We are the family fortunate enough to live in this exceptional environment in North Canterbury. We awake to the birdsong and immensely enjoy the beautiful bush and woodland surroundings. It's hard to beleive that we're only 45 minutes from Christchurch!

Brian and Heather Norton with their two daughters Libby (11) and Tara (8) and son Adam (5) manage the Ashley Gorge Holiday Park.

Together we love bike rides, river swimming and exploring, camping, animals, Canterbury Rugby, bush walks, climbing trees, flying kites, just like any family. We have loads of time together over winter when it's too cold for campers and too cold for any maintenance like painting. It's a whole different fun experience when we have snow on the ground!

We had dreamed of running a camping ground for a long time, especially after enjoying our own camping trips, so when we saw this one advertised, so close to Christchurch, we went along just to take a look but we were hooked on our first visit" says Heather. That was when we decided to make the move and eight years later I'm happy to say that we still feel like that. We even came camping here last season and will do so again this season!

Life can get a bit crazy over summer but with the great support of family and friends we are able to carry on. We get to meet some interesting people, hear about some other countries, make new friends and enjoy a special lifestyle.

We want it to be a place for families to relax and enjoy, whether they're camping or picnicking. We have lots of ideas for the future include upgrading the play equipment, planting more natives and adding more cabin accommodation. It's an ongoing thing, there's always something on the "To Do" list! But it is wonderful to see people using, enjoying and playing here.

Brian is a builder and handyman while Heather has a background in Business Administration - and we work together to run the business!