20 Jan 2024

The story of Treasure Island Caravan Park

From Summer Weekends, 11:07 am on 20 January 2024

The story of Treasure Island Caravan Park 

The same families have been visiting Treasure Island Caravan Park in Patua, Northland, for decades. During that time the little kids that zoomed around the camp ground have grown up to become big kids and have little kids of their own. Whether it's swimming, fishing or exploring the area, wonderful generational memories have been made.

For her new book, author Elaine Webster spent time with park owner Nita Joseph. Nita and her late husband Tim opened the park in 1985 and put a lifetime's worth of hard yakka into creating the perfect summer holiday destination. With the camp ground now for sale and this chapter of Nita's life closing, the book serves as a reminder of times gone by and the often-unseen graft it takes to run a caravan park.

Elaine and Nita join Susana Lei'ataua on The Weekend to discuss Looking For Treasure - The Story of Treasure Island Caravan Park which is full of those wonderful stories alongside photographs and maps.

Nita Joseph at Treasure Island Caravan Park in Northland

Nita Joseph at Treasure Island Caravan Park Photo: Supplied