Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations Issue #196

JULY 2020

PLAN A GETAWAY TO WHAKATANE Boutique shops, beautiful scenery, and one of NZ’s best beaches

Loving life on the road

“We rented out our home to travel NZ by RV. Three years later, we still love it!” p76

Hot springs and cycling adventures in

GISBORNE

Book a holiday in one of NZ’s great

DOC LODGES

ISSUE 196: JULY 2020 $9.95

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: RV FRIDGES, WATER TANKS, AND INSULATION

10 MUST-KNOW TIPS for buying a motorhome

TREASURED ISLE Magical Stewart Island

PLUS RV reviews, life on the road stories & more

44 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

“Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.”

- Dalai lama

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CONTENTS 30

FEATURES

WHEEL ESTATE

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46

DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES

52

A BREEZE ON THE BUDGET

TIPS FOR BUYING AN RV

Handy advice for those ready to buy a first motorhome

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The New Age Road Owl RO21BE The KEA Breeze L640

EXPLORE 20 30 36 40

WHAKATANE

Where to visit, eat, play, and stay in this gem of the Bay of Plenty

GO GISBORNE!

From hot springs to biking adventures, Gisborne has something for everyone

PEOPLE 66

JACKIE’S JOURNEY

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A UK CARAVAN ADVENTURE

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LIFE ON THE ROAD

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FAMILY CRUSADER

ISLAND IN THE SUN

Stewart Island is a magical place of untouched beauty

TIME TO SEE THE DOC?

We check out some great DOC lodges worth a visit

This month, Jackie and Gareth are locked down in Napier Meet 'Travelling K' and read about her recent UK caravan holiday Meet Lynn & Bill who took their 9-metre motorhome to Great Barrier Island The family who restored their 1978 Ci Munro caravan

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On holiday for over 60 years.

The TrailLite story is a classic Kiwi innovation tale that dates back to 1954.

Back in the day It was the 1950s and caravans were taking off. The ability to roll up and stay at some of the most picturesque locations in the country meant Kiwis were latching them to the back of their cars and hitting the road in droves.

Innovation’s been in our family since 1954, and it was obvious to us that our skills as cabinetmakers translated perfectly to form the foundation for creating top notch caravan interiors.

When the first one rolled off the production line it wasn’t long before our knack for it became obvious to the public too; they were lining up to get one of their own!

Over the course of more than 60 years, we’re still family owned, and our continued commitment to quality, service and innovation has earned TrailLite the reputation as leading manufacturers and suppliers of motorhomes and caravans.

Quality and innovation are our legacy Throughout our history we’ve built a reputation for setting the benchmark in cutting edge motorhome design

Auckland 77 Paerata Rd, Pukekohe

and expert craftsmanship. And we’re always looking to improve that by introducing new, exciting innovations.

We search the globe for new trends and ultimately listen to our customers (or product designers, as we like to call them) to deliver the best motorhome experience and product on the market.

So much choice We have over 20 different TrailLite models to choose from, with the option to upgrade and design your own bespoke interior flavour. Or you can choose from our carefully selected international range of Benimar and Auto Sleeper motorhomes and Bailey Caravans. We know New Zealand roads and conditions so only import the very best options that we know can handle them.

TrailLite get together With TrailLite, you’re more than just a motorhome or caravan owner, you’re part of a family. Every couple of years we organise the ‘TrailLite get together’ where other passionate motorhome and caravan owners gather together to share their stories, swap tips, and generally have a good time.

Christchurch 61 Hayton Rd, Wigram

0800 872 455 TrailLite.co.nz

Why choose TrailLite?

No matter if it’s a TrailLite built or TrailLite backed product, we’re all about enjoying life on the road.

So, wherever you go, whatever you need, we have you covered.

• With our TrailLite care programme your motorhome is covered by a little TLC. • We’ve been in operation since 1954 so you know we’re here for the long haul.

• A full, comprehensive handover with our dedicated handover and after sales care expert.

• We have the industry’s best resale values.

• Our on-site, factory supported Service Centre in Pukekohe is purpose built and fully stocked with all the parts and expertise you need to keep your vehicle in excellent condition.

• Built for your long term needs, you’re less likely to outgrow a TrailLite.

Added up, this all amounts to peace of mind and a lower total cost of ownership.

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PRACTICAL ADVICE 58

GUIDE TO RV FRIDGES

62

INSULATING YOUR RV

64

WATER WORKS

Find out which fridge is right for you How to make your motorhome or caravan warmer this winter Answers to common questions about RV water tanks

EVERY ISSUE 8

EDITOR’S LETTER

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INBOX

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8 GREAT

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

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RECIPES

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BOOKS

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PUZZLES

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DEALER LISTINGS

104

NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTION

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EDITOR’S LETTER

W

elcome to issue 196 of MCD, I hope it finds you well. This is the last of our digital-only editions, with our next magazine due back in print next month. You should receive your printed copy of issue 197 in early August. If you have a subscription, this will also resume next month, and will extend to cover any printed editions you missed over the past few months.

The MCD team is very much looking forward to being back in print, and from the many emails we’ve had from readers over the past month, I know you all are too. We’ll also be continuing with our digital editions of the magazine, so you can enjoy your favourite reading magazine at home or away, however suits you best.

This month, we visit the lovely coastal town of Whakatane.

If you haven’t visited for a while, I’d encourage you to head along when you get the chance. There is so much on offer – from beautiful Ohope Beach to the charming shops and cafes and, of course, the friendly locals. The community could certainly do with the support after the difficult time they’ve had since December last year.

We also have travel stories this month – from Gisborne and Stewart Island – plus we have a look at some of the great DOC lodges you can book out with friends and family. And as always, we meet with some of the fascinating people out there who are living the dream and travelling full-time by RV. One of those is Karen Nisbet, who many of you may already know. ‘Travelling K’, as she is better known, shares her recent caravanning adventure to the UK (perhaps something to dream about for the post-pandemic future!).

Enjoy this month’s issue; I’m sure you’ll find some great reading inside, whatever your travel plans are for the coming months.

Travel safe,

Claire Smith, editor

Stewart Island, read more on page 36

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claire@nzmcd.co.nz

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EDITORIAL

Editor: Claire Smith Sub-editor: Maria Hoyle Art director: Kavita Kumar Image retouching: Chrissy Pownall

START EARNING TODAY

COVER Image supplied by Whakatane Tourism CONTRIBUTORS

Jackie Norman, Heather Whelan, Lisa Jansen, Malcolm Street

PUBLISHER Pip Elliott MARKETING MANAGER Sarah Mee DIGITAL CONTENT MANAGER Carly Hitchcock ADVERTISING

Advertising sales manager Danny McKendry 022 392 1788 | sales@nzmcd.co.nz

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GENERAL ENQUIRIES

helpdesk@nzmcd.co.nz Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations is published monthly by MCD Media Ltd, Level 1, 29 Great South Road, Newmarket. PO Box 9438, Newmarket Distributed by Ovato Printed by Webstar

This magazine (and its websites) is subject to the New Zealand Press Council. Complaints to be first directed in writing to claire@nzmcd. co.nz. If the complainant is not satisfied with the response, the complaint may be referred to the Press Council P O Box 10-879, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 or e-mail (info@presscouncil. org.nz. Further detail and an online complaints forms are available at presscouncil.org.nz.

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INBOX

INBOX Share your stories and feedback at claire@nzmcd.co.nz or Facebook.com/ mcdmagazine

Last month, we asked you to tell us about your favourite campsite. Our lucky winner was Margaret Allen who shared, “We love the Tolaga Bay Holiday Park, Wharf Road, Tolaga Bay. You’ll find them as you head up the East Coast from Gisborne.

A great spot for camping, great staff and facilities and you can jump or fish off the historic wharf which is just a stroll away. Visit Broad Bills just over the car park - they serve the best coffee and pizzas on the coast. A must visit!” Here are some more comments from our readers.

12 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Waimeha Camping Village, Cape Palliser. Very clean and tidy, and the most amazing

sunsets.

Denise Steele

Long Bay, Coromandel. Beautiful outlook, good fishing, very friendly owners and lots of happy campers. Can’t wait to get back there.

Lynda White

Island View Holiday Park, Opotiki. Drive up from Wellington to this place. Feels like going through the back of the wardrobe to Narnia. Light, bright, and sparkling. It didn’t break the bank or the dream.

Alison Burdett

Gentle Annies, north of Westport.

So laid back, beautiful setting with beach and estuary, pizza oven for you to make your own pizzas, lovely wee cafe with all sorts of homemade goodies and very reasonable price. Just loved it.

Jan Lawrance

Danseys Pass Camping Ground. The people are lovely, facilities clean, kids playground looked good. And I love that you can camp right down beside the river and the camp has a stack of old black car tyre tubes blown up so you can float down the river. It was too cold when we went, but we are definitely going back, think we will even take the teenagers with us this time. I think even they would enjoy it.

Lauren Davidson

Flaxmill Bay, a boutique campground at Flaxmill Bay, Cooks Beach. Near Ferry Landing, Hahei, Cathedral Cove and Hot Water Beach on the Coromandel Peninsula. Gorgeous shady grounds, immaculately presented. I could stay there for weeks!

Raewyn Le Quesne Paekākāriki Holiday Park. It’s perfectly situated at the entrance to Queen Elizabeth Park with acres of walking (with or without dogs) and cycling

SHARE YOUR FEEDBACK AND WIN A PRIZE PACK OF BOOKS

This month, we have another prize pack of books to give away.

To be in to win, tell us about your favourite ‘coffee stop’. Where do you always stop on a road trip for the best coffee and tasty treats.

Email us at claire@nzmcd.co.nz or message us at facebook.com/ mcdmagazine. We’ll draw a lucky winner on 20 July 2020.

Millars Flat Holiday Park, right on the river’s edge, great cycle track to Roxborough and beyond. Managers Donna and Tony keep the place very clean and tidy. Cafe down the road and pub across the bridge.

Sean Woods Willowhaven Holiday Park, Rotorua. Beautiful parking spots on the lake, clean facilities, and helpful owners.

Linda Jones tracks, and the amazing Paekākāriki Beach about 150m walk away. The holiday park itself has every facility you could wish for including a dog zone, playground for kids, kitchens/BBQs, laundry facilities, shower block and toilets, dump station, potable water, powered and non-powered sites all for a very reasonable rate. It is set in beautiful landscaped grounds and is always immaculately presented. Love it.

Jan McKenzie Marokopa Holiday Park, Te Kuiti. It’s so laid back and a great camp.

Dawn Tucker Belt Road, New Plymouth: Big wide view over the bay and a fabulous seaside cafe down a small track from the camp. Nice, new ablution block and walking distance to the city.

Mary Howan

Kiwi Camp Levin. Very clean, tidy and great playground for grandkids.

Jennifer Gerrie Balclutha Motor Camp.

Fabulous owners. Friendly, accommodating, puts on great BBQs and includes everyone who wishes to participate. Always goes the extra mile. Extremely clean facilities. Kitchen has everything imaginable. Warm and comfortable. Great showers! Naish Park backs onto the camp with easy access. Beautiful park and leads to walking track above the mighty Clutha River. Easy walking distance into town and not far to drive to The Catlins.

Christine Ann Kelly Napier Beach Kiwi Holiday Park, awesome service right on the beach!

Manja Brinkman

Spirits Bay at Cape Reinga. It has a beautiful beach, not very crowded and being a DOC camp is very affordable. It just has a great feel to it.

Rachell Wills Waitangi Holiday Park is a fantastic place to stay as it is walking distance to the treaty grounds. It is also a central place to stay and go on day trips to all the other local attractions.

Bronwyn Cavanagh Tahuna Holiday Park in Nelson!

Rebecca Sandford We’ll have to say Hot Water Beach Top 10. It’s an amazing spot, beautiful scenery and the camping ground is kept top shelf. The girls at the front desk were super nice and we loved the idea of a café, a takeaway, and a mini grocery shop on the camping ground.

Bex Girod

Email your feedback to us at claire@nzmcd.co.nz or comment at facebook.com/mcdmagazine.

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FEATURE | BUYING A MOTORHOME

10 TIPS ON BUYING A MOTORHOME Ready to buy your first motorhome? Here are some tips to help get you started.

14 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Caption here

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urchasing a motorhome is a big investment and a significant commitment, which means there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right one for you, especially since getting it wrong can be costly. Our friends at TrailLite have helped put together a few tips to simplify your motorhome purchase journey.

STEP 1 DO YOUR RESEARCH

The average time motorhome purchasers spend researching is around nine months.

This means taking your time to really understand your intentions behind your purchase and what kind of lifestyle you have in mind. For example, are you looking to travel at the weekends only or do you want to hit the road for weeks at a time?

During your research you should be asking yourself a few key questions.

• What is your lifestyle dream?

• Will you mainly travel as an individual, couple, or family?

• Do you have a specific hobby you need to accommodate while you’re travelling?

• How important is it to you to have a sought-after brand and model, should you choose to sell it or upgrade?

• Where do you see yourself exploring, and at what time of the year?

• Will you stay in campsites or do you want to freedom camp?

• How long do you want to be away?

Once you have answered your main questions and have more of an understanding of what you are looking for, it’s time to get trusted advice.

STEP 2

Network with other motorhomers, but be sure to back up what you’re told with facts. If you don’t personally know anyone with a motorhome you could join a motorhoming Facebook group and get first-hand advice from someone who has just gone through the process.

Many motorhomers in New Zealand have their own blogs and YouTube videos, so do a bit of searching online and find a few you’d enjoy following.

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IMAGES: TRAILLITE/SMARTRV/SUPPLIED

TALK WITH OTHER MOTORHOMERS

STEP 3 VISIT SHOWS

A great way to see lots of motorhomes, talk with a range of experts, and meet other owners is to visit motorhome shows.

The next big show in New Zealand is the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show at Mystery Creek, Hamilton on 1820 September.

STEP 4 SPEAK TO THE EXPERTS

Have a consultation with the experts. Visit several trusted motorhome dealers in your area and talk through your questions and concerns with a sales member. They will most likely have answers to questions you hadn’t even considered.

STEP 5 RV shows are a great place to do your research

ASK ABOUT WARRANTIES

A motorhome warranty is an important part of your purchasing decision. Most dealers in New Zealand offer some form of a motorhome warranty. Generally, a motorhome warranty can be broken into four main areas: • The vehicle • The appliances inside the motorhome • The build of the motorhome body itself • After-sales care and parts Always ask the following questions: • How long is the warranty – these can range from one to five years – and what does it cover?

• Research the dealership – will they be there when you need them?

• Does the dealership have an after-sales programme?

STEP 6 DO A TEST DRIVE

A test drive is a good idea

16 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Booking a test drive will give you an idea of how it feels to drive a vehicle which is most likely a lot larger than you are used to. You may find it is far easier than you think!

This process will also help with deciding on which base vehicle you prefer.

The perfect parking spot!

STEP 7 DECIDE ON YOUR BASE VEHICLE

Deciding on your base vehicle will be largely dependent on your budget, along with whether you want a front- or rearwheel drive. In a motorhome, most weight is over the back of the vehicle.

A front-wheel drive with insufficient weight on the wheels can face challenges when driving on slippery surfaces such as gravel or grass. However, lots of people don’t mind this as they’ll be mainly on the road or in a campground. Most rearwheel drive vehicles will have the added benefit of dual wheels at the back, giving you better traction if you do get stuck.

Two main categories of base vehicles are available, European and Japanese, with both offering outstanding quality. So in many cases choice comes down to personal preference. Some other considerations for base vehicles include:

How you choose to camp will be a deciding factor as to the type of RV that is best for you

• Transmission – do you prefer manual, automatic, AMT? • Which make do you prefer, e.g. Fiat, Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Iveco, etc?

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“It’s a good idea to plan an overnight stay near the dealer you purchase from on the day you pick up your motorhome.”

STEP 8 PLAN A TRIP

The best way to get a good feel for what you need in a motorhome is to take one away for a few nights. Some dealers will offer this service. But even taking away a rental motorhome will help fill in the gaps in knowing what is important to you and why.

STEP 9 CHOOSE YOUR FAVOURITE LAYOUT There are many different layouts to choose from

There are hundreds of different floorplans/ layouts available. Usually the decisions you have already made such as budget, base vehicle (front- or rear-wheel drive), fit and finish, will narrow these down. These, along with your own personal preferences, will help you decide which floorplan will work best to suit your needs.

STEP 10 MAKE YOUR PURCHASE

There’s so much to love about travelling by RV

18 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

After you have answered all your questions, found a motorhome that covers all your needs and agreed with your travelling partner (if you have one), you will be ready to make your decision. It’s a good idea to plan an overnight stay near the dealer you purchase from on the day you pick up your motorhome. Give your motorhome a good test out – use all the appliances, take a shower, use the stove and fridge, test all the cupboards and drawers, etc. This way, if you have any problems, the dealer is close by to help out and you can get these sorted before taking a trip further from home. Most dealers will help you arrange this and will know of somewhere nearby that is suitable.

Finally, get out there and enjoy your new motorhome. It’s an exciting time and the start of a wonderful new way of life. ■

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EXPLORE | WHAKATANE

WHAKATANE - GEM OF THE BAY OF PLENTY

20 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

The warm-hearted people of this region beam with pride and rightly so, there is much to boast about in Whakatane and Ohope Beach. The most sunshine, the best beach, hard-to-beat food, a relaxed vibe and an immersive culture… this is the Bay of Plenty.

The Insider’s Guide editor Cheree Morrison shares some of the many highlights.

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hakatane and nearby Ohope Beach are places of sun, surf and general peacefulness. The people are friendly and full of bright ideas, much to the delight of visitors from near or afar.

Forty per cent of locals have Maori heritage and there are world-class opportunities to experience Maori culture at the Mataatua Wharenui in the middle of town and Te Kura Whare, or the Tuhoe Living Building, in nearby Taneatua.

Beachgoers swell local populations during summer with some making an annual family pilgrimage to favoured campsites.

Come winter, the summer crowds have dispersed, and the locals take a breath. For anyone preferring long, solitary beach walks and their pick of restaurants, the cooler months are the time to come. The town is quiet, there’s still more than enough to fill a few days and those famously numerous sunlight hours mean most activities can be enjoyed in good weather.

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

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IMAGES: TOURISM WHAKATANE/TOURISM NEW ZEALAND/WHAKATANE KIWI TRUST/

DISCOVER BEACHES & BEAUTY

Wairaka, ‘The Lady on the Rock’

W H A K ATA N E ’ S HISTORY The name Whakatane comes from a phrase uttered by Chief Toroa’s daughter, Wairaka. When the Mataatua waka landed on the beach near Whakatane Heads, Toroa and the men disembarked to explore. The Mataatua began to drift away from the beach so Wairaka, seeing their fate, seized an oar - something women were not to do. “Kia Whakatāne au i ahau/I will act like a man”, she cried as she navigated the waka back to the safety of the shore.

The defiant figure of Wairaka has been immortalised at Whakatane Heads as an ever-present reminder of her bravery. The photogenic bronze statue, known as The Lady on the Rock, was placed in 1965 and is easily visible from Muriwai Drive.

OHOPE BEACH Think of Ohope Beach as a suburb of Whakatane. A large hill and a 10-minute drive separate the two, however, there is a slightly different demographic in Ohope compared to Whakatane. It skews a little older, slightly more affluent (those views don’t come cheap), and many of the old22 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Ohope Beach

style baches have been replaced by larger, glossier homes with White Island reflected in the windows.

The 11km beach has been voted the most-loved beach in New Zealand, a fact that both locals and signage mention often. It’s safe for swimming, drenched in sunshine, and every man and his dog can be found wandering its length as the sun rises and falls. The West End has many walking tracks and is popular with surfers, while the southern end tapers into a thin peninsula bordered by the Pacific on one side, and the Ohiwa Harbour on the other, close enough to hop, skip and jump from the ocean surf to the harbour shallows. The surrounding area was well settled by early Maori, and there are more than 90 pa sites, all constructed between 1500 and 1769.

MEET THE WILDLIFE Whakatane’s journey to becoming the Kiwi Capital of the World began in 1999 when eight North Island brown kiwi were discovered living in the Ohope Scenic Reserve. Since then, more than 100 volunteers have put in thousands of hours each year into protecting the kiwi through pest-trapping, monitoring and community education. By late 2018, more than 300 birds lived in the reserve. The population

Whakatane is home to many kiwi

is so well-established now that residents often fall asleep to kiwi conversations or peek out the window to see one enjoying an al fresco backyard meal.

KIWI NIGHT WALKS

Russell Ingram-Seal is a bug man. The creepier, the crawlier, the bigger, scarier – all the better. This makes him the ideal guide for a night-time kiwi walk. When the two-legged feathered friends win the game of hide and seek (which, let’s be fair, is fairly often), Russell is ready with a torch in hand. His beam showcases the nocturnal residents of the Ohope Scenic Reserve. Sheetweb spiders weave webs and wait patiently for dinner to land in their laps, centipedes slide through the leaf litter and weta... Oh, the weta. Cave weta, tree weta, weta bigger than a human hand.

A night walk is the best way to understand the work of the Whakatane Kiwi Trust. Russell and the group of guides share their vast knowledge while always keeping one ear out for the call of the kiwi echoing across the valley.

Should the weather, stars and fates align one of 300 kiwis calling this region their favourite restaurant may wander into view, but even if they don’t, it’s well worth the adventure. Kiwi Night Walks take place Friday nights in April, May and June. Book in advance via the website as there are only 20 spots per walk, and they

DISCOVER CAFES & SHOPS

Kiwi chick release in Ohope Scenic Reserve

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO Weta love Whakatane too!

fill quickly. Cost is a koha or donation to the Trust ($20 per adult, $10 per child and $50 per family). Bring warm clothing, suitable walking shoes and a small headlamp or torch. A reasonable level of fitness is required. Find out more at whakatanekiwi.org.nz

ACTIVITIES AND OUTINGS AWAKERI RAIL ADVENTURES

If you need a break from driving a big RV and your hands are itching to try a steering wheel of a different sort, book a tour with Awakeri Rail Adventures. Sure, the modified golf carts might not be the sexiest or most heart-racing vehicle, nor will a leaden foot have much impact on speed but the 3-hour adventure along the railway is a fun break from the monotony of state highways. Plus, there’s plenty to learn from the wise-cracking guides, including the history of a 500-year-old kahikatea that was saved from being milled in the early 20th century. The tours have three stops, including one to feed some chooks and ducks, and another to enjoy a stroll through the White Pine Bush Scenic Reserve.

Next to the gas station on State Highway 30, Awakeri. 0800 537 472, on Facebook.

Awakeri Rail Carts

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Moutohora Island

MOUTOHORÃ/WHALE ISLAND TOUR

On the remnants of a long-eroded complex volcano, life flourishes as it once was. Tuatara roam the undergrowth, fur seals bask in the sun, saddlebacks dance through the native bush. Moutohora, or Whale Island, is nine km north of Whakatane; its gentle curves a companion to mainland residents. The island was declared a wildlife refuge in 1965 and a thorough planting programme and pest eradication have allowed flora and fauna on the island to thrive. New Zealand fur seals, tuatara, kiwi and saddlebacks are just a few of the islands long-term residents, with seasonal guests including the caspian tern enjoying the safety of the island haven. Moutohora is also the site of the world’s largest muttonbird – or sooty shearwater – colony.

Access to the island is restricted, with only a small number of operators granted concession. Even then, all who visit the island must comply with strict biosecurity practises.

Book your tour at moutohora.co.nz

Digging for hot water on Moutohora

DISCOVER MOUTOHORA

BRAEMAR SPRINGS

The locals may not be happy that someone let this rural secret slip. The Braemar Springs/Te Waiu o Pukemaire water is cool and refreshing year-round, however, a word of caution before leaping into this beautifully clear swimming hole – one man’s cool is another man’s freezing.

It may be wise to dip a toe in first…

488 Braemar Road, Rotoma 24 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Braemar Springs

CLICK TO VIEW VIDEO

Nga tapuwae o toi walkway

WALKS NGA TAPUWAE O TOI TRACK

Whakatane is a walker’s wonderland, and Nga Tapuwae o Toi (Footsteps of Toi) walkway is the star attraction. Toi (also known as Toi Te Huatahi) is one of Aotearoa’s famed ancestors; an early inhabitant of Whakatane, and a figure celebrated by Ngati Awa and Tuhoe.

The walk follows footsteps long faded, exploring the coastline of Whakatane and the beauty of Ohope.

The 16km walk weaves together scenic reserves, culturally significant sites, historic pa and pristine native bush. It’s best to head in a clockwise direction, departing from the Kohi Point Walkway towards Ohope, then back to Whakatane via the Ohope Scenic Reserve. The walk is suitable for most fitness levels (there are some stairs and steep sections, but the views are a decent reward) and the full loop will take between 5 and 7 hours.

Parking: For walkers who are keen to complete the full loop, there’s a carpark on Gorge Road (on the right when leaving Whakatane). There’s an easy footpath walk from the gorge carpark to the town centre – or simply begin the walk at the base of Puketapu Lookout – so it is possible to leave a car in town, or walk from a nearby accommodation.

Bus: For walkers short on time, or with their sights on an afternoon nap, the Bayhopper bus regularly runs between Ohope and Whakatane (Mon-Sat). baybus.co.nz

Otarawairere Bay

HIGHLIGHTS: KOHI POINT WALKWAY

Access to Kohi Point Walkway is right in the middle of town, opposite Pohatoroa.

The first section climbs stairs to the base of the Puketapu Lookout – a short detour here reveals views over the town. The track then follows Seaview Road before heading left around the headland. There is another short detour that leads to Kapu Te Rangi (Pa of Gentle Breezes), one of the oldest pa sites in the country and the stronghold of Toi. From here, the path heads towards Otarawairere Bay. Important: Otarawairere Bay is only passable at low tide. At high tide, the combination of ocean swell and hazardous

rocks make this section unpassable, so always check the tides before leaving.

There is a path at the southern end of the beach that climbs over the hill to Ohope Beach.

OHOPE SCENIC RESERVE

The entrance to this section of the walk is located on the corner of Pohutukawa Ave and Ohope Road, and is clearly signposted. The trail that leads through the Ohope Scenic Reserve combines both the popular Fairweather Loop and the Mokorua Bush track. The reserve is a ‘bestof ’ the region, with ancient pohutukawa, wetlands and towering natives. At night, this reserve is a favourite with kiwi – their calls echoing across the valley and beyond.

During the day, only their snores remain but it’s easy to picture this lush forest as their playground.

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MOKORUA BUSH SCENIC RESERVE

A haven for native birds, this land has undergone an incredible transformation in the past hundred years. The native bush was originally cleared for farmland in between 1910 and 1920, but has regenerated beautifully and now provides a home for North Island brown kiwi, tui, kereru and morepork. If walking clockwise, this is the final stretch of the Nga Tapuwae o Toi walkway. The track ends at the carpark on Gorge Road – it’s an easy walk back to the beginning of the track/town centre from here.

OHOPE HARBOURSIDE TRAIL

While Ohope Beach may be the ‘prettiest’, the harbour is just as lovely – so lovely that the Whakatane Rotary Club raised over $200,000 to create a walkway showcasing the waterside. The 2.9km trail leads from Waterways Drive to Ohope Wharf, where wanderers can sit back and watch the local fisherman trying their luck.

WARREN COLE WALKWAY/ RIVER WALK

For a whistle-stop highlights tour of Whakatane, take a walk along the Warren Cole Walkway and River Walk. The 4.5km path runs from the Landing Road bridge along the Whakatane river to Whakatane Heads, and passes through the Whakatane Gardens, the miniature railway, via Whakatane township, past the iSite (stop in to see the White Island display) and out towards the playgrounds and historical sites of the headland. A one-way walk will take around 1-2 hours depending on how many swings are swung, gardens wandered and sites sighted.

Both the Ohope Harbourside Trail and Warren Cole Walkways offer an easy waterfront meander for cyclists too.

Ohope Wharf

S O M E T H I N G TO E AT FISHERMAN’S WHARF CAFÉ

Timing is everything at Fisherman’s Wharf Café. Sitting above the gentle tides of the Ohiwa Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf is in prime sunset position, with a large deck and big windows perfectly placed to let nature entertain. Once the show is over and orange and pink have turned inky blue, the food becomes the main event.

Every town has a ‘celebration’ restaurant, and Fisherman’s Wharf is just that for Ohope – this is a special place to come, 26 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Fisherman’s wharf

Cadera

L’eipcure

Can’t beat fish ‘n chips

Moxi

where diners treat themselves to the best lamb in the area, and always order dessert (the banoffee pie is pure indulgence).

340 Harbour Road, Ohope Beach. (07) 312 4017, on Facebook.

CADERA

Cadera is the type of restaurant that just makes diners feel good. The walls are bright and covered in cheeky murals, the music is either live or lively, there’s a large outdoor deck where diners can enjoy a margarita in the sun and the food is mouthwatering and quick to arrive.

Owners Kathy Potter and husband Tom Johnson may be yet to actually visit Mexico, but they’ve got their twist on the cuisine sorted. Cadera began as a taco truck before a twist of fate and timing bestowed them with their dream premises in Ohope Beach. Kathy recommends jalapeno poppers, or the squid – or one of their crowd-pleasing tacos (the record was 15). It does pay to book in advance, especially on weekends.

19 Pohutukawa Avenue, Ohope Beach.

(07) 312 6122, on Facebook.

L’EPICERIE CAFÉ AND LARDER

Follow the smell of coffee, butter and pure happiness that drifts through Whakatane and there’s a good chance the trail will lead to one of two L’Epicerie locations. The first, L’Epicerie Café & Tea House, is at 73 The Strand. This is the home of mouthwatering French galettes (a type of crêpe with sweet or savoury toppings), flaky pastries and excellent Apteryx coffee – a breakfast of champions to say the least. If French taste buds are tingling, continue walking through Whakatane and discover L’Epicerie Larder (128 Commerce Street). The Larder’s pastries, tarts and loaves of bread are displayed like edible showpieces, all ready to be savoured in the outdoor courtyard. The Larder is open for breakfast and lunch, plus dinner on Friday and Saturday.

On Facebook (both locations).

MOXI CAFÉ

For early morning people-watching with a side of excellent food, pull up a pew at Moxi Café in Ohope Beach. It’s clear

from the constant flow of conversation that this is where locals find their daily brew and catch up on the news – and as all travellers know, following the locals is a surefire way to discover the best food. Open for breakfast and lunch, Moxi celebrates fresh local produce in a cool (and kid-friendly) space – come for brunch, stay for the atmosphere.

23 Pohutukawa Avenue, Ohope Beach. moxicafe.co.nz

SOMEWHERE TO S TAY FREEDOM CAMPING

There are several designated freedom camping locations in Whakatane and Ohope for motorhomes that are fully self-contained. For more information, visit whakatane.info/business/freedomcamping Waimana Gorge, Taneatua South of Taneatua beside Waimana River. There is a large rest area.

27

McAlister Street Carpark, McAlister Street, Whakatane Certified self-contained freedom camping is permitted in the car park at McAlister Street, Whakatane. There is a large playground and skate park in the immediate vicinity of the car park.

Maraetotara Reserve, Ohope Located beside Ohope Beach there is a playground, charter club restaurant, chemist and tennis courts nearby.

Restrictions: Max. 2 days stay. First come, first served. Dogs must be on leads at all times. Limited space.

Ohope Top 10

Port Ohope Boat Ramp, Harbour Road, Port Ohope Continue driving to the end of Harbour Rd, onto a gravel road. Turn right toward the boat ramp, 500m before the end of the road; look for signage. Large vehicles require blocks. Park well clear of trailer parking. Max. 2 nights stay. No dogs (fines apply).

West End Car Park, Ohope Beach Note: camping at West End car park is prohibited from the beginning of the third week of December until 31 March.

OHOPE BEACH TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK

Ohope Beach Top 10 Holiday Park appears to have adopted a well-known saying as its mantra, however, while it’s normally said “above and beyond”, here they prefer “above and beyond-er”. This large beachfront property is a playground for both young and adult. Everything has been well thought-out and planned, whether it’s having the local Four Square and bakery bring their wares to the small onsite shop (saving the morning bread dash), having endless activities for kids (bouncy pillows, trampolines and more) or offering not only a pool but hydro slides too.

The biggest draw has to be the 11km stretch of white sand beach that lies within steps of the campground. All guests, whether in tents or one of the apartments, cabins or caravans, can gently drift off to the sound of waves playing their lullabies on the shore.

Another bonus? Dogs are welcome (on campsites/with campervans) outside of the peak summer period. Just one more little extra that the park has taken care of.

367 Harbour Road, Ohope. 0800 264 673, ohopebeach.co.nz

28 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Awakeri Springs campground

AWAKERI HOT SPRINGS

Awakeri Hot Springs may well have been designed based on a ‘how-to create childhood holiday memories’ guide.

Mercifully unchanged and charmingly retro, this bush-surrounded patch will remind parents of long-ago vacations, and give kids a taste of life before iPads.

There is a range of geothermal hot pools, with a large main pool, two children pools and six private spas that draw water from the natural hot spring. If toes and fingers have pruned from hours spent splashing, there is plenty of room to run around, playgrounds and swings, plus a wellstocked store for ice cream.

Accommodation options vary from basic tent sites to one-room cabins, motel units and flats. The pools are free to use for guests (private spas are additional), but the public is also welcome to use the facilities for a small fee. Awakeri is just 10 minutes from Whakatane.

1363 State Highway 30, Awakeri. (07) 304 9117, awakerisprings.co.nz Whakatane Holiday Park Located just a short walk along the riverside from downtown Whakatane, this spacious holiday park has plenty

of powered and non-powered sites for motorhomes and caravans. Facilities include a TV room, laundry, kitchen, bathrooms, BBQs and a swimming pool during summer.

Mcgarvey Rd, Whakatane, (07) 308 8694, whakataneholidaypark.co.nz

Extracted from the 2020 issue of The Insider’s Guide to New Zealand, New Zealand’s leading independently researched travel guide.

To order your copy, visit thisnzlife.co.nz/shop $19.90 plus handling and postage

Where spectacular is par for the course Whakatāne’s sun-filled golf courses offer crisp, dry greens all year round. Take a trip to New Zealand’s sunniest spot and discover everything under the sun.

whakatane.nz whakatane.com

Ōhope International Golf Club

EXPLORE | GISBORNE

GO GISBORNE!

From soaking in hot springs to cycling adventures and adrenalin-fuelled rock sliding, there’s something for everyone in Gisborne

On the Wainui Makorori Headland

30 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

and roads, before reaching the first tunnel.

Geoff checked we had our lights switched on and we pedalled into the darkness. Then it was back into the sunshine again before entering another tunnel, finally emerging at the coast. We cycled along, admiring views from cliffs 140 metres above sea level, before reaching the end of the line.

Literally. Stormy weather had caused a slip that left the track twisted and suspended in mid air. After taking photographs of the dramatic sight, we retraced our route for a few minutes to the picnic spot. Geoff produced chairs from a shed beside a grassy area and we ate our snacks while enjoying the sea view.

Geoff hopes that in the future riders will be able to take the rails all the way to Wairoa but for now the ride is a thereand-back-again trip. Going back was fun,

we’d barely noticed the slow incline on the outward journey but the return trip was definitely downhill – we hardly needed to pedal at all. Four hours after leaving we were back at Muriwai, having enjoyed a really unique experience.

HISTORIC GISBORNE

Gisborne City began its life as a commercial centre in 1831 when 23-year-old John Harris set up a trading post. Soon the port was thriving, as local Maori grew potatoes, flax and wheat for export.

Maori had sailed from Polynesia and settled in the area more than 650 years ago, naming their new home Turanga. Links to their seafaring heritage can be seen at the small harbour on the Esplanade where two double-hulled sailing waka are moored.

The Tahitian waka Fa’afaite is in Gisborne

IMAGES: HEATHER WHELEN

I

t was 8.15am when my partner Malcolm and I arrived at the railway line at Muriwai, just south of Gisborne, and the day was already hot.

We were all set for a cycling adventure on Gisborne Railbikes, a unique concept thought up by Geoff Main, the director and driving force behind the venture.

Geoff greeted us and showed us our bikes, which sit side by side, rigidly connected and attached to the rails.

The other cyclists on today’s ride had chosen the e-bike option but we were happy with standard bikes, which came complete with a basket at the front and packs behind to carry whatever we’d brought for morning tea.

The 16km section of disused railway line took us through a bush-filled valley, over wooden bridges that spanned rivers

following last year’s Tuia celebrations, while the waka hourua Tairāwhiti offers cultural and sailing trips. This is on the bucket list for our next visit.

Gisborne is famously the first place in the world to see the light of the new day. It is also famous for its surf beaches, having some of the best breaks in the country, but for non-surfers there are lots of other options, such as parks, walkways and cycle paths.

The i-SITE has plenty of brochures – we found a short walk in one that took us to the top of the Wainui-Makorori headland.

We didn’t get there early enough to see the sunrise but we did have great views, especially to the south over Wainui Beach to Tuahine Point and Young Nick’s Head.

We also strolled along Gisborne’s palm tree-lined main street, Gladstone Road, towards the art deco clock tower, with a stop for lunch at one of the many cafes and a lengthy peruse through the bookshop.

The bikes were easy to use

Clifftop views

31

Entering ‘the Cathedral’

BEAUTIFUL BOTANICS

There are more walks at Eastwoodhill, New Zealand’s National Arboretum, a 30 minute drive from Gisborne. The arboretum boasts more than 25kms of walking tracks looping around its 100 hectares, allowing visitors to discover over 3500 different trees, shrubs and climbing plants. The arboretum is home to the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator as well as many species of native and exotic birds.

The arboretum began in 1910 when Douglas Cook bought the farm he called Eastwoodhill. Cook spent the next 50 years expanding the plantings before selling the arboretum to H B (Bill) Williams. The Williams family gifted Eastwoodhill to the people of New Zealand and it is now administered by a trust.

We picked up a map in the visitor centre and decided to follow the 3km purple walk (the six trails have coloured leaf signs to keep you on track). This took us along 32 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Magestic trees at Eastwoodhill

some of Eastwoodhill’s higher ground and gave great views of the arboretum. As the track zigzagged down we came to a Canadian-style cabin with a sign that told us that it had been used as accommodation for naturists in the past, and that Douglas Cook used to keep a supply of sherry here, so his guests could stop for a glass on their walks.

In one place there was an area where the tall trees were cathedral-like and, we discovered, this was what Cook had in mind when he planted the cypress and eucalyptus trees here. During a visit to England in 1936 Cook took note of the outline and proportions of Westminster Abbey. On his return to Eastwoodhill he planted cypress and eucalyptus to represent a cathedral. By the 1950s the foliage drooped to ground level, creating an enclosed private space. The trees were planted too closely and the effect is now lost, though the area still has a spiritual feel. One tree that formed a pillar in ‘the cathedral’ is, at 53 metres in height, the tallest tree at Eastwoodhill.

Close to the visitor centre is Eastwoodhill’s Fibonacci spiral.

Constructed from volcanic rock and limestone, the spiral radiates out from a 750kg rock ball that floats in a pool. Water pressure eliminates friction, which means the ball can be rotated easily.

“... there are still lovely swimming holes and quiet river trails to be found – they may just be slightly off the beaten track”

Gisborne street art

The waka Fa’afaite with Tairawhiti in the background

33

FREE FUN

If you turn right when you leave Eastwoodhill and drive about 10 minutes further along the Wharekopae Road there’s a sign for Rere Falls. This pretty waterfall is not high but it is wide – and when there is plenty of water pouring over it you can walk behind the cascade. There’s a swimming hole and picnic area too – but we didn’t stay long because we wanted to see the ‘world famous in New Zealand’ Rere Rockslide, just a little further up-river.

This natural playground is composed of a 60-metre-long mossy and slippery waterslide, smoothed by the waters of the Wharekopae River that flows over it and empties into a pool at the bottom. If you’re adventurous you can grab a lilo, boogie board or inner tube and ride the waterfall.

We were content to just watch the happy folk slithering down and splashing into the pool, then rushing back up for another turn. It was obviously the best free fun for miles.

Rere Falls

RELAX IN SECLUSION

We prefer our water activity to be a bit more sedate so, when we left Gisborne, we stopped at the Morere Hot Springs on SH2 where, after walking through shady palmfilled rainforest we relaxed in the hot pools.

Morere’s water has been called ‘fossilised sea water’ because of the length of time it has been underground before bubbling to the surface. Visitors have enjoyed calming, therapeutic soaks at Morere since the 1890s and it’s quiet, green ambience was the perfect end to a fun filled, but tiring, exploration of Gisborne. ■

FURTHER INFORMATION Useful websites with details about the places mentioned in this story: railbikeadventures.co.nz; eastwoodhill.org.net; wakavoyagers. com; morerehotsprings.co.nz Gisborne i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is at 209 Grey Street NZMCA members can stay at the park at 7 Pacific Street, Awapuni, Gisborne, and there are several motor camps and POPs in the area, including one at Rere, near the Falls.

Self contained motorhomes can stay at Eastwoodhill Arboretum for a fee of $10.

Morere Hot Springs

34 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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EXPLORE | STEWART ISLAND

ISLAND IN THE SUN

Stewart Island

36 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

The island is home to our native Kaka

IMAGES BY TOURISM NEW ZEALAND/SOUTHLANDNZ.COM/HEATHER WHELAN/NINA MERCER/REBECCA WILSON-JENNINGS

Stewart Island, or Rakiura, is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, but the locals – human and otherwise – also make this island a unique experience.

S

tewart Island is our third-largest and southernmost island, and similar in size to Singapore. It’s accessible by a 20-minute flight or hourlong ferry trip across Foveaux Strait.

Stewart Island is sparsely populated in human terms, with just 450 fulltime residents. But with an estimated 20,000 brown kiwi – just one of many native bird species living on the island – birds on the island outnumber people many times over. There is more chance to see the flightless bird in its natural environment here than anywhere else in New Zealand. The usually nocturnal kiwi also obliges by appearing during daylight hours.

Oban, the island’s only township, has a shop, a pub, plenty of holiday accommodation, and is home to most of the population.

Much of the island is in conservation reserve, forming the Rakiura National Park, an adventure playground for bird watchers or hiking, fishing, hunting and other outdoor enthusiasts.

HISTORY

Stewart Island is steeped in history, from early Māori to Scandinavian sealers and European settlers. The original Māori name, Te Punga o Te Waka a Maui or “the anchor stone of Maui’s canoe”, refers to the legend of Maui raising a great fish (the North Island) from his canoe (the South Island) and positions Stewart Island at the heart of Māori mythology.

The island owes its European name to William W. Stewart, first officer on the ship Pegasus, which visited on a sealing expedition from Australia in 1809.

Stewart charted the large southeastern harbour known as Port Pegasus.

Rakiura, the Māori name for the island commonly used today, translates as “glowing skies” and refers to the brilliant sunrises and sunsets, and to Aurora Australis – the lights that are a phenomenon of southern latitudes and most visible in winter skies from March to September.

Explorers, sealers, missionaries, miners, and settlers made their mark on the island from the early 19th century, creating strong links to local Māori through marriage. Norwegian whalers who arrived in the 1920s added new threads to the tapestry of residents.

“Oban, the island’s only township, boasts a shop, a pub and plenty of holiday accommodation, and is home to most of the population.”

ADVENTURE / OUTDOORS

With numerous walks maintained by the Department of Conservation (DOC), the island has become a hiking Mecca.

Stewart Island tracks vary in difficulty and length, from 10-minute strolls and short day walks up to 11-day hikes.

The most impressive hike is the 37-kilometre Rakiura Track, one of New Zealand’s nine Great Walks, which takes in early Māori settlement sites, sawmilling relics and beautiful native forest.

More demanding walks include the Southern and the North-Western circuits, and several short-day hikes set off from Oban village.

Boat charters offer sightseeing and deep-sea fishing tours of the rich marine habitat and pristine waters surrounding Stewart Island. Sea kayaks are also available for hire, and anglers or divers are invariably rewarded with some of 37

The Aurora Australis

the world’s freshest and sweetest fish. The island’s eateries serve blue cod, salmon, oysters, mussels, crab and other delicacies caught or harvested locally.

to see the kiwi feeding, or opportunities to see them while walking on island tracks in the daytime. ■

NATURE AND WILDLIFE

Ancient podocarp forests blanket Stewart Island, with rimu, southern kamahi and miro looming high above a plush carpet of fern and liana. Granite outcrops have been sculpted into natural artworks over time.

Bird watchers come from all over the island to enjoy the island’s birdlife.

Indigenous species include the Stewart Island brown kiwi and robin, tui, dotterel and kaka. Seabirds abound in the coastal waters due to the rich supply of food.

Ulva Island, a seven-minute water taxi ride from Oban, is predator-free and home to many varieties of rare and endangered native birds, and other fauna and flora.

In the 1870s, the island was the site of the regional post office, which was built and manned by Charles and Jess Traill.

Whenever the mail boat arrived, the Traills raised the mail flag as a signal to Stewart Islanders to sail or row across to collect their letters and parcels.

A small part of the island is still privately owned by Traill descendants, leaving the rest as an open sanctuary with public walking trails, native forest and white sandy beaches.

A visit to Stewart Island is not complete without a kiwi spotting adventure. There are night-time boat trips to remote beaches

38 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

FAST FACTS

Stewart Island enjoys a microclimate that often makes it several degrees warmer than the mainland. Warm weather and very long summer days are big drawcards for cruise ships visiting the island through the summer months.

The lush Stewart Island bush

Hundreds of people gather for the annual Waitangi Day rugby match between Islanders and Mainlanders, before heading to the beach for a giant community hangi/feast.

The island has New Zealand’s southernmost golf course.

Great white sharks have used the water around Stewart Island as a nursery for their pups for thousands of years.

Robin

A quarter of New Zealand’s total population of kiwi live on the island.

Māori have lived on Stewart Island since the 13th century, largely because of its abundance of kaimoana (seafood).

Visitors can join in the Sunday night quiz at the local pub, made famous

by Prince Harry when he visited the island.

Brown Kiwi

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EXPLORE | DOC LODGES

A walking track at Mt Holdsworth

TIME TO VISIT THE DOC New Zealand has some fabulous DOC lodges and cabins, each surrounded by beautiful scenery and offering a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors.

I SOURCE: NINA MERCER/DESTINATION TAUPO

f you are planning to get out and explore New Zealand’s big, beautiful backyard over the coming months, a DOC lodge can be a great option for off-the-beaten-track accommodation.

Many lodges offer you the chance to book out a large space and get together with extended family or a group of friends. Or you can just book a bed or bunkroom and share with other like-minded souls. Here are a few worth checking out.

HOLDSWORTH LODGE – WAIRARAPA

Situated at the base of the Tararua Range, this lodge caters for groups of up to 28 and can be used by one group or shared with others. The lodge is only 15 minutes’ drive from Masterton, but as it’s nestled beside a flowing river on the edge of native forest, you would be forgiven for

40 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

thinking you were miles from anywhere.

The river offers many opportunities to drop in a fishing line or for kids to play and explore.

Several walks start virtually right outside the front door. The one-hour Donnelly Flat Loop has picnic areas and great hangout spots along the river. If you don’t mind a bit of a climb, you may like to try hauling yourself up to Rocky Lookout. The track is well maintained and climbs out of the forest to a lookout point with stunning views out towards the Wairarapa coast. It takes 2-3 hours return.

Tongariro National Park

WHAKAPAPA HOLIDAY PARK CABINS AND LODGE – TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK

This holiday park offers a number of accommodation options, from camping to a 32-bunk lodge. The lodge can be booked out if you want a large get-together – you do need to bring your own cooking utensils though.

Tongariro National Park is a hiker’s paradise. From 15-minute walks around alpine gardens to full-day excursions, this area offers something for everyone. The Taranaki Falls is a popular two-hour walk

The stunning Taranaki Falls

to a waterfall that thunders over the edge of an ancient lava flow.

For a longer walk, check out Tama Lakes further on from the falls. These walks take you through mountain beech forest, tussock, and alpine wetlands. And, of course, the famous Tongariro Alpine Crossing is close by.

THE CAMPHOUSE – NORTH EGMONT

The historic nature of this 34-bunk lodge holds great appeal. Built in 1856 as part of army barracks near New Plymouth, this section of the barracks was saved from demolition and moved to North Egmont in 1891; it was opened for ‘alpine visitor accommodation’ the following year. There are only a few buildings left from the 1860s New Zealand Wars so you really are experiencing a piece of history staying there.

Mt Taranaki towers behind the lodge, and is worth the visit just for a glimpse of the majestic peak. Even in grim weather there are a number of short walks to be enjoyed – just be prepared for mud.

The forest is beautiful, making it easy to imagine you are a hobbit on a mission.

The North Egmont Visitor Centre is a lovely experience as well.

CATCHPOOL AND ŌRONGORONGO VALLEY – RIMUTAKA FOREST PARK

The Coast Road Cabin has three bedrooms that can sleep up to 13.

Extremely easy to get to, it is at the entrance of the Catchpool Valley. This fully equipped house gives groups a great base to explore the walks 10 minutes’ drive further up the valley or for exploring further around the Coast Road.

But if you are really keen, this is also a great place to go for an extended family tramp. The huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley in the Rimutaka Forest Park east of Wellington are the ultimate for groups of all ages.

There are nine huts or lodges in the Ōrongorongo Valley that can be booked.

They range from a four-bunk shack to a 32-bunk lodge, but most sleep around 10.

All but the smallest hut provide cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery.

Most of the huts are just a two to threehour walk from the road-end, and while much of the track is well maintained and easy walking, several of the huts require crossing the river to reach.

Booking early is essential as the area is very popular. ■

The Camphouse, nestled on the lower slopes of Mt Taranaki

Access to some of the huts in the Ōrongorongo Valley is across wide riverbeds

MORE INFORMATION

or candle holders and heating.

Full details, including maps, can be found at doc.govt.nz.

Kitchen facilities Full kitchen: Electric or gas cooking (fuel supplied), hot water, pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. There may be a barbecue, fridge/freezer or microwave (listed under ‘facilities’ on the individual lodge, cabin or cottage page if supplied).

Fees Fees vary between lodges. Updated pricing can be found on the ‘lodges’ page at doc.govt.nz.

Bookings All lodges, cabins and cottages need to be booked prior to arrival. Some can be booked online using DOC’s online booking system. Check out the individual lodge, cabin or cottage page online for booking contact details.

Facilities The following items are always supplied: Beds, bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, table and chairs, tap water, toilets, toilet paper and a broom and brush to keep accommodation clean and tidy.

These items are sometimes supplied: Electricity, hot water, showers, lighting

Simple kitchen: Electric or gas cooking (fuel supplied). There may be hot water, pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery (listed under ‘facilities’ on the individual lodge, cabin or cottage page if supplied).

Basic kitchen: Gas, coal range or barbecue cooking (fuel supplied).

Bring your own pots, pans, cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery.

You need to bring: Bed linen or sleeping bags, tea towels, candles or camp lights (where lighting is not provided), food and personal items.

41

EXPLORE | 8 GREAT LIGHTHOUSES

Waipapa Point Lighthouse - The Catlins

8 GREAT LIGHTHOUSES New Zealand has 23 operational lighthouses operated by Maritime New Zealand. And while you won’t be able to enter the lighthouses, here are eight that you can get close enough to enjoy a good look at.

TIRITIRI MATANGI

This lighthouse sits on Tiritiri Matangi Island in Auckland’s Hauraki Gulf. It is the oldest lighthouse still operational in New Zealand, and the first to be built by the government – back in 1865. The site was chosen by Lieutenant Governor William Hobson.

In the 1960s, former Auckland mayor and philanthropist, Sir Ernest Davis paid to boost the light to 11 million candlepower. The light was then the brightest in the southern hemisphere, visible 80 kilometres out to sea and illuminating, at 15-second intervals, the bedroom walls of homes on Auckland’s North Shore. Tiritiri is a wildlife sanctuary administered by DOC and is a popular day trip from Auckland.

42 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

CASTLE POINT

Castle Point Lighthouse is situated on the Wairarapa Coast, about 70 kilometres east of Masterton.

Close to the Castlepoint Township, it was known as the “holiday light”.

The 23-metre high lighthouse was one of the last manned lights to be established in New Zealand.

Before it was built, the area had a number of wrecks, notably the White Swan in 1862, which was carrying a load of politicians from Auckland to Wellington, and the Sovereign, wrecked at Mataikona in 1894. The government saw the need for a navigation light on the coast and chose Castlepoint reef as the site of the last of the ‘watched’ lighthouses to

be built in New Zealand. The lighthouse can be reached on foot from the Castlepoint township.

NUGGET POINT

Nugget Point Lighthouse stands near the south-east corner of the South Island, near the mouth of the Clutha River.

Over the years, Nugget Point earned a reputation as being dangerous for ships.

Most shipping casualties were small vessels travelling to the Clutha River. The nine-metre lighthouse began operating in 1870 and was originally powered by oil illumination. In 1948 the light was converted to diesel-generated electric power and then later connected to mains electricity. In 1989, the lighthouse was automated, and the last keeper was withdrawn. In May 2006, the original

Nugget Point in the Catlins - one of their favourite parts of the South Island.

WAIPAPA POINT

Waipapa Point is located at the southern end of The Catlins on the South Island’s south coast. The area was the scene of New Zealand’s worst civilian shipwreck. On 29 April 1881, 131 people drowned when the passenger steamer Tararua was wrecked on a reef off the point. The ship was on one of its regular trips between Otago and Melbourne, via Bluff. After the shipwreck, it was recommended a light be erected on the point. A light was ordered from England immediately, and work began on building the wooden tower and houses for three keepers and their families. It was the second-tolast wooden lighthouse tower built in New Zealand. The light was lit for the first time on New Year’s Day in 1884 and was automated in 1975.

accessible to the public. It can be reached on foot from the car park at the end of East Cape Road.

CAPE EGMONT

KATIKI POINT

Cape Egmont Lighthouse is located on the southern Taranaki coast about 50 kilometres southwest of New Plymouth.

Originally erected on Mana Island, it was moved to Cape Egmont in 1877.

The light shone at Cape Egmont for the first time in August 1881. For the first six months an armed constabulary was stationed on the first floor of the lighthouse because of the Taranaki land wars. On 14 July 1956, the vessel Calm grounded off the cape during a gale.

As a result, a permanent keeper was placed back on the station. Keepers remained at Cape Egmont Lighthouse until the light was automated in 1986.

Cape Egmont Lighthouse can be reached on foot from the end of Cape Road.

EAST CAPE

East Cape Lighthouse is located on the east coast of the North Island.

Situated on the Eastland peninsula, it is the most easterly lighthouse in New Zealand. The lighthouse was originally located on East Island, just off the tip of East Cape, but this location proved very troublesome. A government steamer capsized while bringing tower construction materials to East Island, and four men died. The island was very unstable, and the cliffs were constantly being eroded and slipping into the ocean. By the 1920s these slips were coming close to the lighthouse, and the decision was made to relocate it to the mainland, with construction beginning in 1922. East Cape Lighthouse is

Katiki Point Lighthouse sits on the southern tip of the Moeraki peninsula, about 80 kilometres north of Dunedin.

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1876 but was delayed because of bad weather. Just before the light was first lit, the lighthouse was struck by a storm which shook the tower so violently the lamp glass broke. The light then had to be replaced and the tower strengthened before the light could finally be lit in 1878. The station was automated, and the last keeper was withdrawn in 1975.

The Katiki Point Historic Reserve is administered by the Department of Conservation. The reserve and lighthouse can be reached on foot from the car park on Lighthouse Road.

Turn off State Highway one at Moeraki Township.

CAPE FOULWIND

Cape Foulwind is situated south of Westport on the west coast of New Zealand’s South Island. Cape Foulwind was first considered as a site for a light in 1874, however, it was not until 1876 that the light was first lit. The original tower, built of rimu, suffered from rot. In the mid-1920s, a new concrete tower was built behind the original tower.

The light in the new tower was first lit in 1926. The original beacon has now been replaced with an LED beacon mounted on the tower balcony and powered from battery banks charged by solar panels. Cape Foulwind Lighthouse can easily be visited as part of the Cape Foulwind walkway.

IMAGES: NEWZEALAND.COM

light was replaced with an externally mounted LED beacon which is powered by mains electricity backed up by battery power. The original lens in still in place today. Nugget Point Lighthouse can be reached on foot from the nearby road-end.

Waipapa Point Lighthouse is located approximately 10 kms from Fortrose and is a short walk from the carpark area.

43

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WHEEL ESTATE | NATIONWIDE RV – NEW AGE ROAD OWL RO21BE

DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES Malcolm Street reviews the New Age Road Owl RO21BE caravan and finds it ticks the boxes for families with young children

A family van – what’s the clue?

46 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

A

ussie-based New Age caravans have something of a reputation for building caravans that stand out from the mass herd that is the Australian caravan market. That didn’t change one iota in 2019 when New Age was purchased by the Walkinshaw Automotive Group.

For the motoring enthusiasts, that is the same Tom Walkinshaw that made motor racing history when he appeared with his Jaguar XJS at the Australian Bathurst 1000 race in 1984. Even non-racing types like me remember that. Since then Walkinshaw has done much with GMH’s Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) group. Some of that thinking is now happening at New Age – a clay modelling studio, factory durability testing, and robotic chassis welding, for example.

More locally, my review model, a New Age Road Owl caravan, came from Auckland’s Nationwide RV and was a tandem axle with an external travel length of 8440mm and an ATM of 2900kg. It’s a mid-size caravan with a fair bit of room inside for a designer to play with.

FAMILY LAYOUT

The Road Owl has a family bunk bed layout. Stepping in through the forward entry door reveals an island bed to the left, an L-shaped lounge/diner to the right, and a kitchen bench along the offside wall.

That leaves the entire rear area for a set of triple bunks along the offside wall and a bathroom on the opposite side.

One of the benefits of this arrangement is that the rear area can be closed off for early bedtimes for the littlies. Another benefit of this layout is that all the big cabinetry items are down the back, leaving the middle and front areas quite open.

The front island bed has a couple of extras like upper shelves and charger points

INTERIOR LOOK

IMAGES SUPPLIED

A trademark of New Age caravans in the past has been almost all white interiors.

That’s not quite the case here; the white walls and ceiling are offset nicely by the blue grey of the cabinetry and the kitchen splashback. The windows are mostly quite small, compared to some caravans I’ve seen and it will be interesting to see what the local market thinks about that.

MASTER BEDROOM

Up front, the island bed measures 1950mm

The hinged table can be expanded when needed

47

“One of the benefits of this arrangement is that the rear area can be closed off for early bedtimes for the littlies.”

x 1530mm and has tall wardrobes and small bedside cabinets on both sides.

Above the bedhead the overhead lockers are smaller than usual, but what you get instead are two corner shelves, complete with 12-volt hubs – great for charging personal devices overnight. There are 240-volt power points above each bedside cabinet.

Given the forward entry door, the walk-around space is quite good. Lifting the bed base reveals a good storage area, although a small part of the space is taken by the Webasto air heater.

KITCHEN The kitchen bench includes cupboard and drawer space

Fitted into the kitchen bench are the essentials of catering life – a Thetford four-burner hob with grill and separate oven, alongside a stainless-steel sink/ drainer. Fortunately, the hob has a flush hinged lid because there is limited benchtop space.

Fitted into the overhead locker space is a microwave oven, but it has been mounted lower than usual, making it good for those who are short of stature.

There is a plentiful supply of cupboard and drawer space, although the Swift water heater occupies a lower cupboard area, and the BMPRO battery management system can be found in one of the overhead lockers. That’s certainly a handy location if any circuit testing has to be done.

Fitted alongside the kitchen bench is a Dometic 186-litre fridge, big enough to hold everything a family needs for a decent holiday, with cupboard above.

DINING

The microwave oven is set at a user-friendly height

48 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Like many a family van I have seen, the dinette seating capacity really doesn’t match the bed numbers, so an extra seat may be necessary at mealtimes. Reading lights are fitted at either end of the seat

WE CAN HELP YOU FINANCE YOUR DREAM RV!

Under bed space handy for storage

The bathroom is large enough for a separate shower cubicle

The triple bunks

and there’s a power point in the rear corner.

Under-seat storage is readily available, although the wall seat area is partly taken up by the wheel arch. Along the wall above the seat are three overhead lockers and towards the forward end, a radio/CD player.

Handily at the end of the overhead lockers by the entry door is the BMPRO touch control panel and a bank of light switches.

were used to was a folded down dinette table and a seat cushion to fill the gap.

Not so today of course, like in this Road Owl van where the triple bunks measure 1900mm x 680mm and come with their own window, reading light and 12-volt socket. Even the aluminium stepped ladder is better than the usual plywood cut-out so often supplied.

toilet fit in neatly, as does the vanity cabinet. That comes complete with a washbasin, good sized wall mirror, cupboard, and a couple of decent sized shelves. There’s not quite enough room to swing a cat but turning round and accomplishing the desirable functions can be done without too much trouble.

BUNKING

BATHROOM

EXTERIOR

I can remember a time when the caravan bed that most younger family members

0800 300 500

It’s not quite a full-size bathroom, but the shower cubicle and Thetford cassette

The Road Owl has a hot dipped galvanised chassis. It’s built in a box

CREDITONE.CO.NZ

49

FLOOR PLAN: NEW AGE ROAD OWL RO21BE

PROS •

Family bunk van

•

Open layout

•

Front tunnel storage

•

Well equipped kitchen

•

Easy-to-grab door latches

•

CONS •

Limited kitchen benchtop space

•

Extra seats needed for dining area

•

Small window area

50 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

section style with 150mm x 50mm main rails and drawbar and punched hole C-section cross members.

Roller rocker leaf spring suspension is used for the tandem axles, which are fitted with 16-inch alloy wheels. On the drawbar are the expected items – 50mm ball coupling, handbrake, jockey wheel and two 9.0kg gas cylinders. A spare wheel is mounted at the rear of the van.

Hiding under the aluminium-clad bodywork is an insulated meranti timber frame. A security mesh door is fitted as a standard feature and the windows are all double-glazed acrylics.

For external use, a front tunnel storage area runs across the van and has

doors on both sides.

Under the carefree awning, the hinged picnic table is the centre of a small entertainment unit that comprises external speakers, 230-volt/12-volt connections and an antenna socket.

SUMMARY

Given the GVM of 2900kg, towing will require a mid- to large-sized vehicle, but a ute with seating for four or five people should suffice quite well.

For a family looking for a mid-sized caravan, New Age’s Road Owl scores quite well. It has a layout with all the necessary comforts for everyone.

To find out more head to nationwiderv. co.nz

MAKE & MODEL

NEW AGE ROAD OWL RO21BE

Year

2020

Axles

Tandem

Berths

5

External travel length

8440mm

External width

2500mm

Tanks

220L fresh, 110L grey

12V power

1 x 100Ah battery, 1 x 150W solar

GVM

2900kg (with a 600kg payload)

Price

$85,000

Simply the best...

2020 Model Features: • Fiat Euro 6D Engine • 9 Speed Automatic Transmission • 6 External Cab Colours to choose from • New External Graphics • Lighter, modern Mayet Oak Wood • USB Sockets added throughout Habitation Area • New Models available g • New Integrated Entrance Door • New Entrance Step

5 YEAR

W

FIAT

ARRANTY

IMALA

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Ashburton Auckland Silverdale Taranaki

131 Archibald Street, Ashburton 03 307 8037 61 Creek Road, Drury 09 294 6500 (Formally Auckland Motorhomes) 2 Flexman Place, Silverdale 09 426 9916 624 Devon Road, New Plymouth 06 758 0984

www.nationwiderv.co.nz

WHEEL ESTATE | KEA BREEZE L640

Shiny new motorhomes don’t fit everyone’s budget. Malcolm Street paid a visit to Auckland’s RV Super Centre to check out a used model KEA Breeze, and has a few purchasing tips.

B

uying a used motorhome can be something of a daunting experience. Unlike, say, a used car purchase, buying a pre-loved motorhome not only involves the mechanical bits but the house components as well. But with a little homework, you can get a very nice RV at a very good price.

Case in point: the KEA Breeze L640 motorhome. It’s part of what RV Super Centre call their Signature Range – an ex-rental model that has fairly low mileage 52 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

and has been refurbished prior to sale. It was not a particularly old model, with just under 32,000km on the clock.

VM Motori-designed 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine, Bosch fuel injection system, and the Euro-designed AMT gearbox.

RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT

TAKE A SEAT

One of the benefits of purchasing a used motorhome is that it’s possible to do a bit of online research, not only about the motorhome but also the cab chassis. It means that, particularly on older models, anything that really needs looking out for prior to purchase can be checked out.

And, in this case, since the KEA Breeze model is also a rental, it’s possible to ‘try before you buy’.

A little differently to most motorhomes in New Zealand, this Breeze had a Chinesebuilt LDV V80 front-wheel drive chassis.

It’s not totally Chinese, though, because it does have a few items like the (Italian)

Before doing just about anything else, as with any motorhome, I’d suggest just sitting in your prospective purchase and having a good look around. Change seats if you can and go through all the motions of living in a motorhome that you can think of.

The Breeze does have a ‘step-up’ from the front cab which leads to a layout for four people. Directly behind the driver’s seat is a two-person seat, with seatbelts. Behind this is the bathroom, leaving space for the entry door directly behind the passenger seat, and for the kitchen bench along the nearside wall.

IMAGES BY MALCOLM STREET

A BREEZE ON THE BUDGET

In the rear is the much-favoured clubstyle lounge – with windows all round – which can be made up into a 1500mm x 2100mm bed at night. And for the two additional sleepers, there’s a dropdown 1400mm x 2000mm bed above.

LOUNGING

The front cab area is basic but practical

With the upper bed out of the way, the club lounge seats four people without too much trouble. A single pole mounting is used for the table; it’s not set in the floor but rather on the side against the kitchen bench. Although it may not always keep the table totally stable, it can be swung against the kitchen bench to be used at a bench extension. Two LED downlights are fitted under the bed base for nighttime illumination of the table area.

MOVE AROUND

In the front and mid areas, storage is quite generous

When viewing a motorhome for purchase, it’s a good idea to get the family onboard and move around. See how often you get in each other’s way. For most people that’s something easily worked out, but it’s always worth going through the motions, just in case.

While moving around, open and close all the windows, cupboard doors and everything else that opens and shuts, just to make sure everything works. Have a play with the light switches and blinds.

Note where the power points are and think

Room with a view!

53

The 130-litre under-bench fridge is an effective use of space

about whether you’ll need extension cords or powerboards.

While you’re looking around, consider the general condition of your purchase.

There will be signs of wear and tear, but that will depend to some degree on the age of the motorhome and how good the pre-sale refurbishment has been. The Breeze I looked over had been scrubbed up quite nicely.

General storage is another consideration.

Travelling light is always to be encouraged, but sometimes even just the basics can take up quite a bit of space. A downside of the dropdown bed arrangement is that it means no overhead lockers in the rear area. However, there is a handy double cupboard between the bathroom cubicle and the rear seat. In addition to that, there’s a small cupboard behind the passenger seat and a shelf above the doorway area.

One of the benefits (from a driving point of view) of the KEA Breeze is that it’s a fairly small motorhome and thus easily manoeuvrable on the road. The downside is that things are a little more confined inside.

COMPACT KITCHEN

Hinged lids keep the bench tidy

54 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

I’m a fairly simple cook, so I don’t require too much in terms of kitchen ‘extras’.

My favourite weapons of choice are the microwave oven and the grill, but I know people who use the former as a bread bin!

Others I know are much more creative in their catering and have different and more exacting requirements than I do.

In the Breeze, most of the kitchen bench area is taken up by the four-burner hob with grill underneath and a stainless steel sink/drainer. Both appliances have smoked glass tops, which offer some much-needed extra bench space when they’re closed. Under the sink is a 130-litre Isotherm fridge which leaves space alongside for a cupboard and three drawers.

As this is an ex-rental, the drawers have holes cut out to suit plates, cups and bowls. This does take up space, but it works well to keep items secure, reduces rattling during driving, and makes packing so much easier. Three overhead lockers are fitted above the bench.

COMPETITIVE INTEREST RATES FROM 7.9%

The rear bed lowers into position very easily

COMPACT BATHROOM

Another petite item is the combo bathroom, which includes a Thetford cassette toilet, small corner washbasin, and flexible hose shower. Other fittings include the towel rail and vent fan.

While you are checking things out, turn the water pump on and give it a brief run in both kitchen and bathroom. Also take a look around under sinks, washbasins and anywhere else where water might leak – it’s usually fairly obvious.

Step into the shower cubicle and see if you can turn around easily. Functionally, I’d consider a bathroom of this size as more for occasional overnight use rather than extended holidays or full-time, but it does depend very much on how you travel.

REAR BED

KEA has opted for the hand-operated dropdown bed. That is a little unusual as most are electric, but the dropdown mechanism is quite easy to use and there’s little that can go wrong with it. The bed can be lowered fully but, of course, if you have two people sleeping on the bed below, it can only be lowered halfway. If you’ll be travelling with four people, then try a few heights to see if it’s practical for your use.

0800 300 500

OUTSIDE

In addition to inspecting the inside of a motorhome, the outside is definitely worth a look too. Do a thorough body inspection. Most ex-rental motorhomes will have a few scratches and dents. I was surprised to find this particular Breeze didn’t have any, which was impressive.

The Breeze fibreglass body does have a somewhat square look about it, apart from the front view, where the low profile look is quite good. Large tinted glass windows are fitted around the rear, with the side ones having lower slide openings. The door is a fairly standard style with a top half window and a separate (non security) insect screen.

There is external storage on both sides of the motorhome – not particularly large but big enough for the basics. There is also storage for the usual items such as gas cylinders, the hot water heater, toilet cassette, and electrical connections. Not all rental motorhomes come with an awning but the Breeze does. It’s a Cvana model, which has the double advantage of being fairly easy to use, yet is quite sturdy.

ON THE ROAD

For obvious reasons, a test drive is

The combo shower/toilet cubicle

mandatory. It’s also a good opportunity to listen for squeaks, rattles and any other odd noises, but also to determine if you will feel comfortable driving (or being a passenger) over long distances. In this particular model, the LDV cab is quite basic compared to the recent generations of European-built cab chassis, but then again, it’s also a lot cheaper.

An oddity about the LDV is that the instrumentation and controls are all

CREDITONE.CO.NZ

55

PROS • For an ex-rental, overall condition was quite good • Ideal for those who desire a small motorhome • Rear lounge/dropdown bed combination • General lighting

CONS • Limited external bin storage • Basic LDV chassis • No cab swivel seats The KEA Breeze ex-rental is affordable and practical

MAKE & MODEL

KEA BREEZE L640

Engine

2.5L LDV turbo diesel 100kW/330Nm

Transmission

6-speed AMT, front-wheel drive

Berths

2

Approx overall length

6400mm

Approx overall width

2300mm

Fresh/grey water tank

100L/100L

Gas

1 x 9kg

GVM

4490kg

Price (2018 model)

$99,990

in the centre of the dashboard.

That’s done to make it easier for the manufacturer when producing left or right-hand drive vehicles, but it takes a bit of getting used to. All the other controls are more or less where they should be, including the AMT gear shift, which is not far from the left hand.

The 2.5-litre turbo diesel was a reasonable performer, but the AMT gearbox was a bit hesitant changing gear in the lower ranges. That’s not anything new. Early Mercedes Sprinter and Ducato AMTs were/are like that as well.

I’m not a mechanical expert, and while I’m happy to have a good look over the ‘house’ part of any prospective motorhome purchase, I would be asking someone with a bit more mechanical ability to check out the engine components.

SUMMARY

FLOOR PLAN: KEA BREEZE L640

56 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Although the Breeze is classed as a fourberth motorhome, it’s really a two berth with facilities for occasional extra guests.

From my inspection, it didn’t have too many signs of rental use and, with only 32,000km racked up, it should give plenty of good service.

For those who like the layout but would prefer a European chassis, then the Breeze is also available with MercedesBenz Sprinter underpinnings. It’s more expensive of course.

I’ve mentioned a few buyer tips for this particular motorhome, but they can be applied to any motorhome you’re considering buying. ■ Find out more at rvsupercentre.co.nz

RV AND CARAVAN SHELTERS: $4,295.00 + GST

is also available online with great reviews, plus HUNDREDS of RVs for sale.

www.

nzmcd.co.nz

PRACTICAL ADVICE | FRIDGES

GUIDE TO RV FRIDGES It’s one of the most important appliances in an RV if you’re planning more than a few days away. But what fridge is right for you? We take a look at common considerations for choosing an RV fridge.

T

here are essentially three main types of fridge—absorption, compressor, and thermo-electric.

Each has their pros and cons and each varies in its function.

ABSORPTION FRIDGES An absorption fridge (also known as a three-way fridge) uses ammonia as its refrigerant. These fridges are a good option for freedom camping, as they can run for an extended period of time. However, 58 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

they are more expensive to install and are considerably less efficient when the temperature is more than 35°C. COMPRESSOR FRIDGES A compressor fridge uses a refrigerant gas such as R134 or isobutene and works on pressure difference. They’re cheaper to install and can be used in any climate, however, because they run on battery power, compressor fridges are not ideal for freedom camping.

THERMO-ELECTRIC FRIDGES Thermo-electric fridges are only used for temporary cooling. This is because they’re only capable of holding the ambient temperature of the contents rather than actively reducing the temperature of the items. They’re certainly cost-effective but use a lot of power and can’t cool efficiently at temperatures above 25°C.

CAN I INSTALL THE FRIDGE MYSELF? The only fridge you can install all by yourself would be a 12V fridge. All others require a gasfitter and/or electrician to do the work for your own safety. Incorrect installation can cause serious harm to people and the vehicle.

For all other fridges, you can install the fridge and connect the 12V but leave gas fittings and 230V electrics for the experts.

Be sure to secure the fridge properly so it can’t rattle free and move out of its spot.

HOW LONG SHOULD I EXPECT MY FRIDGE TO KEEP COOL? Compressor fridges can last from one to three days on battery power, depending on your battery setup. Absorber fridges can last several weeks and are only limited by the gas supply.

DO I NEED TO MAKE SURE MY MOTORHOME IS LEVEL WHEN USING MY FRIDGE? WHY? If you have a compressor fridge, then it is not a major consideration, as it will still work up to around 30° lean, front to back.

Absorber fridges don’t tolerate being out of level. Small variances front to back and even smaller tolerances side to side can affect the cooling. This is because the fluid will not be able to circulate properly if the fridge is tilted. For maximum fridge performance, use a spirit level and levelling blocks to keep the vehicle level when camping.

WHAT DO I NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A FRIDGE FOR MY MOTORHOME/CARAVAN? Size is the key factor. You want to accommodate for all your needs, which means you have to consider things such as storage space or other extras such as microwaves and ovens versus fridge and freezer space.

You need to consider facts such as noise level or freedom camping capabilities when making your decision.

Another key factor is what type of fridge you want, for example, a three-way fridge, compressor, or thermo-electric.

Having a three-way fridge is great and has advantages but it also means that you need all three power sources available at the fridge. The 230V electrics have to be done by a certified electrician and you will have to renew your electrical warrant to assure your vehicle is still safe and compliant.

The gas connection has to be installed by a certified gas fitter, and again, this has to be certified so you should factor those costs in when making your decision.

ARE THERE ANY MAINTENANCE ISSUES I SHOULD BE AWARE OF? In general, fridges are fairly service free.

You’ll need to defrost any excess ice in the freezer and remove dust from the burner assembly and electrics every couple of months, especially after driving on gravel roads.

It’s also important to keep it clean. Make sure the burner compartment on the back of the fridge is fully sealed to the interior if you’re using a fridge with gas as the energy source. The burning gas causes carbon monoxide, which could be fatal when vented into the motorhome or caravan.

It needs good airflow on the back for the condenser, coils, and exhaust. Also, make sure you keep the area clear and do not store anything in the fridge cabinet.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO RUN MY FRIDGE EFFICIENTLY? Make sure you’re using the temperature regulator and only cool the fridge to the temperature you need instead of running on maximum the whole time.

Don’t put any warm food or drinks into the fridge and make sure your battery level never falls below 12V and that you have enough gas in your cylinders.

Check your fridge and freezer seal to make sure it is still in good condition.

Also do not open the door longer than necessary.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO COOL MY FRIDGE QUICKLY SO I CAN USE IT SOON? Turn it on the highest setting, ensure all doors are shut tightly, and avoid opening them. Ideally, you want to have the fridge nice and cool before you load it. To make it even quicker, you could assist by placing some ice in a cooler bag or plastic bottle in the fridge. ■

59

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PRACTICAL ADVICE | INSULATING YOUR RV

INSULATING YOUR RV

With winter upon us, you may be thinking of ways to make your motorhome or caravan a little warmer. Here are some helpful tips on RV insulation.

J

ust like in your home, good insulation in your motorhome or caravan will help keep it warm in winter, as well as reducing outdoor noise.

WHAT TYPES OF INSULATIONS ARE AVAILABLE? Below is a list of the most common forms of insulation used in the motorhome industry: Fibreglass insulation: These are similar to the batts that insulate your home.

PU or polyurethane foam: PU is a polymer composed of organic units joined by carbamate (urethane) links.

XPS or extruded polystyrene insulation: XPS is a rigid insulation 62 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

that’s also formed with polystyrene polymer but manufactured using an extrusion process and is often manufactured with a distinctive colour to identify product brand.

EPS or expanded polystyrene foam: EPS is a closed-cell insulation that’s manufactured by ‘expanding’ a polystyrene polymer. The appearance is typically a white foam plastic insulation material often used for packaging.

PIR or polyisocyanurate: This is an evolution of polyurethane, which is stronger, and has a greater thermal resistance. In fact, PIR offers the highest R-value of any material per thickness.

WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING INSULATION? Insulation is commonly measured by ‘R-value’, which rates its thermal resistance. The higher the R-value, the higher the resistance to transfer heat.

Essentially, this means, the higher the R-value of a material, the better it is at keeping you nice and cosy inside your vehicle during winter.

Other factors when choosing insulation include longevity and moisture-resistance as well as ease of installation if you are retrofitting.

For example, while fibreglass insulation has a high R-value, it also attracts moisture, reducing its lifespan,

and you will eventually end up with a musty smell inside your vehicle.

XPS, on the other hand, is waterresistant with a long lifespan.

HOW DOES INSULATION COMPARE BETWEEN DIFFERENT VEHICLE TYPES? Panel vans use the original vehicle manufacturer’s body, which is then fitted out as a campervan. These vehicles have limited insulation materials.

Some of them will have no more than carpets and some nicer wall linings to cover the metal frame work, while others will add some extra insulation such as Styrofoam sheets or PIR to the roof and floor, and line the walls with fibreglass sheets or reflective layers of film bonded to two internal layers of heavy gauge polyethylene bubbles.

Motorhomes and caravans commonly use a multi-layered skin for the roof, walls, and floor. The outer skin is usually made from aluminium or fibreglass.

GRP or glass fibre reinforced plastic

is the preferred choice for floor and roof linings due to its durability and resistance against stone chips and hail. Next is a layer of insulation that could be any of the materials listed above.

These will vary depending on the quality and price category of the built. While high-end motorhome manufacturers use materials with a higher R-value and wall thickness throughout, budget builds focus more on cost savings than how well the vehicle is insulated.

The inner skin is usually aluminium or timber.

WHAT OTHER MEASURES ARE USED TO IMPROVE INSULATION AND WINTER USABILITY? Double glazed windows are commonly used in modern motorhomes and caravans to reduce heat loss and moisture build-up inside your vehicle.

Windows play a significant part in insulating your motorhome. The best insulation cannot be effective if there are other ways for the warmth to escape.

Water tanks are also insulated in some vehicles to minimise the energy needed for heating up water and to prevent it from freezing in wintery conditions.

MAKE THE CHOICE BY DOING YOUR HOMEWORK Considering all the aspects of different construction materials and methods is an important part of choosing the right motorhome/caravan for you.

The hard reality is that you can’t see most of the differences just by looking at the vehicle.

You have to do your research prior, so you are prepared and ready to ask the right questions.

While it might not be the number one priority on your list, good insulation could save you from cold and damp nights in the future.

These high-end materials will not only perform better but will also have a longer lifespan and can save you a lot of money in the long term. ■

63

PRACTICAL ADVICE | WATER TANKS

WATER WORKS

We answer a few common questions about RV water tanks.

K

eeping your water tanks clean and hygienic is a vital part of regular maintenance regime.

But for beginners, this can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to help get you started.

HOW MANY WATER TANKS DOES MY RV HAVE AND WHAT ARE THEY FOR? Your RV will usually have at least one fresh water and one wastewater tank.

If the freshwater tank is bigger than the wastewater tank, it needs to have a monitor for the wastewater level to comply with New Zealand selfcontainment regulations.

Caravans and vans might not come 64 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

with either tank, in which case, they would not comply with the selfcontainment standard. There are some models that do have a proper black water tank but most motorhomes and caravans in New Zealand use a removable toilet cassette.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY FRESH WATER BECOMES CONTAMINATED? This depends on the level of contamination. If the water came from an untrusted source, you could use a freshwater treatment to ensure the water and tank condition is not a health and safety risk.

If you made the unfortunate error

of contaminating the tank with petrol or diesel, do not use any of the taps and make sure the water pump is switched off. In this case, you need to go to a workshop to have the tank, as well as any parts of the water system that came in contact with fuel, replaced. It is not safe to only rinse the tank.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DRAIN AND CLEAN MY FRESHWATER TANK? You should drain and clean your tank every three to six months depending on usage. This will keep the tank clean and the water safe. Even if you fill the tank with drinking water and don’t use it for several months, you should empty it

completely and replenish it with fresh water.

There are several products on the market to clean freshwater tanks such as Pour n’ Go or Thetford’s Tank Sanitizer.

These are easier to use and promise a better result than most other household products.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BLACK AND GREY WATER? All the dirty water from your sink, basin, and shower is collected in the grey water tank. Waste from your toilet is referred to as black water. In most vehicles, these

two are separate but there are exceptions that use a combined grey and black water tank.

DO I NEED TO REGULARLY CLEAN OUT OR DISINFECT MY BLACK AND GREY WATER TANKS? Yes, this is important. Your vehicle and tanks will stay hygienic and you’ll minimise odours if you keep them well maintained. Regular cleaning also ensures level indicators operate correctly and will extend the life of all related components.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE BASICS OF EMPTYING MY WASTEWATER TANK? You can only empty your waste or black

water tanks at official dump stations around New Zealand. They are clearly indicated with a white camper parked over a drain on a blue background. It is prohibited to empty them anywhere else and you could be fined.

Once you locate a dump station, either remove your portable tank and empty or connect your wastewater hose to the wastewater outlet using the cam lock fitting. Once fully empty, close the valve and disconnect. To keep things nice and clean, rinse your hose or portable tank before storing it away. ■

A fresh water tank

The grey water tanks plugs into the side of the caravan

A grey water pipe

Grey waste discharging directly into a dump station 65

PEOPLE | JACKIE’S JOURNEY

JACKIE’S JOURNEY

WAITING IT OUT IN PARADISE Jackie Norman sold her home in 2016, bought a motorhome and embarked on full-time life on the road with husband, Gareth. In this issue, they find themselves happily locked down in Napier.

W

hile the past three-anda-half years have seen us travel the length of New Zealand twice, we still have some parts of the breadth of it to visit. Hawke’s Bay had always been on our ‘must-do’ list; however with our travels for 2020 already planned, it wasn’t about to be any time soon. That all changed in March. When impending lockdown suddenly found us in the Waikato with nowhere to go, some wonderful, kindhearted friends came to the rescue and offered us their holiday home in Napier for as long as we needed.

After travelling all day, we arrived at our destination the evening before Level 4 took effect. It all felt rather surreal as we prepared to hunker down with the rest of the country. Here we were, in a strange, new part of the country, where we didn't know a soul and had no chance to get our bearings, yet it was now our home for – well, who knew how long? Still, the house was beautiful and the view was stunning. I could even see the ocean from my bed.

We couldn't have wished for a more perfect place to be tucked away from the rest of the world.

A BEAUTIFUL BUBBLE

We woke up on March 25 to the birds singing and the sun streaming in the window. Here we were, in the Art Deco

66 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

capital of New Zealand. The only thing was, we couldn’t get out and explore it.

Not much anyway, but with the ocean calling we decided to go for a walk around our new bubble, to try to find our feet.

Heading down the steep steps to the beach, it felt wonderful to breathe in the sea air. One thing was for sure – between the steps and the gorgeous scenery, we were going to be getting plenty of exercise while we were here. We realised we were in a part of Napier called Ahuriri, and while we had no idea what the rest of the city was like, we decided straight away we liked this part very much.

Aside from our new location, life in Level 4 didn't feel too different. We were still fortunate to have plenty of work, and after nearly four years of being cooped up in a van, we were already used to being together every minute of the day. The Napier weather was incredibly kind and I loved our daily walks. Everyone smiled from a respectful difference and we soon got used to seeing familiar faces as we got our dose of fresh air each day. One friendly, elderly chap in particular would spend the whole day standing at the end of his driveway. I realised he was waiting for someone – anyone – to go past and say hello and, as the days went by, I always looked out for him.

A LESSON IN HISTORY

One afternoon, during Level 3, we were invited to a ‘get-together’ in our street, all stationed by our respective mailboxes. It was lovely to finally ‘meet’ our neighbours and I was fascinated to learn we were staying in the house which had belonged to the man responsible for turning Napier into the Art Deco capital – Robert McGregor. Among many

IMAGES BY JACKIE NORMAN / GARETH SCURR/ISTOCK

Picture-perfect Napier

67

A beautiful time to be back out motorhoming!

Napier is back to its bustling self once more

Taking it all in at our new home

achievements, he was the driving force behind the annual Art Deco weekend, which attracts around 38,000 visitors to the city every year and injects around $11 million into the Hawke’s Bay economy. Thanks to him, many precious original buildings were preserved and restored rather than being pulled down and, without him, Napier would not be the place it is today. McGregor wrote several books, such as The Art Deco City – Napier New Zealand, and even wrote a book on our street. It was fascinating to read all about its history and made us appreciate our special lockdown home even more.

We spent Earth Day (22 April) strolling along Perfume Point. This is a free camping area and is in a prime 68 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

location, close to Ahuriri Village and right at the edge of the sea. Of course, there was nobody there and we made the most of it. We climbed rocks and as I sat at the edge of the boardwalk I could see fish jumping, the water was so still. With no fishing boats out, it was almost as if they knew nobody could catch them. One memory which will always stay in my mind is the last day of Level 4. I had the whole beach to myself and sat for ages, taking in the view, watching the world go by.

BACK TO ‘NORMAL’

Boy was I in for a shock the next day.

As we went for our usual walk along the beach, there were people everywhere, enjoying the sunshine. We realised

that until now, we had only ever seen Napier devoid of people. Before we knew it, Level 2 was here. Boats started appearing in the ocean again, fishermen were back at Perfume Point and so were motorhomers and van dwellers, all looking very happy about it too. Gareth could no longer whiz down the hill to the supermarket without having to stop at the traffic lights, and the man at the end of his driveway disappeared. While we missed the solitude of exploring our bubble, it was lovely to see the businesses and cafes of Ahuriri Village bustling again, and the real character and atmosphere of Napier began to show itself.

We were lucky enough to be able to continue renting our lockdown home,

One of Napier’s many stunning murals

The Napier lockdown teddies were out in force!

“... it was lovely to see the businesses and cafes of Ahuriri Village bustling again, and the real character and atmosphere of Napier began to show itself.” and so that is where we still are now.

Work is busier than ever and we have grown so fond of the area, we want to stay and explore the region properly now we can. Plus, after spending the past three winters in the Deep South, the Napier weather is downright tropical! Who wouldn't want to stick around and enjoy that? ■

ROBERT MCGREGOR’S LEGACY Napier wouldn’t be the booming tourist success story it is today without its reputation as the Art Deco City – and Robert McGregor. What exactly is Art Deco? It originated in Paris in the roaring 1920s and provided some much needed escapism in the grim 1930s. Popular designs and themes include sunbursts and fountains, geometric shapes and symbols of speed, power and flight, all celebrating the exciting

new, modern world of the time.

Combine all these with bright colours, jazz, bold and stylish dress and joyful dancing and you’ve got yourself a whole recipe for a fantastic city! You simply can’t take a stroll around Napier without smiling, and of course stopping to enjoy the atmosphere. Robert McGregor sadly passed away in 2015 – but what a wonderful legacy he has left for us all.

For more information, visit artdeconapier.com

69

PEOPLE | KAREN NISBET

The idyllic parish Chatsworth

A UK CARAVAN ADVENTURE Travel writer Lisa Jansen meets up with a fellow youngish solo traveller, to hear about life in a caravan and a recent three-month trip around the UK.

IMAGES BY KAREN NISBET/LISA JANSEN

Y

ou may have already heard of Karen Nisbet, also known as ‘Travelling K’. Karen lives fulltime in her caravan and also has a YouTube channel with thousands of followers.

Karen and I have met up a few times now and always have a great time exchanging stories and tales from the road. We caught up again in February after she had recently returned from doing something many other RV-ers are talking and thinking about; a three-month caravan road trip around the UK. 70 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

But let’s start at the beginning. How does a young woman in her 30s come to live in a caravan? For Karen, it was a desire to own her own home without needing to save for years for the deposit.

In 2017, Karen was living in Auckland after several overseas stints, feeling ready to settle down. But as everyone knows, buying a house in Auckland on one income is a challenge and Karen thought it was out of reach.

“I was at that point where I wanted my own home, but I couldn’t see how I’d be able to save a deposit anytime soon. I started watching videos about ‘van life’ and tiny houses on YouTube and warmed up to the idea of living in a small space.”

In the end, Karen chose a caravan as her tiny house. “I liked the idea of a caravan.

It would mean I would not only get my own home, but I could also easily travel around in it, which would help with the

Harlech Castle

itchy feet I seem to get every time I spend a long time in one place. And unlike a motorhome or campervan, I would still have a car I can use to get around towns easily.” So off she went, exploring the country while working remotely as a graphic designer.

Having spent over two years travelling around New Zealand and getting used to caravan life, Karen decided she was ready for the next adventure: a three-month road trip in the UK. “I spent some time living in London, and I was keen to experience caravanning in the UK. I also saw a UK trip as a great opportunity to grow my YouTube channel. Because I have a UK caravan, I already had a lot of UK followers, and I thought if I spend some time meeting locals and other YouTubers, it would help take my channel to the next level.” It did just that. Starting with just over 5000 subscribers when she left for the UK, her channel has now grown to over 16,000.

Once the decision was made to go to the UK, the next question was where to get a caravan to travel in while she was there. But with the right connections and a bit of luck, Karen found the perfect solution. “My original plan was to buy a second-hand caravan over there and then potentially bring it back here afterwards.

But another YouTuber connected me to UK caravan manufacturer Bailey. They not only offered to lend me a caravan in exchange for me producing video content about it, but also connected me to Peugeot who offered to lend me a tow vehicle. So that worked out really well.”

Karen in her caravan

Karen’s rented caravan in the UK

Whitby Houses

71

Vinny during his makeover

Karen getting hands-on

Vinny, Karen’s vintage caravan

72 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

In late June 2019, Karen got on a plane and made the trip to the other side of the world. She picked up her borrowed caravan and tow vehicle in Bristol and hit the road.

Over three months, Karen travelled north through the Peak District and Lake District, over to Barnard Castle and then Whitby and Hull on the east coast before heading west again to Snowdonia and then to London via Cotswolds.

From London, she continued down to the south coast stopping in Brighton and New Forest before taking the ferry across to mainland Europe to attend the Caravan Salon in Dusseldorf, Germany, and then on to Belgium and the Netherlands.

Most of the time, she would stay at a campground for 3-4 days and explore the surrounding areas before moving on.

“It was a great trip. I loved exploring the small towns and villages. There is so much history there that we just don’t have here in New Zealand.”

But, of course, it wasn’t without its challenges. “The most challenging part for me was driving through small villages. You have these modern motorways and twolane roads where it’s really easy to drive.

But then you get into the villages and all of a sudden the roads get really narrow with stone walls on either side and not enough room to pass. Some of the entry roads to campgrounds were really scary.” But Karen

Longleats Caravan Park in the UK

Sunset in Te Aroha

always got there in the end and managed to return the caravan and the car without a scratch.

However, she does say her number one tip for others planning a UK caravan trip is to prepare. “I generally found that caravanning in the UK requires a bit more planning. You have to plan your route and make sure the GPS actually takes you where you want to go and have a think about what the roads will be like. I would also recommend booking your campgrounds in advance as it does get busy.”

I was surprised when Karen told me that finding campgrounds was a bit of a challenge at times. It turns out the UK does not have an app like CamperMate that shows all campsites. “The closest to CamperMate is a website called searchforsites.co.uk. It shows all the campground options, but is super clunky and painful to use. They now have an app but you need to pay for it.”

There are two main RV clubs in the UK, Caravan and Motorhome Club and The Camping and Caravanning Club, and they each have their own holiday parks. “Most of the locals seem to be members of one of them and mainly use those parks, which they find on the association’s website. But there are also other general campgrounds and a few private ones that are more like the Park Over Properties (POPs) we know here in New Zealand.”

Back in New Zealand, Karen was ready for her next challenge. And a challenge she found. In late 2019 she bought a vintage caravan that she is now restoring herself – and although she doesn’t have any experience, she says she’s always dreamed of building her own mobile home. “Building a mobile home was a daunting prospect, so I decided to buy a cheap vintage caravan and use it as a practice project. I’ve already learned a lot – mainly through the mistakes I’ve made.”

As someone who also dreams of building her own home one day, I admire Karen’s can-do attitude and commitment to just give it a go. I can’t wait to see how she gets on with it. Luckily, she will be sharing every step of her journey on her YouTube channel so it will be easy to keep up with what she’s doing and probably learn a few things along the way. If you want to learn more about Karen’s adventures, in New Zealand or the UK, or her vintage caravan project, make sure you check out her YouTube channel: Traveling K. ■

73

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PEOPLE | LYNNE AND BILL

Great Barrier Island

Lisa Jansen caught up with a couple who (bravely!) took their 9-metre motorhome to Great Barrier Island

L

ast summer, I was once again off to Great Barrier Island for a few weeks to escape the holiday craziness on the mainland. It was my fifth year on the island and, interestingly, this year, I noticed a few more motorhomes and caravans – looks like the RVing community is slowly discovering this little paradise. However, I only met one couple brave enough to take a 9-metre motorhome over to the island known for its narrow and windy roads.

76 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Lynne Haines and Bill Mitchell were DOC camp hosts on Great Barrier Island for two months over summer. We met at Medlands campground, and, of course, I was curious to know how they’ve found handling such a big motorhome on the island. Lynne did admit that it can be a bit of a challenge. “The roads are definitely something else over here. But we mostly just drive the motorhome from campground to campground and then use our bikes to get around, so that makes it manageable. And the beauty of this place is worth the effort.”

Lynne and Bill discovered the RV life back in 2011 when they bought a 4-berth Daihatsu Delta and started exploring the

country on weekends and during holidays.

“At the time, we were both still working full-time, so we used the motorhome to get away whenever we could.”

In late 2014 they upgraded to a very comfortable 2008 six-berth Bürstner A747-2, and two and half years later, they decided to go full-time.

Once they were in a position to stop working full-time, they decided to rent out their house in Blenheim and enjoy life on the road. And so far, they’ve loved every minute of it. “We love the freedom and flexibility. It’s great to be able to stay that extra night or more at any one area and move on if we don’t like it or the weather is bad.”

IMAGES BY LISA JANSEN/TOURISM NEW ZEALAND

LIFE ON THE ROAD

Another big perk for them has been the chance to reconnect with long lost friends and family on their travels around the country – and of course, making some new friends along the way.

Both also enjoy the diversity of the lifestyle. They take on occasional part-time work, like at Carnaval in Queenstown, or pet and house-sitting over the winter months. They volunteer as DOC camp hosts and at events such as the NZ Rugby Sevens and the Wanaka air show. And, of course, their travels also offer lots of diversity and things to do. “We’re usually drawn to places that offer good fishing and walking and cycling tracks as those are the activities we enjoy.”

Having been motorhomers for almost ten years now and full-timers for three, Lynne and Bill have seen a lot of our country. Among their favourite areas are Golden Bay at the top of the South Island, Doubtless Bay at the top of the North Island and now Great Barrier Island, which they visited for the first time last summer.

Given how long they’ve been on the road, it might be surprising to hear there are still several places they haven’t been to yet. But knowing from my own experience how easily you can spend weeks exploring and enjoying a relatively small area, I get it. “One of the things this lifestyle has taught us is not to rush, but to really explore an area before moving on. We are looking forward to one day soon get down to The Catlins, which we’ve heard so many other travellers rave about. Taranaki is also high on our list.”

Lynne and Bill

It’s easy to see why The Catlins is on Lynne & Bill’s must-see list

The couple’s 9m home on wheels

77

With a mobile home like their Bürstner A747-2 they will get to explore those areas, and the rest of New Zealand, in style and comfort. With lots of space, a permanent dining table and lounge, lots of skylights and large side windows, and substantial insulation and heating for the winter months, the motorhome makes for very comfortable living.

Lynne and Bill also value the large storage capacity and how easy it is to drive considering its size. “We really love our mobile home. It ticks off 98 percent of what we want. The only things we would want to change if we could is for it to be rear-wheel drive and to have a bit more ground clearance to make it a bit easier to get to those off-the-beaten-track places.”

Given their motorhome is perfectly set up for off-grid living, the two don’t often stop at commercial campgrounds, apart from the odd winter stop-over taking advantage of the NZMCA CampSaver specials rates. Instead, they prefer to stay at DOC camps and freedom camping spots such as Perfume Point in Napier, Kina Golf Club in Tasman, the Mangonui Yacht Club in Doubtless Bay and other off-grid sites.

“There are so many amazing spots that it’s hard to pick just a handful of favourites. We particularly love any spots

Medlands Beach Campsite

78 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

that are beach- or lake-front. There is just nothing better than waking up in the morning to a new day, new scenery and new adventures.”

As seasoned RVers, Lynne and Bill have many tips for the rest of us. One of them is to be sure to chat with locals and fellow travellers. “It’s a great way of learning about ‘hidden gems’ yet to be discovered and to make new friends.”

They also recommend to “go and see for yourself. Don’t let someone else’s experience change your travel plans.

Sometimes it’s those areas others didn’t like much that we have enjoyed the most.”

Another very practical tip the two of them shared for those that need to stay connected to the world, is to have mobile phones with more than one of the big networks to increase the chances of having coverage. I’ve since followed this advice and have already been to a few places where only one of the networks provided coverage.

As long-term RVers, Bill and Lynne had many more tips. If you want to learn more from people like them, follow their number one tip: Chat to other travellers and locals to exchange stories and get advice about life on the road and hear about hidden gems. ■

The comfortable lounge area

The kitchen in Lynne and Bill’s motorhome

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PEOPLE | CARAVAN RESTORATION

FAMILY CRUSADER In this issue, we take a look back at a very cool caravan makeover we featured a few years ago - a 1978 CI Munro Crusader, renovated by Tony and Rebecca Powell.

80 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

The Powell family

years ago, so it was in his blood.

It was originally supposed to be a small project, only restoring the interior of the caravan, but once that had been gutted, Tony realised how much moisture there was in the walls. So he decided to rebuild the whole thing.

“We’d come this far, so we figured we should probably do the job properly,” says Tony.

All four walls were replaced and polystyrene was placed on the chassis, sandwiched between two sheets of plywood.

As Tony is a service manager and marine technician, he was able to professionally do all of the aluminium work and painting himself. He connected the 140-watt solar panels and replaced the tyres. Tony’s father, a retired cabinet maker, helped with the interior also. In fact, the only outsourcing they had to use was to connect the gas bottle for the gas compliance certificate.

Ready to restore

Building new framing

Everyone helped out

The final result

The caravan has outdoor speakers and lights, which is ideal for summer evenings.

There is also an outdoor hot shower which Tony jokes should be coin operated to cater for campsite neighbours in need.

It is completely off the grid. Inside, there are two 12-volt deep cycle batteries which run a 60L 12-volt fridge, all LED lights, the extractor fan, water pump, plus the TV and stereo.

“The interior design took us months of compromising and a mountain of cardboard to make life-sized furniture to see if everything – including the kids – would fit,” says Tony.

The hot water and oven are run from the 9L gas bottle located in an aluminium box on the draw bar, which Tony extended after being informed on the difficulties of reversing.

“We set a map of New Zealand into the table so the girls can see exactly where we are on our adventures. They love it,” says Tony.

IMAGES SUPLLIED

S

everal years ago, after winning a $1 reserve auction online, the Powell’s collected their new purchase – a 1978 CI Munro Crusader caravan – from a property Kawerau where it had been stationary for the past 15 years.

Having recently completed a restoration on his boat, Tony agreed that his next project would be something Rebecca could be involved with too, along with their three children – eight-year-old twins Emma and Lucy, and six-year-old Cara.

“It was important to us that they kids were involved, we wanted them to be interested in what was going on so they feel like they’ve played a part in getting it on the road,” says Tony.

The family have always been into camping, so they knew owning a comfortable caravan big enough for the five of them to sleep in would pay itself off in no time. Plus Tony’s father built a couple of caravan’s from scratch 50-odd

81

Plenty of room for a family of five

In February 2015, almost one year to the day after they bought it, the caravan was finally finished. “The first thing we did with it was take it to show the elderly owner we bought it off in Kawerau. She couldn’t believe it was the same one.”

The family uses the caravan at least once a month, towing it to their desired spot behind their Ford Territory.

“The biggest problem I have is that I can’t tow the caravan and the boat at the same time – first world problems,” he laughs.

“It took longer, and was a bigger job, than we expected but it was all worth it in the end. We love not having to worry about packing and unpacking tents, or relying so much on the weather. We would definitely recommend it to families in a similar situation to us.” ■

TONY AND REBECCA’S TOP TIPS FOR RESTORING A CARAVAN

The Kiwi-themed interior

The children enjoy a game of cards

82 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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RECIPES

THE FIZZ ABOUT FERMENTATION Fermented food can improve gut health. Beyond sauerkraut are tasty tonics, drinks and sauces brimming with beneficial bacteria. In this extract from In Your Backyard, Living Lightly we take a look at a few fermentation tips, plus some easy to make recipes.

THE BASICS

Fermentation is an age-old technique of food preservation. Fermented produce relies on salt to inhibit unwanted microbes that would otherwise cause produce to decay. While the salt is busy at work, lactobacilli, either added or naturally occurring, produce lactic acid which lowers the pH to preserve the produce naturally.

In some fermentation preparations, a specific culture or SCOBY (symbiotic cultures of bacteria and yeast) provides the beneficial microbes that, when combined with the correct nourishment (i.e. sugar and tea for kombucha), will ferment into a delicious food or drink.

FERMENTATION TIPS

Use quality salt and non-chlorinated water. Unrefined natural sea or rock salt are recommended for fermentation if you want to get the best results. The antibacterial qualities of chlorine can interfere with friendly bacteria so either use filtered or boiled and cooled rainwater or spring water.

Correct preparation of jars and vessels.

Lactic acid produced during fermentation acts as a natural preservative. Before use, it is essential that jars and equipment are scrupulously clean to prevent contamination. Wash thoroughly in hot soapy water, rinse well to remove soap residue then air dry on a dish rack. Or use equipment after running it through the dishwasher.

Use a stopper. Most fermentation practices require an anaerobic (no oxygen) environment. It is important that all produce is well submerged in the salt brine as produce that is exposed to the air can potentially grow mould and contaminate the whole mixture. A handy technique is to use a ‘stopper’ to weight the produce.

This can be a smaller jar filled with water, a ceramic or glass lid (not metal as it will rust), a large folded cabbage leaf (often used for sauerkraut) or even a flat river stone that has been cleaned by boiling for 10 minutes.

84 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

The ideal fermentation temperature. This is between 18°C and 22°C. Too low and fermentation slows down and may not take place at all. Too high and the wrong microbes can proliferate before lactic acid is produced.

Correct storage is important. Store ferments in a cool place. Traditionally this would be in a cool cellar under the house; the modern equivalent is the refrigerator. If keeping ferments in a cellar or cool store, ensure the temperature is consistently below 10°C.

LACTO-FERMENTED CURRIED CAULIFLOWER PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES FERMENTATION TIME: 3 TO 6 DAYS MAKES 2 X 600ML JARS This super-charged fermented cauliflower makes a great addition to a salad or can be used as a condiment. It is a simple introduction to fermenting as it takes about 10 minutes to prepare and is ready to eat within a week.

1½ tablespoons (25g) unrefined salt ½ cup boiling water 2½ cups cold water (non-chlorinated) 1 small cauliflower head, cut into bitesized florets, about 800g 4cm ginger, peeled and thinly sliced 2 teaspoons mild curry powder Place the salt in a large jug and pour in the boiling water. Stir to dissolve. Top up with remaining water to prepare 3 cups total brine. Pack the cauliflower and ginger into 2 x 600ml jars. Scoop 1 teaspoon curry powder into each jar. Pour over the brine to completely cover the cauliflower. Place a stopper to hold the produce below the brine surface (see fermentation tips).

Screw on lids and sit on a plate to catch spills. Leave to ferment at room temperature for 3 to 4 days in warmer months, or 5 to 6 days in winter. Open the jars once a day to release pressure and check the produce is submerged. This is also a good way to track the progress of the ferment. Once the brine is cloudy and has a distinct sour smell and taste, transfer the jars to the fridge.

The curried cauliflower can be eaten once it is in cold storage, but the flavour will improve after a week. Consume within a month.

BLUEBERRY HOT SAUCE PREPARATION TIME: 20 MINUTES FERMENTATION TIME: 2 TO 3 DAYS MAKES 2 X 250ML BOTTLES This is a traditional-style fermentation recipe to make chilli sauce. The fermentation improves the flavour resulting in a less sharp chilli flavour and increases shelf life.

3 cups fresh or frozen blueberries about 20 small red chillies 3 garlic cloves, peeled 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons sea salt Âź cup filtered water Âź cup apple cider vinegar Place the berries into a food processor or blender. Trim the stalks from the chillies and chop roughly. Add to the processor along with the garlic, honey, salt and water and blend into a rough paste. Check the taste, adding extra chillies to reach the desired heat. Pour the sauce into a clean 1-litre jar. Cover with cheesecloth and secure with a rubber band. Leave to ferment at room temperature for 2 to 3 days.

Small bubbles will begin to appear throughout the sauce. Once they subside, it is ready for the next stage. Pour the sauce into a blender and add the vinegar.

Blend until smooth then strain through a fine sieve to remove chilli seeds. Use a funnel to pour into 2 x 250ml bottles.

Store the hot sauce in the fridge and consume within 3 months.

85

BEETROOT & BLACKCURRANT KVASS TONIC PREPARATION TIME: 10 MINUTES FERMENTATION TIME: 2 TO 4 DAYS

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86 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

SMALL STEPS TO A LIGHTER FOOTPRINT NZ

1 large beetroot, greens removed and peeled 1 litre cold water (non-chlorinated) 2 tablespoons cultured whey* 1 teaspoon sea salt ½ cup frozen blackcurrants

and gather the edges of the cheesecloth to cover. Leave for 2 to 3 hours for the whey to strain into the bowl while the yoghurt thickens. Keep whey in a glass jar in the fridge and use within 4 weeks.

Life & Leisure

This is a simple fermented tonic that doesn’t require a SCOBY. Instead, it uses cultured whey strained from natural yoghurt (see note below). Tart-tasting, it is full of naturally occurring probiotics. A small, 50-100ml glass provides a digestive boost and is a good way to start the day.

Chop the beetroot into 2cm chunks. Place in a 1½-litre glass jar and add water, whey, salt and blackcurrants. Stir with a wooden spoon until the salt dissolves. Cover with a cheesecloth secured with a rubber band.

Leave to ferment at room temperature for 2 days in summer and up to 4 days in winter. The kvass is ready when it has small bubbles visible around the surface and has a pleasant sweet-sour taste and smell. Strain into a clean jug, cover and store in the fridge. Consume within 1 week.

A second batch can be made with the same beetroot and berries. Simply top up with 1 litre of cold filtered water and leave on the bench for another 2 to 4 days.

Makes 1 litre *Cultured whey is the opaque liquid that strains from natural, unsweetened yoghurt (cow, goat, sheep or coconut). To strain whey, line a sieve with a cheesecloth set over a bowl. Scoop in 1 to 2 cups yoghurt

ferment & preserve, make cheese & sourdough

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GREAT READ

A good book is a must-have for any road trip. Here’s a quick look at some of the latest titles on the bookstore shelves

CAMP COCKTAILS

Here’s the recipe book you’ve been waiting for! Once you’re parked up and ready to relax for the night, Camp Cocktails has a fabulous selection of delicious cocktails that are designed to be easily made in the great outdoors.

Cool off after a hot day spent hiking with a Flask Boulevardier or the Northwoods Sidecar. Break in the campsite with a Grilled Orange Cobbler or the ultimate beer-based cocktail. Bundling up around the fire? Warm up with the Salted Hazelnut Hot Chocolate, the Penicillin Toddy, or a spiked hot apple cider. If you’re ready to go a step further, there’s even a chapter for using foraged ingredients. And to help you get started, there’s also a section about cocktail techniques, transporting spirits, and camp-friendly barware. Cheers!

Emily Vikre Allen & Unwin $39.99

92 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations 88

IMPEACH

In this short book, celebrated Supreme Court lawyer and former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal tells you everything you need to know about the impeachment process: its history, what it is, and how it works - before laying out the impartial case for why Donald Trump must be impeached. Neal Katyal argues that President Trump is not held accountable for repeatedly asking foreign powers to interfere in the 2020 presidential election, this could very well mark the end of US democracy. To quote President George Washington’s Farewell Address: “Foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.” Impeachment should always be a last resort, explains Katyal, but the founders, core principles, and the Constitution leave no choice but to impeach President Trump - before it’s too late.

Neal Katyal with Sam Koppelman Allen & Unwin $24.99

THE GIFT OF WORDS

Sharon is a young widow struggling to cope with a drug addicted son. And then, into her life comes a gift – her granddaughter, precious and needing Sharon’s help. Can Sharon provide the environment Mia needs? Especially since she’s hiding a secret – she can’t read or write properly. This is the story of how Sharon overcomes adversity and past setbacks to turn her life around. Along the way, she discovers friendships, support, competence and self-respect.

A beautifully written book with powerful themes that tackle literacy and addiction.

New Zealand author Josie Laird is a self-sufficiency enthusiast who lives on a lifestyle farm outside Auckland. She published her first book All About Kate in 2019. Her latest delivers another heartwarming mainstream fiction read.

Josie Laird Swooping Kereru $29.99

RELENTLESS

When extreme endurance athlete, Lisa Tamati, was confronted with the hardest challenge of her life, she fought with everything she had. Her beloved mother, Isobel, suffered a huge aneurysm and stroke and was left with massive brain damage; she was like a baby in a woman’s body. The prognosis was dire. But Lisa absolutely refused to accept the words of the medical fraternity, instead deciding she was going to get her mother back or die trying. This book tells of the horrors, despair, hope, love, and incredible experiences and insights of that journey.

Relentless will not only take you on a journey from despair to hope and joy, but it also provides information on the treatments used, expert advice and key principles to overcoming obstacles and winning in all of life’s challenges.

Lisa Tamati Ocean Reeve Publishing $35

THE HIDDEN LIVES OF DREAMS

Tap into the magic of your dreams and discover better, more balanced sleep with this revelatory new book from Melinda Powell, Director of the Dream Research Institute. We spend a third of our lives sleeping and, as new research would suggest, almost all of that is spent dreaming. Despite this, very few of us try to explore the messages that our brain is projecting, or try to use this knowledge in our everyday lives. As well as analysing the importance of dreaming for our sleeping brains, Powell discusses the role of light, landscapes, space and people within our dreams, examines the role of nightmares, dispels some common misconceptions and gives readers the tools to unpick these symbols, improve their mental wellbeing and discover better, more balanced sleep.

Melinda Powell Allen & Unwin $32.99

A LIFETIME IN GALAPAGOS

Tui De Roy was a year old in 1955 when her family left Europe aboard a banana boat, bound for the Pacific to lead a different sort of life on Galapagos, one of self-sufficiency and living close to nature. She grew up on the islands and returned to them often over the next five decades. Discovering photography at a young age, she took her camera with her everywhere, whether she was scaling active volcanoes, diving among hammerhead sharks, or communing with Darwin’s finches. A Lifetime in Galapagos features hundreds of breathtaking photos taken over the course of De Roy’s life. She paints unforgettable portraits of her childhood in Galapagos, the islands at night under the stars of the Milky Way, the diverse birdlife of Galapagos, and much more.

Tui De Roy Bateman Books $59.99

93

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47 Social blunder (5) 50 Small child (3) 54 Greenfly (5) 55 Probability (4) 56 Window shade (6) 57 Genuine (4,4) 60 Varied (7) 61 Displaced sods on a golf course (6) 62 Brief summary (8) 65 Large breed of dog (5,4) 67 Equip (3,3) 68 Dilapidated old motor vehicle (6) 72 Special attention given to important guests (3-6,9) 75 Gift (7) 77 Bother (7) 78 Quarter (6) 79 Digging animal (6) 80 Formal dance (4) 81 Directed (7) 82 Unfinished (10) 83 Core (7)

DOWN 1 Spinning blade (5) 2 Woman’s underbodice (8) 3 Foliage (6) 4 Famous (10) 5 Showily manly (5) 6 Ridicule with satire (7) 7 Country with Haifa (6) 8 Latin American dance (5) 10 Predecessor (10) 11 Endeavour (7) 12 Jewellery item (6) 17 Well-heeled (10) 18 Garden figure (5) 21 Continued after interruption (7) 23 Lay off (7) 25 Accompany (6) 26 Authoritarian (6) 27 Knot (6) 28 Summerhouse (6) 30 Hackneyed (5) 32 Business transaction (4) 33 Long ago (4) 34 Jumping insect (4) 40 Mar (6)

42 Whirlpool (4) 44 Magnate (6) 45 Pilot’s badge (5) 46 Down payment (7) 48 Limp (6) 49 Stamped out (10) 50 Work hard (4) 51 Curative treatment (7) 52 Tanned skin (4) 53 Appoint to a position (6) 58 Light canvas shoe with a plaited fibre sole (10) 59 Inappropriate (10) 63 Farewell (5) 64 Put up with (8) 66 Hermit (7) 67 Spicy sauce (7) 69 Rue (6) 70 Oddball (6) 71 Alternative (6) 73 Prickle (5) 74 Eagle’s nest (5) 76 Relates (5)

Across: 1 Recital, 4 Complaints, 9 Affable, 13 Tame, 14 Gaelic, 15 Marina, 16 Protect, 19 Reserve, 20 Blow one’s own trumpet, 21 Relish, 22 Harden, 24 Terminate, 29 Feathers, 30 Trance, 31 Headway, 35 Mandolin, 36 Siding, 37 Rile, 38 Eaves, 39 Die, 41 Sated, 43 Stewed, 47 Gaffe, 50 Tot, 54 Aphid, 55 Odds, 56 Canopy, 57 Bona fide, 60 Diverse, 61 Divots, 62 Synopsis, 65 Great Dane, 67 Kit out, 68 Jalopy, 72 Red-carpet treatment, 75 Present, 77 Trouble, 78 Fourth, 79 Rabbit, 80 Ball, 81 Steered, 82 Incomplete, 83 Nucleus.

Down: 1 Rotor, 2 Camisole, 3 Leaves, 4 Celebrated, 5 Macho, 6 Lampoon, 7 Israel, 8 Tango, 10 Forerunner, 11 Attempt, 12 Locket, 17 Prosperous, 18 Gnome, 21 Resumed, 23 Dismiss, 25 Escort, 26 Strict, 27 Tangle, 28 Gazebo, 30 Trite, 32 Deal, 33 Once, 34 Flea, 40 Impair, 42 Eddy, 44 Tycoon, 45 Wings, 46 Deposit, 48 Floppy, 49 Eradicated, 50 Toil, 51 Therapy, 52 Hide, 53 Assign, 58 Espadrille, 59 Unsuitable, 63 Adieu, 64 Tolerate, 66 Recluse, 67 Ketchup, 69 Regret, 70 Weirdo, 71 Option, 73 Thorn, 74 Eyrie, 76 Tells.

ACROSS 1 Musical performance by a soloist (7) 4 Ailments (10) 9 Good-natured and sociable (7) 13 Domesticated (4) 14 Celtic language (6) 15 Yacht harbour (6) 16 Keep safe (7) 19 Book (7) 20 Boast of your own achievements (4,4,3,7) 21 Savour (6) 22 Set (6) 24 Bring to an end (9) 29 Plumage (8) 30 Hypnotic state (6) 31 Progress (7) 35 Stringed instrument (8) 36 Shunting track (6) 37 Annoy (4) 38 Roof overhang (5) 39 Perish (3) 41 Fully satisfied (5) 43 Simmered (6)

4

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Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: PROPHETS

1Kelly 6ANACROSS 8 and RIDS NAN 3. Wine fruit has song A payment for island?

94 77 1 7 9popular 43 2 55 12.214.

8To4vote37again 6renal 9(5)rhinal rial rielgalah ANACROSS rile gale rule ulna THE PUZZLE COMPANY gall halal hale hall haul fit haulage heal hula label laugh LAUGHABLE©leal ulnae ulnar unreal urinal takes two quarters for a bizarre Solve the anagrams, then the in SOLUTION 181 puts20. lead in your 4. Rebel sister (6) inulnae 18 pencil (8) ulnar unreal urinal Got list for windpipe opening (7) 9.

5.

Hag ran pigpen decorating O legal ullage T Solve the anagrams, then fit the necessities (5) election (2-5) 75 3 4 9 5 1 6 words into the crossword grid. alien aril earl elan equal hail hale for windpipe opening (7)2 5.

Hag ran pigpen in decorating 59 13 186 10 9. Got21.8listA French 2 4 6 7 1 9 8 3 A OChirper memo to five hundred 16. Dull and for oldlanding boy’s CRYPTIC CROSSWG 10. has place words into the crossword grid. trade (5,7) Fillblunt in the grids so every row, column and 3x3 box contains haler HARLEQUIN haul hauler the numbers 1-9 CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 10. Chirper chair has landing place (5,7) chair WORDG was MEET MON B 4 forgotten 7(7)fertilisers?

1 96(8)SUDOKU 3 8trade 8model 5use2 2(6)from4around N 19 haulier heal hernial hilar hula hurl 10.

Across: 1. Reap, 3. Graphite, 9. Glottis, Perch, 11.Air Self-absorbed, 13.

Earthy, 1. Reap, 3.

Across: 6.

Nationality Air Isle 129 (5) 6.

Nationality from around Isle 28 49 7 21 (5) 1 6 3 5 7 ?

G shop’s 22. Tea 18.

Bury between (5) MEET MON inhale inhaler lain lair lane lean 15.

Wapiti, 17.

Beach buggies, 20.

Needs, 21.

Unnoted, 22.

Potashes, 23.

Prey.

Could be Flora’s beds that has 11. 23.

(7) MOLE RIB 1 beds 6 learn 2 liar1.lien 5 4 9 2 15.

8 Wapiti, 17. Bea this5 does8 SOLUTION 181 pins back (4) 6What3like8 2capture?

49 719.2Cut 99hoax Could be that has (7) 20 lieu 2. line linear liner5. Paper hanging, 6. Israeli, 7. Echo, Down: Register, Atoll, 4. Resist, her Sounds away with the fairies (4-8) 7. Aztec has1 repetition it (4) 86 1595 3 7 before 3 411.

51Flora’s 6 in(4-8) MOLE RIB it (4) alien aril earl elan equal 16. hail hale18. Inter, 19. Snip.

Down: 1. Register, Attache cases, 12.

First day,nailer 14.

Re-elect, Obtuse, lira8.MOISTER lire lunar lune lure nail A O Dirty could be hearty (6) 13.

8.

At a catch, sees the diplomatic her away with the fairies 7.

Aztec hoax has repetition in it (4) 6 7 849 56 223it1to get8a deer9(6)5 7 bags 6 (7,5) haul neural quail haler quale HARLEQUIN rail rale real 196 MOISTER 047 hauler MINARET 15. I paw 8. Attache cases, 1 7 3 2 6 5 1 1643 82 9 4 129drove7ANACROSS 113. 6Dirty 33could 2opposite be gets hearty (6) renal 8. catch, seeshilar the hula diplomatic haulier heal hernial hurl ANACROSS rhinal rialAt rielarile rule ulna WORD GO ROUND ?

G 17. Big gas cube he around 12. “Conifer Street” DARN HUE MINARET 4 5 8 8 3 6 inhale inhaler lain bale lair ball lane lean 22 23 ulnae ulnar unreal urinal able ague alba alga algae algal bagel beau beluga blag blah gable gala 15.

I paw it to get a deer (6) bags (7,5) usually in the dunes (5,7) night for opening date (5,3) Solve the anagrams, then fit the Down 1 179 414 8 Across 2 3 7 6 155 6two3quarters 5 for8 214. To4vote 7 9 bizarre 1 HUE 18 learn liar lienhaul lieu line linear BAIT MEN galah gale gall halalcrossword hale hall haulage heal hulaliner label laugh LAUGHABLE leal Kellyistakes again in aDARN 13 words into the grid.

(4) 1. Concerning a quiet harvest 1.20.

Regret to enroll (8) WORD GO ROUND 17.

Big gas drove around 12.

“Conifer Street” gets opposite Insert thecube missinghe letter to complete an 4 2 5 1 4 7 9 lira lire lunar lune lure nail nailer legal ullage NAN (5) (2-5) Across198 6 5 4 3.7 Down Wine 9 fruit has A payment for island?

1popular 3is tosong 2 and 2.necessities 2memo 1to (5) 8 9usually 5election 7the 6word 3forreading 4 eight-letter clockwise BAIT MENorRIDS night able ague alba alga neuralfor quail quale rail rale(5,3) real 196 047 in dunes (5,7) opening date A French five hundred 16.

Dull and blunt old boy’s (4) lead in 1. Concerning a quiet harvestputs 1.your Regret pencil (8)enroll (8) 4.21.

Rebel sister (6) anticlockwise.

16 MEET renal MON ANACROSS ANACROSS riel rile rule ulna 1rhinal 7 gale gall hala (7)in decorating 20. model use (6) twoRIDS galah NAN 3. Wine20 fruit has popular song9.and Awindpipe payment for island?

Got list 2. for21 opening (7) (5) 5.was Hagforgotten ran pigpen Kelly takes quarters for 14.

To voterial again in a bizarre ulnae ulnar unreal urinal then fit the Tea shop’s fertilisers? (8) 22. (5,7) 18. BuryCROSSWORD between (5) MOLE RIB CRYPTIC 10.

Chirper chair has landing place trade Solve the anagrams, puts lead in your pencil (8) 4.

Rebel sister (6) How many wo legal ullage 17 18 necessities (5) (2-5)3 7Cut1.1pins 9 5 What this does beforeAircapture?

19. back (4) Across: Reap, 3. Graphite, 9. Glottis, 10.9 Perch,3 11. election Self-absorbed, Earthy, (5)(7) 6.23.

Nationality from around Isle or more can y 9. Got list for windpipe opening 5. Hag ran pigpen in decorating words into13.the crossword grid.

MOISTER Sounds like it (4) 15.

Wapiti, 17.

Beach buggies, 20.

Needs, 21.

Unnoted, 22.

Potashes, 23.

Prey.

21. A French memo to five hundred 16. Dull and blunt for old boy’s Couldtrade be Flora’s 11. is at least one CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 10. Chirper place (5,7)beds that has (7) 19 chair has landing her 5 8 Down: 1. Register, 2. Atoll, 4. 1 Resist, 5. Paper hanging, 6. Israeli, 7.9 Echo,7 1 away with the fairies (4-8) 7. Aztec hoax has repetition in it (4) Each letter m MINARET Across: 1. Reap, 3.was Graphite, 9. Glottis, 10.First Perch, 13.

Earthy, model use (6) (5) 6. Nationality from 23 around Air Isle 22 MEET MON 8.forgotten Attache cases,(7) 12. day,11.

14. Self-absorbed, Re-elect, 16. Obtuse, 18. Inter, 19. Snip. only once and 13. Dirty could be hearty (6) 8. At a catch, sees the diplomatic 15. Wapiti, 17. Beach buggies, 20. Needs, 21. Unnoted, 22. Potashes, 23. Prey. be Flora’s beds that has 11. Could (7) 22. Tea shop’s fertilisers?

2 3 (8) 7 DARN 18.

8(5) Bury between contain the ce 20 HUE 15. I paw it to get21 a deer (6) bags (7,5) Down: 1. Register, 2. Atoll, 4. Resist, 5. Paper hanging, 6. Israeli, 7. Echo, MOLE RIB her away with the fairies (4-8) 7.

Aztec hoax has repetition in it (4) words starting GOthis ROUND 17. Big gas cube heDown drove around 12. “Conifer Street” gets opposite23.WORD Across What does before capture?

19.blag Cut pins back (4) 8.

Attache cases, 12.

First day, 14.

Re-elect, 16.

Obtuse, 18.

Inter, 19.

Snip.

BAIT MEN 13. Dirty could be hearty (6) usually in 8.

At a catch, sees the diplomatic no plurals end able ague alba alga algae algal bagel bale ball beau beluga blah gable gala the dunes1.

(5,7) night for 6 like 5gallithalal 7 1 2 1 9 5 3 1. Concerning a quiet harvest (4) Regret is to enroll (8)opening date (5,3) Sounds (4)hale hall haul haulage heal hula labelMOISTER Good 20 galah gale laugh LAUGHABLE leal 15. I paw it to get a deer (6) bags (7,5) 93 54 86 1 53 8166 22 694 72 13 2 74 951788 17 11 19 79 35 28 6 15 31 64 20 16 97 4141 8 22 4213 57 13 11 8 6 5 4 7 22 9 1

anticlockwise.

Previous solution: PROPHETS

WORDWHEEL TOBOGGAN

E A M E M E B B R A I M E O I N N A ANACROSS R D S E AE U T D L

B

WORDWHEEL TOBOGGAN

N

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

WORDWHEEL TOBOGGAN

8 5 9 3 7 ANACROSS 6 E A 2 M E M E 1 B B 4 R A I M ANACROSS E O E A U M I N N A M E M E N T O L T 2 7 6 8 4 1 5 9 3 1 4 3 9 2 5 8 7 6 9 6 8 1 5 2 3 4 7 4 3 1 7 8 9 6 2 5 7 2 5 6 3 4 1 8 9 5 8 4 2 6 7 9 3 1

6 1 2 4 9 3 7 5 8

Call us:

A

1 6 8 9 3 8 1 4 2 5

3

9 3 7 9 6 45 3 7 8 1

Very Good 24 Excellent 28+

SOLUTION 181 alien aril earl ela haler HARLEQU haulier heal her inhale inhaler la learn liar lien lie lira lire lunar lun neural quail qua renal rhinal rial ulnae unre Solveulnar the ana

words into the

MEET MO MOLE RI MOISTER MINARET DARN HU BAIT ME RIDS NA

0800 250 600

3 9 7 5 1 8 4 6 2

HARD

B H R B WORDWHEEL R A I M E N T TOBOGGAN E A I O I N N A R D S T D E L

1 5 2 3 4 7 7 8 9 6 2 5 6 3 4 1 8 9 4 9 3 7 5 8 2 6 7 9 3 1 5 1 8 4 6 2

8 9 3 1 7 9 4 6 45 2 3 7 5 8 1 3 7 1 2 39 2 76 9 4 8 61 5 4

SUDOKU 6 5 5 MEDIUM

5 2 3 41 9 6 7 1 82

5 1

9 2 5 8 7 6

8 4 1 5 9 3

3 7 6 2 1 4

1 9 3 6 8 9 8 6 5 9 3 2 3 3 4 15 1 4 8 9 3 5 6 7 4 9 1 2 8 82 3 7 6 5 9 8 1 2 3 6 4 7 5 97 95 1 3 2 73 4 2 5 1 8 3 6 9

9 63 5 SUDOKU 5 1 MEDIUM 8 5 2 3 7 5 8 9 3 1 2 1 7 9 6 7 4 9 1 32 486 45 8 41 2 3 7 9 6 7 6 2 4 9 5 8 1 3 3 8 3 4 3 5 8 66 7 1 2 4 5 8 5 1 4 27 9 7 91 7 39 2 76 1 2 3 7 8 5 1 6 1 974 8 8 8 6 5 4 7 9 95 1 6 2 4 7 2 1 9 5 5 8 9 3 HARD

5 1

U M N T O H R E N T A I R D S D E

5 8 4 2 6 7 9 3 1 3 9 7 5 1 8 4 6 2

HARD

8 9 3 1 7 9 4 6 45 2 3 7 5 8 1 3 7 1 2 39 2 76 9 4 8 61 5 4

7 1

SUDOKU 6 5 5 MEDIUM

5 1 2 3 7 7 4 9 1 2 8 6 7 6 2 4 4 3 85 38 6 27 9 7 91 8 5 1 6 7 6 2 4 7 9 5 6

6 2

9 3 8

16

MEET MON MOLE RIB MOISTER MINARET DARN HUE BAIT MEN RIDS NAN

words into the crossword grid.

18

CRYPTIC 5 8 9 3 CROSSWORD 1 7 6 2 4 1 2 1 72 9 6 43 34 5 8 5 3 4 6 5 88 2 9 7 1 94 2 3 7 9 8 5 1 6 10 9 5 8 1 3 6 2 4 7 6 7 1 2 4 5 8 9 3 11 7 3 2 6 5 1 4 8 9 1 9 414 8 2 3 7 6 155 8 6 5 4 7 9 1 3 2

2. A payment for island? (5) 4. Rebel sister (6) 5. Hag ran pigpen in decorating trade (5,7) 6. Nationality from around Air Isle (7) 7. Aztec hoax has repetition in it (4) 8. At a catch, sees the diplomatic bags (7,5) 12. “Conifer Street” gets opposite night for opening date (5,3) 14. To vote again in a bizarre 13

7 1

21

7 1

17

23

3 9 7 5 1 8 4 6 2

9 1 7 9 6 4 5 8 4 2

20

19

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

9 1 7 9 6 5 8 6 2 4 4 2

ANACROSS

Previous solution: PROPHETS

22

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across: 1. Reap, 3. Graphite, 9. Glottis, 10. Perch, 11. Self-absorbed, 13. Earthy, 15. Wapiti, 17. Beach buggies, 20. Needs, 21. Unnoted, 22. Potashes, 23. Prey.

Down: 1. Register, 2. Atoll, 4. Resist, 5. Paper hanging, 6. Israeli, 7. Echo, 8. Attache cases, 12. First day, 14. Re-elect, 16. Obtuse, 18. Inter, 19. Snip.

4 4 2

5 2 3 41 9 6 7 1 82

10.Big Chirper chair trade (5,7) 6GOCRYPTIC 7 1 CROSSWORD 2 4 5 8 9 3 8 7 3 4 9 2O5 1 6 A WORD11 ROUND 17. gas cube he has drovelanding aroundplace12. “Conifer Street” gets opposite Across: 1.algae Reap,algal 3. Graphite, Glottis, 10. Perch, 11. gable Self-absorbed, Earthy, (5) in the dunes (5,7) from around Air Isle able ague alba alga bagel bale9. ball beau beluga blag gala6 3 13. usually night6.forNationality opening date (5,3) 7 3 2 6 5 1 4 8 9 4 blah 8?Prey.

5 G 2 129 722.1Potashes, 15.

Wapiti, 17.

Beach buggies, 20.

Needs, 21.

Unnoted, 23.

Could be two Flora’s bedsfor that has14. To 11.Kelly (7)vote again in a bizarre galah gale gall halal hale hall haul haulage heal hula label laugh LAUGHABLE leal takes quarters 20.

1 9 4 8 2 3 7 6 5 6 3 5 8 2 4 7 9 1 Down: 1.

Register, 2.

Atoll, 4.

Resist, 5.

Paper hanging, 6.

Israeli, 7.

Echo, her away with 7. Aztec (4) ullage necessities (5) the fairies (4-8) election (2-5) hoax has repetition in itlegal 13 14 15 missing letter to complete an Attache 12. First 19.

French memo five hundred 21.

16. Dull blunt for old the boy’s 5 4cases, 7 9 1 3day,214. Re-elect, 16.2 Obtuse, 1 8 18.9 Inter, 5Insert 7the Snip.

6word3reading 4 clockwise or could beto hearty (6) 13.ADirty 8. Atand a catch, sees diplomatic 88. 6 eight-letter anticlockwise.

16 ANACROSS was (7)get a deer (6) model use(7,5) (6) 15.forgotten I paw it to bags fertilisers?

(8) around 18. Bury 22. between Street” (5) WORD 17 GO ROUND 18 17.Tea Bigshop’s gas cube he drove 12. “Conifer gets opposite 23.

Whatin this before capture? 19. Cut pins (4) date (5,3) able ague alba alga algae algal bagel bale ball beau beluga blag blah gable gala usually thedoes dunes (5,7) night forback opening 19 Sounds liketakes it (4) two quarters for galah gale gall halal hale hall haul haulage heal hula label laugh LAUGHABLE leal 20. Kelly 14. To vote again in a bizarre 20 legal ullage 21 necessities (5) election (2-5) 21. A French memo to five hundred 16. Dull and blunt for old boy’s was forgotten (7) model use (6) 22 23 22. Tea shop’s fertilisers? (8) 18. Bury between (5) 23. What this does before capture? 19. Cut pins back (4) Across Down Sounds like it (4) 1. Concerning a quiet harvest (4) 1. Regret is to enroll (8) 3. Wine fruit has popular song and puts lead in your pencil (8) 9. Got list for windpipe opening (7) 10. Chirper chair has landing place (5) 11. Could be Flora’s beds that has her away with the fairies (4-8) 13. Dirty could be hearty (6) 15. I paw it to get a deer (6) 17. Big gas cube he drove around usually in the dunes (5,7) 20. Kelly takes two quarters for

A

5 2 3 41 9

HARD

SUDOKU 6 5 5 MEDIUM

7 1

M M E M E N T O B H R A I M E N T E A I O I N N A R D S T D E L

MINARET DARN HUEWORDWHEEL BAIT MEN RIDS NAN O T WORDWHEELB TOBOGGAN R

8 5 9 3 7 6 2 1 4 2 7 6 8 4 1 5 9 3 1 4 3 9 2 5 8 7 6 9 6 8 1 5 2 3 4 7 4 3 1 7 8 9 6 2 5

7 2 5 M 6 O 3 4 R 1 T 8 9I

ANACROSS

3 9 7 U 5 N 1 8 H 4 E 6 2 A

5 6 8 1 4 2 2 4 6T9 7 3 9 7 3N5 1 8

6 1 2 4 9 3 7 5 8 2 4 7 9 1 HARD 8 9 5 7 6 3 4

9 3 5 1 8 2 3 7 7 1 4 9 2 8 MEDIUM 3 6 5 8 9 3 1 7 6 2 4 8 3 6 7 4 92 11 72 98 6 4 3 5 8 2 3 63 44 67 455 8 27 9 7 91 4 2 3 7 9 8 5 1 6 7 5 1 81 3 6 9 9 5 8 1 3 6 2 4 7 9 5 6 7 1 9 8 33 6 7 1 2 4 5 8 9 3 3 8 57 239 24 767 1 5 1 4 8 9 4 9 21 59 41 86 8 2 3 7 6 5 1 6 382 861 55 42 9 7 95 1 3 2 3 5 8 9 3 1 4 8 9 3 7 6 5 SUDOKU 6 5 95 15 3 2

1 6 8 9 3 4 15 82 97

5 1

6 2

WORD GO ROUND able ague alba alga algae algal bagel bale ball beau beluga blag blah gable gala galah gale gall halal hale hall haul haulage heal hula label laugh LAUGHABLE leal legal ullage

9 1 7 9 6 5 8

5 1

6 2

9 3 5 1 8 2 3 7 7 4 9 91 2 18 6 7 9 6 7 6 2 4 4 5 8 4 3 85 38 6 4 92 7 91 27 8 5 1 6 7 6 27 4 17 9 5

7

Down 1. Regret is to enroll (8) 2. A payment for island? (5) 4. Rebel sister (6) 5. Hag ran pigpen in decorating trade (5,7) 6. Nationality from around Air Isle (7) 7. Aztec hoax has repetition in it (4) 8. At a catch, sees the diplomatic bags (7,5) 12. “Conifer Street” gets opposite night for opening date (5,3) 14. To vote again in a bizarre election (2-5) 16. Dull and blunt for old boy’s model use (6) 18. Bury between (5) 19. Cut pins back (4) 6 2

5 1

6

3

9 3 5 1 8 2 3 7 7 4 9 1 2 8 6

4 38 91 6 57 3 9 5 2

Across 1. Concerning a quiet harvest (4) 3. Wine fruit has popular song and puts lead in your pencil (8) 9. Got list for windpipe opening (7) 10. Chirper chair has landing place (5) 11. Could be Flora’s beds that has her away with the fairies (4-8) 13. Dirty could be hearty (6) 15. I paw it to get a deer (6) 17. Big gas cube he drove around usually in the dunes (5,7) 20. Kelly takes two quarters for necessities (5) 21. A French memo to five hundred was forgotten (7) 22. Tea shop’s fertilisers? (8) 23. What this does before capture?

Sounds like it (4)

1 6 8 9

7 6 2 4 3 85 27 9 7 8 5 1 4 9 8 6 3

8 5 9 3 7 6 2 1 4

1 4 3 9 2 5 8 7 6 2 7 6 8 4 1 5 9 3

9 6 8 1 5 2 3 4 7

3 6 2 9 4 5 8 15 1 4 82 3 7 97 95 1

4 3 1 7 8 9 6 2 5

3. Wine fruit has popular song12. and 2. A payment forelection island?

(5) legal ullage (5)“Conifer Street” gets opposite (2-5) WORD GO ROUND 17. Big gas cube he drove around 22lead in your pencilnecessities 23 puts (8)A French sister (6) memo to Rebel five hundred 21.

16. Dull and blunt old alba boy’s ablefor ague alga algae algal bagel bale ball beau beluga blag blah gable gala usually in the dunes (5,7) night for 4. opening date (5,3) © THE PUZZLE COMPANY 1 heal 7 hula 6 label 2 4laugh LAUGHABLE leal3 5 6 7 Find 4 the 9 missing 1 2letter8to make a word listtwo forquarters windpipefor opening (7)(7) 9. Got 5. Hag in decorating was forgotten model use (6) galah gale gall halal5 hale8hall 9 haul3 haulage takes 20. Kelly 14.

To vote againran in apigpen bizarre fertilisers?

(8) 22. Tea shop’s 18. Bury between 1 CROSSWORD 2 3 4 5 6 7 10.

Chirper chair has landing place tradeDown (5,7) legal(5)ullage CRYPTIC reading clockwise WordWheel necessities (5) election (2-5) Across 2 1 7 9 6 4 3 5 8 9 8 1 2 3 6 4 7 or5anticlockwise 23.

What this does before capture?

19.

Cut pins back (4) Across: 1. Reap, 3. Graphite, 9. Glottis, 10. Perch, 11. Self-absorbed, 13. Earthy, 6. Nationality from 2102 French memo to five hundred 21. A (5) 16. (4) Dull and blunt for old boy’s a quiet harvest 1. Concerning 1. Regret is toaround enroll Air (8)Isle 8 Sounds like it (4) 3 417. 6 5 buggies, 8 2 20.

9 Needs, 7 121. Unnoted, 22. 7Potashes, 4 2 23.5Prey.

1 8 3 6 9 15. Wapiti, Beach Could be Flora’s beds that hasand 11.

(7)(6)2. A payment for island? (5) was forgotten (7)fruit model use 3. Wine has popular song Echo,6 7 1 9 8 3 (8) (4-8) 18. Bury7.

22. Tea between (5) has repetition in it (4) Down:941. Register, hershop’s awayfertilisers? with the fairies Aztec hoax 2 3 2.

7 Atoll, 9 4.8Resist, 5 15. Paper 6 10 hanging, 6. Israeli, 5 27. 4 puts lead inbefore your capture? pencil (8) 4. Rebel sister (6) 8. Attache cases, 12. First day, 14. Re-elect, 16. Obtuse, 18. Inter, 19. Snip.

23. What (4) sees the diplomatic Dirtydoes could be hearty (6) 19. Cut pins 13. this 8. Atback a catch, © THE PUZZLE COMPANY 9 5 8 1 3 6 2 4 7 1 6 9 3 8 5 2 4 7 Got list forget windpipe opening (7)bags5.(7,5) 9.like Hag ran pigpen in decorating Sounds it (4) 15.

I paw it to a deer (6)

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

L E

G

9 3 5 1 8 2 3 7 7 4 9 1 2 8 6WORDWHEEL 7 6 TOBOGGAN 2 4 4 3 85 38 6 27 9 7 91 8 5 1 6 7 6 2 4 7 9 5

E A U M M E M E N T O B H R B R A I M E N T E A I O I N N A R D S T D E L

5 1 ANACROSS

6 2

4 3 1 7 8 9 6 2 5 6 1 2 4 9 3 7 5 8 5 8 4 2 6 7 9 3 1

HARD

3 9 7 5 1 8 4 6 2

9 1 7 9 6 4 5 8 4 2

14. To vote again in a bizarre

ANACROSS

4 3 1 7 8 9 6 2 5 7 2 5 6 3 4 1 8 9 6 1 2 4 9 3 7 5 8 5 8 4 2 6 7 9 3 1 3 9 7 5 1 8 4 6 2

HARD

3

8 5 9 3 7 6 2 1 4 9 6 8 1 5 2 3 4 7

1 4 3 9 2 5 8 7 6

2 7 6 8 4 1 5 9 3

3 9 5 2 9 8 6 3

5 8 1 4 3 7 95 1

1 6 8 9 3 4 15 82 97 8 9 3 1 7 9 4 6 45 2 3 7 5 8 1 3 7 1 2 39 2 76 9 4 8 61 5 4 5 2 3 41 9 6 7 1 82

SUDOKU 6 5 5 MEDIUM

7 1

7 2 5 6 3 4 1 8 9

5 1 2 3 7 7 4 9 1 2 8 6 7 6 2 4 4 3 85 38 6 7 2 9 7 91 8 5 1 6 7 6 2 4 7 9 5

9 3 8

5 1

MEDIUM RIDS NAN

9 1 7 9 6 5 8

7 2 5 6 3 4 1 8 9

7 1

4 4 2

8 9 3 1 7 9 4 6 45 2 3 7 5 8 1 3 7 1 2 39 2 76 9 4 8 61 5 4

6 1 2 4 9 3 7 5 8

SUDOKU 6 5 5 MEDIUM

5 2 3 41 9 6 7 1 82

5 8 4 2 6 7 9 3 1

HARD

3 9 7 5 1 8 4 6 2

ANACROSS

E A U M M E M E N T O B H R B R A I M E N T E A I O I N N A R D S T D E L

WORDWHEEL TOBOGGAN

20. Kelly takes two quarters for

9 1 7 9 6 4 5 8 4 2

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

E A U M M E M E N T O B H R B R A I M E N T E A I O I N N A R D S T D E L

3

2 7 6 8 4 1 5 9 3 1 4 3 9 2 5 8 7 6 9 6 8 1 5 2 3 4 7

3 9 5 2 9 8 6 3

5 8 1 4 3 7 95 1

8 9 3 1 7 9 4 6 45 2 3 7 5 8 1 3 7 1 2 39 2 76 9 4 8 61 5 4 5 2 3 41 9 6 7 1 82

7 1

4 4 2

Previous solution: PROPHETS

6 2

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

SUDOKU 6 5 5 MEDIUM

1 6 8 9 3 4 15 82 97

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: PROPHETS

8 5 9 3 7 6 2 1 4

9 3 5 1 8 2 3 7 7 4 9 1 2 8 6 7 6 2 4 4 3 85 38 6 7 2 9 7 91 8 5 1 6 7 6 2 4 7 9 5

5 1

9 1 7 9 6 5 8

6 2

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across: 1. Reap, 3. Graphite, 9. Glottis, 10. Perch, 11. Self15. Wapiti, 17. Beach buggies, 20. Needs, 21. Unnoted, 22.

Down: 1. Register, 2. Atoll, 4. Resist, 5. Paper hanging, 6. I 8. Attache cases, 12. First day, 14. Re-elect, 16. Obtuse, 18

99 WORD GO ROUND able ague alba alga algae algal bagel bale ball beau beluga b galah gale gall halal hale hall haul haulage heal hula label lau

5 7 8 4 2 6 7 129 3 1

6 1 2 4 9 3 7 5 8

7 2 5 6 3 4 1 8 9

5 7 6 3 4 ANACROSS ANACROSS

Insert the missing letter to complete an eight-letter word reading clockwise or anticlockwise. Previous solution: PROPHETS

WORDWHEEL 4 9 1 2 8 Find the missing letter to make a word reading 3WordWheel 6 clockwise 4 7 or5anticlockwise 1 8 3 6 9 7 1 9O8 3T 8 5B 2 4 7 N 9 2O5 1 6 A 6 3 8?5 G 2 2 4 7 9 1 2102

SOLUTION 181 alien aril earl elan equal hail hale haler HARLEQUIN haul hauler haulier heal hernial hilar hula hurl inhale inhaler lain lair lane lean learn liar lien lieu line linear liner lira lire lunar lune lure nail nailer neural quail quale rail rale real 196 047 renal rhinal rial riel rile rule ulna ulnae unreal urinal then fit the Solveulnar the anagrams,

LS DE CK O O 0 M N ST 2 20 W I NO

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2020 Range of Swift Explorer Caravans The 2020 season sees the return of the Swift Explorer caravan range to Merit RV. These exclusive range of caravans are built by Swift Group UK that include a number of upgraded features for the “freedom” camper of New Zealand. Built with Swift’s leading SMART construction system incorporating timber-less framing and GRP balanced panels, your investment is even better protected. With its extra ground clearance, larger water tanks, and larger payload, “freedom” camping is a genuine possibility for the Explorer caravan. Enter the interior and discover the soft furnishings, well arranged living spaces and design features that set the Swift Explorer products apart. With two Island bed layouts (with full ensuites) currently available, including a single axle variant, the Explorer may just be the tourer for you. From $73,995.

2020 Swift Explorer features include: • Monitored 120L Fresh and 120L Grey Water tanks • Raised Heavy Duty “Aussie” ALKO Chassis • ALKO Trailer Control (ATC) • Payload upgrade • 200 watt Solar System • Energy saving LED lighting throughout • Outside Shower outlet • Wide Dometic Security door • Twin gas bottle capacity

• Ducted gas and electric central heating • Dometic 3 way 190 litre fridge with separate freezer • Twin house battery mounted under floor • 12v Range Hood • Pull out Thule entry step • 15’’ alloy wheels • LED DVD TV with Freeview • Satellite Dish

Start your journey of discovery in a stunning 2020 Swift Explorer.

Enquire now.

• Electrical WOF • Gas Certification • NZMCA Self Containment Certificate.

• 50mm AL-KO tow ball • Tow Vehicle wiring adaption • 2 Nights Stay at Local Holiday Park

Revolution

MHZ-FP-5139779-CS-181

Designed to suit you.

Hand-crafted to pursuit New Zealand.

Meet the Revolution, the custom-built motorhome with a difference. Designed how you want it, and New Zealand-made for New Zealand landscapes.

Join the Revolution. Get in touch today!

0800 444 250 | SALES@CAMPRO.CO.NZ WWW.CAMPRO.CO.NZ

Available in Fiat Ducato or Mercedes Sprinter models

Where value meets excellence

AS DISPLAYED AT THE AUCKLAND SHOW

Low Profile models

Sunlight van

6 berth models

LIMITED NUMBERS ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔

2019 models with balance of Dethleffs / Sunlight & Fiat warranties [done approx. 25,000kms] Limited numbers of 2018 models also available [done approx. 50,000kms] 7 different layouts of the Dethleffs Distinction range. Priced from $99,990 All Dethleffs motorhomes come with solar, automatic satellite TV, reverse camera’s and external awnings.

Seat belting and comfortable sleeping for two to six people Drive on a standard class 1 drivers licence

Available to view at UCC Motorhomes in Christchurch, or Zion Motorhomes – 50 Gateway Park Drive, Pokeno Ph: 0800 222 108 | Office: 03 349 7747 | Mobile: 021 658116 | Email: info@uccmotorhomes.co.nz 7 Foremans Road, Islington, Christchurch | www.uccmotorhomes.co.nz

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Merit RV proudly presents the

2020 Range of Swift Voyager Motorhomes With their streamlined low profile exterior, the Voyager line-up exclusive to Merit RV is back for 2020. Direct from the Swift factory these have been built exclusively for the New Zealand market with a number of special features. Enhanced styling in the three layout options for 2020, which includes the ever popular Island Bed layout with a large front dining area or an alternative layout of two single beds and a large front lounge. The three layouts available in the Swift Voyager range are all 4 berth with spacious living areas. The Voyager unit size ranges from the 6.74m fixed bed option, through to the 7.4m Island Bed model. The stylish exterior has a distinctive anthracite grey, whilst the interior has a soft furnishing scheme. All of these motorhomes run on a Warrant Of Fitness and come fully “on tour” ready.

Here Now!! Amazing value with prices starting from $139,995.

2020 Voyager features include: • • • • • • • • • •

9 speed Automatic Transmission Euro 6 Diesel Turbo Engine 160BHP Engine (7.4m models) Cruise Control ABS, ESC and Hill Assist 16” Alloy Wheels Rear View Camera Touch Screen Stereo with Steering Wheel Controls Central Locking on all Doors

• • • • • • • • •

Awning External Shower Point Automatic Satellite Dish LED TV with DVD and Freeview Solar System Monitored Fresh and Grey Tanks House Battery NZMCA Self Containment Certificate 2 Nights Stay at Local Holiday Park

Start your own voyage of discovery in a stunning 2020 Swift Voyager.

Register your interest now.

• • • •

6 Year Body Warranty 3 Year Internal Warranty 5 Year Fiat Warranty No Extras “On Road” Costs

THE ORIGINAL 30 SECOND TENT SECONDS TO PITCH. SECOND TO NONE.

Due to its modular design, you can add two or more tents side by side or awning to awning.

If you own a motorhome, campervan or a caravan then this tent provides an instant extra room which can be freestanding or easily attached to a sail track.

The OZTENT is also the perfect tent for fishing or boating. Spend more time fishing and boating and less time erecting your tent.

The OZTENT gives you time to relax and enjoy the great outdoors because that is the very reason you are out there.

You won’t regret the convenience, durability and ease of use this tent offers.

OZTENT Furniture, Total comfort and quality • All made with heavy-duty steel frames.

• All chairs have adjustable lumbar support.

• 150kg weight rating on chairs & stretchers.

• 5 year warranty.

MHZ-FP-5169661-TS-179

• Made from 100% Waterproof Guaranteed Rip-stop Polycotton canvas with double stitched and tape sealed seams • Heavy Duty, Waterproof heat sealed PVC floor • All guy ropes are attached and concealed in tent pockets • Comes with large attached awning with zippers for all accessories • Five models available plus many optional accessories • 2 Year Warranty

OZTENT chairs and stretchers Total comfort & quality with 150kg weight rating.

Plus five year warranty.

Visit our website oztentnz.co.nz for more info and online shopping or phone 0800 109 933 Call into our showroom at 83-85 Bourke Street, Palmerston North.

Now Available at Rotorua Heating & Outdoors, 3 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua.

THE IDEAL NEW ZEALAND MOTORHOME.

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Explorers are unique motorhomes for New Zealanders. Refined, tough and four wheel drive to take you places other motorhomers only dream about.

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Real Adventures on and off any path

Explorer Motorhomes Ltd Postal: 118 O’Brien Road, RD3, Albany, Auckland Factory: 174 Green Road, Dairy Flat, Auckland

explorermotorhomes.co.nz MHZ-FP-5204412-TS-184

10% DISCOUNT to all members of the NZMCA

ASHBY GASFITTING

(up to $100 with proof of membership)

FOR MOTORHOMES & CARAVANS

 Pipe out new motorhomes & caravans  Certify existing motorhomes & caravans  Ensure you meet the new gas code  Certify imported caravans and motorhomes

Contact me to discuss all aspects of your gas work requirements, phone 021 416 225 or email mike@ashbygas.co.nz

Approved practitioner for Certification of compliance

MHZ-HH-5210984-TS-174

Ashby Gasfitting specialises in all gas work for motorhomes, caravans and boats. All gas work undertaken.

WHEELCHAIR CARAVANS & CUSTOM BUILT CARAVANS • Wheelchair Friendly, Mobility, Accessible, Toy Hauler • All types including family caravans – the builder with the lot!

AU ST RA L

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$78,880.00 NEW Wheelchair Friendly caravan includes landing and ramp.

Call Ellen on 0061 359778 194 or 0061 433 131 238 Factory 1b/11 Simcock Street, Somerville, Victoria Australian 3912 ellen@wheelchaircaravans.co.nz | www.wheelchaircaravans.co.nz | Agent Westernport Caravans

Ph 03 379 1633 14 Maces Rd, Bromley, Christchurch E info@christchurchcaravans.co.nz

WE TAKE THE RISK OUT OF CHOOSING YOUR CARAVAN. CONTACT US TO FIND OUT HOW. Christchurch Caravans

Specialists in UK CARAVANS

Sales – NZ wide delivery

•

Parts – a wide selection of new and used parts

Upgrades – motor movers, self-containment, solar, satellite etc

• • • •

Repairs and servicing Body repairs Pre-purchase inspections Compliance – gas and electric

www.christchurchcaravans.co.nz

MHZ-EP-5195208-TS-184

We can fulfil all your caravan needs

• •

is also available online with great reviews, plus HUNDREDS of RVs for sale.

www.

nzmcd.co.nz

Hottest selling NZMCA bike ! ! ~~~~~~~ ELECTRIC~~ Foldup Bikes

cruiser

MHZ-QV-5054915-CS-105-X

DEALER LISTINGS

2020 BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-4

2020 BAILEY PEGASUS GRANDE MESSINA

2020 BAILEY DISCOVERY D4-2

2020 JAYCO JOURNEY 22.68-3

Dare to be different, with the agile, eye-catching Discovery range. Contemporary styling and clever use of space make a Discovery the perfect partner to every adventure.

Good sized rear ensuite, 3 burner hob, spacious living area, 2 convertible couches, double-glazed windows and more...

New to the Bailey fleet is the Pegasus Grande, featuring the widest Bailey Caravan body yet. Features a midship ensuite bathroom, good sized kitchen, gas and electric hob, good sized living area which can be converted into a double bed, double-glazed windows, solar panel and more...

Dare to be different, with the agile, eye-catching Discovery range. The contemporary styling and ingenious use of space make a Discovery the perfect partner to every adventure.

Good sized rear ensuite, spacious living area, wellequipped kitchen, wardrobe, plenty of storage space...

Tough yet comfortable, and exceptional value for money the Jayco Journey 22.68-3 2020 sleeps 4 people. They are built to last with Jayco’s multi-layered, vacuumbonded fibreglass walls. Hail and dent-resistant, the Jayco Journey caravan walls offer great thermal and acoustic insulation.

Deluxe Group 037443851

Deluxe Group 037443851

Deluxe Group 037443851

South Auckland Caravans 099511762

2020 JAYCO JOURNEY 16.51-3

2020 JAYCO SILVERLINE 20.63-2

2020 CI MOTORHOME RIVIERA 65XT

CI MOTORHOME RIVIERA 66XT

An ideal compact caravan for a couple, the easy-totow 16ft Journey Caravan comes packed with features.

It comes standard with a rollout awning, a full ensuite with a separate shower and toilet, and a fully equipped kitchen. A large double bed sleeps two adults. Different decor options are available.

The 20ft Silverline Caravan sleeps two adults in a large double slide-out bed, with an option to convert the dinette into a bed for two children.

Your home away from home, a Silverline caravan comes with premium features as standard: full ensuite with separate shower and toilet, bluetooth awning and more...

The NEW CI Riviera Motorhome has a double bed at the rear with another bouble bed up the front.

This beauty is equipped with swivel front seats, leather upholstery, 4 bike rack, all LED lighting, 140 Litre 3 way fridge, L Shaped Kitchen, gas oven, LED TV, solar panel and more...

This comfortable 5-berth motorhome is perfect for a family and features eco leather upholstery, 5 safety belts, gas oven, gas water and heating, 3 bed options, swivel seats, LED power saving, LED TV, solar panel, 4 bike rack, reverse camera, rain sensors, air bags and more...

South Auckland Caravans 099511762

South Auckland Caravans 099511762

CI Motorhomes NZ 099517077

CI Motorhomes NZ 099517077

Price: $46,500 Ref Code: TA1021055 New

Price: $66,990 Ref Code: TA962633 New

Price: $79,990 Ref Code: TA1015379 New

Price: $91,990 Ref Code: TA1029233 New

Price: $43,500 Ref Code: TA1021054 New

Price: $149,900 Ref Code: TA593169 New

Price: $78,290 Ref Code: TA1029066 New

Price: $148,000 Ref Code: TA904376 New

2020 CI MOTORHOME RIVIERA 85P Price: $133,000 Ref Code: TA560523 New

2007 VOLKSWAGEN CRAFTER Price: $49,990 Ref Code: TA904726 Used

2013 TRIBUTE T-620 Price: $94,990 Ref Code: TA1014379 Used

2020 DETHLEFFS GLOBETROTTER XLI LOUNGE EDITION Price: $275,000 Ref Code: TA997778 New

This new 2020 4-berth lowline motorhome features cruise control, ABS brakes, MP3 controls, cab air conditioning, front swivel seats & Eco Leather Covers, double glazed windows with flyscreens, Fenix Stone benchtops, compact washroom, 3-burner cooktop and more...

With a U-shaped lounge in the rear and double opening back doors, this vehicle is perfect for entertaining guests – the lounge area can comfortably seat up to 6 adults. At night time, the U-shaped lounge can be converted into a double bed or be left as twin singles, to sleep 2 adults.

This motorhome is well presented and has a lovely feeling of open space.

As you enter through the leisure door there is a large kitchen and serving area, followed by an open lounge and a luton bed above the drivers cab. It comes with a few hidden extras such as a portable BBQ with its own mini gas bottle and more...

CI Motorhomes NZ 099517077

RnRV 09 9511761

RnRV 09 9511761

Zion Motorhomes 099517073

2020 DETHLEFFS TREND I 7057 DBL A CLASS ISLAND BED

2020 DETHLEFFS PULSE T 7051 DBM

2020 GRAND DESIGN REFLECTION 230RL

2020 KEYSTONE COUGAR 23MLS

The new A Class Trend is ideal for those with a sporty driving style – and the price is ideal as well. It makes heads turn with its spotless workmanship, perfect quality from Allgäu and many features that can hardly be described as standard.

This new 2020 model features high payload capacity, Dethleffs design for more openness, brightness, and clear forms and lines.

4 berths, multiple sleeping options including pull-down bed, heating, water tanks, swivel seats, solar panels, reverse camera, GPS, second battery and more...

Upon stepping inside, you will immediately see the theatre seating along the rear wall. This offers a great place to kick back and relax with a perfect view of the entertainment center that is at an angle opposite for easy viewing. The slide out dinette is also available for seating during meals...

Brand New 4-berth floor plan from Keystone Cougar towable by a range of NZ 3500kg Utes. New WOF / Rego. 8.1m long.

NZ Electrical / Gas certifications. Self Containment Cert. Call for any information needed or to Book a time to view our show model today!

Zion Motorhomes 099517073

Zion Motorhomes 099517073

BOP RV Sales 079856826

BOP RV Sales 079856826

Price: $175,000 Ref Code: TA997793 New

Price: $168,000 Ref Code: TA997772 New

Price: $115,000 Ref Code: TA856188 New

The XL A Class opens the door to the mobile luxury class. Completely revised both on the interior and the exterior it offers everything for the highest demands. It unites quality and stability of the premium class with the playful lightness of modern leisure vehicle construction.

Price: $115,000 Ref Code: TA1040137 New

Your new motorhome or caravan is now easier to find!

Smarter search • Find out what you want fast • Make/model • Type/price • Location, location, location

Not just motorhomes • Hundreds of great destinations to explore • Hundreds of parts and RV supplies • Search everything you need 24/7

Tools you can use • Search, compare, share • All the latest news and reviews • Videos and articles by industry experts

NZ’s online RV marketplace

MHZ-DPS-5052056-CS-169

• Buy, sell and browse • Dealers and private listings • Thousands of RVs, parts and supplies listings

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