Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations Issue #193

WHEELS OF CHANGE The history and future of motorhome interior design

LOCKED DOWN Tips for safely storing your RV

LITTLE WONDERS

Tiny caravans with big personalities ISSUE 193 21 APRIL – 19 MAY 2020 $9.95

INSIDE: TRAVEL INSPIRATION FOR THE DAYS OF FREEDOM AHEAD MISSED THE COVI SHOW? See the highlights inside

8 GREAT NATIONAL PARKS NZ’s natural beauties await

PLUS! RV reviews, life on the road stories & more

CONTENTS FEATURES

WHEEL ESTATE

14

THE INSIDE STORY

52

TRAIL BLAZER

SHOW BUSINESS

58

LOADED WITH EXTRAS

64

READY FOR ADVENTURE

22 44

A look at the evolution of motorhome interior design The Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow wrap-up

MY MINI COULD TOW THAT!

32 36

CLICK HERE

Sunliner Switch S441

Jayco CrossTrak Hybrid

A look at tiny caravans with big personality

PEOPLE

EXPLORE 26

TrailLite 766X

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72

ME & MY RV

76

JACKIE’S JOURNEY

80

HAPPY FAMILIES

WORTH A DETOUR

Lisa Jansen travels the long road from Picton to Blenheim

HITTING A SWEET SPOT

Jill Malcolm shares her latest adventures and experiences from the road

MATAMATA MAGIC

Heather Whelan finds there’s much more to Matamata than Hobbits

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26

The Rann family and their 1981 Bedford CF1

This month, Jackie and Gareth set sail aboard a mail boat cruise

The Campbell family of five share tips on camping with young children

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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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TECHNICAL TIPS 70

STORING YOUR RV

Tips on keeping your RV safely stored for an extended period

EVERY ISSUE 8

EDITOR’S LETTER

12

INBOX

40

8 GREAT

84

RECIPES

88

SUBSCRIPTIONS

90

BOOKS

92

PUZZLES

104

LISTINGS FORM

105

PRIVATE LISTINGS

Your chance to win a prize pack of books New Zealand national parks Try out these tasty, easy to make vegan recipes Subscribe to MCD magazine and save

The latest titles to hit the bookshelves Crosswords, Sudoku & more Selling your motorhome or caravan? List with us here Looking for a secondhand RV? Check out our classifieds

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EDITOR’S LETTER

W

elcome to issue 193. What a difference a few weeks makes. In my editor’s letter last month, I mentioned we were about to head off to the Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow. And indeed, we did… just. The show was one of the country’s last events allowing public gatherings before everything changed.

As I write to you this month, I’m working in my home office, as I have been since late March. Like most of you, my travel itinerary has been reduced to trips to the local supermarket and walking the dog around our neighbourhood. But as we all know, things could be very much worse.

As you may have heard, New Zealand’s magazine and media industry has suffered terribly in a very short time. The closure of Bauer Media (NZ) was incredibly sad and unexpected. MCD magazine was a part of Bauer for a good many years until being purchased by an independent publisher last year. And for that, I am incredibly grateful – I’m sure you are too. It means that MCD magazine is still here, still doing what we love to do – to bring you inspiring motorhoming content, and to help keep those travel dreams alive and ready to act upon when the time comes.

We’ve been working on creating a digital version of the magazine for some time, but the lockdown situation – and not being able to print – has meant we’ve had to act a lot faster than anticipated. We’re pretty pleased with the result, and I’m sure you’re pleased to still be able to receive your favourite motorhome and caravan magazine.

facebook.com/mcdmagazine

It’s also really important to us here at MCD to do whatever we can to support the wider RV and New Zealand tourism industries. It’s going to be a while before New Zealand is open to international tourists again. That means less money coming into the country. But it also means that Kiwis are more likely to spend their holidays, and any holiday budget they may have, here in New Zealand.

It also means that for a while at least, those typically over-populated holiday spots may be a little less busy.

So perhaps a chance for New Zealanders to enjoy those hotspots without quite so much hustle and bustle.

For a community such as ours, of travellers and wanderers, roamers and adventurers, it’s not easy being locked down. But it helps us realise that perhaps we took our ability to travel wherever, whenever, a little for granted.

To load up the RV and head off for a long weekend, a weeklong getaway, or months of sightseeing and discovery.

But those days will come again. Days of walking beautiful bush tracks, of lazy lakeside picnics, and of watching the sun set on a beach somewhere you’ve never been before. Of meeting up again with friends and family, of hugs and highfives, and of toasting a glass of whatever-you-fancy.

I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of MCD magazine, and that it provides you with a welcome reminder that there will be life beyond Covid-19, and that our big, beautiful backyard is still there waiting for us to explore again soon.

Take care, stay safe, and keep dreaming of those wonderful days of travel we have ahead of us.

Claire Smith, editor

nzmcd.co.nz

claire@nzmcd.co.nz

0800 115 910

READY TO EARN? EDITORIAL Editor Claire Smith | claire@nzmcd.co.nz Sub-editor Tracey Strange Art director Kavita Kumar Image retouching Chrissy Pownall Digital content management Fleur Covich, Carly Hitchcock

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INBOX

This month, we put out the call on Facebook to see how everyone is doing during the lockdown. We asked how you were spending your time; if any of you had managed to start a bit of RV DIY, or if you were simply hunkered down and planning your next big adventure for when lockdown lifts.

Our lucky winner is Katie Hamilton who shared “We are so lucky to have been given our very first caravan (as a shell only) and are halfway there to building the inside. We bought a few building things prior to the shutdown, so had a week of activity but are at a bit of a standstill until we can get some more materials and an electrician. Can’t wait to have some lovely holidays with our family of six when it’s safe and we are all done.”

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

Here are some of the other reader comments:

We’ve been planning our next trip for later this year. We will be touring the South Island. Last year we went up North to Cape Reinga.

Bronwyn Rae We are at home, we’ve cancelled our south island salmon fishing holiday in the caravan, and are instead redecorating the lounge. My legs are aching from going up and down the ladder today, cleaning the ceiling! Can’t wait to go away (off our property) for

12 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

even just a few days, probably Tōtaranui (our favourite place, two hours from home) when we are allowed to. Probably with some friends who are hanging out to get away too.

Robyn Fisher Sold the house just in time.

Now blissfully holed up in a new motorhome at our base by the beach.

Cooking, reading, walking, and dreaming of travels ahead. Looking forward to visiting the land we just bought further

on up the Northern Highway. Feeling blessed and hoping other full-timers are feeling the same. There is no better way to live!

Jan Moase Been having Saturday date nights in the moho. Been something to really look forward to, first Saturday was homemade sushi with sake, last Saturday was fajitas with tequila. This coming Saturday is homemade burgers with Jack Daniels!

With us both still working (at home) it’s something we can do together and have a weekend together.

Cat Peake We traded our caravan for a bigger one while on holiday over Xmas/New Year in Whakatane and went back at Waitangi weekend and swapped them over. We had new mattresses we made for them but we’re unable to collect them because of lockdown. We were going to Greytown at Easter, but that’s not happening, so I am sorting/ decluttering the house and stocking up containers, bowls, linen etc for the caravan in anticipation of our next trip.

Jennifer Gerrie We have had a 1975 caravan for a few years, but due to the time it takes to set up we have decided to upgrade. We have recently purchased a motorhome from a gentleman and his wife who had owned it for 13 years.

We paid a deposit while waiting for some money to be deposited into our account, then lockdown came! So here we are with our new toy on the other side of town, unable to pick her up and get to know her a little before we take our first trip. I dare say though, our first trip will be looked forward to with anticipation.

Kirsty Glasgow We’re in Rakaia in a camping ground, a lovely wee town. River walks, old cemetery to wander through, teddy bear hunting, mushrooms, walnuts, blackboy peaches to pick.

Noeline Heape Definitely thinking about how many parts of New Zealand I want to see when lock down is over.

Otherwise finally getting into gardening again.

Adrienne Jury At home, using the gorgeous weather to clean the motorhome inside and out! We will hit the road again, as soon as the PM says we can!

Sandra Mead We are at home, doing lots of odd jobs around the house...

while dreaming of our next trip of course.

Sylvia Parke We have just cleaned and polished our motorhome in the driveway. Just waiting for that day where lockdown is over where the camper is free to explore our beautiful country and our favourite spots to visit.

Helen Legge We have cancelled our April school holiday trip. Hubby is living in the motorhome as he is a truckie and working through. I’m planning future trips and having a goal of homeschooling Miss 6, and loads of baking.

Tara Stewart We just had our new caravan delivered on the Tuesday before lockdown. We have not been able to go anywhere but are still fitting it out. We will camp in our paddocks over Easter and get used to using everything. We will know nearly everything about it before we leave the property (hopefully).

Gay Thomson We are hunkered down in our motorhome in Huntly at our base planning our getaway. Hopefully Whitianga after this lockdown is finished.

We want to see some water (and not the type coming out of the sky!).

Shirley N John MacDonald

Hunkered down at a friend’s motel in Ngongotaha right by the lake. We are the only ones here so it’s very peaceful.

Bronwyn Cavanagh Catching up with all the jobs so I can get away without feeling guilty when it’s all over.

Donna Hayes In my motorhome baking, knitting, word search and reading.

Glenice Marie Kirkwood Van still sitting out the front awaiting plans - missed my chance to get some materials in.

Bruce Spedding My DIY is still a theoretical one.

Our Zephyr needs a total strip and rebuild. I guess I should start with the roof and fixing the window.

Katharina Hecht Our caravan has been a perfect spot for games and schoolwork.

Haley Cox Stuck at home. Got my 87-yearold mum with us so she’s not lonely and isolated in her flat.

Sue Gray

Luckily for us lockdown is at our daughter’s place, so we have the grandkids as well, so not too bad. Doing some stuff around the section which is semi-rural, gets a bit boring. Looking forward to going out once this is over.

John Williams Our motorhome is my office so I can go into my happy place for work since I am an essential worker.

Karyn Sullivan Still at home but hubby built some beautiful double gates to make getting the caravan out so much easier.

Joanna Weren At home, but really wishing we were out on the road during this gorgeous autumn weather.

Anna Barrett

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, share your sustainability tips. What advice do you have on being environmentally friendly as you travel? Email us at claire@nzmcd.co.nz or comment at facebook.com/mcdmagazine. We’ll draw a lucky winner on 15 May 2020.

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

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FEATURE

THE INSIDE STORY In this second of our two-part special about the evolution of RVs, Jill Malcolm takes a look at how motorhome interiors have changed over the years, and what the future might hold.

14 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

W

hen the first campervans took to the roads in the mid 20th century, no one would have envisaged the journey they would set alight. The modern styles and luxurious interiors of the motorhomes that have evolved 70 years since, would not have existed even in the imagination.

1950/60S

Of all the classic vehicles that have achieved cult status, the Volkswagen Kombi van reigns supreme. As campervans they have never lost their worldwide appeal since the ‘50s and ‘60s when they were an a-la-mode form of travel for hippies and young explorers.

Today, old vans with decrepit interiors and crumbling bones attract high prices and are snapped up to be rescued, restored, painted in bright coloured livery, and retrofitted with stylish interiors.

The camper craze came soon after VW launched the Kombi in 1950, and a German coachbuilding company called Westfalia began producing removeable (and later permanent) camping packages to fit inside them. Interior layouts were extremely varied. Not only did Westfalia have a wide range of layout conversions but many other companies throughout the world jumped on the ‘band van’ and began designing their own.

Volkswagons have never lost their worldwidie appeal since first appearing in the 1950s

IMAGES BY TRAILLITE / FURRION / CARAVAN SALON DUSSELDORF / JILL MALCOLM

1970/80S

My first motorhome rally was in 1981, at the infamous Nambassa Festival in Waihi. In New Zealand the hippie counterculture and the craze of handcrafted house trucks had been in vogue since the 1970s.

At Nambassa I found an irresistible mix of exuberance and rebellion, not only in the revellers’ behaviour but in the hundreds of innovative rigs with exteriors and interiors that were as free flowing and varied as the lifestyle of their owners.

They were crafted from old buses and trucks with various degrees of expansions and enhancements. The DIY interiors were built on the cheap from recycled kauri, totara or rimu timber with workmanship varying from awful to superb. The best of them flaunted elegantly crafted cabinetry and lavishly decorated home comforts. Pot belly stoves provided heating for cooking, hot water and warmth. Cook tops were run on kerosene and lighting was by gas lamp or candles. Sadly, there are few of these weighty dinosaurs left on New Zealand roads.

Hand-crafted house trucks allow for the personal touch

An original Westfalia fitted interior in an early Kombi camper van conversion

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A bus with good bones makes for a very livable motorhome

Living the bus life!

1990-2010

The trend in DIY mobile homes, however, was not ready to disappear.

Enthusiasts throughout New Zealand bought up second-hand buses from Japan such as Hino Rainbow, Mitsubishi Rosa and Nissan Civilian. Turning the interior of a tired bus into a liveable mobile home became as much part of the journey as being on the road.

The new wave of conversions was much advanced on its bohemian predecessors with well-equipped kitchens, roomy showers, bathrooms, water tanks, TVs, gas or diesel heaters, hot water, and inverters to run appliances. It was also the early days of energy by way of solar panelling.

Interior décor did not follow any sort of trend, reflecting instead the whims and preferences of the owners.

16 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

For those with a bit of know-how, transforming a house bus interior is a very rewarding task

The age of self-converted buses faded quickly when EU (Euro 1) emission standards were adopted here in 1997 and the importation of second-hand buses was no longer feasible. Commercial motorhomes, manufactured from the chassis up, began to dominate the market.

Ci Munro had been building motorhomes since the ‘70s but it took longer for other manufacturers to start down that road.

In the mid-1990s, New Zealand’s Wakerley brothers began building custombuilt luxury motorhomes in Tauranga.

They were elite affairs ranging from 6.4 to 12.2 metres in length and featuring design innovations such as beds that retracted into the ceiling, long slide-outs that could accommodate both kitchen and lounge, chic bathrooms arrangements,

floor to ceiling pantries, solid timber leaf-drop dining tables, built-in computer stations, TVs in the lounge and bedroom and padded ceilings for noise reduction.

The cabinetry was made of solid rimu and teak timber emulating the best of boating design. Wakerley motorhomes were costly, but built to last, and even by today’s standards have lost none of their sophistication. Unfortunately, due to several external factors the company wound up in 2013.

Also established in the mid-90s, KEA Manufacturing broke boundaries by designing and fitting showers and toilets in their rental two-berths. As well as being robust, KEA interiors were superior in style and quality which made them popular purchases when they were on-sold after two years in the fleet.

The Dreamtime model, by KEA

An early TrailLite featuring a white interior

Among the on-going KEA design innovations, the company launched the four berth, 6.8-metre Dreamtime in 2005, which, along with the six-berth Endeavour, was a triumph. The bathroom moved forward from mid-ships which gave space to a rear U-shaped lounge surrounded by picture windows. The settee made up to a large double bed or two singles and there was a spacious bed in the Luton.

Felted Vertiface clad the walls, joinery was blonded beech, and upholstery in twotone, suede-look macrofibre.

TrailLite, already a well-known caravan manufacturer, had been building motorhomes since the late 1980s. “It was a natural progression,” says Peter Newman, who is now the CEO of the company.

“We built them on 5.5 metre CF Bedfords, then on Daihatsus, Toyotas and

A an early 2000’s model TrailLite motorohome

Mazdas. Without turbo engines customers had plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.”

They were fitted with chemical portable toilets that lived under the wardrobe and were built on rails so they could slide out over the shower tray when in use. Beds were in the cabovers and the settees in the rear club lounge could also be converted into a bed. This layout was so popular it was the company’s mainstay for years.

The kitchen was quite generous, and they were purpose-built for freedom camping with 160 litre water tanks, gas ovens, and Electrolux under-bench fridges.

“The fittings and furniture were in the same dark woodgrain finish we’d been using in caravans,” says Peter. “And then a customer came along and wanted a white painted interior with peach coloured cupboard doors. It looked fantastic and

was a massive step away from wood grains.

We built quite a few of them after that.

“We have kept our standards high and over the years our interiors have become even more sophisticated along with the latest trends. Customers choose their own upholstery and now pick their colour schemes in lacquer.”

As more accessories and products became available TrailLite, always ahead of the game, could see the popularity of European motorhomes and joined the next trend by adding imported vehicles to their range of products. It was a smart move as in the last ten years European (and other) manufacturers have added to the New Zealand motorhome market a bewildering array of possibilities in layout and aesthetics with smart use of space and clever integration of different features.

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“The A-class Elysium concept is among the most extravagant. It has a yachtlike deck with a hot tub” The traditional New Zealand motorhome layout was a rear U-shaped club lounge surrounded by large windows, and settees that converted to a double bed. European designs had smaller kitchen benches and windows with permanent beds and often a dinette.

Perhaps the most significant features though, were in the sleeping department with the advent of permanent island beds with west/east or north/south orientation and often a door that divided the bedroom from living areas. Drop-down ceiling beds have also gained favour.

Another design shift has been in the ablution areas. Bathrooms make the most of smaller spaces with nifty design innovations that divide showers from toilets and basins and have elegant fittings and ingeniously designed cupboard spaces.

Among other developments, window coverings incorporate separate pulldown blinds and insect screens, so that curtains have become more of a decorative feature. Ceiling hatches and windows have increased in size letting in more daylight and sometimes too much sun.

LED lighting has turned interiors into fun parlours, and knobs and pushbuttons have been outed for complex digital touch panels, some of which can almost tell you what you had for breakfast.

The traditional NZ layout of a rear U-shaped lounge

Fixed island beds gained favour in the 90s and beyond

BEYOND 2020

As we move into the new decade, motorhome design, inside and out, continues to evolve and the forwardlooking developments of the past ten years are paving the way for smarter, more sumptuous motorhomes of every style size and layout. Some design concepts are wildly imaginative, but they contain elements that may well be incorporated into future vehicles.

The A-class Elysium concept is among the most extravagant. It has a yacht-like deck with a hot tub, sun loungers and an adjustable landing pad for a small helicopter. Inside the kitchen is designed for a culinary master class, there’s a 74inch HDTV, a fireplace, a bathroom you could swing a small horse in and a price tag worthy of a space rocket.

18 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Today’s modern motorhome interiors (like this MORELO Palace) often resemble upmarket apartments

The futuristic Elysium from Furrion (not yet on NZ roads!)

Then there is a Hymer concept called Galileo, which is unlikely to see the light of day, but explores what trekking across a continent might look like in the year 2030. It is a very strange shape indeed and more like an apartment than a simple camper. Each customer personalises the floor plan and amenities package, and a team of human and robot workers prepare each pod to specification. This mind-blowing, boxy, glass-walled selfdriving concept looks as if it should operate on the moon and if it’s ever built, probably will.

More realistic is Hymer’s Vision Venture camper, built on the latest Mercedes Benz Sprinter. The bed is stored in an insulated pneumatic pop-up roof, accessed by stairs.

The van’s tailgate doubles as a balcony, so if you’ve reversed up to your scenic camping spot, there’s a safe ledge to sit on.

The Vision Venture by Hymer

Space for the helicopter? Of course! Right next to the hot tub

This model, on show at last year’s Caravan Salon in Germany, has room for everything... even the sports car

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Downstairs is a luxurious lounge, with large windows and a beautifully laid out kitchen and a retractable barbecue.

These imaginative ideas are propelling us into a sci fi world so far removed from the world we know, I might just roll up my tent. One of the greatest things about motorhoming is its simplicity. Well, it used to be! And in a world gone mad with complexity, the question now is, how much further will consumers want to go? ■

ONE OF A KIND

The NZMCA’s restored REO Speedwagon

The bus seats for the dinette came from an old New Zealand Road services bus

On the front cover of this issue of MCD is a magnificently restored 1928 REO Speed Wagon. It had been coach-built in Auckland and used as passenger and freight transport around Gisborne, later transporting workers to the Gisborne Freezing Works. The number plate reads NZMCA 1 which relates to the vehicle’s rather interesting history.

In the 1950s, it was bought by Gisborne locals, Gladys and Andy Anderson, who converted it to a motorhome. In 1956 they applied to join the local caravan club but were turned down because a converted bus didn’t fit the club’s criteria.

Undaunted, this enterprising couple decided to start a club of their own, and so became the founders and first members of the New Zealand Motorhome Caravan Association (NZMCA). They could never have envisaged that their action would spawn a club that today has over 90,000 memberships.

The Anderson family enjoyed the REO for several years before selling it on. Much later it was spotted slowly disintegrating in a farm paddock near Tauranga by members of the Tauranga Historic Village Trust who rescued, restored and used it for passenger transport in the village before bequeathing it to the East Coast Museum of Technology.

Much of the REO’s interior was sourced through donations

20 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

It was in a terrible state by then and a few years ago, members of the NZMCA Eastland Area proposed to the NZMCA Board that what was left of the vehicle should be purchased and rebuilt. Many hours of labour and expertise have now restored this venerable motorhome to the splendid relic of the past that it is today.

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FEATURE | COVER SUPERSHOW WRAP-UP

SHOW BUSINESS

What a prize! This beautiful Jayco Starcraft caravan, valued at $64,432 was won by a lucky visitor

There was a huge amount of interest in all the motorhomes

The MCD team catching up with UCC’s Rob Floris

This year’s Covi SuperShow, held on 13-15 March, was one of the last public events to take place before the country went into lock down in late March. MCD travel writer Jackie Norman went along to the show for her first time and she was very glad she did.

Caravan & Outdoor Supershow. As Gareth and I were to discover, the term ‘supershow’ is no understatement. The largest motorhome and caravan event in the country is far bigger than we imagined.

Held at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, we arrived bright and early on the Friday and readied ourselves for a day of education, innovation and exercise.

I

SO MUCH TO SEE

f there is one ‘downside’ to living life on the move, it’s that we often seem to find ourselves at the wrong end of the country when large, exciting events are taking place. So we were delighted to be in the right place at the right time for the recent 2020 Covi Motorhome, 22 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

With over 400 different stands to browse, the hardest decision was knowing where to start. After nearly four years on the road, we are more than used to seeing plenty of tried and trusted brands such as TrailLite, Dethleffs, Jayco, Burstner, Auto-Trail and

Rockwood on our travels and it was great to get a chance to inspect their most recent and popular models closely. I was excited however to see several other brands I’d not heard of. Had I been in the market for an upgrade, I would have been steering hubby towards one of the Niesmann + Bischoff models. So sleek, streamlined and spaceagey, I would feel like Queen of the Road in one of these! On the whole though, I love something with a little character and enjoyed checking out the Volkswagen campers.

The SuperShow is also the perfect place to indulge your hobbies, with a terrific range of e-bikes and boats to stash on or in your motorhome. It goes without saying

Entrants to the show were given a ‘passport’ to be in to win the caravan

The TrailLite no reserve auction, a brand new Benimar Tessoro, which sold for $136,000

We were delighted to bump into travel bloggers Karen Nisbet (aka Travelling K) and David Johns (Cruising the Cut)

IMAGES BY GARETH SCURR / BIGTIME PRODUCTIONS

The MCD team were kept busy all weekend

too, that there is no better place to pick up the best possible deal. With many retailers offering huge discounts off their regular prices, plenty of models were sporting ‘SOLD’ stickers even early on the first day.

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect home on wheels, either for a leisure or full time, we recommend going early. The show was absolutely heaving with people well before lunch time.

LEARN FROM THE EXPERTS

Gareth and I were as green as cabbages and did absolutely nothing by the book when choosing a motorhome and embarking on our new life on the road. I wished we had had the time and opportunity to visit an

An aerial shot of the rally

expo like this beforehand. Everywhere you looked there were experts in their field and there were more than enough able advisors to go round.

With free seminars on offer, there was plenty of opportunity to go and learn more about particular subjects of interest, from batteries and charging systems and technology on the road to a buyer’s guide to purchasing an RV. For those looking for extended or full-time travel, nomad extraordinaire Karen Nisbet (aka Travelling K) shared her favourite tips for making life on the road easier. And for those wanting to travel even further afield, there was also a talk on

travelling Australia in a motorhome.

For lovers of gadgets and whistles and bells, the SuperShow is a tech-head’s dream. All the latest in solar technology is on show and there was even a specialised drone for fishing.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

As a small scale motorhomer, I was a little nervous prior to visiting the SuperShow.

I was told it could be a bit of an elitist affair only for people with pots of money and an unlimited budget. But I quickly and pleasantly discovered that this isn’t the case at all. Sure, you can spend a couple of hundred thousand there quite easily if you want. On the whole though, I was 23

The Lilliput display was delightfully colourful

From solar power to satellite dishes, there were experts on everything!

Visitors to the show need to be prepared for a lot of walking!

This Volkswagen camper has plenty of character

The first ever NZMCA motorhome – ‘Wander Wagon’

surprised just how reasonably a lot of the motorhomes were priced, and particularly caravans.

I realised that owning a beautiful, brand new motorhome didn’t have to be an impossible or far-off dream after all.

Not only that, there was a wide variety of other motorhomes and camping vehicles available to peruse as well, from tents of all sizes to an amazing seven-berth pop-top.

Without doubt the most luxurious and comfortable pop-top I had ever seen.

For would-be van dwellers, VanLab is an exciting and creative company who design 24 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

flat pack camper van conversion kits. It’s never been easier to hit the road – and be assured of meeting all the self-containment regulations at the same time. You can even learn how you can make money from your motorhome when you’re not using it, thanks to the team at Mighway, ShareACamper and Camplify.

Our last stop for the day was at Lilliput caravans, where we found a delightful array of retro models, proudly displayed in the sunshine. What a perfect way to end a fantastic day! The first time I saw any of these iconic caravans was years ago at the

Whangamata Beach Hop. Back then I had never imagined I would one day be taking to the open road myself, but seeing them now as a full-time nomad made me love and appreciate them all over again. Who knows, maybe I’ve uncovered my next dream, to become a Lilliput owner? One thing I’ve learned is you should never say never!

For anyone wishing to know anything about motorhoming big or small, I can now happily vouch that the Covi SuperShow truly is a must-visit. 

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If you’re puzzled by which TV and Antenna works best for your motorhome or caravan just visit the team at RSE for unbeatable engineering, software and electronics solutions. Designed by Kiwis for Kiwis.

Listen for our summer safety tips on

EXPLORE | PICTON TO BLENHEIM

WORTH A DETOUR Travelling from Picton to Blenheim? Consider taking the long road to enjoy stunning scenery, beautiful beaches and remote campgrounds, urges Lisa Jansen

Sunset over the Sounds

26 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Paddle boarding in the Sounds

IMAGES BY LISA JANSEN / MARLBOROUGH NZ

F

or travellers arriving in Picton and heading south via the east coast, Blenheim is an easy 30-minute drive on SH1. However, there is another option.

Overlooked by many, the road along the coast is worth the detour for those who enjoy nature and remoteness – and who don’t mind travelling at snail speeds on winding roads.

Picton is a picturesque little town, and worth taking the time to explore fully before continuing onwards.

Enjoy a beautiful walk along the foreshore, browse the shops in the main street, and let the kids burn off some energy at the fun pirate-themed playground. Or relax with a coffee or ice cream and watch the ferries coming and going.

Those who feel like something a bit more active can head towards Waikawa via the walking and cycling track or walk up to Tirohanga Track for great views over Picton.

Once you’re ready to leave Picton, head northeast on Waikawa Road, however, make sure you stock up on food and drinking water and visit the dump-station before heading off as it will be a while before you get another chance.

Picton foreshore

On the way out of Picton, a detour through Victoria Domain offers fantastic views over the Sounds. If you have the time, consider walking the popular Snout Track which starts from the northernend car park at the top. If you’re driving through Victoria Domain, enter via Sussex Street as it is one way from there. The road up has some steep turns so might not be suitable for towing long caravans.

Either leave the caravan at the bottom and drive up in your car or park up at the Port Marlborough Pavilion and walk up to the Snout Track car park and lookout from there by following the road.

Since Victoria Domain is only a few minutes out of Picton, you could also leave your RV there and walk or cycle up to the lookouts.

After taking in the views, continue your journey along Waikawa Road, which soon turns into Port Underwood Road. After about 6.5km, as you come to the top of the hill, you will see Karaka Point lookout on your left which is worth a stop for another stunning view over the Sounds As you come down the hill, turn left after the one-lane bridge for the Whatamango DOC campsite.

27

Blenheim town

Whatamango Campsite

28 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

While this is only 20 minutes out of Picton, it’s worth spending a night or two here. The campground is on the waterfront, and if you don’t arrive too late, you should get a spot with amazing views. At low tide, take a walk around the rocks, and those who have boats, kayaks or paddleboards will love exploring the Sounds from here.

When you’re ready to move on, continue east on Port Underwood Road.

Be aware though, that the way over the hill is winding, and you might encounter the occasional logging truck. You can usually hear them coming from a mile away, and the road is still fully sealed and, in most places, wide enough for easy passing.

Once you come to the top of the hill and the road starts turning south, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Port Underwood and Oyster Bay. There is a large area just before the road starts heading downhill where you can safely pull over and take a few photos. As you come down the hill, park up on the side of the road at Oyster Bay and go for a little wander along the beach. This is also an excellent spot for a lunch or coffee break.

After Oyster Bay, the road turns to gravel and becomes narrower. But you’re less likely to encounter any logging trucks, and generally, there is not much traffic on this road. There are a couple more scenic bays before reaching stop No 2, Robin Hood Bay. Here, there is a small free DOC campsite at the southern end, but most visitors in certified self-contained RVs seem to prefer to park up on the grass area above the beach – and who can blame them given the amazing views over the bay?

Robin Hood Bay is a beautiful sandy beach where swimming is safe on most days. The bay is also popular with fishermen who come here to launch boats or fish straight of the beach. However, more than anything, Robin Hood Bay is a place to relax and enjoy the peacefulness.

You might have a hard time pulling yourself away from the beauty that’s Robin Hood Bay, but don’t worry, the next scenic stop is just a short 15-minute drive away. At Whites Bay is another DOC campsite. This beach is popular with locals, especially on summer weekends. It offers safe swimming, there is a surf club that patrols on summer weekends, and if you’re a surfer, you might even get some waves.

Whites Bay is also the only spot along this road where you will find a network of walking and mountain-biking tracks. There is something for everyone whether you feel like a stroll through the bush or want to climb up the hills to take in the views. The Black Jack Track is particularly popular thanks to the spectacular views from the lookout at the top of the hill – but be prepared for a bit of a climb.

“There is something for everyone whether you feel like a stroll through the bush or want to climb up the hills to take in the views.”

From Whites Bay, either head straight to Blenheim or make one more stop at Rarangi. There is another well-maintained DOC site here and a walking track that leads back to Whites Bay or a short 10-minute walk to Monkey Bay. Rarangi beach is rocky, so it is less suitable for swimming and walking but the sunrise views in the morning are worth spending a night here if you have the time.

Whites Bay

29

And then, before you know it, you’ve made it to Blenheim via the long road.

Depending on how many days you spent getting there, you might be excited to be back in the city with its cafés, restaurants, shops and other attractions. Go for a stroll through the city centre, Pollard Park is worth a visit and if you’re a wine-lover, keep yourself busy for days by visiting the many vineyards in the area.

This journey is just another example of how it’s often worth taking the slow road from A to B. It takes longer – much longer in this case – but it’s worth it to experience such a beautiful part of New Zealand.

If you’re worried about driving the narrow roads, consider heading to Whatamango Bay from Picton, then taking the main highway to Blenheim before driving to Whites Bay from there.

That way, you avoid the gravel sections but still get to experience some of this beautiful part of the world.  The Queen Charlotte Cycle Track is great for biking and walking

WHERE TO STAY Picton There are several holiday parks in Picton, and NZMCA members can park for free at the Crow Tavern (but it can get busy here so have a plan B if you’re arriving late).

Along Port Underwood Road There are four DOC campsites along this road: • Whatamango Bay • Robin Hood Bay (this is a small site, and most self-contained visitors choose to park on the grass area above the beach) • Whites Bay • Rarangi Except for Robin Hood Bay, all the campsites are spacious and have flushing toilets. Whites Bay and Rarangi even have cold showers. All campsites are well-signposted from Port Underwood Road so can’t be missed.

Blenheim There are many options here, ranging from holiday parks to NZMCA

30 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Park-over Properties and even two freedom-camping sites just outside of town.

KEY STOPS ALONG THE WAY AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Victoria Domain To drive up to the lookout, head north on Waikawa Road from Picton town centre and then turn left onto Sussex Street. The road through the domain is one way from here. To walk up, park at the Port Marlborough Pavilion car park of Joseph Sullivan Drive and walk up the hill via the road.

Karaka Point Lookout 8km north of Picton on Waikawa Road, which becomes Port Underwood Road.

Whatamango Bay 13km north of Picton on Waikawa Road, which becomes Port Underwood Road.

Port Underwood From Whatamango Bay, continue on Port Underwood Road for about 20 minutes (9km). The road is winding but sealed.

Robin Hood Bay Continue south on Port Underwood Road for about 30 minutes (15km).

This part of the road is gravel and narrow in some sections.

Whites Bay From Robin Hood Bay, a short 15 minutes (7.5km) drive will take you to Whites Bay. Rarangi Beach Continuing south for about 7 minutes (4.5km) from Whites Bay will take you to Rarangi Beach, the last stop before Blenheim.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Make sure you get all the information you need before leaving Picton (or Blenheim if you’re doing the trip the other way around). There are no i-SITEs in between, and cell phone coverage can be patchy.

Picton iSite The Picton i-SITE Visitor Information Centre is right at the foreshore.

Blenheim iSite The Blenheim i-SITE is located at 8 Sinclair Street, Mayfield, Blenheim.

THE BEST WAY TO CROSS BETWEEN THE NORTH AND SOUTH ISLANDS

greatjourneysofnz.co.nz

EXPLORE | REWARDS OF THE ROAD

Exotic and native trees define the course

HITTING A SWEET SPOT M

any RVers have as much passion for tee time as they do for happy hour. This is not surprising; golf is the highest participation sport in New Zealand. Around seven million rounds are played each year, and we have 390 golf clubs, which places the country second in the world for the number of courses per capita. Only Scotland has more.

One of ours, not far north of Auckland, is a lovely 18-hole parkland course spreading across a gently undulating landscape that once provided 32 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

“The café is open to anyone and a simple dinner is served on Friday nights. Club members welcome visitors enthusiastically”

fertile pasture for cattle and sheep. The Helensville District Golf Club course is situated 12 kilometres outside Helensville village, with some suggesting it would

be better named “The-Nowhere Near Helensville” golf course.

Twelve kilometres is nothing in a modern machine but during the 1930s nine-hole golf was played on a local farm that was six kilometres away. The difficulty of getting there had a dampening effect on players’ enthusiasm and the club was disbanded.

It was resurrected on another farm in 1948. The clubhouse was the farmer’s woolshed where seating was provided on wool bales. A few years on, a small course and clubhouse were built on yet another

IMAGES BY JILL MALCOLM

Jill Malcolm shares her latest adventures and experiences from the road

farm. It was still some distance away from town but players were transported there in a dedicated bus.

Then 11 years later, the club bought its own property and members began the long labour of transforming farmland into an 18-hole parkland defined by exotic trees, colourful shrubs and native groves.

The present club house also has a history. In 1959 it was being transported in two parts from the farmer’s paddock to the new location. The first half arrived safely. The second, truck and all, slid off the narrow metal road and ended up in a gully at a rakish angle. With a lot of head scratching and rural ingenuity it was salvaged and today the same club house that has been expanded and modernised is spacious and airy with comfortable red and blue chairs clustered around tables in the dining room and a sunny balcony with a pleasant view over the 18th green and beyond.

The club’s rural beginnings are reflected in its hospitality. The café is open to anyone and a simple dinner is served on Friday nights. Club members welcome visitors enthusiastically and RVers are welcome to stay one or more nights and use the café/restaurant and ablution facilities.

The course is a good test of players’ skills even though it’s an easy walk. Fairways are medium length or short with three par-fives and the rest par-fours or threes.

None-the-less, a steady swing is needed to negotiate the combination of tree-lined fairways, lakes and streams.

Sandy March has been the manager here for the last eight years. When he’s not tending to club matters he is nurturing horses and cattle on his family’s lifestyle bock just down the road.

“It’s not a particularly difficult course,” he says. “Par 71 for men and 73 for ladies.

There are fewer bunkers than there are holes. However, there is some water to hit over or avoid. I think the greatest hazards on this course are the golfers,” he grinned.

“One of my favourite holes is the 17th, a par three that is bordered by a small bush reserve and with water hazards on both sides of the fairway. It’s a challenging hole but the setting is uplifting.”

No matter what the final score, ‘uplifting’ seems to hit the sweet spot for this delightful golf course ‘nowhere near Helensville’. 

WIN!

The Helensville Golf Course has kindly offered the winners of the competition a round of golf for two, valued at $90, a cart and an after match beer or coffee.

To be in to win, visit nzmcd.co.nz/ competitions before 1 May 2020

The Helensville Golf Course is located at 197 Peak Rd, Kaukapakapa, Auckland. helensvillegolf.co.nz

Manager Sandy March

The park-like fairways

A friendly welcome in the club house

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EXPLORE | MATAMATA

Matamata’s Tolkien-inspired i-SITE

MATAMATA MAGIC Heather Whelan finds there’s more to Matamata than Hobbits, as she and her partner Malcolm explore the area

T

he little town of Matamata lies beneath the Kaimai Range, the mountains that separate the Waikato from the Bay of Plenty. We’d never spent time here so, on a recent trip, partner Malcolm and I decided to stay a while and explore the area.

Matamata has become synonymous with Hobbiton since trips to the film-set attraction leave from the town. You can’t ignore the Hobbit connection – pizzas at one restaurant include ‘Frodo’s Secret’ and ‘Sauron’s Fury’ – and the i-SITE is charmingly Tolkien-inspired in design.

But there’s more to Matamata than Middle Earth: the town’s history dates back to 1830 when Te Waharoa established a pā.

Three years later, missionaries arrived, and a mission station was built, though warfare led to this being moved. In 1865 an Auckland entrepreneur named Josiah Firth 36 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

leased – and later bought – land, including the future site of the town. He called his estate Matamata, the name of the pā.

Locals dubbed him the Duke of Matamata.

EXPLORING THE PAST

Curious to learn more about the history of the area, we visited the Firth Tower Historical Reserve on the outskirts of town. This was once the homestead and headquarters of Firth’s enterprise and today houses a variety of buildings, surrounded by gardens, lawns and mature trees.

The tower itself was built in 1882 to provide a lookout over the surrounding countryside. It is 16m high and is one of New Zealand’s earliest reinforced concrete buildings. The interior is now a museum that tells the story of Firth and his family, and of the developments he made in opening the land for agriculture and in the

introduction of innovative agricultural machinery. From the lookout atop the tower, we realised what an extensive estate this once was.

Josiah Firth eventually became bankrupt and lost his land. It was divided into 117 farms owned by the Bank of New Zealand and managed by John McCaw. The McCaw homestead next to the tower dates back to 1902: the previous house was destroyed by fire.

Stepping through the front door is like going back in time, the rooms furnished in the style of the late 1880s.

HERITAGE BUILDINGS

Grouped attractively around the tower are a variety of old buildings, giving the look of a rural village. We wandered around and peeped into the old Matamata Methodist church, the original

“Matamata has become synonymous with Hobbiton since trips to the film-set attraction leave from the town.”

IMAGES BY HEATHER WHELAN / MATAMATANZ

Okoroire post office, an old schoolroom, a jail built in 1892 in Karangahake, and a settler’s cottage. This cottage is shown with furniture and household objects from the early 20th century.

Around the back of the grounds are a group of large sheds, containing a history of agriculture in the area. One shed has an exhibition of tractors; another has shearing gear, wool bales and fleece. Another shed’s exhibits illustrate the changes in agriculture from Māori times to early motorised machinery. The dairy industry is represented in a shed that showcases milking and cheesemaking. Near the sheds, there’s a potager garden, orchard, and the original stables. We spent a couple of hours looking around and could have stayed longer – next time we visit we will because there is parking for self-contained motorhomes on the grounds.

Firth Tower Methodist Church

The McCaw homestead

37

Stopping to warm up beside a fire, the couple became petrified – the Ramaroa pool is said to be heated by the fire still burning under the bow of the canoe.

Since 2000, Ōkauia has been known as Opal Hot Springs. The holiday park is set in six hectares beside the river and has a range of accommodation, including motorhome sites. We called in for a soak in the thermal pools after our long walk to the top of Wairere Falls. Since it was a scorching day, we alternated between relaxing in the hot pools and cooling off in the large swimming pool.

BOTANICAL BEAUTY

At the top of Wairere Falls Wairere Falls

SPECTACULAR FALLS

For something completely different we headed further down the road, to the very edge of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest Park, for a hike to the top of Wairere Falls. At 153m in height, this waterfall is the biggest in the North Island, and the track covers some of the most varied and beautiful bush in the area.

The track up to the waterfall is part of an old trail from the Bay of Plenty.

It was first walked, so the story goes, by Ngahue, an early voyager from Rarotonga, who killed a moa at the base of the falls.

Later the track was used by missionaries and explorers. Today the track first winds through an area of moss-covered rocks, tree ferns and ponga, before reaching the river. There’s a bridge here, and another further up the track, which goes steeply uphill. There are plenty of steps and a set of wooden staircases that took us up beside a cliff face, which leads to the top of the 38 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

gorge. After a short walk through a grove of nīkau, pūriri and kohekohe, we reached the viewing platform. This looks across to the waterfall and is the halfway point of the walk.

The second section took us up more steps and through more native forest until suddenly we were at the top of the falls. There’s a viewing platform beside the waterfall, but you can do as we did, and rock-hop across the water to where it cascades over a cliff. There are views across the Waikato Plains from the waterfall.

THERMAL POOLS

Josiah Firth discovered the Ōkauia hot pools in 1886. He sold the land containing the pools to W J Aitkin in 1900, and his manager developed the site, establishing concrete pools and a camping ground.

One pool is called Ramaroa and, according to Māori legend, is named after a canoe that transported a chief and his wife up the Waihou River. They had been warned that if they were still in the Ōkauia area after dusk, they would be turned to stone.

Matamata township sprang up in 1885 after a railway line was constructed from Morrinsville. Surveyors drew wide streets and a central domain – the building lots flanked by a plantation reserve.

This reserve has been developed into the Matamata Centennial Drive, a botanical park with a huge variety of trees. The trees were initially planted in 1940, to celebrate the centennial of New Zealand, and further planting has continued.

We took an evening stroll along Centennial Drive and were impressed by the variety and stature of the trees. There were many native species but also a huge range of exotics, most of which we had never heard of – Pendulum Redwoods and the handkerchief/ghost tree, for example.

At the Tainui Street entrance, there’s a huge rock, surrounded by a lily pond with a fountain. A plaque on the rock commemorates the Māori, missionaries and early settlers of the district who laid the foundations of today’s Matamata.

We finished our walk and went to find somewhere for dinner. We ended up having a great meal in the courtyard at the Horse and Jockey Inn – with not a Hobbit in sight.  FURTHER INFORMATION • There’s parking for selfcontained motorhomes at the Firth Tower. Full details at firthtower.co.nz • Opal Hot Springs Holiday Park: opalhotsprings.co.nz • The Wairere Falls track is 5km return and takes 3-4 hours, though some people choose only to walk to the lookout at the halfway point. More information at doc.govt.nz

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EXPLORE | 8 GREAT NATIONAL PARKS

New Zealand is home to 13 incredible national parks.

They all offer something different depending on what you want to see and do. Here is a sample of 8 from both the North and South Islands.

KAHURANGI NATIONAL PARK Located in the northwest corner of the South Island, Kahurangi National Park’s most famous and accessible treasure is The Heaphy Track. The track is followed by more than 4000 walkers each year and covers 78km of subtropical rainforest, tussock high country, river valley and coast. For hundreds of years the route was used by local Māori on their way to the pounamu (greenstone) resources of the west coast. The Heaphy Track is served by four Great Walk huts. Hikers following the Wangapeka Track will find seven huts along the way.

Camping is allowed, but is restricted to designated sites along the tracks.

40 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

WHANGANUI NATIONAL PARK Located in the central North Island, Whanganui National Park has a distinctive landscape of river valleys, steep slopes, razor-sharp ridges and an almost complete cover of native lowland forest. The park is at the centre of a large sedimentary basin, so the rocks are mostly mudstones and are easily sculpted by the river into fascinating shapes. There are large numbers of native birds in the area including the whio (blue duck) which is part of a Department of Conservation (DOC) recovery programme. DOC provides three Great Walk hikers’ huts and a large number of campsites along the path of the Whanganui Journey.

EGMONT NATIONAL PARK The walking track network in Egmont National Park is extensive, ranging from a 15 minute stroll along the Kamahi Track to the three-day Pouakai Circuit. There’s a great selection of tracks around the Dawson Falls area, including the walk to Wilkies Pools, a series of eroded rock

pools connected with gentle waterfalls.

The ‘Goblin Forest’, on the mountain’s middle slopes, takes its name from the gnarled shape of the trees and the thick swathes of trailing moss. Within the park there are eight DOC hikers’ huts linked by the excellent track system. DOC also provides two hikers’ lodges – Konini Lodge at Dawson Falls and the historic Camphouse at North Egmont.

RAKIURA NATIONAL PARK Stewart Island or Rakiura has a land area of nearly 2000 square kilometres, and 85 percent of it is included within the boundaries of Rakiura National Park, an enchanted world of unmodified ecosystems and habitats.

From dense coastal rainforests and freshwater wetlands to vast sand dunes and granite mountain ranges, the park provides an exceptional opportunity to see native wildlife and primeval landscapes. DOC provides more than 25 hikers’ huts within the park, including a few Great Walk huts

IMAGE BY NEW ZEALAND TOURISM/TAMZIN GOLDSWORTHY. SOURCE: NEW ZEALAND TOURISM

8 GREAT NATIONAL PARKS

The golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park

that offer a higher-than-usual standard of accommodation.

NELSON LAKES NATIONAL PARK Nelson Lakes National Park protects the northernmost area of the aweinspiring Southern Alps and offers everything from easy lakeside walking tracks to challenging alpine hikes.

Spanning 102,000 hectares, the park is also home to the beautiful alpine lakes, Rotoroa and Rotoiti. DOC provides hikers’ accommodation in the park – a mix of Serviced, Standard and Basic huts. Serviced huts have bunks or sleeping platforms with mattresses, water supply, heating, toilet and hand washing facilities – some have cooking facilities. There are also two camping grounds in nearby St Arnaud.

ABEL TASMAN NATIONAL PARK The Abel Tasman National Park is an easily-accessible coastal paradise.

Explore the park from land, on the water, or in the air, with a range of tour operators offering cruises, water taxi services, kayaking options, heli-tours and sailing catamarans. The park

is popular during summer, although the shoulder seasons are particularly special with crisp mornings, calm waters and quiet beaches. The park is accessible from Marahau and Kaiteriteri in the South, and from Golden Bay and Totaranui in the North. DOC provides four Great Walk hikers’ huts along the Coastal Track and four standard huts on the inland tracks. These huts have mattresses, water and toilets - some have cooking facilities. Campsites with water, toilets and fireplaces are also available within the park. Bookings are required in peak season.

TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK Tongariro became New Zealand’s first national park in 1887 and is a spectacular showcase of volcanic wonders including emerald lakes, old lava flows, steaming craters, colourful silica terraces and peculiar alpine gardens. The 80,000-hectare park is an environment of staggering beauty and diversity. A series of short nature trails around Tongariro’s lower slopes take in the various habitats home to fascinating and diverse native flora and fauna and are a great way to get to know the park’s

special places and stories. The walk known as the Tongariro Northern Circuit is served by four DOC Great Walk huts.

DOC also has a number of Serviced and Basic huts in other parts of the park. Various types of accommodation including campgrounds can be found in and around the nearby towns of Tūrangi, National Park Village and Ohakune, Raetihi, Taumarunui.

PAPAROA NATIONAL PARK This fascinating national park, towards the northern end of the South Island’s west coast, runs all the way inland from the ocean to the rugged ice-carved Paparoa Mountain Range. By following the historic Inland Pack Track, formed originally by gold miners, visitors can discover some of the park’s most special places. Camping under a natural rock shelter – the Ballroom Overhang – is an unforgettable experience.

Hikers walking the Inland Pack Track can park their tents at the Ballroom Overhang campsite.The seaside village of Punakaiki offers a choice of accommodation styles including a campground. 

41

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FEATURE | BOOK EXTRACT

MY MINI COULD TOW THAT! Who says you need a big grunty four-wheel drive to tow a caravan? In this extract from Don and Marilyn Jessen’s latest book, My Mini Could Tow That!, we take a look at some tiny caravans that can be towed by equally tiny cars

I

f you cast your mind back to the late 1970s — those of us who can — New Zealand was in the grip of a fuel crisis, with carless days introduced in July 1979 and the open-road speed limit reduced from 100 kph to 80 kph. Just eight weeks prior to that, then Prime Minister Rob Muldoon had announced without consultation a 20 percent sales tax to be levied on caravans and boats, putting both local industries into a freefall.

Many manufacturers quit and those that remained scrambled to find workable solutions.

Liteweight Caravans, Don Jessen’s family business, responded by creating a 10ft by 6ft caravan with a fibreglass base reminiscent of a multi-chine boat 44 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

hull. Named the Pinto, it weighed in at a mere 500kg despite having four berths, a kitchen with fridge and stove, a wardrobe, and a dinette which converted to a double bed. It also had full head height.

Sitting around the canteen, conversation turned to what size car would be able to tow it. Don decided to put it to the test. Using a borrowed 1000cc Mini, Don and Marilyn set out on a road trip from Hamilton to Whitianga, on to Coromandel and Thames and back home to Hamilton again. In those days, the roads from Whitianga to Coromandel were loose metal. Don and Marilyn were not entirely comfortable about how it would perform, so they hedged their bets with a back-up car driven by friends who took photos and video to prove they made it. The Mini handled the road trip beyond expectations, returning a fuel consumption of 26 miles per gallon. Not bad for towing.

This highly memorable trip became the inspiration for the title of this book: My Mini Could Tow That!

But the story continues. So impressed was Don that he next hooked the Pinto to a 185cc Honda farm trike and towed

it across the loose metal hills of Old Mountain Road over the Raglan deviation.

Undertaken in pouring rain, the Pinto trip was again recorded as highly successful, with the rig hitting 70 kph on the short straights. The ultimate conclusion — the Pinto could be towed anywhere in New Zealand with a small car.

Not all tiny caravans were made in response to the fuel crisis. Jackson Caravans released their Cub in 1959, proudly advertising it as towable by a Mini. A number of other manufacturers, including Lilliput, Clipper, Explorer and Pioneer, produced small caravans, some as tiny as 8 ft long.

Six years later, in 1986, Liteweight produced the Caravette, a reverse teardrop weighing in at around 250 kg. Little did Don know that many years later he would own a Caravette, which he towed behind his 1300 cc Kawasaki Voyager motorbike and sidecar rig, with two adults on the bike and two kids in the sidecar.

In recent years, teardrops of all shapes and sizes have undergone something of a revival. It started in Australia with the restoration of teardrops from the 1940s.

Steve & Lisa’s 1957 Starliner

As stock got harder to find, new builds came to the fore with the involvement of both manufacturers and homebuilders testing their DIY skills. Picking up on worldwide trends, New Zealanders also embraced the teardrop, but with no vintage stock available in New Zealand, they had to resort to building them from scratch, often from the original plans of the forties and fifties, found on the internet.

The usage of tiny spaces and the appeal of good design have always captured our imagination, and we are not alone. Our travels have connected us with numerous people who are also fascinated by the teardrop and tiny caravan movement.

Whether you are a member of the group or a bystander, you cannot help but be drawn to the cuteness of these small holiday rigs.

STEVE + LISA 1957 Starliner Starlette 8 foot: The Donut Caravan

While cruising through Napier, we spotted this tiny little caravan in town.

It obviously sold donuts. Unfortunately, it was shut at the time and as we were under some pressure to get up the coast to Gisborne, we let it be.

However, some little caravans tend to get under your skin, and so it was with this little honey. Neither of us could get it out

of our minds, so when we attended the Art Deco Festival in Napier, we made a beeline for the Donut Starlette. It is such a little cutie.

Steve, the owner, originally saw the Starlette for sale on Trade Me, had a ‘Eureka’ moment and bought it. Right from the start, he intended to turn it into a donut caravan.

The caravan was covered in moss and lichen and chooks had been roosting in it. A waterblast of the fibreglass and aluminium shell performed what seemed to be a miracle with the result being a caravan that was very straight and in amazing condition. The chassis was excellent, needing no work at all.

The caravan was a three berth and had the wardrobe mounted on the inside of the door, a very clever use of space by the manufacturer. Judging by all the South Island stickers on the back window, the little caravan had obviously sallied forth from its Wellington home and toured extensively throughout the Mainland.

Steve’s plans were to be put on hold for a number of years after he damaged his knee, resulting in multiple operations to get him on his feet again. Back on the job, he stripped the interior of furniture, took out the offside windows and fitted a servery hatch and then repainted the caravan inside and out.

“The usage of tiny spaces and the appeal of good design have always captured our imagination, and we are not alone.”

New furniture was built to suit, and he imported a donut-making machine from Queens in New York City, a borough renowned for its donut cafés.

Steve has been operating for three years now and is very popular with tourists and locals. The cruise ships anchoring off Napier often bring many Americans, and they are totally gobsmacked when they see the tiny Starlette. Their American Travel Trailers, as they call caravans, generally start at about 13 feet, so they have some trouble comprehending an 8-foot travel trailer.

They just don’t believe Steve when he tells them that it used to sleep three people.

Just to confuse people even more, Steve often parks his Fiat 500 Bambina beside the Starlette. It looks picture perfect.

Tourists take heaps of photos of his Donut Starlette, and Steve says if he sold the same amount of donuts as the tourists take photos, he would be able to retire!

45

Inside Florence

Florence, the 1972 Anglo Imp

DAVID + SALLY 1972 Anglo Imp 10 Foot

Sally and David bought the Anglo Imp in 2016, naming it Florence, after Sally’s grandmother. Sally had a big passion to own a small retro caravan and an inheritance meant they suddenly had some money to buy one. They weren’t particularly set on an Imp, just a small caravan. Their driveway and storage space are limited so that was also a determining factor. Against all sensible advice and better judgement, Sally bought the caravan sight unseen via Trade Me and had it delivered from Hawke’s Bay. They very nervously awaited its arrival, which on first inspection was pretty much as they had expected. They cleaned it up a bit, then went away to a local site for the weekend to discover all those quirks you only find out about when you use a caravan.

On returning home, Sally and David were faced with a dilemma: should they keep it authentic or add their own touches to it? Some of the materials in the caravan, such as the squabs, curtains, walls and floor, Sally felt were unhygienic and so over the next six months they painted 46 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

the caravan inside and out, moving away from the traditional early seventies look and using brighter more modern colours with a vinyl floor covering which simulates distressed wooden planks.

The next step was to have the caravan rewired and LED lighting and USB ports installed. The decision was made to keep all the original cabinetry but paint it in a striking blue, edged in the original natural timber. The effect is quite stunning and has transformed the interior of the caravan. As Sally was able to make curtains and cushions, she decided to make three sets: a sweet pea floral look for the summer months; and a warmer tartan for winter; for December Florence is dressed with Christmas curtains complete with a tree.

After the Brown’s Bay Santa Parade Florence is used by Santa as a base.

Children can go inside and find colouring books, read Christmas story books and sit in Santa’s caravan while waiting for their turn to tell the man in red their Christmas wishes.

Sally and David’s son got married in September 2019 and the caravan was used at the venue as a children’s time-out area.

Yes, Sally does have to go around with a cloth removing sticky finger marks after these events, but generally the children are pretty good. Sally makes sure she packs away anything remotely interesting to remove any temptations to touch! So far there’s been no damage.

Sally and David generally use Florence for weekend trips away, but the longest stay has been just over a week. The caravan tows well and is fairly low maintenance.

It stays dry inside, and they are amazed that on a hot summer’s day it’s no hotter inside than the outside, although a fan does help. In winter they use a small heater in the evening to keep warm. There is no toilet, so they have to stay where there are facilities. The caravan has a large awning and small sun canopy which extends their living area. It’s a cosy arrangement for two.

Sally and David always relax when away, and they usually take their small dog, Gypsy, and love travelling through New Zealand staying in some stunning locations and meeting other retro caravan owners with their ‘wobble boxes’! Now that’s a name we haven’t heard retro caravans called before!

Dora the 1976 Ci Munro

DEIRDRE (DEE) 1976 Ci Munro Sprite 10 Foot

Something Dee always wanted to do was to go caravanning. In early 2015 she saw a dear little vintage Sprite advertised on Trade Me. It was at Dairy Flat just north of Auckland. She liked the traditional shape and the fact that it needed only a superficial makeover.

In fact, that was part of the attraction, as it would allow Dee to personalise the caravan. Her niece checked it out for her, and Dee travelled to Auckland from the Wairarapa to pick it up.

When Dee got it home, she started with replacing the curtains. Then she painted the outside blue and white. The furniture was repainted in blue as well, but Dee had the blue paint lightened ten times the shade of the exterior blue. The paint supplier named this new colour ‘Dora’s Delight’ after the name Dee had given the caravan, which is short for Dora the Explorer.

Dee also decided that some flowers on the outside of Dora would look pretty cool and also help personalise her little caravan.

Inside Dora

47

Dee and Dora on the move

After some internet research, she sent some base colours off to English company Hippy Motors, who developed the flowers and returned them to Dee. The original awning was well past its use-by date so, utilising the original awning poles, Dee made herself a roof awning for the wee Sprite.

The interior has many inspired additions. There are the glass jars under the overhead which hang from their screw lids, and caravan mugs which hang from cup hooks screwed into the wall, both of which travel perfectly. The wardrobe mirror has been moved to the inside of the wardrobe door and a lovely picture now takes pride of place on the exterior of the wardrobe door. There are crocheted blankets, colourful cushions and blue bunting, all of which add to the homely and inviting feeling in the caravan. Dee redid the floor with black and white tiles she bought from 48 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

Mitre 10. It cost $36 for the whole floor.

A freshwater tank was already fitted under the chassis and Dee installed a portable toilet under one of the single dinette bunks at the front of the caravan in order to be certified self-contained. The back pull-out double bed/couch has been turned into a permanent double bed. The vinyl coverings on the ceiling and wall were in mint condition and have been left original.

Dee is in her early seventies and lives in a lifestyle village. She has carried out this refurbishment on a limited budget entirely by herself, other than fixing a recent small ceiling leak. Not wanting to climb up on the roof, she sent out an email to the villagers advertising for a man to repair the leak. She said he didn’t have to be dark and handsome, but he needed to be tall. She had several applicants and chose one who did a great job of fixing the leak. It cost Dee a plate of home-cooked muffins.

Dora’s comfy double bed

Dora is a great example of what can be achieved on a limited budget with a good dose of creativity. As her lifestyle and budget allows, Dee gets away in Dora as much as possible. It just goes to show retro caravanning is within everyone’s means and capabilities.

Michael’s Mini Camper S

MICHAEL Mini Camper S

Michael built his teardrop camper to match his Mini Cooper S tow car, naming it a Mini Camper S. Considerable thought went into its design and construction.

Like the Mini car, the camper can accommodate four people, despite a floor plan of just 2.4 by 1.2 metres. The secret is the large awning of 8 square metres, which houses another two beds, a table and four chairs, and a toilet and shower. It boasts more amenities than many larger caravans.

Michael has fitted a 75-litre freshwater tank with the same capacity grey-water tank. A 120-watt solar panel charges the battery, which in turn powers a 1200-watt, 240-volt inverter. There are four 240-volt power points, two on the inverter and two on the mains.

The joinery has been constructed in imported American oak, which is just beautiful. Inside is a full entertainment system featuring a stereo/radio, CD player, TV and DVD player along with a PC with wireless keyboard.

The rear kitchen, likewise, has everything you might need. The gas cooker slides out and locks in position with the

Inside the Mini Camper S

The awning adds extra space

49

Inside is a full entertainment system featuring a stereo/radio, CD player, TV and DVD player along with a PC with wireless keyboard.

click of a button. The fridge is two way: 12 volt and electric. Water through the tap is filtered and ready to drink.

The Mini Camper S has a lot of storage designed into it both inside and out and features an attractive travel box at the front for electrics, gas bottle and camping gear. The exterior doors either side of the teardrop were imported especially for the rig from the United States. The body is fully insulated.

The wheels match the Cooper S rims and are fitted with run flat tyres. The wheel track on the teardrop was intentionally designed to match that of the Mini tow car.

The cost of the build was around $15,000 for parts and materials and it consumed around 1000 hours of labour.

The finished product and its style and functionality are a credit to Michael’s talents.

The Mini Cooper S puts out about 175 brake horsepower as it is the powerful six-speed supercharged version, so it pulls the teardrop easily. In fact, according to Michael, he hardly knows it’s there.

The matched Mini and Teardrop outfit look stunning in bright red and together are a real eye-catcher! 

My Mini Could Tow That! is available from good bookstores now. Published by Bateman Books. RRP $39.99 The rear kitchen

50 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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WHEEL ESTATE | TRAILLITE 766X

TRAIL BLAZER Kiwi motorhome maker TrailLite has unveiled a new flagship range. Ewan McDonald takes a look.

52 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

S

IMAGES BY TRAILLITE

o the Mediterranean cruise and the European trip are off, then. Time to consider your options, and what better option than a top-of-the-line, fully selfcontained motorhome? One that has all you’ll need to escape the city and live in it fulltime?

And especially when it’s been designed and built in New Zealand for our roads and off-the-beaten-tracks.

TrailLite, the Newman family’s Pukekohe firm that has been making caravans and motorhomes since 1954, phased out its Isuzu-based 900 series a year or so back, and the team went to work on creating an all-new floorplan to add to the 700 series. That’s arrived in the form of the 766X, running on the Iveco Daily platform.

There are five models in the everpopular 700 family, from the 8200mm Coromandel 757 to the 9100mm Oakura 766X – TrailLite’s new flagship. In this case, five and five make 10 – each model can be upgraded to the company’s prestige

Landmark brand, which means you can personalise the interior colour scheme plus get extra features as standard.

TrailLite’s marketing manager Ashlee Rose says the 766X is designed for fulltime living, “It’s open-plan, really spacious, and has big water and power capacity.

“But one of the features that we’re currently working on and continuing to improve is our ‘best for self-contained freedom camping’ concept. It’s about getting off the grid but in total luxury.

“With the 700 series you’ve got the ability to add whatever options serve you – whatever you like off our options list, inverter and fulltime living packages, extra TVs in the bedrooms, blackwater tank toilets.”

SELF-CONTAINMENT

Because the idea is to take the 766X off the beaten track and stay there for longer, it’s packed with self-contained features married to the Iveco’s pulling power.

Capacity is provided for 400 litres of fresh water and 220 litres of grey water,

“With the 700 series you’ve got the ability to add whatever options serve you – whatever you like off our options list”

with the option of upgrading to a black water toilet system. In terms of energy, you have 360w of solar with the option of upgrading to 540w, 270ah battery (also upgradable), plus two 9kg gas bottles.

Other features to make self-contained camping or fulltime living more practical and comfortable include energy-efficient LED lighting, 13-litre gas / 230-volt hot water heater, external waste management and facilities locker and a 4kW diesel heater (yes, it does warm the bathroom for those South Island winter trips).

As Ashlee explains, in a modern motorhome, the electrical systems are

The living area is spacious and comfortable

53

The slide-out creates extra living space

critical for comfortable living – think about those e-bikes, that coffee maker, entertainment systems and devices that are now part of 21st century life. They all need charging.

“We’ve also just introduced a lithium upgrade to our range of options, so it gives you even more capacity to get off the beaten track,” she adds.

Lithium batteries are smaller, lighter and have a much longer life than traditional batteries. They’re better able to manage heavy loads like e-bikes and invertors and provide quicker charging. Up to 80 per cent of the energy stored in a lithium battery can be used – compared with 50 per cent in traditional batteries.

LOUNGING ABOUT

Open-plan, indoor-outdoor flow, designerstyled fittings and furnishings … take just about any line from a Ponsonby real estate ad and it could apply to this motorhome.

The most impressive feature of the

54 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

lounge is the slide-out section. Push the button and you’ll push the wall outwards to extend the living space. You’ve got a 2200mm-wide lounge with sofa seating for five and two tables. Counting the cab seats, there’s room for eight – say, the grownups at one table and the grandkids at the other. Or one table for the card players and another for the board-gamers.

Sundown, heaps of room for 5 o’clock drinks; dinner, everyone gets their own place; bedtime, it converts to a double bed.

TrailLite offers four locally-created interior designs or you can opt to create a Landmark and meet their designers to pick your own kitchen and cupboard colours, wall colours and furnishings as if you were styling your own home.

Entertainment includes a 24-inch TVDVD player, Bluetooth CD-radio and 60cm satellite dish. There’s recessed LED lighting throughout; matching bedspreads

and cushions, fitted carpets in the living and bedroom areas, vinyl in the kitchen and entrance are standard. Windows are double-glazed with retractable flyscreens, thermal blinds and night latches.

For travelling, the 766X has four lapand-diagonal belted seats in addition to the two cab seats.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

The 766X continues TrailLite’s concept of a master bedroom containing a queensize island bed and ensuite shower and toilet at the rear of the vehicle. That bed pulls out to full length at night; during the day you can stow it to give more space. Underneath is a set of six drawers; there are two wardrobes and more storage space overhead, reading and mood lighting. Up front, the daytime sofas convert into a second double bed.

BATHROOM

The designers have put a lot of thought

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OUR 60-SECOND ONLINE QUOTE

The bedroom includes a queen-sized island bed

into the bathroom. It’s spacious: as well as good lighting, bench and cupboard space, the separate shower has a dry change area.

Across the way, the chemical and odourfree toilet system is more than adequate for a lengthy trip; it can be upgraded to a flush toilet with a 100-litre blackwater tank in most floorplans, which will appeal to those planning to live in the motorhome.

THE KITCHEN

I’ve lived in apartments with smaller kitchens than the 766X. Lit naturally from a large window and skylight and from recessed LED lighting, there’s a full oven with built-in grill, four gas hobs, microwave and three-way 190-litre fridge freezer. The benchtop is bigger than Gordon Ramsay’s ego and there’s a full-size sink. For the best use of space, they’ve installed large, lockable drawers instead of cupboards. Smart thinking.

0800 300 500

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55

UP FRONT

The standard powerplant is Iveco’s powerful 153kW/470Nm engine, designed to handle the full 7000kg GVM and requiring a Class 2 licence. There’s a 126kW/430Nm option for $2500 less.

Both Iveco options offer a car licence or Class 2 licence but the 766X is best kept on the Class 2. Both are dual rear-wheel drive with 8-speed auto transmission.

The cab’s futuristic styling, screens, dials, wraparound windscreen, skylight and luxurious cream leather swivel seats have the look and feel of the cockpit in a highend private jet. Tech and safety features include electronic stability control, hill start assist, hands-free phone, touchscreen

FLOOR PLAN: TRAILLITE LANDMARK OAKURA 766X

56 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

audio system, ABS braking, dual-camera reversing screen, cruise control and digital climate control, most run from the multifunction steering wheel.

OUTSIDE

The exterior graphics portray New Zealand’s mountains, rivers and sea, and if you’re going to explore those for any length of time you’ll want plenty of storage. The 766X boasts a 2200 litre rear garage and large rear boot with lighting and power. The 4m wind-out awning is standard. Options include larger awnings, warm-water shower, BBQ and bike racks.

OVERALL

TrailLite sets out to “make it easy, make it comfortable, make it luxurious and make it New Zealand-made.” From feedback and orders placed at the recent Covi SuperShow, it looks like the 700 series has

“The exterior graphics portray New Zealand’s mountains, rivers and sea” hit all four pitches out of the park.

The 766X with a TrailLite spec starts from $302,031. Upgrades on the model reviewed include sports leather seats in the cab, 24-inch’ TV installed in the bedroom, SOGII chemical and odour free toilet system, two Midi Heki vents, Fusion three-zone entertainment system, upgrade to 139-litre black tank toilet, full-time living package with 220ah battery and 540w solar, 1800w inverter, matching carpet mat in cab, 5m Cvana awning, slide-out barbecue.  Find out more at traillite.co.nz

MAKE & MODEL

TRAILLITE LANDMARK OAKURA 766X

Chassis

Iveco Daily

Engine

153kW / 470Nm, Euro 5+, rear-wheel drive

Gearbox

8-speed auto

Berths

4

Length

9100mm

Fresh water

400 litres

Grey water

220 litres

Energy

2 x 9kg gas, 360w solar, 270ah battery

GVW

Up to 7000kg

Price

TrailLite 766X: From $302,031 Landmark 766X: From $337,001

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WHEEL ESTATE | SUNLINER SWITCH S441

LOADED WITH EXTRAS The Sunliner Switch S441 is positioned in the New Zealand marketplace as a mid-priced quality motorhome that teams Iveco rear wheel drive with solid construction and a modern well thought out interior. MCD editor Claire Smith takes a closer look.

The Sunliner range is distributed in New Zealand by Road Life RV in Tauranga

S

unliner motorhomes are distributed in New Zealand by Rhys and Michele Hunter who own Road Life RV, based in Tauranga. The brand was founded by the Hunter family in Australia over 40 years ago. So, there’s a strong connection between manufacturing and distributorship.

I took the opportunity to peruse the Sunliner Switch S441 at the recent Covi SuperShow in March, and it was certainly proving popular with show visitors. I overheard a couple who had taken a seat around the dining table, “It feels so 58 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

nice and roomy,” she said. “That bed is massive,” he added. Indeed, it is, a king size in fact. But more on that later.

Certainly, ‘nice and roomy’ was my first thought when I stepped inside the Switch S441. The layout sees the lounge at the rear, the compact bathroom right up front (first door facing you as you walk in), central kitchen, and a truly ‘massive’ dropdown bed over the lounge area.

BATHROOM

As noted above, the bathroom is directly opposite the entry door and is about as

“The lounge area feels roomy and luxurious with those lovely big Sunliner windows on each side to bring the outside in”

compact as they come, while remaining functional and providing adequate space and light. The slide-head shower is fixed to the back wall, with the toilet – which includes a small integrated sink/tap behind

– to the right. Two cupboards sit overhead with a towel rail opposite. With an allin-one bathroom such as this, it is fairly tight space-wise, but a shower curtain pulls around to cover the toilet, basin and door interior, meaning you’ll only need to do a quick dry-down of the floor after a shower.

It contains everything you need, and for those planning to stay in campgrounds more than freedom camping, the compact bathroom will be worth the sacrifice given the spacious living area.

KITCHEN

IMAGES BY MALCOLM STREET

Within the workspace of the kitchen area, the oven sits centrally between the sink and the bench/preparation area. The prep area is not huge, but both the sink and the stove-top include lids to provide extra workspace if needed.

The oven and stovetop are integrated and include three gas burners, an electric burner, and a grill/oven. A microwave oven is also housed above the 180L Dometic three-way fridge/freezer for those quick coffee heat ups or to warm up your scone.

There’s a good amount of kitchen storage which includes a cupboard beneath the sink, a pull-out bottle/tin rack, an

There’s plenty of seating in the lounge area

The interior decor is clean and modern

59

The cupboard beneath the sink is easily accessible and holds plenty

The 180L fridge/freezer, microwave and full-length pantry

The kitchen workspace

additional lower cupboard and drawer, twin overhead cabinets, a large fulllength pantry opposite, and an additional overhead cabinet above the microwave.

Pretty much the perfect amount of storage space for a couple to enjoy a week away.

LOUNGE & BEDROOM

The Switch’s rear lounge includes twin face-to-face sofas along both side walls that each seat up to four, with a table in the centre. The lounge area feels roomy and luxurious and those lovely big Sunliner windows on each side mean that even when you’re inside, you still feel connected to the outdoors. There’s an unobstructed flow between the kitchen and living area, in fact you’d barely have to move from your sofa to reach the biscuit tin from the bench. The 24-inch TV on the review model is mounted above the cab area, it’s a little distant from the living area, but I imagine it could be relocated fairly easily.

Sitting above the lounge is the 1830mm x 1830mm king-sized dropdown bed

60 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

mentioned earlier. When not in use, it is hidden overhead and you’d barely know it was there. But at the end of the day, and at the flick of a switch, it can be electronically lowered to entirely cover the living area.

The windows are still unobstructed when the bed is lowered, which means you can look out at the stars as you drift off or be woken naturally to the light of day as the sun rises.

If you’ve got kiddies on board, the sofas double as single beds and can be used at the same time as the drop down. I can imagine a couple of littlies tucking a sheet into the end of the dropdown and creating the best ‘fort’ ever. Lucky kids!

DÉCOR & INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION

The décor of the Switch S441 is clean and contemporary, and available in a dark or light (pictured) colourway. Colour is highlighted throughout the light interior on selected panels and the upholstery and is offset with glossy white cabinetry and

neutral wall finishes.

The flooring is covered with a single sheet of vinyl which is laid before the cabinetry is installed, then sealed around the edges ensuring accidental spills don’t make their way into cabinet materials.

Inside the lockers and cabinetry, the joinery consists of a ‘glue and screw’ method, which basically means the cabinets are very firmly adhered to the walls which in turn reduces rattles and noise as you drive.

Big windows make a big difference in a motorhome, and the Switch S441 is a good example. Sunliner always use big windows wherever they can, and it’s something that travellers will quickly appreciate when they park up alongside a beautiful lake or with a view of mountains or autumnal trees.

The windows all have polycarbonate double glazing to keep the warmth in during winter, and the heat out over summer. They’re all fully framed and

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The king-sized drop down bed

designed to offer a good seal to keep out drafts, moisture and noise. The windows are top-hung, which means you can keep them open even when it’s raining and not worry the interior getting wet, and each includes easy-to-use fly screens and blinds as standard.

CAB

The Switch S441 is built on an IVECO Daily 45C cab chassis, with a 3L turbo diesel engine, 8-speed auto transmission, and rear wheel drive with dual rear wheels.

You’ve also got all the necessities such as a reversing camera, ABS brakes, airbags, cab air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, and stereo.

The cab area itself is standard fare, good cupholders for both passengers (a must!), and comfy enough seats. Sitting over the cab is a peak that feels like it should house a second bed. And in fact, if you want that option, it is available in the popular Sunliner Switch Sleeper Peak model. But in the Switch Low Peak under review, it

0800 300 500

serves as a very decent storage area.

There’s quite a bit of space for stowing extra blankets, towels, bulky jackets and the like, plus ‘cubby’ spaces on each side can be used for tucking away bags and hats. Perhaps the addition of a stretchy mesh net would be a good option for holding even more.

Just behind the cab area, above the habitation door, sits the control panels.

At the touch of a button you can check the water and battery gauges, manage the power and solar.

WARMTH, COOLING AND LIGHT

The Sunliner Switch S441 comes standard with a Webasto diesel heating unit for a warm and cosy retreat at the end of the cooler days to come. A coach airconditioning unit is also an option. LED lighting has been thoughtfully installed throughout the interior, with strips along the tops of cabinets and behind panels to provide good lighting where needed without being a whitewash of light.

The all-in-one bathroom

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61

EXTERIOR

Outside, the Switch S441 entry door includes a security panel which means you can have the door open but keep a secure mesh door closed and locked – nice and secure while also letting fresh air into the motorhome.

Along the sides is a good selection of exterior storage including big storage lockers under each side of the lounge, and a gas bottle locker and two additional storage lockers for wet gear, cords and cables, and other outdoor essentials.

There’s even an external shower for washing off sand and dirt before heading inside.

Included as standard is a Dometic rollout awning to create a relaxing outdoor space. There are even outdoor speakers on the motorhome exterior, so you can enjoy your favourite tracks while you turn the steaks and sip on a glass of wine or beer. The Switch S441 has an external gas connection for your barbecue, so it’s easy to bring along a portable unit and hook it up when you’re ready for dinner.

CONSTRUCTION

Sunliner design and build their own wall system which includes an exterior fiberglass panel. Beneath that is waterproof glued ply to give the wall strength and to allow internal cabinetry to be fixed directly into the structure. In between the two is a layer of polystyrene insulation which is laminated to the plywood to further improve strength. Road Life keep the

“It’s carefully designed to offer a spacious living area, a big bed, and all the creature comforts in between.” panels in stock, so it’s quick and easy to repair damage in the event of an accident.

At the rear of the motorhome, both the top and bottom are shielded by fiberglass bumpers which provide additional protection and can be easily replaced if needed.

Sunliner use a full steel sub-chassis. This sits on top of the cab chassis and beneath the floor, creating a strong foundation for mounting walls, tanks, and bins, with less movement in the vehicle body.

FAST FACT: THREE-WAY FRIDGES A three-way fridge, also known as an absorption fridge, is the most common style of fridge used in RVs. It uses heat to provide energy needed to drive the cooling system. They usually have the option of running on 12V, 230V or LPG. Their design eliminates moving parts which means they’re not only resistant to wear and tear, but also silent (a big benefit in an RV!).

SUMMARY

If you’re looking for a well-equipped motorhome to get you out on the road or to upgrade to an RV that offers a bit more comfort and convenience than many entry-level models the Switch S441 is a good option. It’s carefully designed to offer a spacious living area, a big bed, and all the creature comforts in between. You’ve also got the added benefit of having Rhys and Michele on hand. The couple are continuously improving the design of the Sunliners they bring in to New Zealand in an effort to meet the market’s unique demands, and I think they’re doing a good job of it.  Find out more at roadlife.co.nz

FLOOR PLAN: SUNLINER SWITCH S441

PROS

MAKE & MODEL

SUNLINER SWITCH S441

Chassis

IVECO Daily 45C

standard: 300w solar, 24-inch

Engine

3L turbo diesel

TV, rollout awning, external

Gearbox

8-speed auto

Berths

4

Length

7100 mm

• That ‘massive’ bed

Width

2450 mm

• Big windows that add to the

Height

3300 mm

Tanks

120L fresh, 120L grey

Gas

2 x 4.5kg

GVM

4495kg

Tare

3300kg (specifications dependent)

• Lots of good extras as

Payload

1195kg

Price as reviewed

$188,000

62 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

speakers, 2 x 110AH deep cycle house battery, and an external shower.

spacious feel and beautiful decor

CONS • The bathroom is compact, although for those staying in campgrounds, no big deal • The TV is a long way from the lounge

MOTORHOMES FROM

90 9 , 2 $13

S56 O d n or sta show Visit Road Life’s outdo per u S e at the Covi Motorhom

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CALL US ON or

07 579 6489 021 063 9578

OPENING HOURS (call or text)

VIEW ON OUR YARD 15 Birch Ave, Judea, Tauranga

Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5pm

| ROADLIFE.CO.NZ OF TOURING. A NEW GENERATION

SALES@ROADLIFE.CO.NZ

Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm

The Sunliner Northshore series of 5th wheelers brings the Sunliner standard to this popular luxury touring option.

The 5th wheeler creates a happy marriage between the stability of a motorhome and the convenience of having

WHEEL ESTATE | JAYCO CROSSTRAK

READY FOR ADVENTURE Bill Savidan takes a look at the adventurous new CrossTrak model from Jayco.

N

ot all RVs are not created equal.

Some are big, some are little.

Some have mass-market appeal while others meet the needs of small market segments. A niche market if you like. The Jayco CrossTrak is one such RV. Part of Jayco’s Adventure 2020 range of caravans, it is tailored to suit those intrepid souls who seek adventure in the great outdoors.

There are five models in the Adventure line-up starting with the Jpod, a new generation enclosed trailer; the JTrak, a tent trailer; the CrossTrak Hybrid (being reviewed here); the All Terrain range of rugged off-road caravans, and the Toy Haulers with their dual purpose aft section. The CrossTrak Hybrid is built in two lengths, 13ft/16ft (3.9/4.8mtrs), each with two layouts options Here we are concentrating on the 16ft en-suite model, the only model in

64 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

the CrossTrak range with a washroom.

The other three CrossTrak models have an outdoor shower in a detachable tent enclosure. All CrossTraks are pop-tops.

ADVENTURE BECKONS

Aimed at the active adventurer market, the CrossTrak is devoid of fancy frills.

Its purpose is to provide a refuge at the end of an active day spent tramping, fishing, hunting, surfing or skiing at remote off-grid locations. Whether it is up a mountain, deep in the bush, by a river or seashore the CrossTrak is where you clean up, eat up, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up tomorrow and do it all again.

SET UP

You can enter the CrossTrak with the lid lowered, but it is better with it raised.

By following a simple sequence of knob settings, the manual raising and lowering

of the pop-top is easy. When lowering, keep an eye on the sidewall fabric to make sure it folds inwards. If it folds outwards the ‘lid’ won’t lower properly and you may damage the fabric.

LIVING AREA

The caravan body is just under five metres long. Once you put a two-metre bed at the front and a washroom and bench at the back there is not a lot of room in the middle for the lounge. It’s a simple lounge; a two- or three-seat settee on the driver’s side facing a slightly smaller settee kerbside. Seats to cherish if you have been hard at it all day.

While sitting taking note of my surroundings, I realised the settee cushions that initially had felt very firm, became more comfortable the longer I sat there. A removable dining table is supplied and when in place it can accommodate

“The CrossTrak is where you clean up, eat up, and get a good night’s sleep so you can get up tomorrow and do it all again”

three or four diners. Cleverly cranked, the single table leg fastens out of the way against the settee front.

STORAGE

It has good storage for a small vehicle.

There is some space under the larger settee (water pump and associated plumbing occupy part of the space) with more space under the smaller settee. There are also three lockers alongside the bed and shelf pockets over the bed head, large side settee, and rear bench. And of course there is a heap of room under the bed.

BRINGING THE OUTDOORS IN

Light and ventilation are well provided for. Six zipped openings in the pop-top vinyl sidewall provide both light and ventilation as do the three roof hatches, one each over the lounge, bed and washroom.

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS

IMAGES BY BILL SAVIDAN

The indoor workbench is very handy in wet weather

The bed, with its tailor-made innersprung mattress, is quite long but not overly wide (2032mm x 1320mm).

However, having walls down both sides of the bed means full advantage can be taken of the width. You won’t fall out of bed but care must be taken not to crease the window blind. There are two reading lights at the head of the bed and tucked around the corner is a Sirocco fan to keep you cool on hot nights.

Which brings us to the ‘elephant in the room’. Why is there a large cabinet running the full length of the bed? Apart from housing three modestly sized lockers along the top, what purpose does it serve?

The answer lies outside. On the kerbside wall beside the entry door is a very large hatch that provides access to the space in the cabinet. Opening the hatch reveals... a kitchen.

COOKING FACILITIES

Plenty of storage for food, utensils and crockery

Across the bottom, around 1100mm off the ground is a 1700mm wide bench-top.

At one end is a two-burner LPG cooktop 65

The outdoor kitchen has good working space

“Unique to the ensuite model, drawers, a cupboard, and a bench-top suitable for food storage and preparation are located inside at the rear.”

The robust 60 litre MyCoolman chest fridge is ideal alongside the outdoor kitchen

The galvanised brackets either side of the LPG bottles are made for water cans but could be adapted to carry other equipment

66 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

and at the other, a sink that drains to the grey water tank. Above are three storage lockers. The hatch is hinged at the top so when open it forms an awning that gives the cook some cover. Extending the main roller awning above provides even better cover. There are lots of lights, including LEDs on the awning, so you can cook before sunrise or after sunset if you wish.

And there are two wall-mounted Furrion speakers to supply your favourite music as you work.

To the left, mounted on a slide-out platform behind a separate hatch, is a 60-litre ‘MyCoolman’ refrigerator. This is a 12volt DC compressor fridge running off the house battery. With sensible management, the 150watt solar panel and 100a/hr house battery should maintain sufficient power levels to keep the fridge running. All CrossTrak models have this outdoor kitchen. Add in a BBQ and you have all you need to prepare and cook a meal.

Unique to the ensuite model, drawers, a cupboard, and a bench-top suitable for food storage and preparation are located inside at the rear. The bench in particular could be very handy if the weather turns cold, windy and wet. But, if we get repeats

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The bed is quite long but not overly wide

of the summer we have just experienced in 2020, Jayco are onto a winner with outdoor kitchens.

WASHROOM

Also unique to the CrossTrak ensuite model is the washroom. It is equipped with a Thetford C402-C electric flush toilet with a wall mounted fold-down hand basin above. The floor of the washroom is a shower tray and a shower handpiece wall mounted above. It is a workable arrangement and is large enough for showering but the toilet gets wet in the process and has to be dried off afterwards.

CONTROL

A ‘J Control Mk2’ control panel touchpad for lights and other functions is mounted on the end of the settee beside the entry steps. Alongside are switches for the battery, water pump and hot water system. Also mounted there is the fire extinguisher. They are much more easily read and accessible if you stand outside and lean in the door.

BELOW FLOOR LEVEL

Like most of Jayco’s all terrain caravans the CrossTrak has a Jayco hot dip galvanised steel chassis. This one is rated for 2000kgs and is fitted with Jayco’s JTech Independent Coil suspension. This is a trailing arm coil suspension that allows the wheels to act independently, reducing

0800 300 500

It is a short step from the lounge settees to the main bed

towing stresses and improving stability.

There is no axle as such meaning better ground clearance and a smoother ride.

In keeping with the all terrain theme Jayco have fitted a Hitchmaster DO35 tow pin and gimballed tow-hitch that gives the trailer much more freedom to move when travelling over very uneven ground.

On the A-frame, in front of the body, are galvanised mounts for the LPG bottles and for two water jerry cans plus another Jayco signature piece; a fresh water tap. For stability when unhitched, there is a ‘drop

The bathroom is compact but workable

style’ steady at each corner.

This CrossTrak rides on a very smart set of black and silver alloy wheels. And, in case you are wondering, a full size spare wheel is carried underneath the caravan.

SUMMARY

The Jayco CrossTrak is a two-person caravan built for adventure; off road; off grid. Well equipped, it has two 9kg LPG bottles, large water tank capacity, adequate battery capacity, 150watt solar panel for recharging and an external BBQ LPG

CREDITONE.CO.NZ

67

Jayco’s JTech independent coil suspension gives the CrossTrak excellent ground clearance

connection. Externally it is plain and practical, and its high ground clearance should eliminate the need for expensive, time-consuming damage repairs. The external kitchen sells well in Australia. It will be interesting to see how it fares in New Zealand. ■ Find out more at caravancentre.co.nz

The Hitchmaster DO35 tow pin and gimballed tow-hitch

MAKE & MODEL

JAYCO CROSSTRAK 16FT EN-SUITE

Berths

2

Approx. body length

4970mm

Approx. Travel height

2400mm

Tanks: Fresh/grey

90 litres/90Litres

LPG

2x9kgs

GVW

1964

Approx tare

1534kgs

Approx payload

430kgs

Approx tow ball weight

159kgs

Price as reviewed (incl ORC)

$58,984

Note. Tare and ball weights are approximate. Weights will vary depending on options fitted either at factory or by the dealer. Consult the dealer for more information.

FLOOR PLAN: JAYCO CROSSTRAK 16FT EN-SUITE

PROS • Rugged chassis, suspension and towbar • Easily raised/lowered pop-top • User-friendly outdoor kitchen • Sensible washroom

CONS • Bed layout can result in sleepers creasing the blind • TV location not ideal

68 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

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TECHNICAL TIPS

Wash down your RV and make a note of any damage that might need addressing soon

TIPS ON RV STORAGE If you’re planning to leave your motorhome unused for more than a few weeks, there are a few steps to take to keep potential damage at bay and ensure it’s ready to go again when you are.

R

ight now, many motorhomes and caravans across the country are sitting idle as we all wait out the lockdown. The day will come when we can once again hit the road, explore, and meet up with our motorhoming friends in campsites and picnic stops. Until then, here are a few tips on how you can prepare your RV for an extended period of being off the road.

• I f you know you’re not going to be using your vehicle for a wee while, consider connecting the battery to an intelligent multi-stage charger. This will ensure the health of your battery over winter by running various cycles of charging and discharging, without overcharging the battery. If you remove the battery, be sure to leave it in a well-ventilated area such as your garage and avoid putting in directly on the concrete floor, as this will reduce its temperature.

• I f you have a fridge/freezer, defrost the freezer and clean out the fridge.

To absorb any odours, place a small container of baking soda in the compartment areas. It’s also a good idea to leave the doors slightly ajar.

•G ive your water tanks a good flush through, including the waste tank and toilet cassette, so they’re fresh and good to go next time you’re ready. Once done, ensure the tanks are completely empty, including the boiler, and flush any water 70 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

out of the taps. Water freezing in tanks can cause severe (and expensive) damage.

• Give the air conditioning filters a clean (and allow to dry fully before replacing).

• Clean out the cupboards and remove food and crumbs that may attract insects and rodents.

• If moisture is likely to be a problem, remove any bedding that may be prone to mould and consider using a dehumidifier on occasion. This could be a good time to strip back and wash the bedding and cushions covers.

• You may also like to leave a couple of moisture absorbers such as Damp Rid throughout the RV. • Remove any valuables such as TVs and appliances.

• Give the exterior a good wash down and make a note of any damage that might need addressing soon.

Give filters and vents a good clean

• Clean and dry the awning.

• Turn off all LPG appliances, ensure the

LPG tanks are turn off, disconnected and stored safely either outdoors, or in an area that is well ventilated and away from any heat sources.

• If possible, leave vents uncovered so that air can circulate.

• If possible, park your RV off the road and away from trees that may drop branches or debris.

• If your motorhome is stored outside, you may want to invest in a good-quality cover that will protect it against wind, rain, and frost. The cover should have a breathable, UV-stabilised fabric with built-in vents and a heavy-duty fastening system.

• Consider using a towball lock or similar security device for caravans. 

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PEOPLE | ME & MY RV

Benjamin, baby Jude, Elvis, Asdis and Ruby the dog

ME & MY RV

How, when, what, and why are essential considerations when it comes to buying a motorhome or caravan. Everybody’s criteria and circumstances are different. In this monthly column, Jill Malcolm interviews the owners of RVs to learn how they made their decisions

enjamin and Asdis Rann have four children ranging in age from six months to 16 years, as well as a two-yearold boxer dog called Ruby. Both work full time, so taking a break for holidays or for a weekend of quality time with the family is important for a balanced life.

Like many young families, the Ranns have to watch their budget but the they’ve found a solution that suits them perfectly.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRST MOTORHOMING EXPERIENCE

We lived overseas for many years and when we returned to New Zealand in 2013, we hired a motorhome to tour the South Island. We only had two children at that time. They were horrible for the first two days and then they settled down and became good friends and we ended up having the best family holiday we’ve ever had. We’ve wanted to own a motorhome ever since.

72 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

HOW DID YOU FIND A MOTORHOME THAT SUITED YOU?

We were driving down the road to Pukekohe and saw this rather dishevelled, six-metre motorhome home on a 1981 Bedford CF1 parked on the side of the road with a ‘for sale’ sign in the window. It was a post-war classic, six metres in length and in need of a paint job.

We really liked the shape and the general look of it and we also liked the asking price of $5400. We took a photo, and when we got home rang the owner. Next day we drove to his address, paid the money and drove the van away. Dave, the owner, sold it with everything in it, even the wine glasses and linen. It was ready to roll.

DID YOU HAVE IT CHECKED OVER FIRST?

No, we just bought it. Of course, we had a look at the interior to see if it was in reasonable shape and would fit the whole family, but we know nothing about

vehicles. Even so, we felt sure we could work on any of the things that weren’t in order and find ways to have them fixed.

In the worst-case scenario, we would park it permanently somewhere and use it as a holiday home. Dave had owned it for two years and said he never really had any issues. He seemed like an honest man and was selling it so that he and his wife could upgrade. He showed us a few of the operational tricks and peculiarities that are part of any classic vehicle’s personality, such as how to pull out the choke at a certain time to get the engine to tick over.

TELL US ABOUT ITS HISTORY

There is not a lot we could find out. It was built on the Bedford chassis by New Zealand company, Newmans Coachlines and registered in 1981. The original engine was a 2.5 litre Vauxhall.

Vauxhall were the Bedford manufacturers at that stage. Bruce, the owner before Dave who we bought it off,

IMAGES BY JILL MALCOLM

B

had owned it for 20 years. He’d found the wooden frame was unstable so he’d taken off the panelling, rebuilt the frame and re-attached the original cladding. He also replaced the Vauxhall motor with a 202 Holden six cylinder engine.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE LAYOUT?

It has a fresh water tank and a holding tank, and attached at the rear is a wooden storage locker which stretches the width of the van. The interior is simple – no fuss at all. The cab-over accommodates a wide double bed and there are two settee/bunks at the back. The kitchen is on the off-side and not much more than a sink, a two-hob gas cooker and a small electric fridge that sits under the bench There’s no bathroom or toilet so it’s not self-contained and we need to stay where there are amenities. It’s small to sleep six people and a dog but we make it work.

Asdis and the young children take up the cab-over bed, our two older daughters fit on the rear bunks and Benjamin, who is tall, often sleeps on the floor on a mattress.

The dog fits in wherever there’s a gap!

There are large windows on both sides and on the back wall, and narrow windows

high up on the sides and front that allow light into the cab-over.

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IT SINCE YOU BOUGHT IT?

The pale blue and white paint work was in bad shape and so we have re-painted the body with a coat of black Bed Liner which is a thick paint with a rough finish. The roof will be the next thing we have to do.

Asdis made curtains and re-covered the squabs We replaced the floor with laminated boarding and found vintage door handles for the cupboards.

HOW DOES IT GO?

It goes brilliantly and always starts right off. There are plenty of squeaks, rattles and bumps when we’re driving, but in an historical vehicle, that is all part of the fun. However, we don’t drive it much over 50 kph and leave very early in the morning before there is other traffic on the road. That way we don’t hold anybody up. Although we’ve been as far as the Coromandel and Raglan, we don’t intend to take it on long journeys; most places we go are fairly close to Auckland where we live.

“We took a photo, and when we got home rang the owner.

Next day we drove to his address, paid the money and drove the van away.”

NOW YOU HAVE HAD IT FOR A WHILE DO YOU THINK YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE?

We absolutely love it, not just what we can do in it but the shape and its classic and retro features. It’s a rarity and wherever we go it attracts attention.

People love to look through it and discuss it. For older people it’s nostalgic and for others a curiosity.

The family has a wonderful time, whenever we go away – well, perhaps not our 16-year-old daughter who would rather be seen in something more modern. The rest of us are very enthusiastic. Although it may need some quite expensive maintenance, it’s definitely a great choice for now. 

Asdis with baby Jude in front of the cab-over bed that accommodates her and the couple’s two youngest chidren

73

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PEOPLE | JACKIE’S JOURNEY

JACKIE’S JOURNEY

DELIVERING THE MAIL

I couldn’t have wished for a more perfect day

Jackie Norman sold her home in 2016, bought a motorhome and embarked on full-time life on the road with her husband, Gareth.

This issue, she sets sail aboard a mail boat cruise in the south.

S

ince I first set eyes on Queen Charlotte Sound, on my first ferry voyage south, I’ve wanted to see more. It’s been a long wait, but that dream recently came true, thanks to Picton’s Beachcomber Cruises January marked the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook sailing into Ship Cove on The Endeavour. In a magical half-day outing, not only did I get to see more of the Sounds than I ever hoped, but I followed in the footsteps of Cook and even delivered the mail. Beachcomber Cruises is the official NZ Post delivery service

76 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

by water in the area. As our skipper, Kyle Gribben, welcomed us onboard the Matua, he promised a tour that would take us off the beaten track. No two trips are the same, as each mail route covers a different area. As we sat back and relaxed on the comfortable top deck, I spotted the unmistakeable wave of a seal flipper in the harbour and wondered what we would see.

RICH IN HISTORY AND WILDLIFE

We couldn’t have picked a better afternoon to sail as the morning cloud gave way to blue skies and glorious sunshine. As we whizzed along, with Anakiwa and Moetapu Bays to our left, Kyle’s love for the area was evident, and I did my best to commit as much of what I learned to memory. Our first mail drop was at Curious Cove. As our vessel pulled up to the jetty, the lady of the lodge was waiting

with her dog, who wagged his tail excitedly when our skipper handed him a dog biscuit. Our next drop off was at the Lazy Fish, where – not surprisingly – several dogs were waiting to collect the mail.

From here, we entered the Tory Channel, which is shared with the interisland ferries.

Past Maraetai Bay we went, alongside Arapawa Island, with Kyle keeping us informed along the way. In days gone by, Māori who lived on the island would light fires so that people travelling from the north could follow the smoke.

I never realised how many permanent residents live out here in the wild and it was amazing to see the power lines stretching across the water, hooking the island up to mains power. It was also both interesting and amusing to see the ingenious ways residents had developed

IMAGES BY GARETH SCURR & JACKIE NORMAN / MARLBOROUGH NZ

Plenty of room for all as we sail through the Sounds

We certainly didn’t expect to see lambs all the way out here!

We learned so much from Kyle’s interesting commentary

Fur seals are a common sight in the Sounds

to haul their groceries and freight up from the jetty to their houses in the bush. We saw everything from pulley systems to wheelbarrows. “Whatever residents need, from building supplies to quad bikes and heavy machinery, we can bring it all out here,” Kyle told us. There are five Chinook salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds, as well as mussel farms.

As you can imagine, this is a great part of the journey to see plenty of wildlife, and we saw several fur seals hanging out close by. While we didn’t see any this day, dolphins are frequently sighted on the Mail Boat Cruise, and even orca had been seen just a couple of days earlier.

A MOMENT TO REMEMBER

As we reached Te Rua Bay, with the sun on our faces and breathing in the sea air, I couldn’t remember when I last felt

so content. Fishermen waved as we sailed past and as we arrived at our next mail drop, and I chuckled at the lambs grazing happily on the beach all around the jetty.

The last drop of the day was to a pāua pearl farm; then it was time to head to Ship Cove. Along the way, we passed Blumine Island, Motuara Island, which is inhabited by kiwi, and Long Island, also a marine reserve. All three islands are predator-free and closely monitored by the Department of Conservation, with good reason. “A DOC officer told me they once eradicated 19 deer in one day, from one of these islands alone,” Kyle told us.

“These islands are protected so that future generations can enjoy them in years to come. See those rocks over there? They’re not actually rocks; it’s bull kelp seaweed.

That stuff grows up to 60m long.”

Coincidentally, I had just been reading

“As you can imagine, this is a great part of the journey to see plenty of wildlife, and we saw several fur seals hanging out close by”

a book about Captain Cook’s voyages, so was excited to learn we would be going to Ship Cove. It was here the explorer himself claimed the South Island with his flag. He arrived by mistake, in 1770, after being blown into the cove in a big storm but ended up spending 100 days there to repair his boat and it became his favourite base in Aotearoa. It was also there he started trading with Māori.

While everyone else scrambled to see the 77

Ship Cove lies just before the entrance to Cook Strait

SAIL THE SOUNDS

This resident uses a pulley system to get her parcels back home

iconic monument upon disembarking, I went off on a solo expedition of my own.

I wanted to stand on the beach where he landed and see what he saw. I had it all to myself, and as I looked out from the shore, with the Sounds on one side of me, and the entrance to Cook Strait on the other, I have to say it was one of the most memorable and stunning moments of our years of adventuring.

I could have stayed all night, and some of our passengers were doing just that as they disembarked to walk the Queen Charlotte Track. For us, however, it 78 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

was time to make our return to Picton, stopping at Furneaux Lodge and Punga Cove along the way to pick up some more exhausted but happy trampers who had completed the track. As we sailed gently into Punga Cove, we spotted a seal asleep on the back of a local boat. He looked as relaxed as I felt. All too soon we arrived back at Picton. I didn’t want to go back into civilisation, but our cruise had been everything I hoped for and more. After almost 30 years, I can finally say I’ve seen Queen Charlotte Sound properly. 

Keen to experience the Mail Boat Cruise? Here are a few tips.

• The cruise runs every day of the week except Sunday and departs from the Picton waterfront. There is no best day to go or best route, each one has its highlights, but the team can answer any questions you may have.

• The Mail Boat Cruise stops at historic Ship Cove in the summer months only.

• If you sit on the top deck, at some stage, you will get wet. It adds to the fun, however, and if you wish, you can observe from the Matua’s comfortable and dry interior.

• You will learn a lot. I never realised just how much until sailing north on the ferry a few days later. As my fellow passengers stood beside me as we sailed through the Sounds, I was able to wow them with my geographical knowledge.

• The Mail Boat Cruise is just one of a variety of excellent Beachcomber day trips. For more information, visit beachcombercruises.co.nz

PEOPLE | VANESSA CAMPBELL & JOHN CHANDLER

John and Zoe at Treasure Island Holiday Park

Elisabeth Easther catches up with a family of five having fun in their camper trailer

W

hen Vanessa Campbell was pregnant with Zoe (now 10 months old), she and husband John Chandler started looking for a camper for their growing family, including 8-year-old twins, Emma and Lily. Today the family of five makes the most of their precious holiday time in a Jayco Eagle camper trailer.

VANESSA: When I was younger, my

SOME PEOPLE WOULD SAY IT’S PRETTY BOLD, TAKING TO CARAVANNING WITH TWINS AND A NEWBORN. WHAT INSPIRED YOU? JOHN: We’d both done a lot of camping

came down to size and storage. Because we wanted to keep it at home, the Jayco Eagle camper trailer was the best compromise of comfort and size, and it fits in the garage, which is a bonus.

with our families, mostly in tents, and my family also did lots of tramping in various places around the country, so we both 80 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

family would make month-long New Zealand road trips, not always camping but exploring. We’re both from Auckland, but John and I both developed a passion for the South Island, and we wanted to share that with our girls.

HOW DID YOU DECIDE WHAT TO BUY? JOHN: We were keen on a caravan, but it

VANESSA: John did the research, and the

camper trailer just felt right. It has canvas

sides, so it still feels like camping, but it also has a fridge, freezer, sink, hot water and good mattresses, which means it’s a lot more comfortable. And with less to set up and pack away, there’s less chance for arguments. Looking for a five-berth caravan is challenging too. Before you know it you have a double axle, and it’s quite large. But ours isn’t too big, yet once set up, the beds are permanently up, so we’re not making beds every night. All five of us can sleep in it if we need to, the twins like sleeping in their little pup tent if we’re somewhere for more than a few days.

TELL US MORE ABOUT IT JOHN: The camper trailer is 5.5m long

from tip to toe. It has two double beds and a dining table which can be converted into another double bed, so we could fit seven people at a squeeze. It has a three-way fridge, a grill, and we upgraded to a full oven. We have a 160W solar panel, gas hot water, about 90 litres of fresh-water storage and an outdoor shower off the back which is handy for running Zoe’s nightly bath.

Sometimes we take a toilet tent, but our preference is for DOC-style campgrounds,

IMAGES BY VANESSA CHANDLER

HAPPY FAMILIES

grew up camping. But with tenting, the set-up was very labour intensive because of the amount of gear we need. We’d throw everything on the trailer, but when we got somewhere, there was so much to set up and take down, and we wanted it to be easier and quicker so we could go away more often and have more leisure time at camp. I can now set up the camper, on my own if needed, in 15 to 20 minutes.

and we’re happy with long drops. It’s not much fun emptying a porta-potty.

WHAT’S PACKING LIKE WITH A NEWBORN AND TWINS? I IMAGINE IT’S SOMETHING OF A MILITARY OPERATION? JOHN: Vanessa has a list for everything,

and everyone has their list. The older girls pack for themselves with the help of a list.

They’re in charge of their wardrobes and most of the time that works. Everyone but Zoe sorts their own clothes. The kitchen stuff is always onboard – plates, bowls, cutlery pots and pans – so all we do is pack clothes and food, toy boxes, kayaks and bikes, hook it up and go.

VANESSA: John spent months planning

the itinerary and gear requirements for our first round of getaways in the camper trailer. We found the port-a-cot, camping high-chair, pop-up bucket/bath, front pack and beach shelter, which we used as the children’s play tent, of most use on our trips.

WHERE DID THE EAGLE TAKE HER MAIDEN FLIGHT? JOHN: Our first trip away was just

the twins and me the first week of the

October school Holidays at Tāwharanui Regional Park. It’s a great spot, so handy to Auckland but quite remote feeling.

We tested the oven and baked chocolate cake; the girls were very excited about that, and they asked if we could live in it permanently. We even saw takahē.

VANESSA: Zoe and I popped up for a

day, then our first proper trip altogether was a week outside Kawhia, south of Raglan. She was quite young that trip, so I drove her separately to accommodate naps and feeding while John left earlier with Lily and Emma to set up camp.

Unfortunately on this trip, I discovered that Zoe gets carsick, so we try to keep car trips to a minimum for her. Although a week after Kawhia, we still went up north to Puriri Bay on Whangaruru Harbour.

JOHN: The DOC campground has

beachfront sites, and it doesn’t get overly busy. It’s about three and a half hours from Auckland past Bland Bay on the old Russell Road. The swimming is safe for kids, there’s a sandy harbour, and I take a little rubber ducky with an outboard motor and tow the kids in a sea biscuit.

There are some excellent walks around the

end of the peninsula. There was even kiwi at night, just a couple of metres from us.

WHAT WAS NEXT ON YOUR TRAVEL LIST? JOHN: We wanted to make the most of

Vanessa’s maternity leave by doing as many holidays as possible, and I’d saved up my leave, so we decided to head south. We focused on the Nelson region. We love the area, and it’s relatively easy to access from Picton and the ferry. We chose six nights on a beachfront campsite at the Golden Bay Holiday Park, halfway between Tākaka and Collingwood. We did lots of swimming and kayaking. The girls went horse riding on the beach, and we swam at Salisbury Falls near The Langford Store.

The Golden Bay Holiday Park was an ideal base for short day trips, so we also included Pupu Springs, a trip to Farewell Spit and Wharariki Beach on the West Coast.

VANESSA: In Golden Bay, quite a few

people operate businesses from their homes, like little art studios. There was a rustic bakery just down the road from the campground and a yoga studio that sold coffee.

JOHN: After Golden Bay, we went to

Vanessa, Lily, Emma & Zoe at Golden Bay

All set up at Totaranui

Zoe loves her bathtime routine!

81

The Lily, Emma, Zoe and their new friends put the beach shelter to good use

Lily & Emma about to bake a chocolate cake in the camper oven

the DOC campground in Tōtaranui. You need to take all your food there, as it’s 40 minutes back to Tākaka along a windy, gravel road but, once you’re there, it’s magnificent. The running water provided

by DOC is safe to drink, but the camp store just had emergency stuff, so you want to be self-reliant.

and playing games without props. They had such quality fun just using their imaginations.

When we left Tōtaranui, John drove, and the girls and I jumped on the ferry down the coast of Abel Tasman National Park. It took just over an hour while John did all the hard work over the windy, gravel roads.

VANESSA: That’s the benefit of having a

HOW DO YOU KEEP EVERYONE ON AN EVEN KEEL? JOHN: We have a big box of toys, board

gas fridge, food is so much easier. We keep the kids full with a good breakfast, lunch and dinner and plenty of fresh fruit, home baking and snacks in between so no one ever gets ‘hangry’. Having a freezer stocked with re-freezable camping juicies became a favourite late afternoon treat.

JOHN: We also have a Weber Q barbecue

which we use for all sorts of things from roasting lamb to cooking sausages. I was surprised how many people had a Weber – it felt like the common denominator at Tōtaranui. A highlight there were the crystal-clear water and gorgeous sunrises.

I always think of estuaries as muddy with mangroves, but this water was so clear and fun to explore on foot at low tide or kayak at high tide.

VANESSA: The girls made friends with

some other girls next door, two wonderful sisters from Nelson. They were doing gymnastics, cicada hunting, exploring,

82 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

games and colouring books and on the road, we talk to the kids or play ‘I Spy’.

VANESSA: Having baby Zoe keeps the

girls quite busy as they often help bath, feed or play with her. Zoe is also a source of entertainment, and there are always lots of other kids to play with. Each holiday seems to have a new thing, a Christmas present they love to play with.

For example, on one trip they had a board game called Rubik’s Race that they played for hours and hours, another time it was swingball.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO PEOPLE WHO WANT TO TAKE THEIR FAMILIES ON THE ROAD? VANESSA: Just go for it and hope for

good weather. We were lucky this first summer that the kids could spend lots of time outside. Take lots of food, lots of games and have a variety of outdoor

“Having a freezer stocked with re-freezable camping juicies became a favourite late afternoon treat.”

activities on offer. I was a bit apprehensive staying at remote DOC camps with a baby. I worried about her crying, and some nights she did cry. Fortunately, other campers were incredibly understanding, and it surprised me how many other babies were there. I think when you’re camping, you’re with people who are cut from the same cloth.

IT’S IMPRESSIVE HOW MANAGEABLE YOU MAKE CAMPING WITH A BABY. VANESSA: Because you’re housebound

with a tiny baby, camping is very practical because everything you need is right there. John would take the girls out in the morning, then they’d come home for lunch, and we’d do something together in the afternoon. It was so much better than me home alone with Zoe, John at work and the girls at school. We all loved the quality family time, and Zoe thrived with so much going on around her all the time and getting to eat, bath and sometimes even sleep outdoors. 

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RECIPES

GIVE VEGAN A GO MCD travel writer Jackie Norman and her husband Gareth Scurr have recently released their first cookbook Everyday Vegan: Easy and Delicious. It’s a gorgeous book and wonderful resource for vegans looking for tasty inspiration. Here are four recipes to whet your appetite.

CANDLELIGHT CURRY SERVES 4 Can be made oil free, wheat/gluten free, and grain free.

It’s ridiculous how hard it is to find a good vegetable curry. Almost all the ones we’ve ever tried have been a huge disappointment. This recipe however is one you’ll want to make time and again. It’s a basic vegetable korma, which isn’t too spicy but is loaded with flavour and never lets you down. We’ve called it ‘Candlelight Curry’ as it is classy enough to dish up to someone you want to impress, but down-to-earth enough to make for the family. Serve with rice, pappadums and a peach or mango chutney and you’ve got yourself a guaranteed hit.

INGREDIENTS: ¼ cup water 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced 1 onion, finely chopped ½ head cauliflower, cut into small florets 1 tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped or crushed 2 tsp curry powder 1 tsp garam masala 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp turmeric 1 x 400ml can coconut cream 3 tsp tomato paste 1 vegetable stock cube 1 x 400g can green beans, drained (or you can use frozen) 1 small can peas, drained (or you can use frozen) salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste handful of cashew nuts, to garnish

METHOD Put the quarter-cup of water into a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potato and cook gently, stirring for a few minutes. Add in the onion, cauliflower and fresh ginger and cook another five minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more water if the vegetables start to stick. Add the curry powder, garam masala, ground coriander and

84 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

turmeric to the pan and stir. Pour in the coconut cream, followed by the tomato paste and vegetable stock cube, then the beans and peas. Mix all together well to combine. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for around 15 minutes, until all the vegetables are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve, sprinkled with cashews.

Everyday Vegan: Easy and Delicious is now available at good bookstores.

Published by New Holland.

RRP $39.99

HELLAGOOD PIZZA MAKES 4 LARGE PIZZAS Can be made wheat/gluten free, and allium free.

We love getting delicious, freshly made takeaway pizza from our favourite pizza outlet. What we don’t love is how much it costs every time. Fortunately, thanks to this recipe we can enjoy them as often as we like, for a fraction of the price. If you’ve got a good dough recipe it’s simple; you just make this base at home and add all the same toppings you normally do from your favourite takeaway option. Seriously, this dough will never let you down. If we can make it, anyone can! You can make it as plain or as fancy as you like, either way the effort is so worth it. Better still, it can fast track you to more hassle-free dinners in the future. Just wrap any portions of leftover dough in the freezer and simply defrost and roll it out when you want to make a quick, easy meal.

INGREDIENTS: PIZZA DOUGH 2 tsp dry yeast 1 tsp sugar 1 ½ cups warm water 3 cups plain regular or gluten-free flour 1 tsp salt 3 tbsp olive oil TOPPING olive oil (for brushing the pizza base) tomato paste grated dairy-free cheese other toppings of your choice

SOME OF OUR FAVOURITE VEGAN TOPPINGS INCLUDE refried beans

And of course, the hotly debated

avocado

pineapple. Use your imagination!

tomatoes (fresh and sundried)

METHOD:

onion (optional) capsicum jalapeños mushrooms olives spinach cashews pine nuts gherkin sweet chilli sauce vegan feta BBQ sauce fresh coriander (cilantro) basil oregano

First, mix the yeast, sugar and warm water together in a small bowl and let it stand in a warm place for a few minutes.

Next, put the flour, salt and olive oil into a separate large bowl. Pour in the yeast mixture and then using a metal spoon or butter knife, stir the mixture together until you have a soft dough. Place the dough onto a floured surface and begin kneading for around five minutes. Grease another, large bowl with either oil or dairy-free spread and place your ball of dough in the bowl. Cover it with cling wrap (I like to grease my cling wrap too, so that it doesn’t stick to the dough when you go to take it out). Leave your dough in a warm

spot for 45 minutes or so, or until it has doubled in size.

Once the dough is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Roll them out on a floured surface, one at a time, into a circle (or as close as you can get to being pizza-shaped!) Carefully lift onto a large oven tray lined with baking paper. Prick the dough all over with a fork. Preheat the oven to 200C. While the oven is heating up, you can get on to preparing your toppings. First, brush the dough all over with olive oil. Next, spread over the tomato paste until the whole surface is covered. Sprinkle over some of the grated cheese, and/or cubes of vegan feta. Place in the over and cook for around 20 – 25 minutes, or until the pizza is cooked through and golden.

85

CHEAT’S MUSHROOM RISOTTO SERVES 4

Wheat/gluten free.

As you can probably tell by the name, this isn’t your textbook risotto. We’re cheating by using basmati rice instead of the traditional arborio rice, but what the heck, it tastes too good to worry about going against the grain (yes, that pun was intended)! This recipe is super easy and uses just a few simple ingredients yet has so much flavour. The secret is how and when you add the mushrooms. Delicious hot or cold, it’s ideal for work lunches or a make-ahead dish for dinner.

INGREDIENTS: 2-3 tbsp oil 750g mushrooms, sliced (not too thick, not too thin – and yes, you do need that many!)

86 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

scrunch of salt and pepper 2 tbsp dairy-free butter (or more, to taste) 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed 1 onion, finely chopped 1 ½ cups uncooked long grain rice (we use basmati) 2 ½ cups vegan chicken-style stock 3 spring onions, sliced

METHOD: Heat two tablespoons of the oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.

Add half the mushrooms, along with a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper and cook, stirring for around five minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside until the end.

Add the other tablespoon of oil to the pan, along with the butter and stir. Once melted, throw in your garlic and the chopped onion and cook for a couple of

minutes before adding the other half of the mushrooms. Cook for five minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t worry if the bottom of the pan goes all brown, that’s a good thing and will add more flavour to your dish.

Add your rice to the pan and mix in well, then pour in the stock. Bring everything to the boil, then cover with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Leave to cook gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until all the liquid has evaporated into the rice. You want the rice to be tender but not mushy.

Remove the pan from the heat, then throw in your sliced spring onions, along with the mushrooms you set aside at the start.

Stir quickly to combine, then cover the pan again and leave to sit (off the heat) for a further 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the lid, fluff the rice using a fork and taste for seasoning, adding more dairy-free butter if necessary. Serve immediately.

HOT AND SOUR SOUP SERVES 4

Can be made oil free, wheat/gluten free, and grain free.

The first time I tried hot and sour soup was years ago in Bali. I loved it, but once I was back home, I failed to find any version which came close to tasting like the ‘real deal’. Eventually I just came up with my own recipe and at last my taste buds were happily satisfied. This delicious vegan version is very healthy but also very spicy, so if you don’t like the flavour too hot, I would recommend reducing the amount of chilli paste. You can also make it oil-free by simply omitting the oil and cooking the garlic and ginger in a quarter-cup of water instead, I just like the flavour the peanut oil gives.

INGREDIENTS: 1 tbsp peanut oil (optional) 1 tbsp fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped or crushed 2 litres vegetable stock (we recommend using either homemade or the ready made, storebought liquid stocks for the best results) 200g mushrooms, sliced, stalks on 1 small can bamboo shoots, drained 1 medium-sized bunch bok choy (or other Asian greens of choice), sliced 2 tbsp rice vinegar 1 tbsp red chilli paste, or to taste 2 tbsp tamari 1 tbsp brown sugar 3 spring onions, sliced ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped fresh mung bean sprouts, for garnish

METHOD: Heat the peanut oil (or water, if omitting the oil) in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic and fry for a minute, stirring so as not to let it burn.

Pour in the vegetable stock and bring it to the boil. Reduce the heat, then add in the sliced mushrooms and bamboo shoots.

Simmer gently for 15 minutes. Throw in the bok choy, along with the rice vinegar, chilli paste, tamari and brown sugar and stir well, then simmer for another 10 – 15 minutes.

At this stage, you can test your soup for seasoning and add more chilli paste if you would like more ‘zing’. Stir in the sliced spring onions and coriander and serve, topped with the mung bean sprouts.

87

FIRST CLASS REISEMOBILE. MADE IN GERMANY.

BOOKS

GRAB A 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

EVERYTHING IS FIGUREOUTABLE

While most self-help books offer quick fixes, Everything is Figureoutable will retrain your brain to think more creatively and positively in the face of setbacks. In the words of Cheryl Strayed, it’s “a must-read for anyone who wants to face their fears, fulfill their dreams, and find a better way forward.” If you’re having trouble solving a problem or reaching a dream, the problem isn’t you.

It’s that you haven’t yet installed the one belief that changes everything. Marie’s mom once told her, “Nothing in life is that complicated. You can do whatever you set your mind to if you roll up your sleeves. Everything is figureoutable.”

Whether you want to leave a dead-end job, break an addiction, learn to dance, heal a relationship, or grow a business, Everything is Figureoutable will show you how.

Marie Forleo Penguin Random House RRP $40

90 Motorhomes Caravans & Destinations

WONDERS OF THE WORLD

From Antarctica and the Amazon to Victoria Falls and the Great Wall of China, Lonely Planet’s Wonders of the World showcases 101 spectacular sights – and how to experience them on any budget. This beautiful book is both inspiring and practical, with expert advice, best-value itineraries, beautiful photography, and local secrets. And best of all, New Zealand is represented by Stewart Island and Milford Sound. The book features human-made wonders that people may already know, such as the Taj Mahal and Angkor Wat. Thanks to Lonely Planet’s network of travel experts and 45 years of experience, the book also includes guides to each of these wonders, with recommendations on the best times to visit, how to get there, and where to stay and eat.

Lonely Planet RRP $49.99

BEST IN TRAVEL

Best in Travel 2020 is Lonely Planet’s 15th annual collection of the world’s hottest destinations and journeys for the year ahead. Each year, Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel lists start with nominations from Lonely Planet’s vast community of staff, writers, bloggers, publishing partners and more. The nominations are then whittled down by their panel of travel experts to just 10 countries, 10 regions, 10 cities and 10 best value destinations. Each is chosen for its topicality, unique experiences and ‘wow’ factor. This edition places particular emphasis on the best sustainable travel experiences for 2020 — ensuring travellers will have a positive impact wherever they choose to go. Bhutan — the kingdom set to become the first fully organic nation by 2020 — claims the coveted spot as the number-one country to visit in 2020.

Lonely Planet RRP $29.99

THE MOTHERS

This gripping family drama is inspired by a real-life case of an IVF laboratory mix-up. Grace and Dan Arden have been on the IVF treadmill for years.

Six attempts have yielded no results and with each failure a little piece of their hope dies. Priya and Nick Archer are being treated at the same fertility clinic. Priya is booked for her next IVF cycle the same day that Grace goes in for her final, last-chance embryo transfer. Two weeks later, both women get their results. A year on, one of the women learns her embryo was implanted in the other’s uterus and must make a devastating choice: live a childless life knowing her son is being raised by strangers or seek custody of a baby who has been nurtured and loved by another couple.

Genevieve Gannon Allen & Unwin RRP $32.99

ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

MCD’s very own travel writer Lisa Jansen has recently published a selfhelp book that was many years in the making, One Size does not Fit All. Lisa has spent a decade studying what it means to be happy and believes each of us has a unique path to real long-lasting happiness, if only we can find it. Lisa’s method uses a five-step process: Learn about happiness; Learn about yourself; Review insights in the context of who you are; Develop and commit to an action plan; Put your plan into action. Written in an easy to understand, engaging way and incorporating numerous practical and fun exercises, it will be extremely attractive to anyone who is looking for new insights in finding happiness and who wants practical advice on how to live their best possible life.

Lisa Jansen Mortons Books RRP $25.95

AUTOPIA

Cars are one of the most significant human creations. They changed our cities. They changed our lives. They changed everything. But in the next thirty years, this technology will itself change enormously. If Google get their way, are we all going to be ferried around in tiny electric bubble-cars? Or will we watch robots race a bionic Lewis Hamilton? And what about the future of classic cars? In Autopia, TV presenter and journalist Jon Bentley celebrates motoring’s rich heritage and meets the engineers (and coders) who are transforming cars forever. From mobile hotel rooms to electric battery technology; from hydrogenpowered cars to jetpacks, Autopia is the essential guide to the future of our greatest invention. Fully designed with illustrations and photographs, this will be the perfect book for car and technology enthusiasts everywhere.

Jon Bentley Allen & Unwin RRP $39.99

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55 Freewheel (5) 56 Obnoxious child (4) 57 Surpassed (6) 58 Outline of a play’s plot (8) 61 Hypersensitivity (7) 62 Useless (6) 63 Collarbone (8) 66 Napkin (9) 68 Detective (6) 69 Unoccupied (6) 73 Chairman’s hammer (5) 74 U nsolicited advertising matter in letterbox (4,4) 76 In advance (10) 81 Custodian of a collection (7) 82 Lady ____, naked horse rider (6) 83 Blackboard sticks (6) 84 Ditch around castle (4) 85 Make happy (7) 86 Watchful for danger, attack (2,3,5) 87 File of documents (7)

DOWN 1 Subject (5) 2 Three-sided figure (8) 3 Mutual (6) 4 Jester (5) 5 Gain by effort (4) 6 Hug (7) 7 Split (6) 8 Paddled boat (5) 10 Show the way (4) 11 Of the heart (7) 12 Alcoholic drink (6) 17 Iteration (10) 18 Frighten (5) 22 Gigantic beast (8) 23 Hold-up (5) 24 Strong liquor (7) 26 Fat (4) 28 Tuneful (7) 29 Soak up (6) 30 Not observed (6) 31 Strain injury (6) 33 First appearance (5) 35 Superior to (5) 36 Expectorate (4) 37 Trip over (4) 43 Son of Zeus (6)

44 Point in question (5) 46 Fat (4) 47 Diver’s costume (7) 48 Get the better of (6) 49 Sufficient (5) 50 Thoroughly wet (8) 51 Duplicity (6) 52 R iot or trouble instigator (10) 53 Standard (4) 54 Sentry (7) 59 F leshy-leaved tropical plant (5) 60 Compass point (4) 64 A planet (5) 65 Tubular pasta (8) 67 Gemstone (7) 68 Dried grape (7) 70 Handbook (6) 71 Social outcast (6) 72 Bifurcated (6) 75 Familiar (5) 77 Precise (5) 78 Discourage (5) 79 Sleep lightly (4) 80 Throb painfully (4)

SOLUTION Across: 1 Tattoos, 4 Clever Dick, 9 Glucose, 13 Pair, 14 Hammer, 15 Bovine, 16 Harrier, 19 Conference, 20 Audience, 21 Diary, 24 Silver, 25 Allege, 27 Emergency, 32 Airborne, 33 Dangle, 34 Panacea, 38 Imprison, 39 Hobble, 40 Drag, 41 Hound, 42 Satin, 45 Blow hot and cold, 52 Renal, 55 Coast, 56 Brat, 57 Topped, 58 Scenario, 61 Allergy, 62 Futile, 63 Clavicle, 66 Serviette, 68 Sleuth, 69 Vacant, 73 Gavel, 74 Junk mail, 76 Beforehand, 81 Curator, 82 Godiva, 83 Chalks, 84 Moat, 85 Gladden, 86 On the alert, 87 Dossier.

Down: 1 Topic, 2 Triangle, 3 Shared, 4 Comic, 5 Earn, 6 Embrace, 7 Divide, 8 Canoe, 10 Lead, 11 Cardiac, 12 Sherry, 17 Repetition, 18 Scare, 22 Behemoth, 23 Delay, 24 Spirits, 26 Lard, 28 Melodic, 29 Absorb, 30 Unseen, 31 Hernia, 33 Debut, 35 Above, 36 Spit, 37 Fall, 43 Apollo, 44 Issue, 46 Lard, 47 Wetsuit, 48 Outwit, 49 Ample, 50 Drenched, 51 Deceit, 52 Ringleader, 53 Norm, 54 Lookout, 59 Agave, 60 East, 64 Venus, 65 Macaroni, 67 Emerald, 68 Sultana, 70 Manual, 71 Pariah, 72 Forked, 75 Known, 77 Exact, 78 Deter, 79 Doze, 80 Ache.

ACROSS 1 Designs on skin (7) 4 Know-all (6,4) 9 Energy sugar (7) 13 Duo (4) 14 Hitting tool (6) 15 Of cattle (6) 16 Bird of prey (7) 19 Symposium (10) 20 Those watching (8) 21 Daily record (5) 24 Precious metal (6) 25 Claim (6) 27 Crisis (9) 32 Flying (8) 33 Suspend (6) 34 Universal remedy (7) 38 Put in jail (8) 39 Limp (6) 40 Haul (4) 41 Pester relentlessly (5) 42 Glossy fabric (5) 45 Vacillate between enthusiasm and apathy (4,3,3,4) 52 Of the kidneys (5)

SUDOKU

SUDOKU

7

5 6

9

7

6 9 ROUND 7 1 2 WORD GOROUND WORD GO I T 2 8 M NI 9 T W I 48 D M 9 3 N E8 R W 2 5 6

1

Fill in the grids so every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9

8

GO GO

2 1 9 4 6 2 3 7 1 5 6 4 2 1 5 2 1 9 4 6 2 3 7 3 7 5 2 5 9 2 1 5 4 72 contains the numbers 1-9 GO 1 7 3 6 GO 3 7 7 55 92 3 85 7 94 8 6 9 2 3 7 many words of 4 letters 1 7 31 2 3 How 5 6 7MEDIUM1 26 H or more can you make? There is at least one 9-letter word.

1 5 6 9 2 4 1 8 Each letter may be used 7 9 7 8 6 9 only once and all words must CRYPTIC CROSSWORD WORDWHEEL 751-9 9 contain2 the centre letter.

No8 64 8 2 1 29 4 3 4 7 7 GO 6 4 3 1words 5letter9to make a How many 47letters theofmissing Fill in the grids so every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers words starting withFind a capital, 1 1 9SUDOKU Fill in theSUDOKU grids so every row, column and53x36 box contains the numbers 1-9 WORD GO ROUND or more There GO no plurals ending can in s. you make?

5 3 8 4 8 2 5 6 GO reading clockwise 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 numbers 4 5 1-9 6 3 2 1 8 9 1is at least 6 one 7WordWheel 5 2word.4 or8anticlockw 9-letter SUDOKU Fill in the grids so every row, column and 3x3 box contains the Good 15 GO3 9 Fill in the grids so every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9

WORD ROUND

179

D

T I

I

179

E R M N W WORD ROUND WORD 52 63 9 2GOROUND 2 D 1 9 4 4I 1 6 7 3 1 9 5 4 2 6 24 3 11 79 3 77 4 48 58 6 2 T 9 I 8 5 7 9 2 4 3 6 1 4E R 6 2 31 4 9 7 I 56I6 4 2 9 1 8D7 A3 9 1 9 5 68 8 87 3M T 2 5 13 8 2 4 2 5T N

2 8

8 2 CRYPTIC 6 8 2 5 CROSSWORD 1 9 3 4 7 6 4 2 3 WORDWHEEL 1 8 7 5 9 62 7 4 5 6 93 2 1 8 9 3 9 1 6 7WordWheel 5 10 2 4 8 5 8 5 7 9 2 4 3 6W 1 7many words of54 letters2 1 91357 4 8 95 6 2 23How 8 75 1 M 1N7 3 8 5 6O4 9 2 O 7 31 2 4 5 9 6 452 6 9 1 8D7 A 3 more can you make? There 2 1 4 9 85 63 8 7 D 3 7 5 2 5 9 1 or 7 3 6 2 3 O4 9 2 O I is at least one 9-letter word.

8 3 7 1 2 4 9 5 6 1 7 3 8 5 6 CRYPTIC 51174 3672 91 48 7 6 342 282129314WORDWHEEL 2 8 9 4 3 7? 6 1 5 L 9 3 72 Each may2 be used 5letter 2 55CROSSWORD 14 516 9973 89 3 87? 67 E 15 5 9R 7 961 8must 85 66 9 L D only once and all words 1SUDOKU 7 3 6 2 3 2 3 4 7 WordWheel 35GO 7I3 6 5 8 9 1 2 4 7 4 5 6 437 21 1 96 1 97 6 78 59 12E24R 2 498 57 3 82 9 3 5 31 66 8ROUND 48 GO WORD 9 contain the centre letter. No E R 5 6 words starting 19 3 763422 88 54 2 7 8 154 27 3 1 7 7 with 3 a1capital, 6 43 93 86 7 1 8 66 127 9 5 E R 3 2137 821414 9 6 19 71 589917 25 4 2 5 1 6 3 9 8 7 9 7 8 6 2 1 9 4 6 2 3 D A 9 5 6 3 8 7 4 4 2 5 3 6 no plurals ending in s.

15 8 2 5 1 9 15 5 629 1 4 97 5 6 88 9 5 26 44 22T 9ANACROSS 46 7 3 10 1I 8 7 3 ANACROSS 1many 1 8 7 4 2 5 3 6 How words ofO 49 letters 5 6 7 5 HARD 2Good 1 19 7823 7 11 24 4 9 9165 5676 6381891 797M 3 8or5more 6Ocan 4 9you2make?

Very4 Good 17 There ANACROSS ANACROSS N Excellent 25+ How many words of 4 letters 8 9 4is 3at least 7? 6one 1 9-letter 5 Lword.EASINGO 58 6 3 7 5 53 1 2 4511 6259 8 79 3 2 121881 49 72 25192 1 WORDWHEEL 1 6 20 21 or more can you make?

There 2 3 Find 14 7 5 9 5 8 6 used GILT PAN the missing letter to make a word 3D 6 5Each 8 9letter 2 all4beone is 1 at least word.

Imay only once and must ILL SENS 18anticlockwise 5 6 7 3 4 7 61 2 92 5 6 3 8 9 3 7 2 E Rwords9-letter or 1 6 reading 7WordWheel 2 41 45clockwise may be used 34213 814 4 6 1 7 9 5 15 9 4 2 5 1contain 6 3Each 9 centre 8letter 7 letter.

4 CRYPTIC7CROSSWORD the No LAC TALC WORDWHEEL only all words must words a capital, NAZI MAG 7 9 2 4 3 6 1 7 6 8 2 5 91 9 3 4 79 5 76 3 868 74 42 226 23 11 897 5 99 1 8237E 4 R 2starting 5 once 3 with 6 and NOTICES no plurals ending in s.

4 7 4 9 contain the centre letter.

No 16 17 D A 5 3 8 4 8 2 5 6 ANACROSS ANACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 WordWheel 7 4 5 6 3 21 1 8 9 2 3 9 17 6 7 512 4 8 4 2 9 1 8 57 63 CACTI words starting withUS a capital, Good 15 179

MEDIUM

1

2

3

4

5

HARD

6

M WW N I D E R

MEDIUM 10

11

Fill in the grids so every row, column and 3x3 box contains the numbers 1-9 13

Find the missing letter 179 to make a word reading clockwise or anticlockwise

SOLUTION 178

15

16

17

19

20

22

21

23

MEDIUM

HARD

24

MEDIUM

or more can you make? There

HARD

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

6

E

L

N

C

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

WORDWHEEL OVERLOAD

8 5 4 1 6 7 9 3 2

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

13 wallet 6(6)324 2of the trench 2 5 669 3 8 578 63 10 5 6 47 23 1 8 19. 9 out (5) Put9this8 in leo7 cot?

197 1214929 54 625.

5 8animal 95 1 4Throw tyre7 or a flat (4,3) 5. Hand over to, (5) which(orever way Adept 178 runner left almost replete you a fancy edging 21.

Computer, binary object) SOLUTION O O E R 2 1 9 46.(7)EASINGO 6 fosse oreo 2 peso 3 7 89 387 71 3 222 42 9 1GILT 5 46 PAN23 10.1Two7 3 8 5 6 4 9 2 language, initially (5) you look at it (5) pounds on a short day gets errs fess foes fore 2 8 9 4 3 7 6 1 5 11.

I bail out being elsewhere (5) GILT PAN 12 8 4 6 1 7 9 5 2 5 8 7 6.?

Adept runner left almostL replete poorer pore pores pose poser you4 a fancy edging (5)1 6 3 9 ILL SENS 7.

12.

Army and Air Force men get iron Morose in consul, Len, isn’t it?

(6) 51114 6 9 8 7 3 2 121 15 4 2 8 9 4 3 7 6 1 5 ILL SENS (7) 5letter 11. I bail out being elsewhere (5) the missing 1 profess 8 ? complete an poses posse press pressor 6 6 3LAC 8 7and6Air38Force 6 5Insert 9animal 1Lin(7) 2to clockwise 4Len,2 SOLUTION for1 8.LAC Onyx eggprose is in,178 for charging 61 7321892 75 28this25 6consul, 7.word Army31 get iron Morose isn’t or it? (6) TALC refs“O” repro 4 924 45 2 31 8 TALC 2512.

79 5 78men49eight-letter 43reading E R SOLUTION PROFESSOR 178 193oreo 044 peso errs fess foes fore fosse anticlockwise.

16 for this17 animal (7) 8. Onyx egg is in, for “O” charging E R 13.

(11) Blunt?

Hankie was not even ANACROSS reps roofer roper 9 5foesreproof 2rose 5sorer fess foreNAZI fosse oreo peso rope MAG MAG 13.4Blunt?

3 213 3814248 64 1 4 Hankie 56not1even 373(11) 9 78 7 errs poorer pore poseisposer 6 17 7 9NAZI 9 55 15 2 52 1was 3 considered 96 8(11) poorer pore ropes pores pose poser serf sore spore 14.

The bunch ofpores bloomers 13 14 19 Across NOTICES the anagrams, then 14.

The bunch letter of bloomers is posse considered (11) Insert the to complete an Solve poses posse press pressor profess 18 20 15 21 Down NOTICES Insert the missing letter tomissing complete an poses press pressor profess gone,say (7) 18.

They are not the best teams we 1 3 6 2fit therepro 3 8Carelessly 74 4 shun 9They1 8not 78 4eight-letter 2 5we 3reading 65 9 5 9166 536 83 1.7 22 O.D., 11 like one 1.18.Lauren 9 1 7 4 2 word clockwise or 6 clockwise eight-letter word reading or 7 gone,say (7) 3 are the best teams does seem quite PROFESSOR prose refs repro words into the crossword grid.

PROFESSOR prose refs US CACTI 193044 anticlockwise.

17 US CACTI anticlockwise.

16 17 ANACROSS ANACROSS 15.rope Colour gets the OKroper for 193044 hear, anyway (7)almost gets the reproof roperalmost 15. Colour OK forreps roofer hear, anyway (6) (7) Cinderella legend (6) unbelievable ANACROSS reproof reps roofer rope ZINC TIE ropes rose serf sore sorer spore 7 9 7 8 6 9 these water creature types (7) 20.

In its entirety or a bit scruffy (5) 4.

Cry little sister.

We heard about 2.

First half of Lamb Chop’s sock these water creature types (7) spore 20. In its entirety or a bit scruffy (5) anagrams, EASINGO Solve the then fit the ZINC20TIE 21 (5) 18 19 ropes rose serf sore sorer © THE PUZZLE COMPANY the into the crossword this 16. About turn vessels from Solve thevessels anagrams, then fit the 18 19your dilemma 20 2122. Should have, we heard, but22. grid.

16. About turn from the Should have, we heard,words but this GILT 22 23 (6) PAN fatherland (1-5) could (5) big bird 3.

9. Sounds like it could cause a flat Buymean ticketsanything or chits for (7) 6 5 1 7 1 2 words into the crossword grid. fatherland (1-5) could mean (5) but 17. Tea anything with trees about, not in 23.Hand Can’tover be famous tyre or a flat wallet (4,3) 5. to, which(7)ever way EASINGO ILL SENS avenue (6) 24. look Old haymaking (6) 17.

Tea with trees about, but not in 23.

Can’t be famous (7) 10. Two pounds at it (5) death symbol 22 23 on a short day gets you GILT PAN EASINGO 1 out ofdeath 5 9 2 4 haymaking Throw the trench (5) 6 (6)LAC 25.Adept Put this animal leo cot?

(6) Old19.

6. runner left in almost replete you a fancy edging (5) avenue (6) 24. symbol TALC 22 23being ILL SENS 24 25 elsewhere (5) 21. Computer, (or binary object) (7) 11. I bail out GILT PAN 19.

Throw out of the trench (5) 25.

Put this animal in leo cot?

(6) 4 (5) LAC7TALC 4 9 12. Army and Air Force men get iron 7. Morose in consul, Len, isn’t it? (6) language, initially NAZI MAG 21. Computer, (or binary object) 24 for this animal (7) 25 8. Onyx egg is in, for “O” charging ILL SENS NAZI MAG NOTICES 13. Blunt? Hankie (11) was not even Across Down initially (5) 8 5 3 8 4 language, 2 5 6 LAC TALC 14. The bunch of bloomers is considered NOTICES 1. 24 Carelessly shun O.D., like one (11)1.25 Lauren quite Across Down does seem USMEDIUM CACTI HARD gone,say (7) 18.

They are not the best teams we Carelessly like one unbelievable 1. Lauren does (6) seem quite Cinderella1.legend (6)shun O.D., US CACTI NAZI MAG OKPUZZLE for COMPANY hear, anyway (7) unbelievable (6) 15. Colour almost gets the ZINC TIE © THE Cinderella legend (6) CRYPTIC WORDWHEEL 2. First of(5) Lamb Chop’s 4. Cry little sister. We heard these watersock creature types (7) 20.about In its entirety a bithalf scruffy 6 8 2 5 CROSSWORD 1 9 3 ZINC 4 7 TIE NOTICES 6 4 2 3 Find 1 the 8 missing 7 5letter9to make a word 4. Cry little sister. We 2.

First half of Lamb Chop’s sock heard about or Across Down (5)we your dilemma (6) 22. Should have, heard, but this 16. About turn vessels from the (5) your dilemma (6) reading 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 7 4 5 6 3 2 1 8 9 3CACTI 9 1 6 7WordWheel 5 clockwise 2 4 or8anticlockwise fatherland (1-5) could mean anything (5)ticketsdoes 1.

Carelessly shun O.D., like seem quite 3. 1.

9. Sounds it could aone flata flat Buy forbig big bird US 3. Lauren 9.like Sounds like itcause could cause Buy ticketsororchits chits for bird (7)(7) 17. Tea withway trees about, but not in 23. Can’t be famous (7) over to, which tyre or a flat wallet 5. unbelievable Hand ever Cinderella legend (6) (6) tyre or a flat(4,3) wallet (4,3) 5.

Hand over to, which ever way 8 1© THE9PUZZLE 3 COMPANY 7 4 8 5 6 2 8 5TIE 7 9 2 4 3 6 1 24. Old haymaking death symbol (6) avenue (6) ZINC 10.sister. look atit(6) it(5) (5) Two on pounds on 25. a day short day animal gets 10.Cry you2.you athalf Twolittle pounds a short gets 4.

We heard about First of Lamb Chop’s 19. Throw out of sock the trench (5) Put this inlook leo cot?

2 1 4 9 5 6 8 7 3 10 5 6 4 2 9 1 8D7 A 3 6. Adept runnerleft left21. almost replete youedging a fancy(5) edging (5) 6. (5) Adept runner almost replete you adilemma fancy Computer, (or binary object)9 your (6) (7) 11. I bail out being elsewhere (5) O language, initially (5) (7) 11.

I bail out being elsewhere (5) 8 3 7 1 2 4 9 5 6 1 7 3 8 5 6 4 9 2 O 9. Sounds12.like it could a flat tickets or chits forit? big 7. Buy Army and Air cause Force men get iron 3.

Morose in consul, Len, isn’t (6)bird (7) 12. Army and Airanimal Force men get iron 7. 5.

Morose inover consul, Len, isn’t it?way (6) for this (7) 8.Hand Onyx egg is in,to, forwhich “O” charging tyre or a flat wallet (4,3) ever 5 6 9 8 7 3 2 1 4 2 8 9 4 3 7 6 1 5 L 11 12 for this (7)onHankie Onyx egg at is in, for “O” charging ?

13. Blunt?

(11)look was day not even 10. it (5) Twoanimal pounds a short gets 8. you 14. The bunch of bloomers is considered (11) not even 13.

(11) Blunt?

Hankie was 4 7 1 2 9 5 6 3 8 7 3 6 5 8 9 1 2 4 6. Adept(7) runner left almost replete you a fancy edging E R 18.(11) They are(5) not the best teams we 14.gone,say The bunch of bloomers is considered 3 2 8 4 6 1 7 9 5 4 2 5 1 6 3 9 8 7 (7) 11. I bail hear, out being elsewhere (5) 15. Colour almost gets the OK for anyway (7) 13 14 15 (7) creature types (7) 18. They are not the bestorteams we (5)gone,say Insert the missing letter to complete an these water in 20.

In Air its entirety a bitget scruffy 7.

12.

Army and Force men iron Morose consul, Len, isn’t it?

(6) 9 5 6 3 8 7 4 2 1 9 1 8 7 4 2 5 3 6 clockwise or eight-letter word reading Colour getsfrom the the OK for hear, anyway (7) have, we heard, but this15.16.

Aboutalmost turn vessels 22. Should U S E T C T T I O O N

ANACROSS

1 7 2 9 5 3 8 6 4

93 24 85

73 2613 57

C A M C A Z C I N A G

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

HARD

8 2 5 45 5 6 96 3 7 17 4 9 3 7 1 6 9 8 7 1 2 2 8 4 5 6 83 6 7 1 2 8 2 5 4 34 9

MEDIUM 1

ANACROSS

WORD

Previous solution:

6

HARD

6 4 2 3 1 8 7 5 9

3

8

L E

M MEDIUM 1

8 2C 5A 1T 9C 3A 4L 7L 45 5 6Z 9 3 2T 1 8N 9 96 3C 7I 2 4T 8I 5Z 6E 2N N 17 4 9 8 5 6O 8 67S 3 9 3 7A 1G 2O 4N 9I 5S 6E 7 1 6 9 8 7 3 2 1 4 WORDWHEEL 7 OVERLOAD 1 2 9 5 6 93 8 2 2 8 4 6 1 7 9 95 5 6 83 8 7 4 22 51

7 9 2 3 6 4 8 95 51 3 4 1 8 5 6 8 67 9 5 7 2 1 6 93 7 9 4 22 1 9 2 8 6 2 4 7 3 9 5 6 1 8 7

93 24 85

8 2 5 45 5 6 96 3 7 17 4 9 3 7 1 6 9 8 7 1 2 2 8 4 5 6 83 6 7 1 2 8 2 5 4 34 9

MEDIUM 1

9 1 5 6 4 7 SUDOKU 3 8 4 6 5 2 3 7 MEDIUM 1 8 6 8 2 5 1 9 3 4 7 5 9 7 4 5 6 3 2 1 8 9 3 1 96 3 7 2 4 8 5 6 2 2 17 4 9 8 5 6 8 67 3 9 8 3 7 1 2 4 9 5 6 2 7 1 5 6 9 8 7 3 2 1 4 4 7 1 2 9 5 6 93 8 2 34 2 8 4 6 1 7 9 95 9 5 6 83 8 7 4 22 51 6

E

N

L

C

9 8 1 3 2 5 4 7 6

C A M C A Z C I N A G

U S E T C T T I O O N

ANACROSS

WORDWHEEL OVERLOAD

T I L A L N Z E S I S

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

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

HARD

6

L

E

C

5 I T 4 L 7 L A 6 N 6 1 5 C I T I Z E 1ANACROSS 2 4 7 U S NT IO C S 9 C8 A AE G O LN I S 5 3M 6

anticlockwise.

Previous solution:

C A M C A Z C I N A G

U S E T C T T I O O N

ANACROSS

Call us:

EASING GILT PA ILL SEN LAC TAL NAZI M NOTICE US CAC ZINC TI

WORDWHEEL OVERLOAD

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

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

0800 250 600

99

6

3

8

2 3

HARD

8 2 5 45 5 6 96 3 7 17 4 9 3 7 1 6 9 8 7 1 2 2 8 4 5 6 83

1 7 2 9 5 3 8 6 4

Down 1. Lauren does seem quite unbelievable (6) 2. First half of Lamb Chop’s sock (5) 3. Buy tickets or chits for big bird (7) 5. Hand over to, which ever way you look at it (5) 6. Adept runner left almost replete (7) 7. Morose in consul, Len, isn’t it? (6) 8. Onyx egg is in, for “O” charging (11) 14. The bunch of bloomers is gone,say (7) 15. Colour almost gets the OK for

6 7 1 2 8 2 5 4 34 9

93 24 85

25

C A T WORDWHEEL C A L L OVERLOAD T I C Z T N C I T I Z E N L O S A L N L A G O N I S E N Z WORDWHEEL E N S OVERLOAD I S E

21

6 7 73 56 25 84 9 4 22 45 31 66 2 9 91 18 87 47 8ANACROSS 5 6 4 9 4 C3 A7 U6 S1 5 8 M9 1 E2 1 C6 A3 T9 C8 7 4 Z2 5 T3

2

20

3 9 1 8 5 7 7 55 694 2 14 783 3 26 819 8 77 336 4 49 225 9 1 8

23

Across 1. Carelessly shun O.D., like one Cinderella legend (6) 4. Cry little sister. We heard about your dilemma (6) 9. Sounds like it could cause a flat tyre or a flat wallet (4,3) 10. Two pounds on a short day gets you a fancy edging (5) 11. I bail out being elsewhere (5) 12. Army and Air Force men get iron for this animal (7) 13. Blunt? Hankie was not even considered (11) 18. They are not the best teams we hear, anyway (7)

4

N

9 8 16 3 2 5 4 7 6

24

ANACROSS ANACROSS

17

5 4 6 7 9 1 2 8 3

2

8

89 57 51 2 45 3 1 8 6 4 9 7 6 98 1 31 9 23 5

1 9 2 8 6 2 4 7 3 9 5 6 93 8 2 8 5 7 9 2 5 6 4 2 9 9 95 6 1 7HARD 62 412 3 1 17 83 78 55 8 7 42 5 2 68 9 4 3

7 7 455 MEDIUM 1 1 963 6 84 7 2 5 211794 7 45 5 6 89 33 27 86 89 1 96 3 7 522 4 22

SUDOKU 3 8 6 5 2 3 MEDIUM 1

L

C

T I L A L N Z E S I S C A M C A Z C I N A G

U S E T C T T I O O N

ANACROSS

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

7 5 6 4 1

3

9 8 2 3 9 6 1 43 8 2 95 51

6 9 3 2 1 8 87 5 6 6 8 67 9 4 9 5 7 32 2 1 53 6 9 93 16 7 9 12 74 4 2

19

44 37 2 9 5 11 8 8 2 58 76 3 4 7 2 17 4 9 48 57 61 82 697 1 8 9 8 3 7 1 3422 48 94 65 35 36 823 781 5 526 629 8 9 7 86 47 7 31 92HARD 9 5 6 93 9 345 268 4 6 64 12 73 19 7 1 2 91 546 3 3 89 71 46 72 8 2

18

newt rewind twin twine twined twiner weir weird wend ind winder windier wine wined winier winter wire wired

3 6 9 2 8 4 5 1 7

2 12 9 1 94 4 52 2 N 5 2 1 9 4 52 2 3 7 3 75 5 2 1 7 3 E 7 3 3 7 51 2 7 9 7 9 WORDWHEEL 1 1 7 53 6 5 6 1 OVERLOAD 2 1 9 4 7 9 4 1 4 5 67 4 1 5 6 5 2 5 6 1 SUDOKU 3 7 8 4 64 5 2 3 7 3 7 5 2 4 1 5 65 MEDIUM SUDOKU 1 7 3 1 8 38 8 4 6 2 63 2 5 1 97 3 4 7

16

is, 9. Road tax, 10. Frill, 11. Alibi, 12. Giraffe, 13.

20. Uncut, 22. Aught, 23. Notable, 24. Scythe, 25.

for (7)or aanything 8.fatherland Onyx is in, for “O”(7) charging wateregg creature types 20.this In itsanimal entirety bit scruffy (1-5) could mean (5) (5) these 13.

Blunt?

Hankie not(7) even 17.

Tea with about,from but not 23.have, Can’t we bewas famous About turntrees vessels thein 22. Should heard, but this 16.(11) 14.

The(6) bunch of bloomers is considered avenue 24.(11) Old haymaking fatherland (1-5) could mean anything (5) death symbol (6) 19. Throw out of the trench (5) Put animal leo cot?we (6) (7) 18.

They 25. are notthis the bestinteams 17.gone,say Tea with trees about, but not in 23. Can’t be famous (7) 21. Computer, (or binary object) 15.

Colour almost gets the OK for hear, anyway (7) death symbol (6) avenue (6) initially 24. Old haymaking language, (5) types 20.

In its entirety bitcot? scruffy Throwwater out ofcreature the trench (5) (7) 25. Put this animalorinaleo (6) (5) 19.these Computer, (or binary About turn vesselsobject) from the 22. Should have, we heard, but this 21.16. language, initially fatherland (1-5)(5) could mean anything (5) 17. Tea with trees about, but not in 23. Can’t be famous (7) 24. Old haymaking death symbol (6) avenue (6) 19. Throw out of the trench (5) 25. Put this animal in leo cot? (6) 21. Computer, (or binary object) language, initially (5)

SOLUTION 1 errs fess foes poorer pore p poses posse p PROFESSOR reproof reps r ropes rose se Solve the a words into t

, 3. Ostrich, 5. Refer, 6. Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, 16. U-boats, 17. Street, 19. Ditch, 21. Cobol.

2 1 7 4 3 9 6 5 8

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD dimwit drew MIDWINTER newt rewind twin twine twined twiner weir weird wend WORD GO ROUND Across: 1. went Unshod, Crisis, 9. Road tax, 10.windier Frill, 11.

Alibi, 12. Giraffe, 13. wireweird wide4.widen wider windMIDWINTER winder wine wined wired dimwit drew newt rewind twin twinewinier twinedwinter twiner weir wend Unthinkable, 18.writ Besides, 20. Uncut, 22.wider Aught, Notable, 24. Scythe, 25.winter wire wired wren write went wide widen wind23. winder windier wine wined winier wren writ write Ocelot.

4 9 5 6 7 8 3 2 1

E

How many or more can is at least o Each letter only once a contain the words starti no plurals e Good 15 Very Good Excellent 25

Down: 1. CRYPTIC Unreal, 2.CROSSWORD Shari, 3. Ostrich, 5. Refer, 6. Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, CRYPTIC CROSSWORD 14. Nosegay, 15. Aquatic, 16.4.U-boats, Street, 19.Frill, Ditch, 21.

Cobol.

Across: 1. Unshod, Crisis, 9.17.

Road tax,9.10.

12.Alibi, Giraffe, 13. 13.

Across: 1. Unshod, 4. Crisis, Road tax,11.

10.Alibi, Frill, 11.

12. Giraffe, Unthinkable, 18. Unthinkable, Besides, 20.

22.

23.Aught, Notable, 24. Scythe, 25. 25.

18.Uncut, Besides, 20.Aught, Uncut, 22.

23. Notable, 24. Scythe, Ocelot.

Ocelot.

1. Unreal, 2. Shari,5.3.Refer, Ostrich, Refer, 6.7.Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, Down: 1. Unreal,Down: 2. Shari, 3. Ostrich, 6.5.Skilful, Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, Nosegay, Aquatic, 16.

Ditch, 21. Cobol.

14. Nosegay, 15.14.

Aquatic, 16.15.U-boats, 17.U-boats, Street,17.

19.Street, Ditch,19.21.

Cobol.

6 3 8 5 1 2 7 4 9

T

© THE PUZZLE COMPANY

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1 5 6 4 7 SUDOKU 3 8 4 6 5 2 3 7 MEDIUM 1 8 6 8 2 5 1 9 3 4 7 7 45 5 6 9 3 2 1 8 9 3 4 8 5 6 2 1 96 3 7 2 5 6 8 67 3 9 2 17 4 9 8 8 3 7 1 2 4 9 5 6 2 7 1 5 6 9 8 7 3 2 1 4 4 7 1 2 9 5 6 93 8 2 34 2 8 4 6 1 7 9 95 9 5 6 83 8 7 4 22 51 6

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6 7 1 2 8 2 5 4 34 9

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

8

Previous solution:

2 1 9 4 6 HARD 5 2 6 4 2 3 1 8 7 5 9 2 3 39 176 7 5 2 45 8 1 85 56 74 92 29 41 38 67 13 7 3 1 77 3 8 5 6 4 99 2 2 8 9 4 3 7 6 1 5 5 67 3 6 5 8 9 1 2 41 4 94 112 85 71 46 23559 836 76 4 7 ANACROSS SUDOKU 3U 8S T I 4 6 5 C2A 3 7C

Previous solution:

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

WORD GO ROUND dimwit drew MIDWINTER newt rewind twin twine twined twiner weir weird wend went wide widen wider wind winder windier wine wined winier winter wire wired wren writ write

5 6 4 1

unbelievable (6) 21

3 4 1 8 5 6 8 67 9 5 7 2 1 6 93 7 9 4 22

Previous solution:

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across: 1. Unshod, 4. Crisis, 9. Road tax, 10. Frill, 11. Alibi, 12. Giraffe, 13.

Unthinkable, 18. Besides, 20. Uncut, 22. Aught, 23. Notable, 24. Scythe, 25.

Ocelot.

Down: 1. Unreal, 2. Shari, 3. Ostrich, 5. Refer, 6. Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, 14. Nosegay, 15. Aquatic, 16. U-boats, 17. Street, 19. Ditch, 21. Cobol.

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20

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across: 1. Unshod, 4. Crisis, 9. Road tax, 10. Frill, 11. Alibi, 12. Giraffe, 13.

Unthinkable, 18. Besides, 20. Uncut, 22. Aught, 23. Notable, 24. Scythe, 25.

Ocelot.

Down: 1. Unreal, 2. Shari, 3. Ostrich, 5. Refer, 6. Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, 14. Nosegay, 15. Aquatic, 16. U-boats, 17. Street, 19. Ditch, 21. Cobol.

ot in

Cinderella 19 legend (6)

WORD GO ROUND

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18

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for

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CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across: 1. Unshod, 4. Crisis, 9. Road tax, 10. Frill, 11. Alibi, 12. Giraffe, 13.

Unthinkable, 18. Besides, 20. Uncut, 22. Aught, 23. Notable, 24. Scythe, 25.

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14. Nosegay, 15. Aquatic, 16. U-boats, 17. Street, 19. Ditch, 21. Cobol.

plete

Insert the missing letter to complete an or

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12. Giraffe, 13.

1. Unreal,25.

2. Shari, 3. Ostrich, 5. Refer, 6. Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, 3. Notable,Down: 24. Scythe,

d (7) y

25

eight-letter word reading clockwise Find the missing letter to make a word anticlockwise. Previous solution: Across Down reading clockwise or anticlockwise How 1. Carelessly shun O.D., like one 1. Lauren does seem quitemany words of 4 letters

Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, , 19. Ditch, 21. Cobol.

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WORD GO ROUND dimwit drew MIDWINTER newt rewind twin twine twined twiner weir weird wend went wide widen wider wind winder windier wine wined winier winter wire wired wren writ write

8 4 5 1 7

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Good 15 SOLUTION 178 179 Very Good 19 errs fess foes fore fosse oreo peso Excellent 25+ poorer pore pores pose poser

CRYPTIC CROSSWORD Across: 1. Unshod, 4. Crisis, 9. Road tax, 10. Frill, 11. Alibi, 12. Giraffe, 13.

Unthinkable, 18. Besides, 20. Uncut, 22. Aught, 23. Notable, 24. Scythe, 25.

Ocelot.

Down: 1. Unreal, 2. Shari, 3. Ostrich, 5. Refer, 6. Skilful, 7. Sullen, 8. Oxygenising, 14. Nosegay, 15. Aquatic, 16. U-boats, 17. Street, 19. Ditch, 21. Cobol.

3 9 6 5 8

HARD

179

12

14

18

contain the centre letter. No words starting with a capital, no plurals ending in s.

Good 15 Very Good 19 Excellent 25+

Find the missing letter to make a word reading clockwise or anticlockwise

7

8

9

Very Good 19 letter may be used Each Excellent 25+once and all words must only

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THE IDEAL NEW ZEALAND MOTORHOME.

TORHOME MA NU MO

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at the Covi Sh ow seen as

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Deadlines for advertisements Issue 194 5pm 29/04/2020 On sale 14/05/2020

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TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR RV • Good photos make a big difference. If possible, take your RV to a nice park or outdoor area and choose a nice sunny day to take the exterior photos.

• When writing your ad, explain why you’re selling your RV. This is likely to be the first question potential buyers will want answered.

ONLY

$40 UNTIL SO LD & SU C C ESS Z E R O F E ES !

Visit us at the

MHZ-FP-5196259-TS-178

15-17 March, 2019

Trend Low Profile

From NZ$135,000 NZ$140,000

Magic Edition NZ$168,000

Esprit A Class

From NZ$197,000 NZ$203,000

Prices includes: Manual Awning, 200W Solar panel with MPPT, 7”Display with reverse camera with GPS, 19”Avtex LED TV, Kiwiset Auto Dish

ZION MOTORHOMES Authorised Distributors of Dethleffs, Island Agent: Frankia, Niesmann+BischoffSouth & Morelo Motorhomes

UCC Motorhomes and Caravans 7 Foremans Road Islington Christchurch

Service Partner for Dethleffs in Auckland, Taupo, Blenheim & Christchurch Dethleffs Motorhomes are available for viewing by appointment only at Lot 21 Gateway Park Drive Pokeno (turn in by Macdonald Road)

0800 108 Contact222 us today!

0800 11 2828

0800 222 108 03 348 2247

09 950 9077

info@zionmotorhomes.co.nz www.zionmotorhomes.co.nz

Service Partners in Auckland, Taupo, Blenheim and Christchurch Service Partners in Auckland, Taupo, Blenheim and Christchurch

Your dream This is living

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The latest in premium motorhoming with the 2019 Bürstner LyseoDefinitely.

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At SmartRV we have anwith range more spacious entertaining area extensive of and usedaGerman motorhomes for sale, twin couchrange layout, groundbreaking drop-down meaning the best of European safety, innovation and island bed. Create your ‘apartment on the road’ with design can be yours. We are the exclusive New Zealand adistributor choice ofof interior styles in Bürstner’s innovative popular Bürstner, value brand Carado and wohnfühlen design combined with premium premium HYMER motorhomes. Don’t wait to fittings start living thealife you dream of. for modern, comfortable home away from home.

Come the full newrange Lyseoofrange at our sales centre in Auckland andcentres Christchurch.

Come and and see see the new and used motorhomes at our sales in Auckland and Christchurch. Or visit www.smartrv.co.nz Or visit smartrv.co.nz

Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by

11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 891 305 | mcd@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz