Archer, Scotland
Gordon and Alison appreciate the value of the natural environment of the park — the established trees provide shade in summer and all year round add to the quiet relaxed atmosphere of the site. The natural environment is a central consideration to the way they manage the park and their approach to the on-going development combines practical energy saving with a commitment to conservation; they have installed solar water heating in the amenities blocks and use energy saving light bulbs throughout all their facilities.
The Collister’s initiated a major natural environment project, restoration of the Waimataitai Stream, which borders the park, not long after taking over management. For many years the stream had been used as a rubbish dump; the first phase of the project involved clearing the stream bed and removing literally truck loads of rubbish. Over a 1000 native trees and shrubs have now been planted along the banks of the stream; once these are established, a walkway through this native bush area will be developed. The native bush has enhanced the bird life in the area and there are eels and even the occasional whitebait in the stream.
Gordon and Alison have two adult sons. Alison is president of the Swim Timaru and also officiates at swim meets nation wide. She is involved in the Squash Club and plays and coaches Badminton.
Gordon enjoys sailing and is a committee member of the Timaru Yacht and Power Boat club. He is actively involved in Central South Island Tourism. He is a TOP 10 Holiday Parks Group founding director, HAPNZ Past SI Vice President for 3 years and executive member for 10 years QualMark advisory committee