Innholdsfortegnelse for November - December 2024 i RV Travel Lifestyle

The end of the year is approaching at a scarily fast rate and seems like just a few months back it was January, when we were looking ahead and making travel plans for our South Island trip. Now, here we are now nearly at the end of the year and already working on our January-February issue as this one goes to print – Christmas is that close for us print deadline-wise. In this issue we have packed in 20-plus pages of spotlights and profiles on RVs displayed at the September NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure show at Mystery Creek. As well, there is a bonanza of content to scan or click on to watch lots of video content and interviews. There’s also a first look at a world-first self-charging prototype…

https://maps.app.goo.gl/y1yjLGkDb7Ppdh457 Helen’s birthday was on the horizon. Earlier this year she had done me proud on the occasion of my birthday with a superb night in a luxury lodge at Te Anau, complete with a sumptuous dinner. To pay for it a mortgage was taken out on the house. I responded with a night at Ettrick! Ettrick, yes Ettrick. It was actually a lucky dip into the world of Google – “Lodge style, dog-friendly accommodation in Central Otago,” I asked of the internet and up came ‘Benger Garden Chalets’. The website showed quaint little wooden chalets, not unlike a rowing boat stood on end. So I booked. Ettrick is near where, in the summer of 1956/57, my mates and I camped at the side of the road when our ancient…

Wikipedia says that a “ginger group” is a formal or informal group within an organisation seeking to influence its direction and activity while still supporting its general goals. The term comes from the phrase “ginger up” meaning to enliven or stimulate. This is the perfect description of how the Northland Regional Trails (NRT) project team aka the NRT ginger group came to fruition. The Ginger Group This NRT ginger group is made up of five individuals, all volunteers who reside in Northland Tai Tokerau and are involved with the great outdoors in various ways. Over coffee, this group decided that they needed to do something about revitalising the 2018 Northland Walking and Cycling Strategy. This strategy was created by the Northland Regional Council with a steering group from the Kaipara…

Chasing snow We’d only been home a few days from the Puppy Run (story this issue) when we filled the Mercedes Sprinter up with house water and diesel and headed away from Ōamaru again. We had vague plans of heading south, maybe Invercargill via the Catlins (more on the Catlins anon), and then maybe along the south coast. Lots of ‘maybes’. Anyway, in Dunedin I thought “let’s take roads less travelled and follow a secondary route all the way down the coast to Balclutha”. This meant gravel for much of the way, which I am not totally averse to. So, from Dunedin, south past the road to Tunnel Beach and out through Waldronville and Westwood to Brighton. I lived in Brighton from 1954 to 1970 and it is probably the…

THE ART OF BANKSY When: November 28 – January 20 Where: Tākina, Wellington www.theartofbanksy.nz See the iconic pieces that brought the anonymous artist international acclaim – ‘Girl with Balloon’, in three colour variations, ‘Flower Thrower’ and ‘Rude Copper’ alongside unique works including hand drawn sketches and personal artworks which Banksy created for friends, colleagues and lovers. TASTE OF WAIRARAPA When: November 15-17 Where: Wairarapa  www.wairarapawine.co.nz/taste-of-wairarapa Discover the unique flavours our region has to offer as we embrace warmer days and the renewal of fresh vines, signaling the start of a new vintage. Hosted by our region’s cellar doors and beloved local food spots, wines, and craft beer. BODY MIND SPIRIT – HOLISTIC HEALTH EXPO When: November 20 – December 1 Where: Pioneer Stadium Christchurch www.bodymindspirit.co.nz Whether you’re seeking information, inspiration,…

While campervans are the popular choice for singles or couples looking for a nimble drive around the country, there are a variety of coach-built lowprofile motorhomes that come in at under six metres long but are packed full of all the comforts of bigger models. Just don’t expect separate bedrooms, your bed is either a lounge conversion or more commonly these days a hidden ceiling bed that can be tucked away in the daytime and dropped down with the push of a button when required at night – brilliant use of space. We got a few minutes in the Auto-Trail F-Line F62 motorhome, a compact gem just 5990mm long from Nationwide RV. This motorhome is designed for easy driving and intelligent space utilization, with a rear L-shaped kitchen and good-sized…

There is a lot to love in these Dethleffs caravans, from the compact and lighter Nomad 490EST model, right up to the luxury Nomad 760DR at 9420 mm long. There are multiple floor plans, bed layouts and even family bunk caravans to explore in the range of luxury caravans from Dethleffs in Germany. Check out the video that spotlights the 8-seater lounge in the Beduin Scandinavia and the Nomad 490EST models at the show. 2025 Dethleffs Beduin Scandinavia 690BQT $148,900.00 • Length (overall) 9010mm/Body 7650mm / Width 2500mm • Beds 200 X 155cm • Weight (Miro) 2150kg • Weight (Max) 2500kg • Payload 350kg Features • Fully featured bathroom with premium vanity, 12V electric flush cassette toilet, separate shower. • Large front kitchen with generous bench space and storage, oven/hob/grill,…

The TrailLite Pavilion at the show was always full of visitors eagerly exploring the latest from New Zealand’s premier motorhome builders, and seeing what is new in their overseas European motorhomes and caravans. This year visitors could also see what a fantastic job the apprentices in the manufacturing plant did with Mr Peter Newman, original family head of the TrailLite business, in restoring an original 1956 TrailLite caravan. Again, it was hard to get time without clients in the vehicles, but we managed to corner Adam Thomas, Product Specialist with TrailLite, and he took the time to take us through the new TrailLite Wanaka 164 caravan, with the east-west island bed, and big full-width rear bathroom. The quality in these caravans is gorgeous, you feel like you have stepped into…

Woof-woof, furry friends and paw-some readers! What a tail-wagging few weeks it’s been! I’ve been busy as a bee at the big NZMCA Motorhome Caravan and Leisure Show at Mystery Creek. It’s the only show where I get to meet all my friends and fans, and let me tell you, I was barking with excitement! Now, I wasn’t too happy (grrr!) that our motorhome couldn’t park right outside the back door like usual. That meant extra-long walkies to get my dinner each day. But hey, more steps means more sniffs and more adventures, so I guess it turned out to be woof-tastic after all! The show was packed with kiddos wanting to say hello. I had so many of my favoured fans come back multiple times while I was busy…

Cradled at sea level at the top of the South Island lies Motueka, the breathtaking Tasman Sea embracing its bay while a ring of towering, jagged mountain ranges encircle it to the south and west. The mountains rise from the landscape like formidable sentinels, their rugged peaks piercing the sky with their impressive stature and forming a protective cocoon around the township, shielding it from the weather patterns that want to sweep in from below. It’s this geographical setting that significantly contributes to the abundant and welcome sunshine hours the area receives every season. The region’s mountains offer countless tracks and trails, stretching from the Richmond Ranges to three national parks: Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi, and Abel Tasman – all waiting to be explored. A prominent trio stand proudly to the…

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbvgGKwsF2BFnMo97 Tohu Whenua is a free online itinerary that leads travelers to Kiwi history where it happened. In the Otago region, Tohu Whenua sites include homes of invention and innovation, ancestral landscapes and cycle trails bursting with history. Huriawa is the first Tohu Whenua site of specific significance to mana whenua (customary authority exercised by an iwi or hapū in an identified area) in Otago, making it a very special addition to the programme. Located in the seaside village of Karitāne (between Dunedin and Ōamaru) Huriawa offered a strategic vantage for early Māori settlers and is an actively treasured site to mana whenua. Visitors will have a chance to learn about the legendary Huriawa siege, the Waikouaiti Whaling Station that depleted the Southern Right Whale population, and the first Mission…

Home-made Loaded Hashbrowns What’s not to love about hashbrowns, especially home-made ones? If you’re keen to learn how to make a healthy version, look no further, my lovelies. I always used to make smaller ones that you have a few of on your plate, but then my gorgeous and talented foodie friend Stacey blew me away when she served me one the size of a dinner plate! And not only that, it was loaded with other goodies too. This large‘loaded-style’ creation pays homage to that yummy‘monster hashbrown’ AND the Queen who fed it to me. Stunning for a weekend brunch paired with some creamy mushies, grilled or fresh tomatoes and wilted spinach — nom, nom! Makes 2–4 large hashbrowns 6 medium-sized potatoes, skin on¼ cup gluten-free flour (tip: chickpea flour…

47L: The Roamer Compact and portable, this powerful myCOOLMAN 47-litre fridge is the perfect take-along for your next adventure. • Can hold 56 x (375ml) cans • Blue Gen Compact compressor (variable speed) • 3 Year Warranty • Power sources – 12/24vDC – 240vAC (Auto changeover mains priority) • LED interior light • 2-way reversible lid (tool-free) • DC socket – Single • Removable handles - double as tie-downs Prize includes 47L Roamer fridge/freezer + cover valued at $1219RRP Plus a 16L Ice Box valued at $149.99RRP www.mycoolman.co.nz 16L: Icebox The myCOOLMAN 16L icebox has been designed with multiple uses in mind and comes with a range of storage/organizer options. Built tough and fitted with a heavy duty carry handle with rubber grip to allow you to grab and go with one…

This stand was constantly busy, right up to closing on Sunday, so having the opportunity to interview the owner David Sharp, or to even be alone in one of the fantastic caravans he had on display, was nearly impossible as five visits to the site proved. We did manage to get a few shots to show you the big living and outstanding value offered in the American-built Freedom Express and Alpha Wolf brand RVs, so check out this one model that featured a dining slide-out, kingsize bed bunks, separate queen-sized bed in its own bedroom, large bathroom with classy porcelain toilet and big shower – very nice. You can’t argue with the space in the kitchen either with the huge hidden pantry storage unit that opens up behind the TV…

While walking through the Merit RV stand we were lucky enough to meet Amber, a new owner of a Swift Voyager motorhome. She took a moment to share with us why they were upgrading from what she admitted was a perfectly good motorhome that the family had owned for a few years. However, she now wanted all the extras that the latest models can offer as her family has grown. In particular, this model has an electric ceiling bed in the front living space and two domestic-styled long-side couches in what they call the parallel lounge. This space also converts easily to a king-single berth offering a great double bunk area for a family of five. The rear U-shaped comfortable lounge area can be closed off from the front living…

This Italian-built Roller Team Auto-Roller was another great six-berth motorhome, featuring a fabulous rear lounge set up, that had queues of people constantly gathered waiting to look through. This particular model is 7500mm long and sits just over the WOF weight at 3550kg. Based on the popular Ford Transit Euro 6 turbo diesel chassis, there is space in here for a family easily. Storage is not a problem with exterior boot storage, overhead lockers, wardrobes and drawers organised throughout that will tick most people’s boxes. The compact kitchen has an under-bench fridge of around 133L with an internal freezer box, an under-bench combo gas oven and a three-burner gas hob cooker inset in the bench top. To the left under the wardrobe is a kitchen utility drawer, and more storage…

Attendance at shows is brilliant for meeting readers, but also invaluable for us to interact with our peers in the RV industry, and as we have been involved with the industry for almost 20 years we know most players in the market. One of the long-established players in the USA-built RV side of the market is Nick and Karen Eagle from Wainui RV in Katikati. Originally they sold fifth-wheel RVs, but more recently they have been selling caravans that fit the family holiday space and the tiny home market. This was the first time we had seen them at a show since before COVID times, so we had to check out the latest arrival on their stand, the big impressive Ember Caravan, a big model measuring 9660mm long with a…

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tqrKyTc2eLii8Scf7 The Hurunui district of New Zealand’s South Island is sometimes forgotten, I feel. People are often rushing to get north to Kaikōura or Picton, or south to the big smoke of Ōtautahi Christchurch. But I’d say it’s worth lingering a while here and soaking up the unparalleled beauty and points of cultural significance. Stretching from the east coast north of Christchurch (Leithfield Beach to the south and the Conway River to the north) to the Main Divide, the land area of the Hurunui District is around 8500 square kilometres, and the population sits at approximately 14,000. That’s a population density of around 1.6 people per square kilometre. The summary: there’s plenty of space to roam here without coming across too many people – an opportunity to rest. While the…

TE TAI TOKERAU NORTHLAND Ruapekapeka Pā Pompallier Mission and Printery Rākaumangamanga Cape Brett Rangihoua Heritage Park Kororipo Heritage Park Waitangi Treaty Grounds Te Waimate Mission Māngungu Mission Clendon House MANAWATŪ-WHANGANUI Coming soon in 2025 TE TAI POUTINI WEST COAST Denniston Mine Historic Reefton Waiuta Brunner Mine Hokitika Port, Commercial and Government Centre Te Kopikopiko o te Waka WAITAHA CANTERBURY Coming soon in 2024 OTAGO TSS Earnslaw Arrowtown Kawarau Suspension Bridge Bannockburn Sluicings Otago Central Rail Trail Historic Hayes Historic Ōamaru Totara Estate Huriawa Dunedin Railway Station Olveston Larnach Castle EXPLORE TOHU WHENUA HERE Tohu Whenua sites In Otago TSS Earnslaw Cruise Lake Wakatipu on the Lady of the Lake Arrowtown Explore the goldrush parallels of European banks and merchants and the huts of the Chinese Settlement Kawarau Suspension Bridge Walk, cycle…

https://maps.app.goo.gl/udBBWYyBRRRdEGyh9 To me, Wellington has always been just another city. But flying in for a four day weekend, to stay with Churton Park-based friends, I discovered that the capital is much more than Parliament, Te Papa and the cable car. Ranges, coastline, islands … I biked and walked Wellington’s wild side. Day one Skyline Walkway The 13km Skyline Walkway runs north-south between Johnsonville and Karori taking in Wellington’s highest peaks, Mt. Makara and Mt. Kaukau. A soaring kākā, red feathers distinctive, screeches as we enter the bush at its southern end on Makara Road. Soon, we’re walking across open land and viewing Karori’s homes nestled in valleys and spreading up hillsides. Beyond, choppy green ranges are lit by sun piercing through dark clouds. Nine of West Wind’s wind farm’s 62…

A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies and Moths of Aotearoa New Zealand Carey Knox  RRP $30  John Beaufoy Publishing A Naturalist’s Guide to the Butterflies & Moths of Aotearoa New Zealand is an easyto-use introductory identification guide to 361 species of butterfly and moth found in Aotearoa New Zealand High-quality photographs from the author and the regions’ top nature photographers. Shadow Lives Neil A White RRP $36.99  Echo Publishing One sister murdered. The other missing. Can a flawed man find the answers buried within a web of intrigue? Kharkiv, Ukraine, 2019: Ongoing clashes between Ukrainian nationalists and pro-Russian activists make this city a deadly destination. Eco Home: Smart Ideas for Sustainable New Zealand Homes Melinda Williams  RRP $45 Penguin New Zealand writer and editor Melinda Williams specialises in architecture and…

First electric motorhomes revealed Electric motorhomes have arrived! The Trigano group (from France) chose the Salon des Véhicules de Loisirs (caravan and motorhome show) in Paris to launch an electric motorhome which it claims has a range of up to 100km when driving on 100% electric power. That sort of distance is quite impressive considering how much a motorhome weighs. The electric power comes from a 37kWh battery and a 115kW motor, but if you want to travel further than 100km, don’t worry, as there’s still the standard Fiat diesel engine to give the best of both worlds. The two power sources work separately, so cannot be used simultaneously. That is why these motorhomes are called dual-mode rather than hybrids. The idea is that the motorhome uses electric power when…

This year the NZMCA Motorhome Caravan and Leisure show was held a week later than normal over the weekend of 27-29 September. We were all a little unsure of how this and a quieter economy, with spending down across the country at present, would impact visitor numbers. However, we can happily report that visitors came out in their droves, to the tune of 23,000 over the three days and, aside from some overcast and the threat of rain on Friday, the weekend boasted fine weather. The Park-n-Stay area saw around 1200 people parked up for the weekend, taking advantage of the threeday pass to wander around the show site at leisure. The food court area stayed open into the evening on Friday and Saturday nights for dinner, music and dancing.…

The Italian-built Ci motorhomes have a lot to offer those looking for a European-styled, easy-to-drive, under 7500mm long, coachbuilt motorhome. We checked out one of the models on display with Shane and Noleen Smale from Ci Motorhomes NZ. 2024 Ci MAGIS 65XT 4 berth ​• Fiat 2.3 diesel Euro 6D 134kW – 9-speed automatic • Cruise control • GVM 4400kg • Tare 3400kg • Payload 1000kg • Garage loading max 200kg • L/W/H 7430/2310/3150mm • Garage 1170mm x 870mm • Rear double bed 1900mmx 1500mm • Elevating bed 1900mm x 1280mm Living Features: • Front pleated cab blinds • Automatic140-litre 3-way fridge/freezer • Gas oven with grill • 6kW Combi Truma gas water and heating • Smart TV 18.5˝ swivels away inside cupboard • 120 watt solar panel, 100Ah AGM…

The weather was great for the outside exhibitors and stands were constantly busy with visitors. We did manage to capture Jamie Evans from JE Imports based in Nelson – they were outside the Pavilion doors with a large display of the Australian-built Malibu caravans. We interviewed Jamie in the big Malibu Hurricane caravan with its rear club, big kitchen, big bedroom all from the comfortable lounge to the right of entry in the rear of the caravan. Watch the video as Jamie talks us through this model and see this comfortable layout with all the extras you might need on the road, like a washing machine, big fridge with freezer, lots of water capacity on board and storage galore. 2024 Malibu Hurricane 22 ́6 Platinum edition $138,990​ Chassis: • Body…

Innovation and inspiration is often one of the most exciting factors to witness at these types of events, and this year there was a new innovation in the electric RV space from New Zealand company Sunscout. Check out the video with Todd Clark, the head of the solar division at Sunscout in Palmerston North; he talks us through the inspiration to taking an existing 2022 LDV eDeliver 9-light van with an 150kW power rating, automatic transmission with a GVM of 3500kg, and covering it in specialised solar panels to charge the vehicle continuously with the aim of creating a fully sustainable solar-powered camping experience. The technology was developed initially in 2023 for the company’s solar-powered electric lawn mowers for commercial use, with the mower unit fitted with an array of…

GAME ZONE Crossword by David Cass Clues across: 7. Antarctic volcano that became a household word after the November 1979 flight disaster (6) 8. NZ’s 3000km ‘Long Pathway’ or Te ------, was opened in December 2011 (6) 10. The name of NZ’s third highest mountain? (7) 11. New Zealand’s premier association for RV, motorhome and campervan users (1,1,1,1,1) 12. ----Bay is a busy seaside park protecting the northernmost of Auckland’s East Coast bays - well worth a visit (4) 13. Major German RV and caravan builder, also owner of the Burstner and Eriba brand names (5) 17. The kotuku is the biggest of the four species of -----that breed in NZ (5) 18. Impressive NZ trees from the myrtle family, with both the Northern and Southern varieties showing fine displays of…