Let us introduce you to:
Shining Star Beachfront Accommodaton
11 Richards Drive
Hokitika
ph:
03 755 8921
fax: 03 755 8653
email: shining@xtra.co.nz
website:
Shining Star
Greeting
you at the office door are Boyan and Chaya.
Rather intimidating at first glance since Boyan is an English Sheep Dog
and Chaya a Newfoundland
both large enough to rival a small horse. As one approaches though it
is
apparent neither are a threat. Boyan may wag his tail and even raise
his head.
It is then you notice the hair braids on the head. Chaya doesn’t even
bother to
stir.
The
Shining Star, located on the north edge of Hokitika right on Route 6,
will catch your attention
due to the attractive log construction units on site and the extreme
care that
has been taken with the artistic landscaping throughout the park. For
the
movanner it is also very practical in that the shrubbery has been
placed to
allow privacy between sites.
The
Shining Star has been built from scratch over the past ten years
created with
an eye for detail not skipping on anything with quality as the measure.
The
areas for parking vehicles are all flat and graveled with easy access
to a
modern electrical hookup with water on each site.
An
added attraction is the animals that are a part of the park. Brown and
black
seems to be the colour theme. At the entry is where Zeus and Ali Khan,
the two
alpacas, hang out. Down by the kitchen area is a pen where the black
and brown
rabbits live. The camp cat, George, who just showed up eight years ago
to claim
his position, will beg to join you for the evening meal.
Everything is very peaceful and laid back.
Ten
years ago owners John Assen and Lex Reinink began putting their heart
and soul
into their idea of a quality place for travelers. Year by year they
have more
than succeeded. Paula and I began stopping here when we began our
travels four
years ago and still consider it one of the top spots in the country to
stay.
The showers are one of the big areas we judge quality by and this park
gets
full marks. The kitchen with barbecue is well appointed, convenient,
light and
airy and the laundry is modern. Even the dump site is landscaped and
easy to
use. The park is beside the beach with direct access.
John
and Lex, along with John’s wife, Sheree, go out of the way to keep the
park at
its highest level every day. The motel units have the best in LCD tv
and double
spa baths available.
Shining
Star has reached the top Qualmark 4+. They are presently building a new
spa
complex providing both spa room and sauna. There will be separate
showers and
toilets in this unit. Needless to say I am sure it will be on the same
high
level presentation as the rest of the park. This should be completed
for use by
March 2007. I can see the people who have spent time this winter along
the West
Coast and tramping the glaciers finding this to be a real treat after a
long
day in the grips of a southerly blow. I am sure Paula and I will give
it a go
as soon as it is finished.
In
keeping with their level of quality throughout the complex a visitor
can
purchase a top quality bottle of wine and hire the latest DVD movies
all at
decent prices plus wireless hi-speed connection is available.
For
the movanner there are seventeen spaces in the centre of the park with
close
and easy access to amenities. In addition there are five tent sites,
eight
cabins and fifteen motel units on the 4 1/2 acre park.
The
cost for camper vans using power is $13.00 per person with children
under 14
years of age half price. Tents unpowered are $11.00 per person. The
motel units
are many and varied priced from $120 to the executive/honeymoon chalets
at $145
for two people. Cabin costs range from $55.00 to $105.00 per night.
When
visiting the West Coast and looking for
a special place to spend the night give Shining Star a try. You won’t
be
disappointed. It gets our vote for one of the best places
we stay in the country.
