NZToday-RV Lifestyle - Vol 5 - Heartland Journeys, Walk & Cycle Trails, Road trips and RV reviews by robyn-rnrpublishing.co

Vol.

REVIEWS + PROFILES

Custom-built Platinum Mobility RV

Jayco Silverline

Tribute Compact 680

Classic caravans

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NZTODAY / RVLIFESTYLE JULY-AUG 2020

JULY-AUG

2020

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VOLUME

Walk & Cycle

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NZMCA PROMOTION A WIN/WIN FOR MEMBERS AND LOCAL ECONOMIES

he NZMCA’s upcoming Spring promotion is going to be a win/win for the Association’s 95,000 members and the 56 Motorhome Friendly towns around New Zealand.

For members – many of whom have been itching to get back on the road after months in lockdown – the promotion not only guarantees a warm welcome but also offers great savings on hundreds of discounts, available exclusively to members. Plus, members are in to win more than $20,000 dollars’ worth of prizes in The Great Kiwi Road trip competition which will focus exclusively on Motorhome Friendly destinations and can save good money when they stop and stay in CampSaver camp sites. For the Motorhome Friendly towns - many of which are rural and provincial communities - the promotion is designed to send a stream of responsible motorhome tourists to their doors to help kickstart their local economies in the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown. The Association’s multi-pronged, campaign that it’s funding (at no cost to the participating towns) will be driven by a special Motorhome Friendly magazine which is to be distributed to members at the end of July. Other aspects of the NZMCA’s promotion will include : • Expanded promotion of Motorhome Friendly Motorhome Friendly towns through its member magazine, website and regular member eNewsletters; • Introduction of a new NZMCA App that links directly to Motorhome Friendly destinations; • A renewed focus on the organisation’s Events program in Motorhome Friendly towns – drawing a line in the sand to give Event organisers the confidence to commit to setting a date for their next event; and • Supporting the campgrounds in Motorhome Friendly areas with an expanded CampSaver program. NZMCA CEO Bruce Lochore says the Association is ideally placed to lead such an initiative; because ‘while much of the tourism industry is going to be playing catch-up with domestic tourism, it’s our area of expertise’. “When all the focus was on international tourists in the big-name destinations,

This Spring the NZMCA begins its campaign to ‘drive’ its 95,000 members to Motorhome Friendly towns like Oamaru, Te Kuiti, and Waihi.

we’ve led the charge to ensure that rural and provincial New Zealand got its fair share of tourist dollars. “So, come Spring, we’re ‘going hard’ to once again bring responsible Motorhome Tourists in Certified Self-Contained vehicles to the Motorhome Friendly towns.” To join the NZMCA or for more information on the multiple benefits the Association offers its members, check out www.nzmca.org.nz or call 09 298 5466

New Zealand Motor Caravan Association | 09 298 5466 | mhftowns.com | nzmca.org.nz

Destinations – Lifestyle Queenstown – check out the world-renowned slopes of Cardrona, Coronet Peak and more

Queenstown – perfect winter playground for both young and old

West Coast – Allan Dick heads west for whitebait

Banks Peninsula – exploring the charms of Diamond Harbour

Classics at Ōhope – a classic caravan and car show report

VOLUME 5 July-August 2020

CONTENTS

6 Rock’n’Robyn Chronicles – Breaking out of ‘lockdown’ to Sandspit and on the road again

Walk and cycle trails 10

Stewart Island – hiking on the Rakiura Trail

Lake Taupō – enjoy lakeshore views on the Taupō Trail

Hauraki Rail Trail – explore the new southern extension of this cycle-trail network with Gary Patterson

RV PETS

RV Profiles RV upgrade – how the Clarkes selected their second Auto-Trail Delaware motorhome

Profile – Custom-built disability IVECO motorhome

Winter RV storage – ideas and tips for storing the motorhome or caravan

Review – Jayco Silverline Touring high-tech caravan

Review – Auto-Trail Tribute Compact campervan with rear lounge

Subscriber Page – win with BURNSCO

Road Kai – enter to win Grow Younger with Great Food

101 Books – latest release books to be won 104 Marketplace – and RV trade directories 110 Caspar’s Capers – be in to win with Interislander

WIN BE IN TO

COOK BOOK TO BE WON SEE p98

LION PORTABLE FRIDGE/FREEZER 40L

VALUED AT $1299 SEE PAGE 62

Letter to Readers – Editor Robyn Dallimore

70 Seasonal Work – catching up with Sharon and Wayne George 72 AD Today – Allan Dick shares his reflections and memories

BOOKS TO BE WON SEE p101

Stewart Island Oban Harbour. ( Stewart Island Tourism)

SEE p110

Regular 5

’s C a p

WIN $250 INTERISLANDER FERRY VOUCHER

Competitions – Marketplace – Trades 62

par

Vol.

REVIEWS + PROFILES

Custom-built Platinum Mobility RV

Jayco Silverline

Auto-Trail Tribute

WIN

EDITOR’S LETTER TO READERS

BE IN TO

Classic caravans

LION PORTABLE FRIDGE/FREEZER 40L

VALUED AT $1299 SEE PAGE 62

NZTODAY / RVLIFESTYLE JULY-AUG 2020

JULY-AUG

2020

$9.95

INC GST

Be calm, breathe and carry on

VOLUME

Walk & Cycle

STEWART ISLAND UNDER A GLOWING SKY Hiking The Rakiura Track HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL LAKESIDE TAUPŌ TRAILS

WIN AN INTERISLANDER VOUCHER WITH CASPAR'S CAPERS 05 TRADING AS MAGAZINE SOLUTIONS

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Lifestyle & Travel

WEST COAST: WHITE-BAITING WITH ALLAN DICK QUEENSTOWN: FROM SKI SLOPES TO PLAYTIME ADVENTURES BANKS PENINSULA: DIAMOND HARBOUR

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9 771463 073597

ISSN 2703-2477 (Print) ISSN 2703-2485 (Online) RV-NZTODAY Lifestyle - Vol 5 July-August 2020

rvmagazine.co.nz EDITOR Robyn Dallimore, editor@rvmagazine.co.nz ADVERTISING MANAGER Bruce Mountain Auckland Office 09 238 2261 021 657 090, bruce@rvmagazine.co.nz Bruce Mountain uses Lumix photographic equipment COVER SHOTS Sandra Wilde Aurora’s from Stewart Island Promotions. Back cover Robyn Dallimore CONTRIBUTORS Tom Clarke, Kathy Catton, Robyn Dallimore, Allan Dick, Sharon & Wayne George, Don Jessen, Jane Dove Juneau, Gary Patterson SUB-EDITING & PROOFING Thiers Halliwell, Allan Walton DESIGN Steve Philp – sgrphilp@gmail.com SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADMINISTRATION Subscriptions Manager Laura Atkinson subs@rnrpublishing.co.nz Phone enquiries: 06 306 6041 Mon to Fri – Office hours 10am to 3pm SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year $49.95 (6 issues) Australia/Pacific $90 (6 issues) Rest of World $150 (6 issues) Digital subscriptions $25 (paperless 6 issues) RV-NZTODAY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY RnR Publishing Limited PO Box 220 Martinborough, Wairarapa 5711 Main office Ph: 06 306 6030 Auckland Sales office: 09 238 2261 Mail: PO Box 220, Martinborough 28 Oxford Street, Martinborough, 5711 PUBLISHERS Bruce Mountain, bruce@rnrpublishing.co.nz Robyn Dallimore, robyn@rnrpublishing.co.nz TRADING AS MAGAZINE SOLUTIONS

PRINTING OVATO DISTRIBUTION Gordon and Gotch NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS RnR Publishing Ltd uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions or typographical errors. RnR Publishing Ltd prints advertisements provided to the publisher, but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. RnR Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any loss that may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Advertisers are advised that all advertising must conform to the ASA Codes of New Zealand Advertising; full details and codes book available from asa.co.nz. RnR Publishing Ltd reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. All material gathered in creating RV-NZTODAY Lifestyle magazine is copyright 2020 RnR Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. Please check our website RnRPublishing.co.nz for a full Terms and Conditions of advertising schedule.

his is our first post-Covid-19-lockdown edition for this title. Thank you to our subscribers especially and our readers generally for your patience and understanding during this period where we had to suspend printing the Vol 5 edition until this time. We acknowledge our advertisers in this issue, our sincere thanks and gratitude goes to them from us, and our readers, for supporting us and getting this issue to print. I share some basic facts on this event in the next pages, as a recap in print really, as this is one of the biggest events in our lifetime that has had such significant effects around the globe. Right here though I have to talk about anxiety and depression as it is important to me. This magazine is a platform of inspiration to you as readers for travelling and exploring our country but we do also reflect what is happening in our lives, in New Zealand Today as our title says. I found the week before lockdown and the next three weeks to be full of anxiety, and my Fit-bit watch confirmed that to me. I have charts showing my heart rate over those weeks – before and during news bulletin updates it was pounding over 100 sitting down, with the resting rate around 80 most of the time – not good, but this has been scary shite going down here. I had some big cries at the time as well, and have had tears writing this and remembering how frightening it was – we forget so easily as it happens, we adapt and move on which is great. I’m now back to an under-60 resting rate. I stopped watching every report here and around the world at the three-week mark, and I don’t care if I miss news updates, even now. What I do religiously is wash, wash, and wash my hands; the grand kid has to wash hers before we touch when she comes over; I have masks in the car and don’t give a damn about wearing one when we go out, if I want to. This is our new reality – we have to take personal responsibility for our own individual health safety. The government can only do a small amount to protect us and we have to do the rest – always, not just this minute. Especially right now with the border fiasco business. The Rock and I would both be considered as having underlying health conditions, and back in 2012 we suffered a bout of flu that lasted a month when breathing was a big problem for us. We had to sit up for two weeks in lounge chairs to

breathe, had oxygen from the doctor, all sorts of carry on, so sick it was frightening. We have had flu shots every year since as I don’t want to experience that ever again. This Covid-19 scares the hell out of us – sounds silly to write it but that is how it feels. Take care of each other, look for the signs of anxiety and depression in yourself and those around you if their worlds are imploding. As we saw from Mike King back on May 10, during an interview with Duncan Garner on The AM Show, depression can be exhibited in many ways – anger and outbursts, a tidy person becoming messy around the home, not opening mail or talking with people as you normally might, are other signs to look out for. In the interview, Mike said 80 per cent of people in crisis don’t ask for help. This was the most real and raw interview, one that really showed you the face of what depression looks like. Every one of you who reads this and watches Mike and his message will recognise at least one person in their life right now, and it might be a major revelation to you that this is what is going on for that person. Here is a QR code below to scan or enter this link https://www.facebook.com/ watch/?v=2881780538558240 into your browser. Watch the full video. Thanks to Mike for this piece of reality to help us all understand what is a really difficult but hidden sickness so many live with. I have put this video on our Facebook page as well. We have a new RocknRobyn 5 motorhome coming, to be unveiled on Facebook in the next few weeks. Keep tuned in for the post and find out what’s happening and who’s going to be on the road around the North Island – we are putting one of our most loved writers on the road. The motorhome is being graphic wrapped right now, so you won’t miss us. Enjoy the read in this first publication postCovid-19, it is a pleasure to bring you some entertainment and enjoyment to create some joy in your life. Take care of each other. Robyn Dallimore Bruce Mountain (aka the Rock) Publishers Watch Mike King interview through QR code here RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

ROCK’N’ROBYN

Chronicles

Reflecting on Lockdown, baking, bears and first trips away Story Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain (aka The Rock)

id-March saw the RV industry hustling and bustling getting ready for the Covi Motorhome Caravan and Outdoor Show in Auckland March 13–15, just as the Covid-19 pandemic was building pace around the world. It was touch and go if the show would go ahead, and I believe it was the last large public event in Auckland before we all became educated to a new way of living, day to day through alert levels 1 to 4 and back to to 1. Let’s reflect on a few dates. The first confirmed case here was recorded on February 28 and changes began soon after, starting with the cancellation of a commemoration event for the mosque shootings on March 15. Festivals in Auckland were cancelled and from 1am on March 16 any travellers arriving in

into lockdown – from midnight that night we entered into Level 2. Two days later on the March 23 we went up to Level 3 and were given notice that we would be at full lockdown Level 4 on March 25. Parliament was suspended on March 24, and from then on for weeks the whole population was at home in ‘bubbles’, some alone, others with friends or family, and life changed in ways we could never have imagined. Things began relaxing on April 27 when we moved from Level 4 to Level 3, then to Level 2 on May 13 and Level 1 on June 8 where we remain today. As of June 23, the country has had 1515 cases, and 22 people have died as a consequence. We’re now working our way through the debacle over recently uncovered border weaknesses – with thousands of people arriving home without being tested, and some arrivals mixing with others before moving on. Billions are being pumped into the economy with wage subsidies, loans, and so much more – thank goodness for that. I don’t care what you say, for those of us suspended in business limbo this support has been invaluable. Wikipedia has a good timeline on it – quite sobering to 1. Interior 2003 Leisure Line caravan for sale for $29,990 Country RV. Fully self-contained, full gas oven with separate grill, hobs on top. Gas/240v/12v, sink unit, fitted grey and fresh water tanks, 90L Dometic Fridge with ice box. Loving this little cutie 2. Rob Axton, Robyn and Caspar enjoying the Expo day

New Zealand had to self-isolate for 14 days. A halt to public gatherings over 500 was also announced that day, and the limit dropped to 100 soon after. On March 17, overseas tourists flouting the law were put into quarantine for 14 days and ordered to leave the country at the end. The government used hired motorhomes to quarantine arriving people at Whangaparāoa Peninsula. Anzac commemorations were cancelled for the first time, and the next day Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters urged all Kiwis travelling overseas to get home asap. In a special media briefing on March 21, the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the introduction of a country-wide alert-level system to deal with the coronavirus outbreak, with Level 1 being the lowest risk of infection and Level 4 the highest, and the country went

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

3. Lots of cooking, videos of it on Facebook lol, meals on the deck - our own home restaurant 4. Parking up Rosie and RnR4, a fence across the driveway to keep Caspar in and visitors out. 5. A typical daily report on TV 6. Lovely beachfront camp sites for RVs at Sandspit Holiday Park

see it all laid out. So how well did we all deal with it? A breakfast show Youthline interview revealed a huge increase in demand from young people in crisis, in violent home situations. Many families loved the time being together, with work not taking parents away. Baking became the new norm in so many households that flour was in short supply all over the country. Making videos and having Zoom meetings became popular really quickly, as did working from home. A team of five million was the catch cry, ‘unprecedented’ the most used word for weeks, walking-eating-playing together became the norm, some pretty good times for lots of people out there. We all saved money on petrol, meals and coffees out, shopping and generally wasting money. But for many, jobs are gone or on the line right now, and

What can we do to help others moving forward, we all ask ourselves. In our case we continue to inspire you – our readers – to explore you own backyard, travel to your nearby regions and further afield if you can.

who knows where this freefall is going to end or when. For most people, life is going to be challenging, confronting and confusing for some time I reckon. What can we do to help others, we all ask ourselves. In our case, we’re doing our best to inspire you, our readers, to explore your own backyard, travel to your nearby regions and further afield if you can. Visit the villages and towns around the country – especially those of you who have travelled the world extensively but perhaps not been to Wellington, Nelson,

Abel Tasman, Stewart Island, Cape Rēinga or anywhere in between. New Zealand is on the top of the list for the majority of travellers around the world – they want to come here to walk our Great Walks, explore our gorgeous beaches, have adventures in the most stunning geographic region in the world – and now we have it all to ourselves. For readers who don’t have an RV to take on the road, think short weekends away, even day trips from your house to somewhere within 150km, and explore everywhere in between – petrol is the cheapest it has been for years. You don’t need a motorhome, caravan or RV, or even any accommodation to start exploring our country. Start with your backyard, your local DOC parks, your local reserve walkways, your local producers. Book flights months ahead and go somewhere in another island. That usually means the South Island but lots of southerners have never been to the North Island. If you live in a big city, when was the last time you went to a gallery, the museum, walked the main streets, done the sightseeing stuff down the road. Walking every day became a favoured occupation for many of us – has the return to day-to-day life taken that away again, or has it become the new normal? For us, work has interfered, and with deadlines on

6 RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

ROCK’N’ROBYN Chronicles 7.Visitors Tim and Jamie loved the horses on the beach at Sandspit 8.Incredible West Coast Pouanamu carving - at the Puawai Jade shop in Mt Maunganui, I love greenstone so much, this shop is inspiring and offers authentic NZ jade

us Caspar is not happy this week. The lockdown was devastating for all publishers. From our perspective the RV and tourism industries were shut down, no one had any income, and the future was uncertain. Bauer Media closed all its titles here and some in Australia, and soon after, they purchased another publishing group in Aussie and closed more titles there. This affected retail magazine shelf space, with no regular weekly magazines being printed here – and those coming in from overseas were stopped dead. There wasn’t a print publisher in the country who could go out to businesses and ask for money. Literally no one knew where their next dollar was coming from, except the food producers and supermarkets. We suspended printing the May-June Vol 5 issue, and you are reading that volume now as the July-August issue, and on we go. The RV industry reported good sales at the Covi SuperShow. Many sold units while in lockdown, and interest is certainly strong out there for new and used RVs of every description. Why not? Having your own containment facility to travel around in, or to park in the backyard for extra accommodation, is a pretty good investment in these times. What will happen by the end of the year with the RV stock in the country, we don’t know. Are the European, UK and Australian factories pumping out units at their usual capacity, or have the closures in world-wide manufacturing impacted the supply chain for months or years. Rental companies here are another unknown – will a flood of used vehicles come on the market to free up funds, or will they stop importing and run their vehicles for longer till the tide turns and drives up the value of used product available. The next few months will clarify the waters, I guess. We produced a Special Edition NZTODAY South Island Road Trips collection magazine for retail stores, and it is on sale now – a retail-only publication to help retail outlets get magazines onto their shelves. We scraped up a few advertisers to help pay the special price the printer gave us to get a magazine into print. I have been asked why the subscribers didn’t

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

get a copy free. That would have been great, but would have meant printing thousands more copies, and even the cheap print price we could afford would have exploded by nearly $20,000 extra. Then we would have had to get those magazines wrapped, addressed and posted out – another huge cost. Subscriber’s won’t realise, but the cost to post a magazine out from the office has gone from $2.50 for a pre-paid envelope to $4.79. We do get bulk prices for the main print mailout but those costs have almost doubled too, so it just couldn’t be done – for strong economic reasons, especially with the financial world up in the air. You can order a copy online for $15 posted to you, or check the list of retail outlets where you can buy a copy, and support your local magazine outlet. They need the help, buy local if you can. I trust readers understand this. We acknowledge our advertisers in this issue, our sincere thanks and gratitude goes to them from us, and our readers, for supporting us and getting this issue to print. Our local travelling saw us load up the motorhome and head to Sandspit, just north of Auckland. Family had booked a cabin at the campground for the first weekend out of Level 2 when we could travel around the region, so we loaded up the RocknRobyn, packed Caspar in and headed north with them. What a wonderful couple of days we had. The Sandspit Holiday Park campground is located on the waterfront, on a sandspit as you might have guessed. We took the electric bikes up so we could load up the grand kid and the fishing gear and zip out over the sandy mud flats to

the water’s edge right by the channel coming into the inner harbour where the boats are at the marina. You can get a water taxi to Kawau Island from there. Three fish were caught and returned, the sun was shining, wind dropped away and the sunset was lovely. So good to be out of home and sitting by the beach again. Great to sleep in the motorhome, crank up the BBQ at the campground and sit around having meals together – friends and their kids came up too so it felt like a family party. Over the long Queen’s Birthday weekend we popped down to Tauranga in the motorhome that will join the RocknRobyn fleet for the summer at least. All will be revealed when it is sign-written and delivered to us – watch Facebook for updates. This visit we popped in to see Rob Axton at Country RV who was having an Expo weekend with Leisure Line caravans. We checked out the latest models, and caught up – carefully – at that point it was still Level 2 check-in rules and records, etc. We had birthdays over lockdown with a certain little girl turning four, and a poppa turning 69 (no not Bruce). The presents nana ordered before lockdown arrived two weeks into Level 2 – typical. Last Sunday we headed down to the Pōkeno Sunday market – nice to get back to usual in that regard. We are planning a trip to Martinborough next month, taking the new RnR5 south for our writer to pick up, commencing a series of long and short road-trip explorations of the stunning North Island – yes that’s right readers, the North Island has gorgeous vistas aplenty, long golden beaches, cycle and walking trails, historic journeys aplenty, so much to be seen and done, and we are going to share all those travels with you, our readers. You may even see a convoy now and then with RocknRobyn Rosie (1998 Ford Transit), RocknRobyn 4 (2005 Mitsubish Canter), and RocknRobyn 5 (identity to come) all travelling together – look out for us in the upcoming months.

PENCIL IN THESE DATES September NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show Mystery Creek 18-20 September New time for Christchurch NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show 10-11 October, new venue Canterbury Agricultural Park

UMPHERSTON SINKHOLE, LIMESTONE COAST

HEY, NEW ZEALAND WHEN YOU’RE READY, WE’VE SAVED YOU A SEAT.

SOUTHAUSTRALIA.COM SATC_International_2020_NZ_Hey NZ_215x297mm_v1.indd 1

REWARDS WONDER 23/06/2020 1:59:18 PM

TRAVEL

Stewart Island SOUTHLAND

LAND OF GLOWING SKIES There is a certain quietness on Stewart Island – something you feel in your bones. It is as if you’ve dropped back in time to a land covered in virgin rainforest, a habitat for rare birds, and a small fishing village and a lively pub. Words – Jane Dove Juneau Photographs –Jane Dove Juneau or Stewart Island Tourism

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

1 RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TRAVEL Stewart Island SOUTHLAND

rossing Foveaux Strait for the first time can be intimidating. The stretch of water between Bluff (at the bottom of the South Island) and Stewart Island/ Rakiura has a reputation of providing one of the wildest ferry rides in New Zealand. As the ocean depth is shallow – only 30-metres – it chops up quickly with wind and swell. On a rough day mountains of spray are about all you can see of the ferry crossing the strait. With this in mind my partner Rick and I each took a Sea-Leg tablet before we boarded the smaller of the two catamarans in the fleet.

Soon after leaving Bluff, swells were looming up in the front window and the captain was all concentration at the wheel. One or two passengers were looking pale. I clutched the handrail in between pitches and made my way to the stern where a row of men were holding on tightly to the side rail, looking ahead for the next big wave and riding the waves like surfers as showers of spray rained overhead. The wind whipped away the diesel fumes, calming my nervous stomach. The hour-long crossing passed quickly and as we motored in to Halfmoon Bay, mist swirled

MĀORI HERITAGE Land of Glowing Skies Rakiura is the Māori name for Stewart Island and means the ‘Land of the Glowing Skies’. While this is a reference to the blushes of Te Rakitamau, it also describes the island’s spectacular sunsets and its night-time displays of Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights. Te Puka – the anchor stone Māori creation stories tell how Māui, a legendary Polynesian voyager, pulled up from the sea floor the anchor stone Te Puka a Māui (Stewart Island/ Rakiura) to act as an anchor for the great ancestral canoe Te Waka o Aoraki (South Island of New Zealand).

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

around the hills and a few dozen fishing boats bobbed on the dark, glassy water. The South Sea Hotel sits prominently, if not appropriately, at the centre of the beach with the Four Square nearby. Scattered over the bushy hills in the bay are the cribs and houses for the 400 or so people who live on Stewart Island, plus visitors. Most of the island is wilderness – forest or shrubland running from the hills down to bays hiding secluded golden beaches. In 2002 Rakiura National Park was opened, encompassing a network of former reserves and state forest areas – around 85 per cent of

the island. With only 20km of roads near the settlement of Oban, the main way to access the island is to hike some of the 300-or-so kilometres of tracks. It was the lure of hiking in the wilderness that had drawn us to visit Stewart Island. Once docked at the wharf everyone scrambled in the luggage bins to find their packs amid the pile of bags. Finally, with our packs on we walked up the road past the i-SITE, past several shops and the Department of Conservation (DOC) Visitors Centre up to Bunkers Backpackers. A kākā appeared on the deck railing outside our backpackers looking around as if quite at home. The feeling was mutual. The old villa had

a very steep staircase leading up into the heart of the house. To the right was a small kitchen with a wooden bench and a rack overflowing with drying dishes. Two old wobbly pane windows opened out onto a slightly overgrown yard. The trees were flourishing, vastly different to the windblown straggly trees we saw at Colic Bay near Riverton. The kitchen opened into a living room with a farmhouse style dining table, and a ‘perfectly tuned’ guitar hung on the wall. Rows of yellow National Geographic magazines lined the far wall along with another bookshelf stacked with large books. This was a place where people took time to read. A Spanish couple in the kitchen had scrambled

1. A peaceful morning at Halfmoon Bay, Stewart Island. Photo: Stewart Island Tourism 2. Early-morning light at Port William 3. View from the ferry crossing the Foveaux Strait. 4. A rimu tree hangs over a pristine stream 5. A kākā feeds on scavenged food at Oban 6. The hut at Port William sleeps 24 people 7. Chalky (left) and Adrian enjoy one of their many chess challenges at Port William

eggs cooking ready to fill long crusty bread rolls with hot dogs and egg for a picnic lunch. Our lunch for the next few days might not be quite as hearty as we were heading off to walk the Rakiura Track, a three-day hike – one of

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

New Zealand’s Great Walks. The inspiration for the walk had come from a friend Jane Mitchell who was spending the season working for DOC as a hut warden at Port William, one of the huts on the Rakiura Track. “This is a leisurely hike suitable for anyone with a moderate level of fitness,” says the DOC brochure. With the promise of stargazing in the world’s fifth International Dark Sky Sanctuary and the chance to see a kiwi I was hooked. As there wasn’t a huge elevation to climb it looked like one of the easier of the Great Walks, but although I have done plenty of day walks, my challenge with this one was to

carry a pack with food, sleeping bags, clothes and stove for three days. Hiking is about keeping the weight down in your pack, so with a lightweight gas stove, pot and dehydrated meals we were off to a good start. Then it’s matter of keeping clothes to a minimum but having a set of dry clothes and warm layers. Rick thought I was strange as I fanatically weighed all my clothes on an old set of cooking scales, but it helped refine my pack. We put all our clothes into plastic bags to protect against rain and improvised a rain cover for our packs out of rubbish bags. After packing and repacking our packs several times

8. Jane Mitchell and Rick stroll along Māori Beach

– and adding a camera to mine – we were ready. By now hunger had set in. The choices for dining out in Oban are simple, the pub, Kai Kart and Church Hill Restaurant. We wandered around the street to discover a line of people waiting at the Kai Kart. Deciding this must be a positive indicator we ordered – the blue cod and chips was a winner. Luckily I brought my camera with me in case I saw an elusive kiwi, but instead the antics of a mischievous kākā kept me entertained while we waited for our

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TRAVEL Stewart Island SOUTHLAND

order. I guessed that the locals were the ones wearing T-shirts and shorts as the evening cooled to a balmy 10°C. The temperatures were cool for summer and in the week leading up to our visit maxed out at 12°C. This caused some stress for a certain member of our party who was missing the hot weather, but at latitude 47 degrees south it is to be expected. Next morning, with our warm clothes packed and Jane on board we bounced along in a taxi past Horseshoe Bay, up and over a few hills in the short 5km ($30) ride to the start of the

Rakiura Hike. It was money well spent as we had an 8km hike for the first day. There’s also the option of catching a water taxi to Port William/ Potirepo hut for those averse or unable to hike. Jane had just arrived back in New Zealand from a ski trip to Japan and was having a quick cultural adjustment to track clearing on Rakiura. The walk follows the shoreline through forest from Lee Bay, past Little River along to Māori Beach. Stopping now and then to pull a supplejack vine off the track or remove a fallen branch, Jane kept us entertained with stories

Just a 20 minute scenic flight from Invercargill to this tranquil place where time almost stands still…where silence is broken only by the native birds calling in the trees…

of Japan and her adventures in Stewart Island. (Part of the hut warden’s work is to keep the track clear of debris.) I swear Rick slipped a brick into my pack, as I adjusted to the fact this was going to be my reality for the next few days. Rick and Jane bounced along the track as if they were carrying feathers. A long white sand beach stretched to the bush-covered hills in the distance. Māori Bay was a good place to stop for lunch as the cloud burned away and the sun came out. At the far end of the beach a tannin-coloured

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

9. North Arm was an important food gathering area for early Māori 10. The remains of the Māori Beach sawmill 11. DOC map of the Rakiura Track, which can be walked in either direction

stream drained into the blue ocean. Upstream a swing-bridge crossed the river and the track disappeared up into the bush. Strange, I had forgotten about my pack. Port William is marked by a wharf and the Port William hut is set in a clearing overlooking the bay. Incongruously several large gum trees tower over the foreshore, looking out of place in this scene and likely planted by early inhabitants of the area. Surprisingly this remote section of New Zealand is rich with history. Māori were the first to inhabit the Rakiura Track area over 600 years ago, using seasonal camps for their food gathering expeditions. After Europeans arrived the coast was busy with whaling, sealing, mining and the milling of timber. In obscure places in the forest you can still see the well-preserved mechanical skeletons of timber mills, as at Māori Beach. As we arrived at Port William late afternoon we ended up with two mattresses on the top bunk platform accessed by a wooden ladder that appeared tricky to negotiate in the middle of the night. The hut had two bunkrooms accommodating 24, and there was a campsite nearby for 16 people. Jane had her own small quarters at the end of the hut. People were making dinner in kitchen – some had already eaten. Rick precariously balanced a pot of water on top of our small gas stove to heat our gourmet teriyaki chicken dinner. This is the way to cook – add water and voilà, it’s ready, tasting surprisingly good after the day’s walk. Wrapped up for the cold, two men sat outside on a bench staring intently at a chessboard. With dusk approaching, one of the players gazed out into the bay where the dark bush-covered hills were outlined by the silver ocean. Kiwi spotting and looking at the stars is the usual evening pastime at Port William, that’s if you can keep awake long enough as it doesn’t get dark until around 10pm in summer. I had my adventures in the night finding my way outside in the dark then climbing back up the ladder to the bunk and sticking

THINGS TO DO: Rakiura Track – this three-day walk must be booked in advance through the DOC website as the hut spaces sell out. North West Circuit is a 10–12-day hike or the Southern Circuit a 6–9-day hike; both are for experienced/well-equipped hikers only. There are a range of short day hikes from Oban – for different fitness levels and abilities – where one can enjoy bush, birds and scenery. Ulva Island – is predator-free island sanctuary just a 10-minute boat ride from Golden Bay and is open to the public for viewing rare native birds. The island can be accessed by a ferry, private tours or water taxi. Ruggedy Range – one of the wilderness tour operators offers bird watching, flora, ecology and conservation tours, photography tours, boat cruises

my head into the ceiling. Damn. About 5am Rick saw the long beak shape and head of a kiwi silhouetted in the moonlight along the path to the loo. “It was unmistakable,” he said as he rustled back into his sleeping bag. Outside on the deck was a row of muddy

and guided sea kayaking. Furhana’s tours include close encounters with rare/endangered birds such as kiwi, and visits to primeval rain forests. Visit ruggedyrange.com for more information. Cruises and fishing – a range of operators offer cruises and excursions around Stewart Island. Visit Stewartisland.co.nz for more information, see also hunting and diving. Rakiura Museum – the Bunkhouse Theatre, A Local’s Tail and Rakiura Jade will each add to your Stewart Island experience. Accommodation – For all the accommodation, including Budget, Hosted, self-catering, Hotel, motel and lodge visit https:// www.stewartisland.co.nz/ accommodation/

boots, evidence of what was to come. Mud, and lots of it. The 6-hour 13km walk across this section of the island to North Arm passed through regenerating podocarp forest, along with sections of dense virgin forest. The track was not as well formed as the first day, and although it gained only 200m elevation, the

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TRAVEL Stewart Island SOUTHLAND

track went up and down frequently. We hiked past tall rimus stretching skywards with gardens of crown ferns dotted beneath. The forest is reasonably open with lush sections of what I call ‘nature’s garden’, scenes so perfect that only nature could recreate. Rick became interested in ‘mud puzzles’ – figuring out how to navigate around sections of the track that were wet, boggy and among tangled tree roots, without getting wet feet. With up to 70 people a day walking the Rakiura, in some places long sections of track became a quagmire. Our progress was slowed but it was worth taking time as neither of us wanted to take a dive in the mud. We passed a muddy tired lady who looked like I felt, so when I spotted North Arm hut I let out a big ‘yahoo’ knowing she’d hear me. The newer North Arm hut is nestled in the low bush overlooking the bay and comfortably accommodates 18 hikers for the night. Almost asleep about 10pm I remembered one girl, Mel, who hadn’t arrived from Port William. Maybe she had changed her plans I muttered to Rick. In the morning I was pleased to see that she had arrived, but not until 10.30pm. I gave her a big welcome hug. Mel lost her way after skirting one of the mud sections. Terrified of being lost Mel stopped and decided to try and retrace her steps, tying pieces of material to trees so she could see where she had been. After

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

one-and-a-half hours she found the track but it was almost dark. The last couple of hours she walked with her headlamp. Traumatised by her experience she was up at 6.30am getting ready for the walk out. The last day I bounced down the track ready for the final 13km to Oban, around the Paterson Inlet. The undulating trail meandered through kāmahi and thick-barked rimu trees under a luxurious carpet of crown ferns, with glimpses into secluded bays. On a grassy knoll at Kaipipi Bay Rick heated the billy for noodle soup, after which we plunged into the cold, salty ocean. The last section of track was along the remains of an old stone road connecting Halfmoon Bay to Kaipipi Bay. It was once the busiest road on the island and used by more than 100 people during the peak of milling at Kaipipi Bay, between 1861 and 1926. Back at our backpackers in Oban, our small attic room had crisp white sheets, an arch shaped push-up window – old-world charm in a comfortable homely way. Canadian Liz, the lodge manager, was listening to a podcast with an earphone hanging out one ear while rolling out pasta dough. “I love the very slow pace of life,” said Liz. “Nothing is going anywhere fast. The small community rely on themselves to get things done. If it happens it happens. If not they’ll figure out how to do things differently.”

12. Rick is working his way through the mud puzzle 13. Bunkers Backpackers in Oban

Rick and I wandered down to the old wooden pub to meet a crew from the walk for dinner. Historical photos covered the walls in the lobby, and in the bar, worn brown leather sofas bulged with people. After a yeasty IPA and a dish of mouth-watering baked blue cod, I listened to the gravel voice of Friday banging out a Johnny Cash song on guitar accompanied by Kath on piano – Folsom Prison Blues, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire – the packed bar clapped loudly edging the group to new levels. Rick had a guitar thrust into his hand and joined the band. Our taxi-come-boat driver was playing the clarinet. A well-lubricated male dancer emerged from the crowd inspired by Sweet Caroline and entertained the patrons with arms/hips rocking in time to the beat. Stewart Island is a part of New Zealand that has seen little influence of change, with the majority of the island still in virgin rainforest. Evidence of past logging and milling operations, now overgrown, appear in the forest occasionally like old steel steampunk creatures of an alien world. The hardy people that inhabit this island are down to earth and full of character. The locals are no doubt happy when all the seasonal tourists disappear off their island and all that remains is peace and quiet.

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LIFESTYLE

Ski adventures SOUTHERN ALPS

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TICKET TO RIDE

Excuse me – but the Southern Alps are calling. Time to pack up my ski bag and go south to Queenstown for a winter adventure among the snow-capped mountains and southern lakes. Story Jane Dove Juneau words and photographs unless otherwise credited

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

LIFESTYLE

Ski adventures SOUTHERN ALPS

peer out the plane’s oval window, across snow-covered mountains to the shimmering Tasman Sea in the west and down into remote valleys looking for good lines to ski. We fly over Lake Wakatipu and circle around the craggy cliffs of The Remarkables – far below houses line the lake shore. As we lose altitude ready to land at Queenstown airport, the hills rise up beside us until the aircraft jerks lightly onto the runway, engaging the brakes as we slow to an idle as we cross to the terminal. I inhale that first blast of chilly mountain air and look around to admire the mountain scenery

anticipating some great days skiing. With my bag and skis balanced on a trolley I wander out of the airport to find Jane Mitchell, a ski buddy who has kindly offered to pick me up. The mountains are dusted in fresh snow and the two Jane’s are amping. As we wind our way up the steep road to The Remarkables for an afternoon skiing I immerse myself in the view down over Queenstown and Lake Hayes. I wasn’t expecting to be whisked up the mountain so quickly, but what can you say when powder runs are on offer. “Let’s go,” of course.

After a quick change into ski clothes in the carpark we walk up to the award-winning base station at The Remarkables. The large café area on the second floor has stunning mountain views from all sides and a heated wraparound deck with open fires, along with a tasty array of food and drinks. I browse the selection of bakery items, gourmet rolls, salads, sushi – what a choice – or if you’re really hungry, a gourmet steak sandwich, burger from the char-grill or soups and curries. Excitement is peaking as we pull on our ski boots and go for a warm-up run on Curvey

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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1. The view of Queenstown, from the top of The Remarkables 2. That’s me, volunteering as a Winter Games gate judge, Coronet Peak 3. The view from Otago Ski Club’s Joel Lodge is hard to beat 4. The Curvey Basin lift at The Remarkables 5. Tai Juneau racing slalom at the Winter Games, Coronet Peak 6. Family time at Cardrona. Photo: Cardrona Alpine Resort

Basin chair before riding up Shadow Basin lift to check out Homeward run. There has been fresh snow overnight and the sketchy traverse around to Homeward provides a little more excitement than I’d planned for my second run as I focus on the bumpy ski tracks – not looking down the steep slope below. Once we reach the ridge the trail opens out to a large basin with very few tracks. Flying down through the soft snow, what a perfect way to start three weeks in Queenstown. Visits to Queenstown started six years ago when my youngest son Tai was racing at Coronet Peak and now I return each year for my South Island winter fix. Not only is the scenery in the Southern Alps amazing but the consistent weather in Otago with lots of sunshine results in very few closed mountain days. I have a NZ Ski Season pass which works at Coronet Peak, The Remarkables and Mt Hutt. The other resorts near Queenstown are Cardrona and Treble Cone at Wanaka; now owned jointly their passes are interchangeable. So with four great ski areas, each offering great on-piste runs, parks and free-ride terrain, what’s not to love? I stay at the Otago Ski Club’s Joel Lodge, just below the base building at Coronet Peak. From the lodge I can see across to The Remarkables glowing in the evening light and down to Queenstown on the shore of Lake Wakatipu. The open fire is blazing in the living room and the welcoming lodge is busy with people hungry after a day on the mountain. Coronet Peak and The Remarkables are the closest ski areas to Queenstown, each offering a different on-snow experience and both excellent for families. Coronet has rolling hills with lots of accessible terrain, with great back bowls along with night skiing on Friday and Saturday night. International ski race teams come to Coronet Peak to train, enjoying the consistent snow and easy access (20 minutes) to Queenstown. Sightseers can ride the Coronet Express in the new eight-seater gondola cabins to the top of the mountain to see the stunning view down over Queenstown, Lake

“The sketchy traverse around to Homeward provides a little more excitement than I’d planned for my second run as I focus on the bumpy ski tracks – not looking down the steep slope below.” Wakatipu and Lake Hayes. The terrain parks at The Remarkables and big mountain riding have adventure for all ages, along with beginner and intermediate runs. For a breathtaking view over Queenstown take Shadow Basin lift and hike to the top of the ridge. It is not for the fainthearted, and if you are sightseeing take a hat, gloves, and jacket and wear boots with good grip. Cardrona is accessed off the Crown Road that snakes up out of the valley just north of Arrow Junction. It is 40 years since Cardrona first opened in 1980 and the ski area has grown into a world-class resort known as a ‘stomping ground for Olympic and X-Games athletes’ who train on the extensive terrain parks and pipes. The wide open terrain in the big basin offers lots of space and progressive terrain for all levels. There are beginner ‘green’ runs from the top of the mountain and an extensive trail network of intermediate ‘blue’ runs. It is a great ski area for beginners and families – with a special ski learning area for children under five and a fully licensed early-child-care centre. Cardrona offers the only on-mountain resort accommodation with 15 fully serviced apartments, which I am told sell out fast. In contrast, Treble Cone, accessed around Lake Wanaka and up a steep mountain road, is known as a free-ride mountain with steeps, chutes, cliffs and “the best views in the world over the Matukituki Valley and Lake Wanaka,”

said Jen Houltham, Communications Executive for Cardrona Alpine Resort Treble Cone. “It is an incredible place to ski and snowboard.” Along with the steeps, Treble Cone has 700m of vertical intermediate trail and boasts the longest lift-serviced vertical drop in the Southern Lakes District. I have spent a few fun days exploring the Treble Cone and found some excellent steep runs. The mountain has a loyal fan base of supporters who will not ski/ ride anywhere else in New Zealand. Queenstown is easily accessed by air from around New Zealand with some great prices from the main centres. The different ski areas all offer a range of pass deals – the best are usually a multiday pass for three days or more which reduces the daily lift price. To find out the best deals visit the websites of the various ski areas or phone for information. Seniors’ discounts apply to all the ski areas for the 65-plus, and if you are 75-plus skiing is free. This is an excellent season to support the Southern Lakes District ski areas as the slopes will be uncrowded with limited international visitors, and there are plenty of accommodation deals on offer in Queenstown, Arrowtown or Wanaka. It is a perfect time to experience southern hospitality, from world-class hotels and luxury lodges, to apartments, mid-range guesthouses, motels, backpackers and holiday parks. Pack up your skis or snowboard and head south for an adventure in the Southern Alps. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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6.Downtown Queenstown has a range of galleries, cafés, bars and shops 7. AJ Hickling fills the streets with soulful sounds 8.Late-afternoon sun lights up the hills above Lake Wakatipu 9.The drive to Glenorchy is one of the most scenic in New Zealand – from the Papahua footbridge

for great views of Lake Wanaka – even a hike up the track for up to an hour is worthwhile. Cyclists, visit lakewanaka.co.nz to discover 10 great bike rides around Wanaka. Other ideas for activities on a fine day include a drive up to The Remarkables ski area for lunch, then ride Shadow Basin chair to the top and walk up to the ridge-top to see the spectacular view of Lake Wakatipu/Queenstown. Or drive up to Coronet Peak and take a scenic gondola ride to the top for a spectacular view. On both of these trips be sure to wear grippy footwear, boots preferably and a hat, gloves and warm jacket. Or cruise across the lake on the century-old coal-fired steamship the TSS Earnslaw and combine the trip with a horse trek or independent cycling tour, or a visit to the Walter Peak High Country Farm.

DOWNTOWN QUEENSTOWN

Take a late-afternoon scenic Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak and watch the sunset colours over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. Drink a glass of champagne as the lights come on over the city and enjoy dinner or join a stargazing tour. Walking tracks around town include the Queenstown Hill loop track (three hours, and requires a reasonable level of fitness), the Tiki Trail which winds its way up the Skyline Gondola path to the lookout point at the top,

Frankton Arm walkway that follows the lake out to Frankton, or the Sunshine Bay Track in the other direction around the lake to Sunshine Bay. For a shorter walk, wander around the peaceful Queenstown Gardens where you can relax and enjoy the ponds, rose garden and wide variety of trees or have a game of 18-hole Frisbee golf.

BIKING

Queenstown offers a wide range of biking tracks and trails for all styles of biking and all levels of fitness, from easy scenic tracks to spectacular lakeside or backcountry trails, road rides and even heli-biking trips. The Queenstown Trail starts downtown with 130km of off-road trails that cover many of Queenstown’s most picturesque locations, including Lake Wakatipu,

Lake Hayes, Arrowtown and Gibbston. You can even combine a ride with a tour of Gibbston’s wineries – and score a lift back to town on a shuttle at the end of the day. Guided tours are available and give you access to some of the best trails and views in town ranging from short gentle trails to multi-day biking adventures. For more information and maps online visit: queenstownnz.co.nz the official tourism website.

WINERIES

Some of the world’s best Pinot Noir comes from wineries in the nearby Gibbston ‘Valley of Vines’, one of six sub-regions producing world-class wine in the area. Within 40-minutes’ drive of the town centre there are 200 vineyards, so it’s easy to enjoy a day wine tasting while exploring a variety of cellars and restaurants. A list of wine

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

SOUTHLAND Queenstown

TRAVEL

QUEENSTOWN A WINTER PLAYGROUND A dash of culture sprinkled in Queenstown mountain air, along with a plethora of outdoor activities, can enrich the spirit and revive the soul after weeks sheltering at home. Story + Photos Jane Dove Juneau

1 RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TRAVEL SOUTHLAND Queenstown

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A J Hickling Dusk on YouTube.) to make such large prints. Down the road an Winter is a great time to escape to Queenstown elaborate pounamu tiki in the window of Waka to experience the mountains covered in snow and draws me into the jewellery store as I admire the explore the many activities on offer in addition carved whales floating on the ceiling, exquisite to skiing or snowboarding. The experience in the opals, Tahitian pearls and the most amazing Southern Lakes is so different from the North pounamu sculptures. After visiting several more Island – it is like being transported to another galleries I reach the large stone entranceway of country. In addition to the wonderful cultural the Ivan Clark Gallery. A wooden door leads experiences of galleries, music and restaurants into the gallery filled with Ivan’s whimsical in downtown Queenstown, there are many paintings, with his Lonely Dog series and large interesting day trips, hikes, bike and boat rides, impressionist landscapes reminiscent of the oldwineries, golf and shopping to keep you busy. world drama in early New Zealand paintings. Down by the waterfront a man is busking, with his dog howling in tune to his music. Nearby a DAY TRIPS AND SHORT HIKES man with a head of dreadlocks is creating soulful The drive up Lake Wakatipu to Glenorchy music from an old beaten-up piano with the actually goes to Paradise, a river valley where front removed. “The evolving rhythms are a scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed. means of reflecting the art of living in harmony Drive The drive is one of the and bestexperience in New Zealand, from station to station the Island with ourselves, each other and the environment andmajestic with theSouth sun out andHigh freshCountry snow dusting the which is the key to rhythm, music and life.” – A peaks I am in my element. There are numerous J Hickling. I was riveted. (Listen to Piano Busker sudden stops to capture photographs of the

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he brown Otago landscape is a welcome sight after the drenched green fields of Taranaki. The deep blue water of Lake Wakatipu is surrounded by mountains sweeping skyward, their rugged peaks draped with snow. The mountain air is brisk – my senses seem to sharpen with its chill. Downtown-Queenstown visitors are busy with their cameras capturing the sense of place and smiling perfectly for group selfies. Lines of people crowd the pavement three or four deep outside Fergburgers – the roaring trade for burgers is a licence to print money. Tourists are wearing puffer jackets while the locals are lightly clad, some even in shorts. “Are they making a point?” I ask myself as I pull my beanie tighter over my ears. Large landscape photographs fill the window of the Romer Gallery. Fascinated I go inside, visually inhaling scenes of wild remote places and admiring the boldness of photographers

moody mountain landscape, and one particular ‘rest area’, on a bluff where the view opens up the lake, is magic. At the head of the lake is the small settlement of Glenorchy – be sure to stop at the General Store for an ice cream. A few miles further across the Rees River the road forks to Paradise on the right and to the left a narrow winding road through beech forest takes you to the Routeburn Track trailhead. A shorter drive (20 minutes) from Queenstown is to the secluded Moke Lake, surrounded by towering mountains. Take the road around Lake Wakatipu towards Glenorchy, and the turn off to Moke Lake is about 10-minutes’ drive, after which the road climbs up into the hills. At Moke Lake there is a two-hour loop walking or biking track around the lake, departing from the campground at the far end of the lake. Leave mid-morning to visit the charming gold-rush village of Arrowtown for lunch, via Arthurs Point where you can stop for a jet-boat ride on the Shotover River. We took a walk up the Shotover River on a trail we discovered on the road that branches off just before you cross the Shotover River bridge. Moving on to Arrowtown, it has the best bakery with a selection of gourmet pies such as venison and chicken apricot along with pastries and an all-day breakfast menu. There are a number of lovely cafés and restaurants to choose from as well, or treats from the Remarkable Sweet Store or delectable chocolates and ice creams from

1. An exciting jet-boat ride on the Shotover River 2. Either walk or take the Skyline Gondola for a spectacular view of Queenstown 3. Beyond Paradise is where scenes from The Lord of the Rings were filmed 4. The TSS Earnslaw casts off at Queenstown 5. The road to Moke Lake

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TRAVEL SOUTHLAND Queenstown

Patagonia Chocolates. A number of interesting galleries and quirky shops are housed in the historic buildings in the main street. The Lakes District Museum contains a wealth of information about the early gold-mining days in Arrowtown, while the historic Chinese Village tells another side of the mining story. From Arrowtown there are 15 listed walking trails past mountains, rivers, forest and lakes – pick up a map from the Museum or go to www.arrowtown.com for a list of the trails. The

Arrowtown River Trail, the Millennium Walk, Bush Creek Trail and Lake Hayes Walkway, a scenic two-hour loop around the picturesque lake, are among the options. A trip to Wanaka via the Crown Range is a full-day activity. Drive out of Queenstown past Lake Hayes and take the Crown Range Road, a steep winding road up into the hill country. Check the road conditions before you travel and carry chains – if conditions are not suitable, take the main route through Cromwell. 8

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Near the summit are sweeping vistas across the Arrowtown Valley to The Remarkables. On the Wanaka side, the road crosses a plateau of farmland down into the Cardrona Valley, past the historic Cardrona Hotel, one of New Zealand’s oldest. Wander around the village at Wanaka and enjoy the many cafés, restaurants and galleries. If you’re feeling bold like the ski racers I was with in Wanaka, jump off the wharf into the chilly lake for an eye-popping dip. If you are energetic, hike Roys Peak (4–5 hours return)

TRAVEL SOUTHLAND Queenstown

QUEENSTOWN NOTEBOOK Flights:

Book early and look out for Grabaseat specials on Air NZ or Jetstar if they fly from your city.

Car rentals:

Shop around for car rentals, as there is a good range of options, most with offices near the Queenstown Airport. Hiring chains is a good idea.

Chains:

Most of the mountain roads require chains to be carried so if you’re driving your own car bring chains, or if you rent a car make sure chains are included.

Groceries:

Now with a good range of supermarkets the prices for supplies are competitive. There is a New World by the airport and a Countdown at Frankton along with a large Pak’nSave (great prices). In the centre of town there are a number of small markets and Raeward Fresh.

Accomodation:

Shop online for accommodation deals at sites like Trivago or Booking.com for world-class hotels and luxury lodges, to apartments, mid range guesthouses, motels, back packers and holiday parks. Visit the official website at Queenstownnz. co.nz for accommodation information and a list of Holiday Parks.

10. The tranquil Queenstown Gardens are a short walk from town 11. Visitors capture images for their social media posts 12. Ivan Clark’s Lonely Dog gallery 13. Ryan and Tai are in heaven with the large pizza at Fat Badgers.

golf course is open to the public all year round. The Hills Golf Club, initially designed as Sir Michael Hill’s private golf course in Arrowtown, opened in 2007 to host the New Zealand Open. Set on 500 acres in a rugged glacial valley among native grasses and mountain tussock, it features more than a dozen sculptures crafted by New Zealand international artists. It is a private members’ club but may take bookings on request. Jack’s Point, Queenstown Golf Club at Kelvin Heights, and the Frankton Driving Range and Golf Course round out the choices for golf, offering a wide variety of golfing from fun to technically challenging.

tours, tasting and self-guided options can be found online at: queenstownnz.co.nz

GOLFING

With six golf courses within 25 minutes of the town centre, Queenstown is becoming known as a golfing destination. Arrowtown Golf Club attracts players from around the world and is set among established trees with historic stone-cottage ruins and holes named to remember its gold-mining past. The 27-hole Millbrook golf course is set in a natural alpine amphitheatre, with The Remarkables as a backdrop. Designed by Sir Bob Charles and renovated by Greg Turner in 2010, Millbrook Resort has won a number of top golf awards. Millbrook Resort offers luxury accommodation, a spa, health-and-fitness centre, restaurant and conference centre. The

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Shopping:

Downtown are galleries, outdoor shops, restaurants a couple of great vintage and second hand stores. In Frankton the Queenstown Central Shopping Centre has over 40 stores — home ware, fashion, adventure and eateries. Within walking distance of the airport is picturesque Remarkables Park Town Centre, with a range of eateries, home ware, fashion, outdoor and department stores.

Eating out:

There are numerous great places to eat in Queenstown. For pizza try Fat Badgers Pizza or the Cow Restaurant (rustic), gourmet burgers at Fergburger if you don’t mind waiting in line, Pub on Wharf good food/great prices, Winnies is a cosy bar for a drink or dinner, Hikari Sushi Bar on Beach Street and wicked chocolate treats at Patagonia Chocolates.

JUST DO IT

There are many more activities around the Southern Lakes area to discover and the best resource is the official Queenstownnz.co.nz website. This is a perfect time to visit the area to enjoy the surrounds without the bustle of international visitors, as right now there is more space for us Kiwis. It is a winter playground offering a large selection of fun adventures, fine dining, cafés, galleries and wineries set in a stunning mountain environment.

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Whitebaiting WEST COAST

LIFESTYLE

WHERE GUMBOOTS ARE MAN’S BEST FRIEND Allan Dick learns about the art and mystique of whitebaiting on a dark and secret river. Words + Photos Allan Dick

1 RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

LIFESTYLE Whitebaiting WEST COAST

have been to some wondrous places in my years on this planet – safari in South Africa, the best hotel on the Grand Canal in Venice, camping in the Aussie outback dining on camel, croc’ and emu, a month last year tearing around Europe, Tangiers, Patagonia and most nooks and crannies of this great country – but I reckon the three days I spent on a dark and secret river in the depths of south Westland are among the best I have ever had. But before I get going on this yarn I am going to – as the old proverb goes – face up to the elephant in the room. I am aware that in recent times whitebaiting

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

has become, ah, unfashionable in some quarters. And I can understand why. Apart from the season, size of net, and a few other things, there are few restrictions. There is no limit to the size of catches, it is the only ‘fish’ you can sell without risking going to jail (thus there is a real grey market), and there is, apparently, a real shortage of research into whitebait. The opposition to whitebaiting comes, mainly, on two fronts: a modern generation who find it detestable to kill baby fish and those who fear the extinction of the species. I have no answer for the former, but for the latter, whitebaiting has been a national pastime and an industry for more than a hundred years

without real restriction and if they were going be extinguished, they would have joined the Moa and the Haast Eagle a long, long time ago. Probably before Europeans knew the place existed. As a kid growing up in Auckland, my mother used to treat the Dicks and Dickettes to something called “mock” whitebait fritters mostly on Sunday nights. I had no idea what whitebait were, so she could have saved the energy of saying “mock”. I don’t think my mother was a save-the-whitebait person and, looking back, I understand the only reason she used grated potato to emulate whitebait was that we were poor.

Whitebait have always been a luxury item. Years later, when we lived in Dunedin and did have real whitebait, I was fascinated by these tiny, skinny creatures that looked like they were made of glass, but with eyes and a thin black strip through the middle that Dad told me was their working parts heart, lungs, kidneys, stomach, bowels, bottom, etc. I wasn’t in the least bit revolted. So, I feel no real guilt as the Navigator and I head for our secret river on the West Coast a couple of weeks before season end. Ōamaru friends, Steve and Pauline are co-owners of a very basic hut/shed/crib/bach (call it what you will) buried deep in rainforest

1. Essential whitebaiting equipment gumboots 2. View downstream from the writer’s ‘pozzy’ 3. The catch! 4. Steve and the tinny in the harbour 5. Powering up the river in the tinny 6. The writer, with silly hat, inspects his first catch

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

LIFESTYLE Whitebaiting WEST COAST in the south of the West Coast shortly before it runs out of people. In other words, it’s down at the bottom. They don’t have a permanent stand, although there are more than a dozen of these in the relatively short length of this secret river. Steve and Pauline are, however, allowed the use of one of these stands on their annual two-week sojourn. I am amazed to find that almost every one of these stands is owned by Ōamaru people! But, I am getting ahead of myself. Leaving Ōamaru I was in more than two minds about the expedition and I had no real idea of what I was going to find. This was the trip that started badly for me when my beloved Nissan Pathfinder – faithful friend over 15 or 16 years – finally decided to die. I did ask myself if this was some sort of punishment from God, or Eugenie Sage, for going whitebaiting. Anyway, once we had got the Pathfinder tragedy sorted out and the Navigator and I arrived at our destination in the diminutive Mitsubishi Mirage, our backup car, I was feeling even more in two minds. It was raining. Heavily. West Coast-at-itsbest heavy. From the end of the track that we turned onto from the main highway, for most people it’s a 20-minute walk to the hut through dark, primeval rainforest of the sort best known to dinosaurs. But because of my knee issue, special ‘arrangements’ had been made. Steve was to meet us in his Jeep and we’d crash our way through a small river and along a bush trail to the mouth of the secret river where he’d have his tinny (small aluminium boat with outboard) waiting to take us up the river to the hut. From the moment we arrived and started making mad dashes back and forth from our Mirage to his Jeep with our bags and provisions, I knew that we were in for something special. Firstly we struggled into the plastic ponchos that we’d bought from a Two Dollar shop so that we didn’t drown in the rain – and that achieved, it stopped raining! I thought of Alan Sherman’s song Hello Mudder, Hello Fadder. Steve’s tinny was parked in a small boat harbour on a small backwater of the secret

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

river. There were half-a-dozen other tinnies there, all jammed in like Brisling Sardines in a can. But it was extraordinarily picturesque. It was all under the forest canopy, still darkish from the rain clouds, with rain dropping 8 off the dark foliage. It took my breath away. Bags and provisions on board, I was hoisted in and then the Navigator and Steve followed. There were several hundred litres of water in the bottom of the tinny, from the rain, which Steve bailed out with remarkable efficiency, his arm a blur – which had the effect of raising the level of the dark and secret river a metre or two! Soon the motor was fired up and we were reversing out of the backwater into the main channel. This was sensational – and because it had stopped raining, I could enjoy it fully. We entered the main body of the river just 250 metres or so from where it ran into the Tasman Sea where we could see surf of considerable size and height trying to beat rocks the size of young mountains to pieces. The alarming part was that we seemed to actually be below the level of the beach and the surf! The river was broad and dark – that dark water you get on the West Coast, stained by

the decaying vegetation I believe. With dense rainforest coming right down to the river’s edge, the feeling of being in Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Lost World was exacerbated. Dead, black, tree branches protruding from the water looked like Loch Ness monsters and added even more to the sense of primeval. After a 10-minute ride upstream, Steve nosed the tinny slowly into another backwater in the forest, tied the painter (nautical term for the rope at the front) to a tree and from here it was a very short walk to a grassed clearing with our accommodation. There is actually a collection of four buildings – the main block which is an entry room with shower off it, kitchen and a bedroom. There’s a one-bedroom sleep-out and a storage shed, plus an outhouse which I expected to be a long drop, but found a flush dunny instead! Water is collected off the roof and out of the river. Electricity is supplied by a generator, but

9 10

strip lighting is by solar, and cooking (and water heating) is taken care of by a coal range that burns wood. Recently, Steve replaced the original range which had simply burned out with age, and getting the ‘new’ enamelled one in was no easy matter. “At first I contemplated having it lowered in by helicopter,” says Steve. “But eventually I partly dismantled it and used a sack barrow with a lot of muscle power.” Steve is a tough bloke. Taken all round, this would have been luxury accommodation a hundred years ago, but for today’s softies like us this is very much back to basics – particularly when you step off the grass patch and into the dark bush. Because we had been expected the night before, Pauline had cooked a magnificent roast of lamb which was simply re-heated and we sat down to a wonderful repast in

the all-enveloping silence of the wilderness. Next day we were going to be on the river, so it was early to bed and early(ish) to rise with a stunning dawn chorus acting as an alarm clock. Steve was up before us and off manning the stand he and Pauline operate a couple of hundred metres down river. One of the few rules governing whitebaiting is that ‘thou shalt never leave your net unattended, otherwise the bogey man wilt get thou’. So after breakfast Pauline went off to relieve Steve who came back to set me up. My ‘pozzy’ was just 50 metres from the hut through a forest of flax and a bog – my gumboots became my best friends over the next two days. Steve had identified a narrow strip of bank where there was a camp chair already in place and the choice of two nets. “River’s a bit low for the set net,” Steve opined. “So we’ll get you cracking with the scoop net.”

7. A place of refuge from the outside world. But there is still grass to be cut 8. The simple cooking facilities – but getting the ‘new’ range in was a mission! 9. The Navigator and Pauline pause while knocking up some ultra-fresh whitebait sammies in the hut on the stand they were operating 10. Pauline and the Navigator sorting the writer’s catch 11.The Navigator measuring out the writer’s catch 12. A modest whitebait sandwich cooked fresh on the spot

So saying he put the white ‘sight strips’ in the water and then put the scoop net in the water just behind them, balancing the long handle on a couple of rocks. I knew enough to keep a watch on the sighting strips to see when (“or if ” I thought, as I have never been a successful fisherman) there were fish passing by. Distraction: Several years ago (with my fishing history being one fish caught off the Picton wharf when I was eight years of age) I was in Taupō on a car launch, and we had a fishing expedition lined up on a charter boat. Because it was my birthday I was given the ‘honour’ of having first cast. It was explained to me that my line was taken by weight to the bottom and that a length of line with hook trailed along behind in order to increase the chances of catching something to the ‘certainty’ level. “Yippee! Got a bite!” I shouted about five seconds after casting. I wound it in and there RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

LIFESTYLE Whitebaiting WEST COAST was a reasonably big trout on the end of my line not looking as though he was enjoying the experience at all. Being honest, I thought we were doing a catch-and-release, so I was horrified when our fishing guide whacked poor Mister Trout on the head with a short, heavy tube and five minutes later he was sushi being tucked into by my fellow travellers. I was so mortified by what I had seen I had none. Instead I went to a quiet corner of the deck and silently told the rest of the trout still in the lake how very sorry I was. So, that’s what sort of fisherman I was. Now back to the feature story. I sat in my chair, silly hat on my head, reading a book and keeping an occasional watch on the sight strips and the back of the scoop net. I also had an empty bucket into which ‘my catch’ was to be placed. About an hour passed and I have to say I was quite enjoying the experience – and it was a good book (the autobiography of Stanley Johnson, father of British Prime Minister, Boris) – when Pauline and the Navigator came to bring me lunch and to check on me. “How is it going? Caught anything?” I answered in the negative. “Let’s have a look – oh yes you have,” said Pauline as she pulled my scoop net out of the water and poured about five cupsful of

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

whitebait into my bucket! I hadn’t seen these little creatures struggling away at the back of my net and I had really missed the whole point of the ‘scoop net’; I should have been remaining alert, peering at the sight boards and when a shoal crossed and headed into the net I should have scooped them out immediately! I thought they would have stayed in the back of the net. “That’s what happens with the longer set net,” said Pauline. “They get trapped, but in the scoop net, they will eventually find their way out.” Probably about 20 cupsful of whitebait can thank my stupidity for escaping and making it up river to become whatever it is that whitebait become. However, this incident triggered the hunter-gatherer in me and after Pauline and the Navigator left, I put Mr Johnson to one side and stood on the riverbank, peering intently at the sight strips, tensed and ready to spring into action with the scoop net once I saw a shoal head into my trap. I discovered my killer instinct. I became so keen that after one especially large shoal swam across my sight strips I forgot about my crook knee, put some weight on it, it gave way and I started to fall! I wobbled about, waving my arms trying to regain balance, but realising it was a lost cause and I was going in

the river, managed to recover enough balance to only get half wet! When Steve arrived an hour later I had mostly dried out in the warm sun and had scooped about 15 or 20 cupsful up and into my bucket! I felt I was now a confirmed ’baiter who could swap yarns with the best of them. I was a hunter-gatherer! “How are you going?” Steve asked, perhaps with the expectation that there’d be nothing after Pauline’s report back of my lack of understanding of the art of ’baiting with a scoop net. “Oh, you have done well, haven’t you?” I gleamed! My chest swelled and I gave a couple of fist pumps, but only in my mind as I didn’t want to show too much emotion! “Right, the river’s high enough now for the set net,” Steve said, and put in place this long device that traps the little fry right in the back. I could have returned to Boris’s father, but instead I now sat in my chair watching, intrigued at every shoal that came up the river, across the sighting strips and into my net. Not the net, my net! Yes, there was a touch of sympathy for these little creatures who had made it from so far away, through the surf, into the river and past the big stands and almost into the safety of the lake a kilometre or two further away. They had shown remarkable dedication

to the cause by travelling so far, and there seemed to be a method to their progress. Every so often, the leaders would signal a rest and they’d hover in the one spot, wriggling their bodies just enough to hold station against the current. Once they’d got their breath back, away they’d surged. Where I was fishing was right at the end of the legally allowed fishing zone – so they were unlucky I was there. At around 4.30pm the rest of the team joined me, and I watched while Steve, the expert, lifted the end of my net from the water, expressed surprise at the size of the catch, undid the ties and poured it into my bucket. I was a proud ’baiter and lugged the bucket back through the bog in the forest of flax – not quite Crumpy coming out of the hills with a three-tonne boar on his back, but satisfying all the same. Back at base I poured it onto the sorting table where off-coloured ’bait and the odd stray cockabully were filtered off. Then it was a beer outside as the sun went down, with the only real sound being the ‘chopper’ noise of the passing kererū as they went over our clearing to land clumsily in some trees to watch us curiously. Then three ducks arrived – a female and two males – “they’ve been coming for at least the past five years,” said Pauline. “We think it’s a mother, father and son.” Inside, the Navigator was weighing up my catch and packing it into 250gm packs. I cooked that night – lamb shanks with a sprig of rosemary, rubbed in oil and placed in a covered roasting dish in the coal range. Also into the dish went thick slices of new potatoes,

also oiled and salted, to cook with the lamb. A side dish of minted peas was on order. I had rave reviews and took three bows! Same start next morning – Steve off early, woken by the spectacular dawn chorus singing Morning has Broken, breakfast and down to the river for five hours of blissful solitude under my silly hat, peering at the white sight strips and watching the whitebait. We took a break, with Steve taking us out in the tinny down to the river mouth and within 50 metres of the pounding surf. Then back to finish off the day with another hour or two at the net. This time, I didn’t wait for Steve; rather I lifted the net out, undid the strings and poured the glistening torrent of ’bait into my bucket. Then lifted the net out of the river, stowed it on the bank and trudged back through the bog where I presented my catch ever so proudly. In total over the two days? Fourteen kilograms.

13. The Navigator finds a bog! 13. The hut is surrounded by primeval rainforest and the occasional deer is spotted

This season, it’s been selling at $60/kg, but instead of selling it, we brought the lot home, put the almost 60 bags in the deep freeze and are surprising friends with a gift of them. What made the time on this secret river so special? The experience of pure wilderness was a great part of it. So was the company of lovely friends. But so too was the time spent in such a fantastic location, by myself, my silly hat, the sun, the peace, the solitude and the success of the catch. It allowed me to get over the tragedy of losing my beloved Nissan Pathfinder (which one minute had been valued at about $12,000, the next $1000!) – with just the tiniest hint of a guilty conscience about ending the lives of so many whitebait. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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CANTERBURY Banks Peninsula

TRAVEL

THE ROUGH DIAMOND Diamond Harbour knows how to sparkle. But it’s not that ‘showy’ kind of sparkle that exists here; rather it’s an understated beauty that gently twinkles. Kathy Catton investigates the delights of this Banks Peninsula village and meets some of the gems in its midst. Story Kathy Catton Photos Kathy Catton, unless otherwise credited

1 RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TRAVEL CANTERBURY Banks Peninsula

ake a look on Trip Advisor, and you will read that Diamond Harbour is described as “a gem awaiting a shake-up”. And I get what the critics are talking about. On arrival in this approximately 2000-inhabitant village on the other side of the Port Hills to Christchurch, your first impressions might lead you to believe that you have arrived at a rather understated seaside hangout. One that is just far enough away to be separate from its big parent of Christchurch and yet close enough to warrant the drive over the hills. But closer inspection reveals a peaceful getaway location, oozing with characters who all seem to love nature, love making a difference, and love community spirit. Nestled on Banks Peninsula’s northern coast, on the southern shores of Te Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour), the area was named by Mark Stoddart, who is reported to have bought 500 acres of land in the area in 1856. Comprising peripheral settlements of Church Bay, Charteris Bay and Purau, the centre of the village is almost quintessentially English in feel, with a village cricket pitch and rugby field being surrounded by amenities such as a medical centre, library, community centre, hairdressing salon and eatery. It’s this sense of community that stands this place apart. Think of any club, and Diamond Harbour has probably got it. The local phone directory lists a total of 49 clubs and associ-

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

ations, including the obvious favourites of the rugby club, Playcentre, a bridge club and neighbourhood association, alongside more unusual offerings such as a photography club, meditation group and Tai Chi. I spoke to Ron Dubin, IT consultant and editor of the local Diamond Harbour Herald – a monthly A4 hand-folded local newspaper, to discover what makes the area so appealing

to locals. “The place has got a real village feel, and that appeals to many. It doesn’t feel like a suburb of Christchurch, and because of the geographic location [being 40-minutes’ drive from Christchurch’s city centre] it’s got its own sense of community here,” he says. Ron’s been living here for 12 years, and as well as editing the local rag and website, he also runs the weekly meditation group, and he volunteers at the local library. He loves the community spirit of the place and marvels at the natural beauty of the location. “I was brought here by the harbour and the sea. I view Diamond Harbour as lots of interacting communities all interfacing with each other,” Ron states, using his techy language. “I remember when I first arrived, I got talking to a friend, Colin McLeod, 1. Ready to leap! Locals love the quiet beaches and crystal-clean waters 2.Ripapa Island, currently actively managed by DOC in partnership with Ngāi Tahu (DOC) 3. Autumn driveway: A stunning entrance to Orton Bradley Park (Orton Bradley Park) 4. Orton Bradley’s rhododendrons in all their glory (Orton Bradley Park)

in the library. He mentioned they needed volunteer librarians with some IT skills, and before you knew it, I was involved.” And there are plenty of residents who operate the same way. A fundamental philosophy of ‘ask the questions, get involved, invite others’ exists here. Stoddart Cottage is one such example of how the community have mucked in and embraced this little piece of history. The cottage was built in 1862 and is the oldest building still standing in the village – Godley House, built in 1880, was critically damaged in the 2011 earthquakes and subsequently demolished. In 1990, the quaint colonial cottage was registered by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust as a Category One historic building. The famous New Zealand impressionist artist Margaret Stoddart grew up in the cottage. “It’s a beautiful spot,” says Karen Colyer, who has lived in Diamond Harbour since 2001, and is Secretary on the Stoddart Cottage Trust. “A few of us formed a co-op for the cottage, had a few garage sales to raise some funds, and by 2017 we had it re-opened after the quake damage.” Open to the public Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, the cottage is home to monthly art exhibitions and a small shop displaying handmade crafts.

“There is always something interesting to look at, and the art space is booked up two years in advance,” states Karen. She and the Stoddart Cottage Trust members were instrumental in working with the city council and a historic building company to bring about the restoration of the cottage. Karen prides herself in being part of this very active community. “It’s a magical spot,” says Karen. “I also work

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at the Lyttelton Information Centre, and I often suggest to visitors to Lyttelton to take a trip across the harbour on the ferry and check out the sunny side of the harbour.” Orton Bradley Park is another gem in the sun-drenched basket of the harbour. The 650-hectare private country park offers fantastic walking tracks that provide a variety of terrain and vistas, including small waterfalls,

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TRAVEL CANTERBURY Banks Peninsula massive exotic trees, farmland, native regenerating bush and harbour views. For families with children, it’s an excellent opportunity to explore the streams, build dams, check for bugs and climb trees. And for extended families, it provides a perfect place to have picnics. There are activities for all generations, from historic buildings and machinery to the extensive rhododendron gardens, arboretum and café. Ian Luxford, Park Manager, says he loves the fact that this country park exists so close to Christchurch. “There is so much beauty here,” he smiles. “I love the walk up the valley following Te Wharau stream, with the sunlight highlighting the boulders and the water. I also constantly have to remind myself to look up to appreciate the mature trees in the park. The 50-metre high gums, and the massive redwoods and oaks, to name but a few. Other favourites for me include the gardens in the spring after rain, with the smell of flowers and damp earth. And the kererū (New Zealand pigeon) doing their display-flying is always mesmerising, as is the change in colours of the exotic trees in autumn.” Many visitors come to Diamond Harbour from Christchurch for a day trip. They either drive or catch the Black Cat passenger ferry that runs a regular service to coincide with the Christchurch bus network. It’s an ideal starting point for an active day. From the wharf, it’s a steady climb up to Mount Herbert, the highest point on the peninsula, where you are rewarded with a stunning unbroken view up the coast to Kaikōura. For the more sedate visitor, there’s always the option to saunter to one of the local beaches, which are typically near-empty and rival any other in the country. Or for the thrill-seeking there is the semi-ritualistic wharf-jumping, that takes place in the summer months by most teenage locals. And all in good spirit and warm-heartedness. For visitors by sea, tucked close to the shore of the harbour, is Ripapa Island. Originally the site of a fortified pā for Ngāi Tahu, later a fortress was built on the island to defend against possible Russian attacks. According to the stories, the pā was constructed in the early nineteenth century by Taununu, a Ngāi Tahu chief who had moved south from Kaikōura. Several skirmishes were fought on the shores of the island. It remained occupied by Ngāi

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

5. Mount Bradley sits high above Orton Bradley Park (Orton Bradley Park) 6.Summer wharf-jumping, loved by young and old 7.Orton Bradley is home to many examples of machinery from yesteryear (Orton Bradley Park)

Tahu until around 1832 when the chief of Te Whakarukeruke left to help defend Kaiapoi against Te Rauparaha. The island is therefore of particular significance to Ngāi Tahu as a place of memories associated with these battles and the ancestors who died in them. It is also for this reason that visitors are asked not to eat while on the island, as this denigrates the tapu (sacred) status of the land. Today, the hapū of Ngāti Wheke, based at Rāpaki across the harbour, are the guardians of Ripapa. Only accessible by boat or kayak, the island was used as a quarantine station from 1873 to 1885, and in 1880 the island was used temporarily as a prison. The quarantine buildings were dismantled when the island was incorporated into the coastal defence scheme around 1886 due to a ‘Russian scare’. A walled fort was built and occupied by the army until the end of World War I and re-occupied again during World War II as part of the harbour defences. The island has been managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC) since 1990 and has an “actively managed” status. “We ask people visiting not to climb the walls,” says Andy Thompson, Operations Manager at DOC. “We recognise the historical significance of the island, and we want to

preserve this in partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Our two biggest challenges for the island are how we can improve public access so that more people enjoy the island and also how do we obtain the resources to protect the island’s fabric and tell the stories of the island and bring the island to life and acknowledge its past.” Whether it’s a day trip or a longer séjour, it’s worth checking Diamond Harbour out. Summer highlights include ‘Live at the Point’, a series of Sunday afternoon free live music events, accompanied by food vendors and local children’s stalls of cup-cakes and handmade bracelets. Winter highlights include the warmth of the sun on a still Canterbury morning. Weather experts tell me it’s a little like a climate microcosm here, with temperatures typically five degrees warmer than its big sister hub, Christchurch. If you can cope with the fact that it’s a little rugged around the edges, you might just see the beauty that settles here. Like so much that Banks Peninsula has to offer, Diamond Harbour is not widely known outside the region. It’s certainly off the tourist track for now. Locals love the advantages of a big city close by, but that it’s far enough away to have its own identity and sparkle. For them, there’s nowhere else quite like it.

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Profile

A GREAT RIDE Cartographer and trail designer Gary Patterson has mapped his way around the globe from subantarctic islands to back-country bike trails on every continent. He returned home for an epic adventure, riding all 22 NZ Cycle Trails Great Rides to make a mobile app. The Great Rides App is the only mobile app for the trails, and can be freely downloaded from the app stores. Follow his travels to inspire, plan and to help you on your own journey.

ust like Goldilocks testing beds to find her preferred softness, my feet found their soothing ‘just right’ warm waters beside the Taupō Trails. Fortunately reaching this natural hot spring along the cycle trail did not involve encountering three bears but instead was rather an enjoyable journey through the woods on a big ride. Yes, it’s going to be a big day, as the 50km Taupō trails consist of riverside loops and a lakefront ride forming a network of potential track data for the Great Rides App. I need to capture this data on my bike-mounted GPSs, but doubling back to map for the app will have me completing an 80 kilometre, eight-hour ride. The idea of riding this trail had been in the making for a few years after some riders asked for the Taupō track network to be included as a bonus ride on the app I built. Today I am one

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

pedal stroke closer to fulfilling this request. However, this was not going to be all work and no play. I couldn’t wait to experience these cycle trails for the first time, to pass beside the Huka Falls, Aratiatia Rapids and the great lake. What cyclist wouldn’t want to ride along our largest lake, longest river and biggest falls in one go? I start my ride at the Hub – appropriately named as it’s the cycling centre for the river rides and the access point to the Craters Mountain Bike Park. In front of me is Four B At The Hub – this a well-equipped local bike shop that rents a range of bicycles for all kinds of riders heading out to the bike park or other rides. The riverside and lakeside rides I will visit today are a mix of easy to intermediate cross-country trails. So Jonny, the owner of Four B At The Hub, meets me in the early morning and fits me out with a full-suspension mountain

bike – a bit of comfort for the long day ahead. Leaving the Hub I turn on the GPS units and plot my way north, keen to reach one end of the river loop at the dam before the day’s first release of water to the Aratiatia Rapids. The trail start is far from rapid; my pace is initially slow as the vegetated track is narrow, tight and winding. Soon the trail straightens and heads along the top of the riverbank nearing Wairakei, but the straight is only brief as the trail then descends down into a creek catchment that feels remote. Here steam wafts through the forest as if in some enchanted fairy tale. I stop and bend down to touch the creek’s gentle flow. “Ouch, she’s hot!” I say out loud – feeling a little silly that I am surprised by this fact. I ride on, following the super-hot waters upstream through the scrub and onto the main road. Crossing a bridge I am instantly

The Goldilocks Waters A big day out looping the falls and rapids of the Waikato River plus a peaceful ride along the shores of Lake Taupō Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson or as credited

taken aback by the massive pipes passing under me. Like an outdoor industrial-scale artwork, they rise vertically upwards in unison before plunging back down to convey hot steam to the Wairakei power station. I soon pass the historic power plant that just over 50 years ago was only the second in the world to harness the earth’s geothermal potential and the first to use wet steam for electricity production. I leave the white wafting vapour clouds of Wairakei behind me as I am about to experience another dramatic outpouring of renewable power just a few kilometres downstream. It seems time’s middle hand is turning faster than my pedalling. ‘Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too late!’ runs through my head. Delays while taking photos and marking waypoints for the app have put me behind time to reach the Aratiatia Dam before the scheduled water

release. What is more alarming is that I haven’t yet heard the pre-warning dam release siren and have yet to see the river widen into a lake! A few minutes pass as I push hard to make it on time, and with the river over my right shoulder beginning to widen into a lake, I reach the dam walls just in time for the 15 minute spectacle. While I am the only rider, I am not alone here. Beside me are family groups and other visitors leaning over the rail watching the dam release enormous volumes of water into the relatively dry river canyon. Mere moments later the pool below the dam fills with water and overflows into the rocky gorge before swallowing the riddled honeycomb hollows. Watching the calm blue hue turn into pounding white water is mesmerising and a real highlight at the far end of this trail network. There is power in that water.

1. People dwarfed by the scale of the Huka Falls

I cross the dam. Now I am on the opposite bank of the Waikato River and start to head back upstream – destination Lake Taupō. The trail here is a little rough but enjoyable through the forest with the river beside me. The day is starting to warm up too, and at one point I detour to access the river. I consider a short dip to cool off. Nope … I test the water and admit it’s just too cold for me. I pedal on. Soon after a couple of hill climbs, I reach an elevated lookout over the river. Here there are views across to the Wairakei power plant and the prawn park that uses geothermal heat to keep these critters warm. Unlike me, they seem to have found the perfect waterhole. After dropping down the terrace via a series of switchbacks I pass under the highway bridge to RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

CYCLE + WALK TRAILS

Taupō CENTRAL PLATEAU

the Huka Falls. They say you can hear the falls before you see them, and they are right. I find myself alone at one of the downstream viewing points, but just a 100 metres upstream of me people crowd the viewing platforms, straining for a view of the gushing water. From where I stand the people look the size of shrimps compared to the thundering mass of water that squeezes through the volcanic chute and into a pool below. With a quarter of a million litres

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

of water gushing out per second, (per second!) it is understandable why this is our country’s most popular natural attraction. Away from the crowds and cascading waters, I continue to cycle along the Rotary Ride that is full of surprises. This bit of the trail excites me as I enter a creek canyon which becomes a lofty steep-sided ravine. In a moment it consumes me before spitting me back out onto the river terrace like some discarded cherry pit. This is

cross-country riding at its greatest; however, the best is yet to come! The trail forks just past a climbing track and the one-way trail suddenly drops, so I let Jonny’s bike loose and hang on tight to the reins. What an exhilarating narrow gulch. Plummeting down the trail eats me up again, swoops me through a series of dramatic turns deep into the bowels of the earth before rocketing me out onto the flats at the loveliest of clear springs. Still panting from this wild,

2. The river canyons make magic riding 3. 1-2-3 Taupō Bungy! 4. A fitting place to soak tired limbs at the Thermal Spa Park

bucking ride I get some recovery time on this wide, flat path that gently follows the spring guiding me to the Thermal Spa Park. Looking over at the Thermal Spa Park, I get a sense that it is a wonderful oasis for the community. My eyes follow the flow of the hot stream that cascades down the hillside into a series of bathing pools before flowing into the Waikato River. I can see that the recently refurbished Spa Park has been sympathetically designed with a modern changing area and toilets, deck platforms and landscaped rocky outcrops with lush plantings. I observe locals and tourists quietly mingling between the private nooks along the water’s edge while others relax in the pools, some of which are fed by the hot steaming waterfall. I drop down the hill and test the waters near the bridge – some enjoy it but for me it’s too hot. Goldilocks! Then I cross the bridge and reach the outlet where others swim in the cold river. Going just a few paces upstream I test the waters and find it is just right to rest my weary legs in. With the quiet background chatter and the sound

of splattering and falling water, I could have easily drifted off here, my feet dangling in the warm stream and the rest of my body sprawled on the bank in restful bliss. Reluctantly I drag myself away from this paradise and continue upstream to drop into Taupō Bungy – not literally dropping though! I wait, but it is lunchtime so no one is jumping for me. In the past, back home in Queenstown, I have seen some take the plunge on bikes. For

me, I prefer the safe connection of tread on terra firma. I bike down some switchbacks with views of the river canyon and the cantilevered bungy platform which is now supporting a number of jumpers. I am liking this scenic section of trail that drifts along beside the swirling river currents only parting company when volcanic canyon walls close in. Like the river, I slowly drift toward civilisation. Moments later I reach the river control

STATISTICS Official Links: biketaupo.org.nz/ facebook.com/BikeTaupo/ Video: youtube.com/ watch?v=hk6seQH0oFo Great Rides App: Use App logo and QR Code together

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

5. Industrial artwork on a grand scale

gates which double as a bridge supporting a continuous flow of vehicular traffic, and my focus changes from trail hazards to social interactions. It is a refreshing contrast and I embrace it in full by posing in front of the #LoveTaupo human-sized hashtag sign which sits just above the beach. I have some challenges. The full text of the sign is long thus hard to take the obligatory selfie for social media, and picture-perfect timing is needed not to photobomb others. I approach some tourists standing nearby and ask them to take a photo of me. English is obviously not their first language; things get lost in translation and they

kindly posed for me in front of the hashtag. Not quite what I had in mind. Funny though. I try again with an elderly gentleman, but my idea to ride beside the text doesn’t work as I am already out of the picture frame before his finger pushes the button. Finally, I succeed with some social media savvy mums out walking with strollers who successfully take a couple of photos that are worthy of posting. I find that this human-sized hashtag is a good way of being social while making social media. Along the wide promenade, I ride slowly taking care to avoid others who flock to this scenic spot. As I turn the corner of the bay the

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trail users reduce in number. This is now the Lion’s Walk and I wave to other cyclists, ding my bell to alert walkers of my approach and otherwise ride on carefree between the bays. I leave Two Mile Bay to then ride through Three Mile, Four Mile then the innovatively named Five Mile Bays – simple distance names for each curving cusp of the shoreline. Did you know that the word ‘mile’ comes from an old English term ‘mīl’ which is derived from the Latin term ‘mille passus’ or a thousand paces? As my big day recedes, my cycling pace slows as I reach the outskirts of the lakeside settlement of Waitahanui. Here I stop and watch the peaceful castings of several lakeside anglers as I save the data on the GPS units. It’s been an enjoyable day on the bike following our country’s greatest waterways. The trail network I encountered here is diverse; twisty yet wide, quiet yet quite popular and never far from a bridge joining the loops together. As I return the hire bike via the redwoods, weariness sets in. I don’t think it will matter if tonight’s motel bed is too hard, too soft or just right. I will sleep well after this journey where I found an idyllic hot spring and captured data through a fairy-tale forest which was an absolute joy to bear.

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Levin

June 2020

RV CENTRE TIMES 0800 RV CENTRE

3 Oxford St, Levin

NEW PIAZZA ARRIVING

WELL, THIS HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A YEAR TO REMEMBER!

ith international tourist numbers predicted to be low for the foreseeable future, and a pricing re-alignment happening in the adventure tourism sector there has never been a better time to get out and see our own backyard. We think our range of Royal Flair caravans are the perfect way to get you to your desired destination (be that on, or offroad) in both comfort and style. This Month we have an all new Piazza model arriving. This will

be available as a 20´ caravan (ours is 21 ) and our Sales Manager Billy is very excited to see this one as we have finished it in his favourite colour scheme Lime Green with Black chequer plate sides and the front and rear panels finished in white with Charcoal graphics, very groovy. The inside of this Caravan is where it all starts to get interesting. At the rear of the van there is a forward-facing couch with another ¾ width couch facing it. These two couches are separated by a coffee table creating an ideal area to entertain or just relax

with the family. The 2nd couch has a 32ʺ TV on a powered riser that can be deployed to catch up with the footy or maybe your favourite Coro Street episode? The exciting part is that a dropdown bed sits above this area in a North/South configuration. This means that when lowered down between the 2 couches, the bed can be accessed from both sides. That’s right, no more having to climb over your partner in the middle of the night to get to the bathroom and no more having to kneel on the bed to try and tuck-in the side up against the wall! And yes, you can sit up in bed with the TV

raised and watch your favourite show or catch up on the news before you start the day. The rest of the Caravan

consists of a well-equipped galley area with plenty of

storage, a full-size fridge freezer and a microwave oven. Plenty

of storage for clothes and finally a full-sized shower finished with a 1-piece lining and a separate bathroom. Laundry duties are taken care of by a 2.6kg top

loading washing machine. And

don’t forget the 2x2m deck that is the crowning glory of these Piazza models.

VISIT ROYALFLAIR.COM.AU, WHERE YOU WILL FIND THEIR UPDATED WEBPAGE, CLICK ON THE PIAZZA RANGE LINK AND WATCH THE WALK-THROUGH VIDEO OF WHAT WE BELIEVE WILL VERY QUICKLY BECOME OUR TOP SELLING MODEL

AUSSIEMATE 18´ OFF-ROAD CARAVAN T his the latest model available to view on our yard here in Levin. Built to go (almost) anywhere your 4-Wheel Drive will take you. Featuring a fully galvanised chassis fitted with a fully independent suspension set up (twin shocks, floating springs) this Caravan is a beast from any angle. This one is supplied with the Enerdrive 12/240V power system to make this a truly off-grid traveller. With this system featuring 570W of solar power, a 200A/H Lithium Ion battery and a 2600W inverter you will have power to burn. Layout consists of a club lounge area to the rear of the caravan

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with a queen-size drop-down bed above it, a decent galley area along with storage for all your camping necessities. The front bathroom features a large separate shower, cassette toilet, vanity and even a washing machine. Outside you will find 2x9kg gas bottles housed in the front box with room on the other side for a generator. A generous sized lockable locker perfect for the tools of trade for any hunter/ gatherer, LED lightbars, a roll-out awning, slide out BBQ, carriers for 4 jerry cans, there’s even a built in box behind the rear bumper to carry firewood for those all-important evening camp fires!

NEW 24´ DESIGNER SERIES ON ITS WAY W

e also have arriving another 24´ Designer Series Van arriving this Month. This model is rapidly becoming one of our best sellers in the Royal Flair range as it is perfect for those who want to get out to their favourite spot while cocooned in luxury but still having the room to find your own space when you want to. Beautifully finished with a club lounge upholstered in the fabric and colour of your choice. A well-appointed galley with space to prepare a meal for family or visitors, a mid bathroom featuring a separate shower, cassette toilet with vanity and storage and finally a large bedroom at the front of the Caravan featuring a Queen sized bed in a North/South configuration.

FACTORY FITTED ACCESSORIES At Levin RV Centre we have decided to draw a line in the sand and supply our Royal Flair models with the highest level of specification we can. With fully galvanised chassis, honeycombed insulated flooring, air-Conditioning, washing machines, slide-out Weber BBQ´s, diesel heaters, roll-out awnings, additional water tanks TV´s, auto satellite dish and solar panels being fitted to our stock models our customers will get the most out of their new Royal Flair Caravans.

If you’re thinking about moving your current motorhome or caravan on, then you should talk to us here at Levin RV Centre about our ‘On Behalf ’ sales service. We can prepare your Van or Motorhome for sale, take care of the marketing, offer finance and warranty options to any prospective buyers while you sit back and wait for the cash to appear in your bank account. Selling your valued asset couldn’t be easier! Pick up the phone and call Billy on 021 909 932 to find out more.

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0800 RV CENTRE (0800 782 36873) Sales Manager Billy Gist 021 909 932 or Brian Anderson 027 821 0053 or Email: sales@levinrv.co.nz 3 Oxford St, Levin | Sales Yard Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8.30am – 5.00pm Closed public holidays

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Levin Rv Centre

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Hauraki Rail Trail WAIKATO

Profile

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 Julyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;AugustÂ 2020

A new frontier on the plains Exploring the new southern extension of a popular cycle-trail network Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson and as credited

ilbo Baggins is not the only one to take an unexpected journey from The Shire. I too am in Middle-earth in search of an adventure – in the form of a nearly completed section of the Hauraki Rail Trail. The trail is freshly laid and passes close to several attractions that I am keen to record and explore. The first must-see is just off the trail on the outskirts of the quaint rural hamlet of Matamata. My thoughts are that any legendary journey should start at The Shire. So in Matamata I park my cycle and join the cloaked throng. I say ‘cloaked’ because as I hop on the coach I am surrounded by The Lord Of The Rings (LOTR) fans adorned in full-length medieval cloaks. Looking down at my bike shorts I panic. Fossicking desperately in my backpack I snag my ticket and check the entry instructions as dark memories of forgetting school mufti-days spring to the forefront of my mind. Others get on the bus and I am washed with relief as they are dressed like me in more modern attire. As I relax into my seat we head off in search of The Shire, crossing the rolling countryside of heartland Waikato. I arrive and wow, what an entry to this mythical world. Our guide gathers us at a quaint-looking lamp post before we enter. Together we squeeze through a narrow slot in the bank that widens theatrically to reveal The Shire. Our first glimpses are of the pretty and colourful hobbit holes numerously scattered across the hillside like a community of flash rabbit burrows. The authentic richness is heightened by my fellow flock of folks in cloaks who are just ahead of me – I am one of their fellowship followers. Each hobbit hole has a round door, a portal to the semi-subterranean homes. Outside each hole are tools that are unique to the individual who lives here. It’s incredible … it is as if the hobbit had, just minutes earlier, downed tools and headed off on an unexpected journey. We continue on our tour wandering around the winding garden paths which lead up to the big tree where I spot Bag End – the home of Bilbo Baggins. If I was a little Baggins, I would feel pretty lucky and reluctant to leave here with its view over the village, the ponds and the glorious gardens. Our tour is completed with a scrumptious feed at the Green Dragon Inn, where everything is in theme right down to internal furnishings and the thatched roof. It was fun. True LOTR fans would be in paradise. Once back at the Matamata i-SITE, which also celebrates Tolkien’s masterful and magic storytelling via its themed exterior, my wife and I begin our own journey at the trailhead of the Hauraki Rail Trail. Our bikes and shuttle service were kindly provided by the Te Aroha Motel for this ride, so with GPS units recording

1. Look over the top of the North Island tallest falls RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

we head away on the new off-road frontier that connects Matamata to Te Aroha. The trail navigates through the bustling rural town before turning north and striking out into the vastness of the Hauraki Plains. Here the trail is flat, wide and straight. At the first bend in the trail, we arrive at the Firth Tower Museum. This is the original site of Josiah Clifton Firth’s Matamata estate dating back to the late 19th century. Most of us Kiwis might know him as the champion of Kiwi concrete. We are first struck by the magnificently manicured grounds around the homestead. On a hot summer day this place would be magic for cyclists – the overarching branches of the mature oak trees providing

some welcome shade – while wandering around appreciating the heritage. Our second impression is how little time we have 4 allowed ourselves here on this beautiful morning and we are disappointed. I am no history buff but I would recommend allowing plenty of time to explore the historic school, gaol, church and many other buildings that will surely grab your imagination. Oh, there is a folly too! Yes, one of the most obvious features seen from the trail upon arriving at Firth’s place is the Firth Tower. The 16-metre tower made from early-era 2. Hobbiton grounds and dwellings are so otherworldly (Hobbiton Movie Set Tours) 3. It’s a steady climb to the top of Wairere Falls 4. Twenty-five years later at Wairere Falls and some things have changed 5. The last peaceful riverside steps to the top of the Wairere Falls

concrete is a real treat to enter and climb. After several flights of steps I reach the top and look out the narrow windows. The view takes me right back to a time when this view might have been of vast acreages of grain fields and of wheat being harvested for Firth’s Auckland flour mills. As we leave the museum I see that the site welcomes overnight motorhomes for a small fee … it would be great estate escape for those from the nearby cities. Back on the trail, we continue along another straight and past Okauia Springs Road. This side road is not part of the trail, but we had headed out along it a few days earlier. It took us past Opal Springs and to the base of the Kaimai Range. The purpose of this earlier trip was a reminiscent detour to visit Wairere Falls, a place my wife and I last visited a quarter of a century ago when dating. Some things had changed since our last visit such as the impressive carpark, but we were happy to see that the walkway still retained its natural rough, rooty and steep character. The first lookout to the largest waterfall in the North Island has a fantastic outlook. We were near the base RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

CYCLE + WALK TRAILS

Hauraki Rail Trail WAIKATO

of the 153-metre drop and the dense forest framed the falls perfectly. We tried to re-enact a photo we took 25 years ago, laughing at our extra wrinkles and the missing hair on my crown. We continued on for an hour to reach the top and get up close to the massive drop. On that fine day, we saw for miles and miles out over the flats to where the trail passes, and we marvelled at the patchwork of farms that make up the green pastures of the Hauraki Plains. It is sweet. Back down on the track, we continue north. The trail follows the road with the Kaimai’s bulk hovering over our right shoulder. After a few more kilometres we reach a bridge over

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

the East Coast main-trunk railway line. Like this section of cycle trail, our eyes follow the straight line east to the Kaimai Ranges where the line disappears into a hole in the hillside. At 8.879 kilometres long, the Kaimai tunnel pips the Remutaka tunnel by 100 metres (which lies beside the Remutaka Cycle Trail) as the longest transportation tunnel in the country. The original line once used the Karangahake Gorge to connect Auckland to Tauranga and is now masterfully used as part of the cycle trail. Construction of this more direct line through the Kaimai Range began in 1969 and it was opened by former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon in 1978. Today, over 20 freight trains pass this way daily, and if we stay here for much longer we are sure to see one. Tragically four men were killed during a tunnel construction collapse and there is a memorial near the falls

that remembers these workers. Not far from this memorial is another in remembrance of the fateful day when Flight 441 crashed into the Kaimai Range. The Kaimai Air Crash Memorial commemorates the 23 passengers and crew of the NZ National Airways Corporation (NAC) Douglas DC-3 Skyliner. The flight encountered poor weather conditions and plummeted – just short of the ridgeline – from a suspected violent downdraft. At the time in 1963, it was the worst-ever aircraft accident in NZ and it continues to be a solemn reminder of the challenging terrain, weather and transportation of our country’s history. We continue on. Here history is scattered along the way as plentifully as the new gravel on the trail. I had heard about another of Firth’s heritage sites just off the trail somewhere. We cycle slowly looking out for the site. I eventually spot it, just a discrete sign at a small vehicle pull-off area. After crossing the road, a fence

stile and a paddock are all that separate us from Stanley’s Landing. The landing is named after the Welsh journalist and famous explorer Sir Henry Morton Stanley – of “Dr Livingstone, I presume?” fame. He was also famous for his expeditions through the African jungle not only when looking for the doctor but also in search of the source of the Nile. While my off-trail expedition through the scrub looking for the bend in the Waihou River was not on Stanley’s epic scale, it too required some determined searching down the hillside through a jungle of weeds. I reach a historic steel industrial wheel. “Sir Stanley’s Landing I presume?” – there was no answer. While this spot offers glimpses to the upper reaches of the Waihou River it is deadly quiet today. Yesterday’s history book tells us that this was once the busy port of the Firth estate. Here shallow-draft barges arrived from Auckland via the Firth of Thames to deliver fertiliser,

manure and machinery while wheat, chaff and other produce from the 56,000-acre estate were shipped back to the city. Note that the Firth of Thames was not named by the estate owner but in earlier times by Captain James Cook who considered the ‘Firth’ (Scottish/English term for an inlet) of the Thames (now called the Waihou) River resembled the outlet of his homeland’s waterway. From visiting the museum earlier we had learnt that it took several years to clear this stretch of the Waihou River of obstacles … sometimes using explosives. Despite the effort, the landing was only operational for six years before the Morrinsville to Matamata railway line opened and freight was railed and the landing railroaded. Onwards across the open plains we ride to the small settlement of Manawaru. Here we stop under the shade of large phoenix palms growing in the centre of the community. Across the road, we see that school is nearly finished

6. The trail is a real flat ride through the Waikato countryside

7. Kaimai DC-3 disaster memorial site sits with the backdrop of the ranges 8. Grateful for shade on this hot day of riding 9. The train just metres before entering the Kaimai tunnel

10. The Firth Tower Museum has incredibly manicured gardens 11. Visitors having high teas at Firth Tower (Firth Tower Museum)

for the day. As we sit and rehydrate we watch parents arrive and chatter while the playground is alive with the loud squeals of playful exuberance. The trail crosses the road here before continuing to take us northward. We pick up our pace as we are keen on reaching the next settlement of Te Aroha West and The Old Forge Kitchen before closing time. As our legs pump

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

CYCLE + WALK TRAILS

Hauraki Rail Trail WAIKATO

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12. The Old Forge is worth a stop along this new trail section

our pedals and eyes take in the views we are in deep discussion as to whether the café would be closed on our late arrival. Time passes and we begin to fade as we enter the settlement. From a distance, we can see staff packing away the café’s flags. Oh no! Are we too late, did we linger too long at the heritage sites? We reach the café and note the closing time on the door matches our arrival time … we hope we might still get service. We are parched. Pushing open the closing door we are greeted by the friendly manager who assures us we can still order a drink, and moments later, outside in the sun,

our parched mouths are quenched as we gulp the much-anticipated milkshakes, while just across the road the fascinating façade of an old dairy factory confirms we are in the centre of cow country. With our tummies full of flavoured milk we shake Te Aroha West and our GPS units plot us toward the highest peak of the Kaimais – Mt Te Aroha (953m). Our ride turns toward the range, and we cross over the Waihou River before heading northward to the place of love – Te Aroha. The last minor climb is on a paved surface and we soon arrive back at the motel

beside the i-SITE. This seems to be the perfect spot for reflection with the pretty Edwardian buildings and the domain with its geothermal spa and the start of the forest walk to the top of the mountain. Our ride on this new section of trail across the plains was full of sights – one that took a few days to enjoy. I cannot think of any other cycle trail in the country that encourages riders to visit a world-famous movie set, a museum, a grand waterfall and undertake mountain walks, all the while being just an hour’s drive from major cities. Just like urban growth in recent years, the cycle-trail network is expanding. These growing trails explore new frontiers and with each section opening are another pedal stroke closer to joining half our country’s population on Ngā Haerenga – ‘the journeys’.

STATISTICS 37km, Easiest (Grade 1) Official Links: haurakirailtrail.co.nz/ Facebook – facebook.com/haurakirailtrail Great Rides App: Use App logo and QR Code together

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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Classics at Ōhope WHAKĀTANE

EVENT

Classics at Ōhope The last of the summer wine! Story Don Jessen Photos Mariyn Jessen

‘C

lassics at Ōhope’ caravan and car show was lining up for its fifth outing. The first had been pretty small, but the second was a bit larger and many of the retro-caravan crowd who attended really enjoyed the show. The event sounded as if it would be quite nice to attend, with around 30 retro and vintage caravans expected, along with hundreds of classic cars. So with a bit of encouragement from my friend Mike, we decided we would make the trip to check out the show for ourselves and maybe sell a few books while we were there. The show was planned for Saturday the 14th of March, running from midday until 4.00pm,

but most of the retro caravans were planning to turn up on the Friday so as to have an easy run on the Saturday. This also allowed time to catch up with friends, as once a show starts you tend to get pretty busy talking to the public about your caravan and the lifestyle, and showing people through your caravan. We seldom get out from under our roof awning during these times. We decided to take the long route to Ōhope, leaving home early and visiting some of our favourite camping spots along the way. By Friday morning we arrived at the site and were surprised to find a good number of retro caravans ahead of us. Organisation of the event

appeared to be pretty slick and we were soon on site and setting up. By evening there were 38 caravans on site ranging in years from 1947 to 1978, with a good number from the fifties and sixties. Also a lone 2002 Canadian fifthwheeler turned up attached to a 1955 Ford Mainline ute. It had been retro’d to a seventies style and looked very cool. It was a good time to wander around the camp and catch up with old friends and meet others who were new to the retro scene. Some had gained beautiful additions to their retro caravans in terms of classic cars. There were three or four very nice 1950s ranch wagons, which really were gorgeous and so practical for a retro caravanner. Others RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

EVENT

Classics at Ōhope WHAKĀTANE

2 1. ‘Poppy’ is a Liteweight 2. Left; 1959 Muir, 1964 Princess, 1960s Hambling Right; 1970s Crusader, 1960s ACC 3. Little Starlette surrounded by people

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

in evidence were classic American cars and pickups along with a smattering of English and Australian classic cars. On Saturday 200plus classic cars of all makes and models and hot rods were expected to turn up, and food

and craft stalls were expected as well. A large marquee had been set up to host a beach party, which sounded like fun. Saturday dawned as a bright summer’s day. We had a half-hour radio interview via phone, for our new book, then it was into setting up our display and presenting our 1958 Liteweight Kiwi, Daisy Mae, for the show. A little after 9.00am the camp burst into very loud rock ‘n’ roll music, which was great, and it set the tone for the rest of the day. During this period a huge number of classic cars and hot rods were arriving and parking up, among them some really stunning classics. We managed a walk around the caravans just before the show started and counted 45 retro-caravan rigs. I am not sure what the official count was, but they were very well presented and looked really cool. Some of the caravans were quite rare, some a little more common, particularly those from the 1970s but each had been beautifully retro’d and certainly had the owners’ personality stamped on them. There

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

EVENT

Classics at Ōhope WHAKĀTANE

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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were Liteweights from the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, Anglos and CI Munro caravans from the ’60s and ’70s, a lone Furnware and Levin Oxford, along with a Muir and a very nicely done homebuilt. Also present were a tiny Starliner Starlette towed by a mid-sixties Ford Anglia, a late sixties Catalina, and from the mid-sixties a Princess, a Hambling, an Everson and a Concord to name just a few. Caravans came from as far south as Nelson and as far north as Whangārei. A stunning 1954 Airstream that had previously won best caravan at the Repco Beach Hop was present along with a couple of other previous winners. Two of the caravans I liked the best were a 1947 Bermuda, originally built in Christchurch and faithfully restored back to original condition, and Mike Wells’ latest acquisition, a tandem ACC still in original condition. Mike plans to turn this into his own touring caravan. I have no doubt that it will be as spectacular as many of his other creations, providing he can actually get ahead of his customers’ orders. These old ACCs with their lantern roof and V fronts are super cool. The day turned out to be very hot and sunny. It was like it was the middle of summer with soaring temperatures. When the show opened there were people everywhere. We were extremely busy under our awning and with the great crowd and the heat were both feeling exhausted by 4.00pm. We packed up

our display and decided to pull down our roof awning to avoid the morning dew. During the day, the People’s Choice award for caravans went to the 1954 Airstream. From all accounts there were just under 500 cars and caravans on display! Tea and an early night were on the agenda for us. By the time the beach party started we were climbing into our bed. We listened to an MC running through some raffles and an auction before drifting off to sleep to the sound of a band at the party. Sunday dawned as another sunny day again and we got ourselves packed up, said some

4. Left; 1947 Bermuda, 2002 Canadian fifth wheeler, 1950s Everson centre corner 5. Splitscreen VW campervan and colour matched Concord. Great ‘plate!

goodbyes, and pulled out intending to take another long route home. A night at Matatā, two at the Mount, another at Raglan and our final night at Takapuna motor camp saw us arriving home the following Friday. That was when we realised the country was moving into a new reality and that ‘Classics at Ōhope’ really was the last of the summer wine for 2020! RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

SEASONAL WORKERS

Here we meet Sharon and Wayne George, a couple who have been living full time on the road in their bus since quitting the rat race in 2018 to live the RV Lifestyle dream. They have worked around the country doing everything from seasonal fruit picking, to working on farms, in offices and call centres as well as handling hospitality and cleaning work – just some of the occupations they’ve picked up since hitting the road. Now armed with a wide range of contacts and information on how to find seasonal and casual work around the country, they want to share that information and have put together a website – W: seasonalstaff.co.nz – offering a platform for businesses with jobs to connect with people seeking casual work. Words + Photos Sharon and Wayne George

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Lockdown - the view from our motorhome F

or the last 18 months we have run an online business from our motorhome while travelling and working around New Zealand. When Level 3, and then Level 4 was announced, we were lucky that we had already made our way back to Dargaville and were able to park up on our property. We believe that we can make the best out of any situation, so we decided to do just that. So, on the first morning of Level 4 we made a coffee, pulled out our camp chairs, sat in front of our motorhome and just watched the sun come up. It was another spectacular sunrise, and as if designed to perfection, when we turned around there was a rainbow over our bus. Looking at that rainbow and considering the gravity of what was about to happen we decided to take that as a sign that things would be okay. Looking back now, from Level 1, the photograph we took of the rainbow over our bus seems to have gained more significance than ever. We have been lucky, and not had our health impacted, but like many other business owners, we have been impacted economically. On that same morning as we watched the sun come up, we decided to walk around our bus and read some of the sayings and imagery

we placed all over our bus as a way to visually build ourselves ‘rocking-chair memories’. As we walked around the bus, several sayings stood out from the rest: “Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light.” “Life is 10 per cent of what happens to you and 90 per cent of what you do about it.” “If the plan doesn’t work, change the plan but never the goal.” We decided to use those sayings as a roadmap to what we should do, and with that in mind we set about to make the best of the lockdown period. We pulled out the rotary hoe, turned over a large area of ground, cleaned out our growing shed and started growing vegetable seedlings. To our delight over the last few days and weeks, we have eaten our own lettuce, spinach, peas, beans and radish, with broccoli, zucchini, cauliflower, cabbage, carrots, parsnip and beetroot not far behind. We also have had the opportunity during this time to review our business and are in the process of making some positive business changes. We have really enjoyed travelling around New Zealand, exploring our country and meeting people – real Kiwis from all walks of

life. Life on the road has been amazing. We have met some wonderful people and have been fortunate to see an extraordinary amount of our country. We really do live in the most amazing place in the world. As we probably all know, external travel restrictions will be with us for a while. We recognise that now is a great opportunity to get out and explore our own backyard in a motorhome. Hire one, borrow one, buy one. Just get out there and see our country. Some of you may remember the old adverts that used to play on TV quite a few years ago. “Don’t leave town till you see the country.” Well now it is time for us to do this again and rediscover the excitement of the ‘Real Kiwi Experience’. Travel to previously explored and unexplored places in New Zealand and enjoy some genuine Kiwi hospitality. As a motorhome traveller you can help by supporting local businesses. Travel local and spend local, support the businesses you would like to see more of and if you haven’t had a good experience, be patient, constructive and uplifting when you give feedback. If small businesses can survive and improve, they can grow and employ more people. Councils and government departments will see the value of a mobile economy and workforce, and may look to put in more facilities to accommodate

this growing sector of the market. As a nation we have pulled together amazingly. It is true we probably didn’t always agree on how things should have been handled, but we appreciated that action needed to taken. Sitting on our camp chairs watching the sun come up on the first day of Level 4 lockdown, we truly had no idea what to expect over the coming months. But one thing we did discover is that it was up to us to make the most of every day, and that is exactly what we have done. We hope you will too. Hope to see you on the road someday.

1. Rainbow over the bus – everything is going to be okay 2. Preparing the ground with the rotary hoe 3. Various close ups of sayings on the bus

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Allan Dick TODAY

On the road again I Reminiscences from NZTODAY founder Allan Dick Words + Photos Allan Dick

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

got woken from a deep, deep sleep over the night of June 8/9 by what I thought was a series of shotgun blasts right outside my bedroom window. Boomed wide awake I realised the bedroom was filled with bright light with each blast. What was going on in the garden? I leapt from bed, T-shirted and a bit nervous, just in time to catch another blast and an explosion of light – from a skyrocket! Someone was letting off skyrockets! The location seemed to be from the vicinity of Ōamaru Harbour. But why? Someone’s birthday? Someone got the date wrong and thought it was New Year’s Eve? Befuddled but satisfied that I wasn’t going to find a body in my garden in the morning, I went back to bed and fell asleep again in less than a blink of an eye. I pondered on it when I awoke, but it wasn’t until I wandered blearily into the local supermarket mid-morning to get a bag of plunger coffee and realised that I didn’t have to wait for entry and there were no ‘social distancing’ signs, that the light bulb in my head went on! Someone had been celebrating the move into Level 1, albeit, illegally! I have never experienced anything in my life like the whole Covid-19 affair. While there were some dissenters, the vast majority of New Zealanders embraced the message and reacted accordingly. In my many years living on Planet Earth I have never before sensed the unity that inspired us, as a team, to tackle the virus head on and

defeat it. I was extraordinarily proud to be a Kiwi and a member of Team Five Million when we moved from Level 4 to Level 3 – and felt that same glow of pride again when I woke on that morning of June 9 and realised supermarket shopping was once again the way it used to be. This is being written almost a week later, but habits, even recently acquired ones, die hard and I still find myself side-stepping people in the supermarket aisles and standing back when the supervisor comes to approve my beer and wine purchases! We look at each other and laugh! What made the response in New Zealand so remarkable was that the whole Covid-19 scenario, in retrospect, could almost have been described as a hoax. The death toll was only a fraction of a fraction of the grim Worst Case scenario painted for us by our health experts, which was based on the best global information about something that was new, unknown and very, very scary. And the symptoms sometimes seemed no worse than a cold. Again, there were dissenters, conspiracy theorists and plain old tunnel-visioned political activists who tried to derail the anti-Covid-19 train but without success. If it hadn’t been so serious, some of the crackpot theories would have been funny. Or maybe they were … While we are often described as a land of sheep (referring to the woolly variety), New Zealanders are anything but sheep-like in our collective attitude, and we have a very tough and strong streak of self-serving individualism running through our veins that makes us question authority time after time. And yet, we accepted some of the toughest and most draconian, anti-freedom measures ever imposed on our society, largely without any complaint. In fact, having such disciplines to obey was almost like playing some sort of game and we appeared to almost enjoy it. So serious were we about obeying these rules, that for a brief moment in time we almost became a nation of dobbers-in, snitches, telling on those who broke the rules. Clearly that was because we understood the gravity of the situation. We watched in disbelief at the way some other countries were handling the situation where ‘The Economy’ was put ahead of human lives with a heavy and hopeful reliance on so-called ‘herd immunity’ – and you only have to look

2 1. Former Dunedin City trolley bus abandoned off the Old Dunstan Trail in Central Otago. Not an easy drive, but spectacular 2. A group of motorcycle riders outside the Kaihu Tavern in Northland 3. Crayfish for dinner – aboard an overnight cruise down Doubtful Sound 4. Explore backroads and you can see places like these church ruins

at the USA, Brazil, Sweden and perhaps the UK to see the size of the bullet we dodged. And it wasn’t just ‘luck’. It was because we listened – took the tough decisions and acted. But we are missing the famous ‘Elephant in the Room’. Regardless of how she arrived in the position, regardless of the whims of Winston Peters, despite the vagaries of the MMP political system, despite political viewpoints, New Zealand was fortunate to have a Prime Minister with a University Degree in Communication and an outstanding ability to use it. As a nation we fell under her spell. Again, of course there were dissenters and there will be people reading this who will shriek with anger, but the fact remains Jacinda Ardern

was the leader for the time and for the crisis. She inspired us to become Team Five Million. Of course, not all of us were happy about it … But this was a crisis leadership team of two. From out of absolutely nowhere, Ashley Bloomfield became an overnight hero and star. He was everything you expect of a top bureaucrat, calm, unflappable to the point of blandness and boring. But effective and totally trustworthy. I suspect even with his bookish appearance he still melted the hearts of a lot of New Zealand ladies who wanted nothing more than to give Ashley a cuddle. Or take him home to meet their daughter. I have never met the bloke but a friend of mine bumped into him in a Wellington supermarket late one afternoon after he’d helped

“ I was extraordinarily proud to be a Kiwi and a member of Team Five Million when we moved from Level 4 to Level 3 .”

deliver the daily 1.00pm Covid-19 updates. There he was, almost blending into the background, the man who masterminded our war against Covid-19, no bodyguards, no media hounds pursuing him for something he didn’t want to say, just Ashley buying ‘something to take home for dinner that night’. My friend went and introduced himself and thanked him for the job he was doing. Ashley smiled a shy smile and said “Thank you ….” In a funny way, like many others, I almost enjoyed Level 4 and Lockdown. I know people who took up fresh hobbies – going for a walk each day in a different part of their town – and talking to each other again! Some people caught cabin fever very quickly, but I can’t say I did. I started reading again and the lawns got a lot of mowing (a) because I had the time, and (b) because of the mild autumn, the damned grass just continued to grow! Of the whole experience to date, the only thing I really cringe about over ourselves as a nation is the panic buying that occurred in RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Allan Dick TODAY

the first two weeks. There was of course the famous toilet paper binge, something that started overseas – at first we laughed at the silliness of it, until we saw people staggering out of our supermarkets laden with the stuff! That was followed by equal panic over paper towels, cleaning products and pasta! People were buying pasta by the armful! The shelves were bare. Every minute the supermarket doors were open someone was pushing a trolley stacked like a skyscraper out the door to the boot of their car. But that too was a panic that quickly ran out of steam as people realised there was plenty of food and it was only their own behaviour that was causing the problem. So, here we are, a week after entering Level 1, borders still locked and heading for the creation of a Trans-Tasman Bubble. That’s great and the only question I have here is why our Pacific Island friends aren’t included. Fijians, Tongans, Samoans, etc. are more Kiwi than Aussies are. With the move to Level 1 we like to think life has returned to normal, but it hasn’t. From the day it was announced we were closing our borders and heading into lockdown at Level 4 it was abundantly clear there were going to be serious, very, very serious, economic consequences when we emerged. If we emerged. That was obvious to anyone who can look behind a picture and see what’s written on the back. What was also obvious was that we were not alone – no not visitors from Outer Space – virtually every other country in the world affected by Covid-19 was facing exactly

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

5. Off the beaten track – the old Glenham store in Southland 6. Old shepherd’s hut in the Nevis Valley – a 4WD destination

the same problems as us. A collapsing economy, company closures, rising unemployment and the disappearance of the tourist industry. The exception being China apparently. And that doesn’t seem fair as that was Covid-19’s country of origin. Showing my wisdom in such matters, I am going to make two predictions and one of them will be right. Things won’t be as bad as we have feared, or things will be as bad as we feared. And there are already some signs that my first prediction is going to be the right one. Here in small-town New Zealand (Ōamaru) I have seen more campervans passing through than I expected; all shops, cafés and pubs are open, people are on the footpaths, both sides of the main street are lined with parked cars during daylight hours and life seems pretty normal. One local restaurant has closed – but its customers were pretty much exclusively international travellers. And that is the most significant change here – no Chinese tourists. That created panic at board level at Tourism Waitaki who virtually decided to close up shop, made the majority of the staff redundant and closed down the i-SITE, all of which earned a rocket from yours truly. “O ye of little faith.” One of the wackier conspiracy theories that got a good airing was that God was so angry over the greedy and avaricious way the world

had headed, he created the virus to have a good clean out – a bit like Moses and the plague. And there is something in that – not God creating the virus, but that the world needed a bit of a tidy up. And that is happening. There were plenty of signs that our international tourist industry was out of control and we were in danger of losing New Zealand. The last time I went to Milford Sound I hated it – too many people, all being herded like sheep. New Zealand was being priced out of reach for many New Zealanders – and we didn’t like that. There was also the abrasive issue of ‘freedom camping’ which angered so many New Zealanders. This issue alone saw many Kiwis very close to ‘hating’ tourists. But this was really about free camping rather than freedom camping and it was caused by low-budget international tourists parking close to facilities and amenities, and making polluting and visual nuisances of themselves. All of that has largely disappeared. The switch was turned off and there will be casualties both in human and economic terms, but we can learn from that and rebuild our tourism industry in a far more sustainable way. I hope! In the meantime, the roads are open, traffic is light, fuel prices are down, tourist destinations are operating and you can get deals – so what’s stopping you? Time to get on the road again.

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Reader Review: Autotrail Delaware

LIFESTYLE

ON TO BIGGER AND BETTER RV-NZToday Lifestyle contributor Tom Clarke and his wife Wendy bought their first motorhome – an Autotrail Tracker FB – in 2017. In a review published in RVTravel Lifestyle (Issue 74) Tom wondered if, having caught the RV lifestyle bug, there might be a requirement for something a little bigger and more comfortable than the FB. Indeed, there was. Story + Photos Tom Clarke

e loved the Tracker FB, and it was a terrific introduction to life on the road. The Tracker is an English-built two-berth that is just over 7m long with a combined toilet/ bathroom, and a really comfortable lounge area. As well as the stylish design of the interior, it was the comfort of the lounge area that really drew us to the Autotrail – we liked the swivel captain’s chairs and the sofa-like side seating that, stacked with big squishy cushions, made for relaxed and comfortable TV watching or

lying back with a good book. All round, we thought the Autotrail was an outstanding RV. But the smaller length of the Tracker did mean some compromises. I’m 1.9m tall, so I found the French-style bed to be difficult because to get in and out meant having to clamber over Wendy who slept on the outside because I couldn’t fit in its reduced length, and I also found the combined bathroom/toilet just too small. At that time of acquiring the Tracker, we

1. Freedom camping on the shore of Lake Ōhau, deep in the heart of the glorious Mackenzie country. Who would trade NZ for anywhere else in the world?

felt that the larger Autotrail Delaware might suit us better and that perhaps we should seriously consider that option. That feeling turned out to be correct and thus we began the hunt for a Delaware, which turned into a very interesting exercise. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

LIFESTYLE Reader Review: Autotrail Delaware

Without labouring the issue – and without being too much of a grouch while also wishing to protect reputations and avoid hurt feelings – we ended up trading-in our Tracker on a new Delaware from Nationwide RV in New Plymouth. But getting to New Plymouth involved some stress and unpleasant experiences along the way, which confirmed what we said in our report in January last year – find a knowledgeable and pleasant dealer who makes the experience of buying your motorhome a joyful one, as it should be, and not one fraught with disappointment and frustration. We found the entire Nationwide RV New Plymouth team – from their front receptionist, through sales consultant Kane Innes and workshop manager Simon Barkley, to owner Bob Gordon-Stables – a pleasure to deal with.

Their honesty, credibility, genuine helpfulness and willingness to discuss and negotiate, was something that we found sorely missing in some of those we met along the way who had somewhat soured the experience for us. 4 The Autotrail Comanche was a model that held some appeal, but in reality it was too big (almost 9m) for what we wanted, and the Delaware is our Goldilocks – it’s just right. At just over 8m, there’s room for a cosy queen-sized island double bed and effectively an en suite, with a combined bathroom/toilet and a separate walk-in shower. Leave the bedroom suite and shut the door, and you’re in a well-equipped kitchen area with a 4-ring 2. Clean modern styling is a feature of the Autotrail Delaware. Note the bull-bars and the extra step on the cab doors 3. Nationwide RV New Plymouth sales consultant, Kane Innes, outside the company’s new headquarters in Devon Road, Waiwhakaiho. The expansion will be completed later this year, bringing sales, spares and service operations together. 4. Life doesn’t get much better – relaxing on the shores of Lake Ōhau in midsummer, before dipping in the pristine waters of the lake

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

cooking hob (3 x gas and one electric), a gas oven and grill, microwave, a roomy sink with stylish mixer, and opposite that (by the entry door) a 175L fridge with a removable freezer, a cooling drawer, and below that, a pantry drawer. There’s a three-speed extractor fan in the ceiling above. In the living area there are two comfortable lounge-like sofas – and again, supplement these with big European-style pillows, and you have supreme luxury for TV watching or simply lying back and relaxing. As usual, both cab seats swivel to become part of the lounge seating. There’s a swivel occasional table, and a more formal folding indoor/outdoor table is stowed in a hatch just inside the habitation door. Of course there is gas-fired central heating for the colder nights, amazingly spacious storage in the cabin’s airliner-like overhead lockers, and a roomy storage garage at the rear accessible from both sides of the vehicle. There is further storage space under the bed, and under the lounge couches. Some of the other features that we liked are

flame-failure shut-off valves on the gas appliances, smoke and gas detectors in the cabin, the auto/manual transmission, the 134kW Fiat Ducato engine, subtle hidden LED lighting that is dimmable, reversing camera, outdoor shower, and the stylish European interior design. There are two 9kg gas bottles, and a single 100W solar panel which provides more than enough power for our needs. We added extra fresh water storage, giving us a total of 220L, with 140L grey water. As you would expect, it comes fitted with all the latest mechanical safety features such as electronic stability control with hill hold, an electronic traction control system, disc brakes front and rear, power steering, cruise control, ABS braking, six-speed auto/manual gearbox and so on. And yes, we’re currently living in it full time,

and finding that it’s very comfortable. We’ve done a three-month tour of the South Island that was a sheer delight from start to finish, staying in the many delightful MCA camps throughout the island, and enjoying many of the fabulous DOC camps and freedom-camping areas that we’re so very lucky to have. We’ve also done some marvellous trips in the North Island, especially around East Cape, once again availing ourselves of the MCA parks and the large number of free-camping areas that can be unexpectedly found in out-of-the-way places. To summarise: what we really love about our Delaware is the luxury apartment-like design of the interior which is reminiscent of quality European styling and comfort, the reliability of the running gear, and the clever engineering which – despite the Delaware’s 8.1 metre length – makes driving a breeze.

5. We love the modern apartmentlike styling of the living area, with its comfortable sofas and captain’s seats – great for relaxing or socialising. Add euro-style pillows to the sofa-like couches and you have a terrific spot to lie back and relax 6. The cosy and generous queen-sized island double bed features modern comforts like individual reading lights and bedside drawers, and there is a heap of storage underneath as well 7. Just like home – the kitchen features a 4-ring cooking hob, oven, grill, microwave with stylish sink and mixer, not to mention the spacious fridge/freezer and heaps of convenient storage 8. The separate toilet with roomy handbasin, and again, plenty of storage RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

100% KIWI • 100% CUSTOM • 100% HANDCRAFTED EXCELLENCE

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ACM Platinum Edition Mobility RV

PROFILE

Wheels-on-the-road dream comes true Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Robyn Dallimore and Jim Bateman

otorhome shows are just the place to light a fire in the belly; they inspire many to take part in the RV lifestyle. For some that might mean acquiring a Mooloo 30-second tent in order to kick-start their outdoor adventures, perhaps a classic caravan that needs a little work, or just possibly a new or second-hand motorhome perfect for their needs. As well, motorhome shows allow first timers to meet the right people at the right time to help bring their dreams to life. This is how Gabrielle and Jim Bateman found their dream makers, Chris Cunard from ACM Motorhomes, at the Covi Motorhome show in 2018. And this year at the 2020 show I met the couple as they showed me their custombuilt motorhome that resulted from that first meeting, and they also showcased it to the thousands of visitors who attended the show. This is Gabrielle and Jim’s first motorhome. They have travelled the world widely over their 40 years of marriage, always staying in hotel and motel accommodation as traditional

rental motorhomes or caravans didn’t cater to their individual needs – the main one being wheelchair access in and out of a vehicle and suitable interior facilities . The idea of having a motorhome had always been there but finding one was a challenge. They looked at hiring one out of Tauranga, but it was older and had step-down seating that didn’t really work for Gabrielle, but it got Jim fired up looking – he searched online overseas but didn’t have much joy with Australian manufacturers so looked further afield to the UK. They found one to rent and hired it for 10 days, but that fell over. Then they heard of a manufacturer building a unit for a New Zealand woman, and with a few emails and phone calls they managed to do a tour of the Birmingham factory in the UK building that caravan. Just months later they attended the Covi show in March, and with recommendations from other exhibitors at the show they ended up at the ACM stand where they met with owner Chris, and the excitement grew from

2 1. IVECO based Platinum Edition Mobility custom built motorhome – parked up at Algies Bay – with the push of two buttons the stabilizers go down, and the slide-out pops out 2. Gabrielle is so happy with the automatic chair lift. The spacious rear bathroom is an ideal landing spot for entry RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

PROFILE ACM Platinum Edition Mobility RV 3. 12v electric flush Pedestal cassette toilet, handbasin that is clear underneath for access, a shower curtain to contain the shower area 4. Plenty of bathroom storage, and a fold down seat

there. Meetings were booked in and their dreams were given a blast of hope. The process started with a list of course – what did they need the most – obviously wheelchair access into the vehicle, wet-floor bathroom, and slide-out for extra living space. Then the technical details came into play – how would it work getting into bed? What about being able to do dishes and reach windows? Level floors right through to the cab. If they had a fire, how easy would it be for Gabrielle to get out? All sorts of extra things to think about compared with a normal build. The couple had already spent many hours planning, drawing and discussing what they wanted, so Jim had enough computerised details to start the design team off. A visit to ACM and the factory helped this process with a taped-out motorhome plan on the floor for Jim and Gabrielle to sit in and try wheeling about on, and think about ways and means to achieve what they needed. I have spoken to home-build guys before and it usually starts with this sort of floor plan – everything goes back to basics. Chris Cunard tells me that more than four hundred hours of design and two thousand hours of building time went into the vehicle, and much of it was custom built or specialty supplied, from the steel man-made folded floor sections, the rear door and wheelchair cassette, and the electric sofa-bed unit. Rear entry is via an automatic under-floor cassette wheelchair lift. What an impressive unit this is. When not in use it’s tucked away out of sight under the rear of the motorhome, but get the remote out, flick a switch, and it’s

The couple had already spent many hours planning, drawing and discussing what they wanted . all go as it unpacks itself to lay flat on the ground, then … wheelchair on, press a button, and up it goes to access the flat floor into the rear bathroom area. Along with the custom rear entry door, the lift was custom-fitted to the rear chassis by the supplier. The bathroom is full-width, open and packed with storage on the right of entry; the 12V electric flush cassette toilet is easily accessible for Gabrielle with wall handles on one side, the vanity unit with no cupboards underneath also designed for easy access, is to the left, and a wide sliding door for easy access separates it from the living area. Immediately to the left beyond the sliding door is a large slide-out pantry and then a

190L three-way auto gas fridge with separate freezer, positioned close to the floor for easy access. Next to this is the long kitchen bench, with lots of drawers and storage space below, and fitted utility drawers inside main drawers – an impressive amount of storage in here, and a decent length bench with nice Corian bench top. Not immediately noticeable, but a key design feature of the kitchen area, is the lower bench height and narrower depth to the bench unit – 520mm wide and 755mm high – a must-have for Gabrielle as she enjoys cooking and cleaning without having to stretch and strain for access. To the right, opposite the kitchen is a comfortable sofa positioned in the slide-out

6 5. It all started with Jim’s plans being taped out on the factory floor, and some down-to-earth testing being undertaken! 6. Custom interior under construction 7. On hand to test the automatic lift operation

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

area. I noticed at the front of the vehicle there was a good-sized Luton bed set up above the cab, and wondered how accessible that was for the couple. Jim then picked up a remote, and with a push of a button the lounge area sofa started moving, lifting, stretching out and settling down into a comfortable double bed. The Luton is for the kids and grandkids to stay over. Now that was pretty cool, and as they showed me the detail in the design, with pillow storage in the end, quality mattress and easy height access for Gabrielle, it was obvious what a space changer it was for the couple, and the sheets stay on it so no need to make up every night - just throw a duvet over. Jim sourced and imported this bed from Europe for the build. The slide-out area does a lot for the interior spaciousness of the vehicle and moving about is no problem, but it was important that movement about the vehicle was safe at all times, even when pulled over at a road stop for a cup of tea or bathroom stop, so the design had to ensure that Gabrielle could wheel about in the interior even with the

slide-out in – especially important in case of fire or emergency. Moving to the front of the vehicle, on the right behind the front cab is a small dinette with two front-facing seats, fitted with seat belts for passengers. To the left is the normal habitation entry door, with electric steps to the outside. Forward to the cab; a little board lifts out and fits over the entry steps to the cab, allowing the wheelchair to use this area. Access onto the Captain’s chairs is easy thanks to the swivel chairs. Above the cab is the Luton bed area, for the family and grandkids to enjoy. The IVECO cab has everything needed with drink holders, storage pockets and glove boxes and side-door storage galore. All the latest technology hook ups with Bluetooth, 7” LCD display with Iveconnect multimedia unit hooked into the colour rear-view camera, Air bags of course, and something I really like are the heated and adjustable driver and passenger seats – it is so nice to have a warm butt and back as you’re cruising across the Desert Road in the snow, so cosy. The IVECO cab chassis is a big unit but drives like a dream– the 153kW

11 8. The lounge area is in the slide-out, so there is plenty of floor space, for Gabrielle to wheel around in - perfect. 9-10. The sofa unfolds into a bed at the press of a button 11. The kitchen bench has been height and depth adjusted to be perfect for Gabrielle to use and access everything easily.

diesel engine is paired with the latest 8-speed auto transmission. All the fruit with ABC, EBD, ESP for extra safety whilst driving, and heated and electronically controlled outside mirrors and airbags add to these features. When you’re parked up and settling in for the night, at the push of a button the HWH hydraulic levelling system (a hydraulic pump system) kicks in for automatic, individual leg levelling, just another feature added to these motorhome-specific chassis by ACM. It was such a pleasure to meet and chat with Gabrielle and Jim Bateman. They couldn’t keep the smiles off their faces as they shared their motorhome with me and all the visitors who came through at the show to check it out. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

TECH SPECS 2019 IVECO Daily 72C 2998cc twin-turbo 153kW diesel GVM 5995kg, this vehicle tare 5500kg Car licence, COF Two axles – front axle rating 2500kg, rear 5350kg Wheelbase 4750mm Dimensions (mm) – 7800(L), 2500(W), 3100 with slide-out extended, 3200(H) top of Luton. 12

They wasted no time getting away when they picked the unit up earlier this year. First night away – in the backyard, so not too far. Always a good idea to do a dummy run and check everything is working, make sure you know how to make it all work, haven’t forgotten to load something vital – all those reasons. The first real trip away was to Martins Bay north of Auckland, then regular short trips to Wenderholm, Mt Maunganui, Opito Bay in the Coromandel, and they’ve also been to a friend’s celebration party, using the motorhome for their own accommodation, so fantastic for them. A trip to the East Cape was proposed for after the show, but I am not sure that went

12. Out and about – enjoying Eskdale, Napier. The IVECO cab is a good-sized unit, drives really well, easy to handle and has great transmission

ahead with Lockdown. When speaking to them this week they were in Whangamatā so are back on the road, and each trip something else is added to one of the multiple storage areas inside, and out. Look out for them on the road, they would love to meet and share their experiences with others in their position as well as others on the road. Our thanks to them for their time and generosity of spirit.

Take charge of your batteries

Custom Construction ACM motorhome body built with fully insulated floor, walls and roof with ACM exclusive fibreglass panels and body design, double-glazed windows, custom vinyl exterior wrap, HWH Hydraulic levelling system, automatic under-floor cassette wheelchair lift. Self-containment Fresh and grey water 280L tanks 2 x 150W solar panels with controllers 2 x 240Ah gel deep-cycle batteries 190L 3-way fridge-freezer 3000W Mastervolt combi-ultra inverter charger, 100A charger 190L Dometic three-way automatic gas fridge/ freezer

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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The award-winning IVECO Daily is the ideal platform for a wide selection of motorhome bodies and offers a number of market-leading qualities such as an 8-speed full automatic transmission that provides seamless power delivery and super fast gear changes for effortless driving. Coupled to this transmission is a choice of two powerful yet fuel efficient turbo diesel engines, available with 170 hp or a segment-leading 205 hp, providing superior power for motorhome applications. The Daily also benefits from smooth riding, rear airbag suspension available as an option, and a 3500 kg braked towing capacity providing extra versatility to tow a boat, motorcycle or a small 4x4. On the safety front, the Daily features front and rear disc brakes with ABS and four airbags (driver, passenger and curtain side). IVECO’s ‘ESP 9’ safety program is also standard which includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, Anti Slip Regulator and a host of additional driver aids. IVECO’s generous 40,000km / 1 years service intervals also keep Daily owners on the road longer and minimise running costs a minimum. And in the unlikely event that owners need help on the road, IVECO also offers complementary 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the cab chassis warranty period (3yr/200,000 km, whichever comes first), when combined with the motorhome manufacturer’s own roadside program. To discover why New Zealand’s leading motorhome brands trust the IVECO Daily visit www.iveco.co.nz

David Didsbury 027 403 2035 National Sales Manager

Straun Syme 027 434 0846 Sales Canterbury

Trevor Wills 021 347 118 Sales Auckland

*Terms and Conditions apply. For 3 year warranty and Roadside Assistance program refer to the IVECO Warranty Statement of Terms and Conditions & IVECO Roadside Assistance Terms and Conditions (excludes Government and Fleet Buyers). Visit www.iveco.co.nz for full details. Overseas model shown. Refer to your local motorhome manufacturer for further details as actual specifications and options may differ.

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Winter storage

PROFILE

STORING YOUR RV

If you are parking up the motorhome, caravan, bus or fifth-wheel over winter, these are the basics to tick off GAS CYLINDER STORAGE

INTERIOR

Firmly shut the cylinder valve, and check the outlet of the cylinder with some soapy water to make sure it is gas-tight. Having removed the LPG regulator from the cylinder valve, put the regulator inside a plastic bag, securing the bag with a rubber band. This’ll serve two purposes – it’ll keep any spiders or other insects from making it their home, and will also prevent water from getting inside the regulator. Think about storage requirements. If you’re paying for storage, check with the operator if you can store the cylinder onsite. Ideally a dedicated gas locker would be best, or in the open air in a secure place, not in a shed or garage where they could become a potential unknown fire hazard. Store at least two metres away from open drains or openings into cellars or buildings because leaking gas will travel down quickly. Keep them well away from heat, highly flammable-toxic-corrosive or oxidant materials, and make sure engines and electrics are off when handling, disconnecting and connecting gas cylinders. Remember if you’re using your RV or caravan over winter, LPG may not work efficiently if the temperature gets down to zero.

If you have blinds on any kind of spring mechanism, leave them open, leave locker and wardrobe doors ajar for ventilation, stand squabs and seating up for air flow, lift mattresses, and be sure to keep cushions away from walls. Lubricate hinges and locks, and window and door rubbers and seals. Be sure to turn off the 12V supply to gas appliances like the water heater, air heater, cooker (if it has electronic ignition) and the fridge. Clean the interior of the fridge out with a good cleaner, and leave the door to the fridge ajar to keep it dry and mould free. Also, to deter spiders from make their home inside the burner tubes, spray some long-life insecticide around the burner of the fridge, the water heater and air heater. But, don’t do this with the appliances operating obviously!

HOUSE BATTERY SYSTEM Batteries don’t like being left in a discharged state. Check the battery electrolyte levels, and top up as necessary if you have wet-cell batteries. Connect the mains charger to the mains and fully charge the house batteries for at least a full day until they’re completely charged, then disconnect all loads from the battery. If you have solar panels, leave the solar charging system connected to the batteries, as that will ensure they’re kept in a fully charged state over winter. However, if you’re storing your motorhome inside a garage where no sun will get onto the solar panels, then disconnect the solar charger from the battery. That’s because the solar charger will cause a small discharge from the battery, which over a couple of months could discharge the battery completely.

WATER SYSTEM If you live in a region that endures heavy frosts, and the motorhome is stowed outside, it’s imperative to empty all water from the water stowage tanks, from inside the water heater and all the water pipes within the motorhome. It’s a good idea to even take your water filter out if one is fitted. Failure to do this could cause serious problems, because water can cause ruptures of pipework or appliances as it expands on freezing. Leave all taps open and in a neutral position. Cover or put plugs in water drainage areas in the kitchen sink and shower, and leave valves open, but cover with panty hose or muslin, which allows airflow but keeps bugs out.

CARAVAN Support legs put down, and hand brake definitely off. You might want to use wheel chocks, wheel clamps or hitch locks, and for security, doors and windows should be locked. Check your 12N and 12S car-to-caravan connections for any wear or damage. Electrical contacts can be cleaned and wiped over with petroleum jelly. Check all moving parts and linkages, from the brakes, wheel-bearings and suspension to anti-sway and Al-ko stabilisers – many service centres can do this for you. Grease should be applied to protect many of these moving parts, also think of the corner steadies’ rotating screws, and if you have one, the spare wheel carrier.

COVER In an ideal world, you’d store your RV in a garage or under-roof cover. This isn’t possible for many, so a cover should be used if possible. Washing and polishing the exterior will offer some protection at the least, and will prevent moss and mould growing.

TANK TALK TIP Black tanks should be cleaned really well before storing. On your last trip put a bag of ice down the toilet, add some Napisan and some Thetford toilet cleaner. Drive to thoroughly mix over a good hour; the sharp edges of the ice will get into every corner. When you’ve cleaned the shower, toilet, sinks etc and emptied the grey tank, then add Napisan or baking soda, and a few drops of enviro-friendly dishwashing liquid into a couple of sink fulls of water, and drain into the grey tank ready for that last drive as well. Empty your black tank of the icy water, then dump your final grey water to clean the hose as well. Cassette toilets should be cleaned thoroughly from the toilet through to the cassette. Clean and wipe the valve blade that seals the toilet from the cassette tank, using a seal lubricant. Leave the valve partially open to avoid it sticking. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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HOT-OFF-THE-BOAT JAYCO Silverline Touring caravan

REVIEW

Smart, Sexy and Spacious

1 Words Robyn Dallimore – Photos Jayco

he Jayco-brand caravan is well known in New Zealand. The company has been producing caravans and motorhomes for nearly 45 years now, so there have been models arriving here from over the ditch for quite a long time. Every year at the Covi Motorhome and Caravan Show in Auckland, a building at the carpark entrance is taken over for the Jayco display, and what a lot of makes, models and styles they now produce, from camp trailers, pop-tops, tough off-road capable caravans to

big-build motorhomes. Speaking with distributors weeks later, they were glad to take delivery of the latest 2020 Silverline Touring caravans – we had seen the Outback model at the show, but this particular model was still to arrive. The Jayco Silverline is a large unit at just over eight metres in towing length. A good1. Storage cabinets under the large window opposite the bed end, TV mount on this side, with another mainly Australian feature, a 12V fan for air flow. Overhead storage lockers, at the end two large wardrobe storage areas. Privacy curtain to the front 2. Australian steel – You can see the Jayco Silverline Touring’s big boxed hot-dipped galvanised chassis 3. The bed is in the slide-out area, overhead storage and LED lights with a big window, light switches by the bedside, book and cup area, power points alongside. Rear bathroom sliding door

sized tow vehicle – 3000kg or heavier – will be required for this luxury caravan designed for two, though you can upgrade and get a further bed setting layout for the club lounge. There are lots of upgrades to look at on these models: pull-out exterior kitchen unit drawer for one, and bike racks and satellite dishes another. Exterior showers, gas BBQ bayonets, picnic table in the wall, TV and entertainment in an exterior hatch are just some items that are standard already or a simple addition to choose. In New Zealand, satellite dishes, solar upgrades, or specific TV requirements are done here. The club lounge positioned in the caravan’s nose is a feature in this particular model, so comfortable for entertaining. The kitchen is first-rate, with plenty of storage options to stock up for a family or more. The slide-out area extends the length of the bed when parked up, but I couldn’t check if there is walk-around room when the slide-out isn’t extended – I hope so as the rear full-width bathroom would be used by me more than the bed, lol. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

PROFILE ACM Platinum Edition Mobility RV

4 4. Really nice club lounge, fully height adjustable leg table. Overhead locker storage. The windows all have fly screens and blinds fitted, LED lighting throughout. The habitation entry door on the left has viewing window and screen split door action 5. A long awning is electric and even has an App that can be blue toothed to operate it. Stablisers underneath all around, bumper bar at the rear. The entertainment locker is in the rear quarter, other lockers along the side and in the front nose 6. The bedroom slide-out area, balanced over the twin-axles, with rain roller cover above

I don’t know why but it is always fun in a Jayco bathroom; opening a lid and finding a washing machine tucked away is so unexpected, and handy. It is good to understand how much water you use in an activity (in this case about 26 litres a load), but these machines are mains only so you will be parked up and hooked up to an outside water and electricity supply when in use so it won’t be a problem. These latest model Jaycos are tech’d up with all sorts of technology. You can even download apps to your phone to control operations such as opening and closing your awning. There is an Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker with Alexa Voice control – yes seriously you can talk out loud from the bed and turn off the

light outside or turn something on. The clever 360-degree cameras are useful for on-the-road viewing, assisting parking and manoeuvring, and for security. The awning is electric, there is a Wi-Fi extender on the roof, and Bluetooth monitoring on the water tanks and batteries. Wow, more technology than I have at home that is for sure, and did you hear about the baby who now only responds to Alexa as her name not Lucy. So much fun for those who love that stuff – caravans have certainly come a long, long way. This model looks luxurious with its leather seating, glossy high spec’ finishes to the cabinetry, certainly a big enough model to spend a lot of time in, by yourself or with

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

friends in the big lounge area. At 21 feet it is still not the longest caravan in the range, but it does do the job beautifully for its weight category, built for two but with the option of adding in another bed option. Jayco caravans are available at distributors around New Zealand.

CONSTRUCTION AND CHASSIS

Interior framing is aluminium for strength and durability. Outside, the tough, vacuum-bonded frame is encased in the body shell constructed using fibreglass, polypropylene and polystyrene foam that Jayco boasts gives their vans better strength, lightness and insulation, sandwich pressed to produce a one-piece fibreglass skin,

that is hail and dent resistant. A big boxed chassis, made of Australian steel, which assists in reducing weight, increasing performance and strength. It is hot-dip galvanised, and the all-new-designed longitudinal rails added provide additional floor support. Alongside this is a dedicated plumbing and electrical area for servicing and making it easier to get grey tanks fitted to the vehicle. The JTECH suspension with independent coils, is well known on Jayco builds, designed to offer greater stability, precise handling for a smoother ride and generally improving the towing experience. The twin-axle trailer is fitted with electric brakes and a brake unit (tow secure emergency braking unit).

7. The full-width bathroom has plenty of space. 112v electric flush pedestal cassette toilet, drawers and cupboards under the long bench, in the left corner a laundry station - with washing machine in the cupboard. In the right corner out of sight a shower 8. Upon entry you have the kitchen unit opposite, cupboards and microwave above, drawers and pull-out pantries below, full separate oven/grill oven with four-burner gas hob. Nice backsplash, big window and rangehood 9. Cool sink and bench, water filter fitted, square modern sink insert 10. Soft-close drawer mechanisms with catches, nice and deep too 11. I just love a pull-out pantry unit, there are two in this kitchen 12. A big 216L fridge with separate freezer unit, good enough for any domestic house let alone an RV 13. Good sized locker doors in the nose on both sides 14. Storage locker beside the habitation entry door, pull out manual step 15. Two gas bottle locker

TECH SPECS Jayco Silverline Touring 21.65.3 caravan (two-berth) Price $97,290 Dimension and Weight Tare weight 2560kg, Tow ball weight 184kg Body length 6760mm – travel length 8040mm Travel height 2950mm, width 2470mm, interior height 1975mm Self-Containment and living 12V electric flush cassette toilet – separate full-size shower box 2 x 9kg gas bottles 2 x 82L fresh water tanks (no grey fitted, optional) b60W solar with controller system, 100Ah Battery 4-burner cook top, separate oven and grill Microwave 216L 3-way automatic fridge/freezer 3.3kg washing machine LED TV/DVD Smart Technology fitted 360-degree reversing camera Wi-Fi extender Bluetooth enabled for battery and water tank monitoring app Electric awning, Bluetooth enabled for app Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker with Alexa Voice control RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

REVIEW TRIBUTE Compact 680 campervan

Compact campervan surprises 1 Words + Photos Robyn Dallimore

e may have been in lockdown for weeks, but ships kept arriving and new RV stock rolled off regularly. One of the latest models to arrive at Nationwide RV in Drury is this long-wheel based two-berth campervan, fully fitted for self-containment offering a rear lounge. Nationwide RV was originally set up as a car yard by current owner/operator Bob Gordon-Stables in 1989. From that day to this, Bob has grown his RV specific dealer network nationwide. Originally with three branches called Ashburton RV, Taranaki RV and Silverdale RV, the company rebranded to Nationwide RV in 2018 highlighting countrywide presence. In December 2019, Nationwide RV added the Drury yard to further cement their position in the market. Today, Nationwide RV is one of the largest importers of motorhomes, caravans and buses in New Zealand. The New Age Caravans are Australian built The company’s two latest developments over the last six months include the purchase of the property site formerly known as Auckland Motorhomes at 81 Creek Street, Drury, this is now proudly a Nationwide RV Drury site and is the second dealership for Auckland with Silverdale RV at the northern end of the motorway. The second development is a new

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

site for the head office at 686 Devon Road, New Plymouth. A purpose-built building and site has been planned for some time, and earlier this year it was announced the office was officially moving in. It is not yet a finished project as lockdown caused some delays, but certainly is a big move on both fronts from Bob – he has a team of great people working with him around the country. All the sites handle sales of new and used RV products, offer repairs,

parts, installations, advice and much more. We dropped into Drury and picked up the Tribute Compact van from Treena. Based on a Fiat Ducato FWD cab chassis, with the latest technology 9-speed fully auto gearbox it was really easy to drive. This model had 0km on the clock, not often I am the first one to put the first clicks on the clock. The colour rear camera wasn’t set up, but I could easily see what was happening behind me with the electric (and

heated) side mirrors. Good storage in the cab and side pockets in the doors. What I love in an RV for full comfort is cruise control – so handy, radio controls on the steering wheel, USB charger port, Bluetooth phone system, GPS and rear camera are all on the list, drink holders and storage for glasses, books, food, dog leads, map books to actually – this model with its Fiat cab set up has it all, every item tick tick tick. 5. Monitors situated over the entrance door, over cab storage for the front cabin thermo blinds. Note LED strip lighting and the mini spots are built in across the cab area 6. This Fiat Ducato has lots of features with fully auto 9-speed gearbox, AM_FM radio, Bluetooth, colour rear camera, cruisecontrol, day running lights 7. Good storage in the doors, step up into the vehicle 8. Rear lounge area, blinds up on the double glazed windows making for a cosy space 9. Gas locker is accessible from the interior, no outside opening cut into the body 10. Good rear storage overhead and LED reading lights 11. Rear doors open revealing rear lounge area made up to a large 1860mm x 1640mm full width bed. Step up on the back bumper to enter from the rear

1. This vehicle drives like a car, great side mirrors plus it has a rear camera. 2. The sliding door opens, the electric step pops out as required, and a new feature for these types of vehicles - a pull-out full doorwidth fly screen. The wind-out awning is full body length above 3. The front cab seats swivel for extra dining area seating, storage locker above the window. Plenty of light with large windows that have fitted fly screens and blinds, LED strip lighting all around. These front facing seats have fitted seatbelts 4. Compact kitchen features three grill hob stove with combined oven, 96Lt Dometic three-way manual fridge with removeable freezer. Hob and sink have glass tops for bench space when down

a bench lounge on each side, back doors open to the rear. In this rear area you can keep as singles if the size works for you, or simply pull out the slatted bed supports from each side, place the wall squabs down and you have a large comfy bed for two. The beauty of a campervan is the body is the original manufactured steel body, not a composite body made separately and placed on the bare chassis, which is what a motorhome is.

The Captain cab seats swivel to be part of the small dinette area, these two front facing dinette seats have seat belts fitted for guest travellers, but does not convert to a bed in this model. If you want people to sleep over you can upgrade to a rear bunk-bed model, great idea. The table is removeable. The kitchen is compact, bathroom has toilet-shower combined, manual 96L Dometic three-way fridge/ freezer box and at the rear a large space with

11 RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

REVIEW

TRIBUTE Compact 680 campervan

TECH SPECS 2020 Auto-Trail Tribute Compact 680 2-berth campervan $131,750

1313

12-13. The bathroom. The door opens to a pedestal 12v electric flush cassette toilet with shower curtain, a nifty sink unit folds back into the wall for storage. Storage above and below. 14. The new compact front end ensures the utmost protection in the event of impact and the greatly reduced front overhang gives great manoeuvrability and driving comfort. The front end comprises of four components that can be removed individually, for easy maintenance. Minimal space is taken up by the engine giving an excellent ratio between the length of the cab and length of the vehicle. This offers more space for the living unit, to the benefit of interior comfort.

PURPOSE BUILT FIAT CHASSIS Fiat Ducato produce from the factory a range of specific cab chassis’ for motorhome manufacturers, with high torsion strength, lower to facilitate access, lighter and more functional. A range of cab chassis designed to allow greater comfort on board, lower ground clearance and greater stability. McPherson front suspension with independent wheels, standard front and rear anti-roll bar. The rear suspension is designed specifically for use on a motorhome. The increased rear track (1980 mm, category best-in-class, 190 more than the standard track) permits greater stability and offers greater width for the living cell. Specific new tyres also suitable for long stops and with low rolling resistance to reduce consumption. The compact front end, greatly reduced front overhang and minimal space taken up by the engine permit an excellent relationship between the length of the cab and the length of the vehicle. The new front end comprises four components that can be removed individually, permitting rapid, costeffective maintenance. Its shape ensures the utmost protection in the event of impact.

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Fiat Ducato manufacture these cab chassis specifically for the motorhome market. There are different heights and lengths available, this model has a specific electrical system for greater reliability and a cab designed with reinforced pillars and pre-cut roof for vents, to produce vehicles from the factory with the utmost quality on all outfits. There are different engine options and upgrade specs that can be pre-ordered by Auto-Trail customers through the Auto-Trail dealers. The LPG bottle storage is accessed from the inside in the back rear area. Great for turning the bottle off for travelling, getting on the ferry etc. There are vents for the refrigeration and cooking units and one the roof in the rear of the van. In this model a minimum number of cuts into that bodywork has been achieved by having only one exterior locker door and that is for the toilet cassette. I liked that there is two living space options, you can make up the rear bed area permanently, or put a small table down there and have two lounge’s, why wouldn’t you want to sit with the back doors open, feet up looking at the view. I loved the fly screen door inside the sliding entry door, so handy. The windows throughout are great sizes, no problem seeing views from the front or back. The kitchen is compact to be sure, but a full oven with grill really is a treat in a campervan, and the fridge is a respectable size if you use it right (me back to my pack your food into containers tip). The bathroom has a fitted curtain to use to keep water off areas, the vanity sink that pushes away into the wall is good idea, push it in and down it comes, push it up and have a flat wall. The Auto-Trail range has a lot of options to choose from, some even smaller than this with the new 5990mm long model released this year, so if a campervan is what you are seeking take a look and see what Nationwide RV has to offer, they are in Ashburton, New Plymouth, Drury and Silverdale in Auckland.

Cab Chassis Based on the 2020 Fiat Ducato 140 MULTI-JET2 with maximum torque of 350 Nm, Fiat 9-speed auto transmission. Cruise control, steering wheel control radio and phone, Zenec Xzent 6.5” LCD display touch screen head unit, radioBluetooth-integrated microphones and colour reversing camera. 16” alloy wheels, motorhome specific tyres. Weigh and Measure Overall in mm – height 2680 – length 6360 – width (mirrors folded) 2270 GVM 3500kg, Tare 3080kg Warranty 2 year habitation warranty (T&C’s apply) 5 year body construction integrity warranty (T&C’s apply) 5 Year cab chassis warranty Self-Containment 2 x 4kg gas bottles, Combi 4kW gas/230v blown air and hot water heating. 3 hob gas cook top with under-bench gas oven/grill unit. 97L Dometic manual 3-way fridge with removable freezer box. Fresh and grey water built-in tanks 68 litres each, 12v electric flush pedestal toilet with 18L rollaway cassette Living Sleeps two - rear bed made up measures 1860 x 1630mm. Double glazed windows with fitted fly screens and blinds. Cushioned vinyl flooring. Internal cab insulating screens, removable boundedged carpet mats, Tamsin upholstery with matching driver and passenger seat covers , fire retardant upholstery. 12v LED low energy lighting. Front dinette area with cab front Captain’s chairs swivelling to dinette. Seatbelts on two front facing seats. Light modern Salinas Oak wood Exterior Electric entry step, door width fly-screen to habitation area, awning, day running lights, colour coded front bumper (5 colour options)

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Recipes extracted from Grow Younger with Great Food By Dr Catherine Stone and Jessica Giljam-Brown RRP: $39.95 Photography by Melanie Jenkin, Flash Studios.

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Winter Apple and Beetroot Tray Bake, with herb-coated chicken or chickpeas Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes Tray Bake

Winner Vol 3

SUMMER with Simon Gault Ms Sally Hall Timaru

Winner Vol 4

EAT GREEN by Melissa Hemsley Ms Alison King Kamo

2 tablespoons olive oil 2 fennel bulbs, stalks and fronds removed, cut into quarters 2 large beetroot, cleaned and cut into wedges 1–2 apples, cut into quarters 1 red onion, cut into quarters 6 sprigs of thyme 6 cloves of garlic, skin on ¼ teaspoon Himalayan salt ¼ teaspoon cracked pepper

Herb-coated Chicken or Chickpeas 1 cup parsley ½ cup raw almonds

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

1 teaspoon cumin seeds ¼ teaspoon chili flakes 1 clove of garlic, peeled Zest of ½ lemon Large pinch of Himalayan salt and pepper 500g chicken thighs or 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed 2 tablespoons olive oil Torn fennel fronds to top

This hearty winter dish can be prepared in the morning then put in the oven when you get home from work, all baked on one tray for easy preparation, cooking and clean-up. Beetroot’s bright colour signals that it is an antioxidant powerhouse. It also contains betaine, a nutrient which supports liver detoxification and the digestion of fatty acids. • Preheat the oven to 180°C. • Add the 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large baking tray or ovenproof dish. • Place the fennel, beetroot, apple, onion, thyme and garlic, and toss to coat in oil. • Lay vegetables in a single layer, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. • Pop the tray into the oven to begin baking while you prepare the chicken or chickpeas. • In a food processor, place the parsley, almonds,

cumin, chili, garlic, lemon zest, and salt and pepper. Pulse until the herb mixture resembles breadcrumbs, then tip out onto a flat bowl or large plate. • If using chicken, rub the olive oil over the chicken thighs, and then dip the chicken into the herb mixture, coating all of the chicken. You may need to press the herb coating into the chicken. • If using chickpeas, tip them into a bowl, add the oil and toss to coat, then add the herb mixture and toss to coat and mix together. Don’t worry if the herb mixture doesn’t stick to the chickpeas – it doesn’t need to. • Once the vegetables have been baking for 30–40 minutes (the beetroot should be softening), remove the tray or dish from the oven and nestle the chicken, or sprinkle the chickpeas and herb mixture between the vegetables. • Return the dish to the oven and bake for 20–30 minutes more. • Remove from the oven, scatter fennel fronds on top and serve with a large green salad. Notes Mix up the type of vegetables in this dish: try some green beans, sweet potatoes, parsnips, carrots or cauliflower. The herb coating also works really well with lamb or white fish.

Summer Prawns Serves 4 Prep time 15 minutes Cooking time 10 minutes 4–5 very large tomatoes 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 chilli, seeds removed, finely diced ¼ cup chopped spring onions 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Zest and juice of 1 lemon ¼ cup finely shredded mint leaves 4 tablespoons capers, drained from the brine and finely chopped ¼ cup pitted and finely chopped Castelvetrano olives (the large green ones) 1 clove of garlic, crushed Large pinch of Himalayan salt and pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil 450g peeled prawns

Prawns are a summer classic, and they are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, selenium and iodine. These nutrients are key for great thyroid function, healthy ovulation and progesterone production as well as immune function and healing. We suggest keeping prawns in the freezer to defrost for a quick dinner, although you are welcome to use fresh prawns when they are available. • Cut the tomatoes into large chunks and arrange on a serving plate. In a large bowl combine the olive oil, chilli, spring onions, balsamic vinegar, lemon zest and juice, mint leaves, capers, olives, garlic, salt and pepper to make a salsa. Mix well so that flavours can combine and infuse. • Heat a pan over a high heat, and once hot, add the olive oil and the prawns and fry them on each side for 2 minutes. • Once the prawns are cooked, add them to the bowl of salsa and toss to coat. • Tip the salsa-covered prawns over the plate of tomatoes and serve alongside a big green salad and some summer sweetcorn.

Raw Lemon Slice Makes 12 squares Prep time 15 minutes Base

1 cup desiccated coconut 1 cup rolled oats Zest of 1 lemon ½ cup dried dates soaked in boiling water for 30 minutes (reserve the water) 3 tablespoons coconut oil Juice of 1 lemon Pinch of Himalayan salt 3 tablespoons water from dates

Icing

1 cup desiccated coconut Zest of 2 lemons Pinch of Himalayan salt ¼ cup maple syrup Juice of 2 lemons ¾ cup coconut oil, melted

Lemons are plentiful over winter, so make use of them by making this slice. Lemons are well known for being rich in vitamin C, a vitamin that supports the immune system and is essential for warding off winter bugs. The combination of oats and coconut in this slice makes it filling and satisfying, providing a perfect mid-morning snack. • In a food processor, blend coconut, oats and lemon zest until very fine, then add the dates, coconut oil, lemon juice, salt, and water. Blend until the mixture comes together and forms a dough-like consistency. • Press the dough into a baking paperlined tin (20cm x 20cm), then place tin in the fridge while you make the icing. • In a food processor, blend the coconut and lemon zest until fine, then add the salt, maple syrup, lemon juice and melted coconut oil and process until smooth. • Pour the icing over the base and return to the fridge. Allow 2–3 hours to set, then slice into 12 squares. RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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The Strength of Eggshells explores the lives of strong rural New Zealanders, set against the fragile isolation of a farm upbringing, two world wars and a landscape that is inevitably slipping beyond reach.

The North Island is known for its dramatic and unique tourist attractions, and well-beaten tracks to stunning beaches, but what about the off-thebeaten-tracks? Dive into newly discovered swimming holes, walk pristine white sand beaches and immerse yourself in the culture and history.

Helen James RRP $19.99 Exisle Publishing

Knife

Jo Nesbo RRP $38.00 Penguin Publishing Following the dramatic conclusion of number-one bestseller The Thirst, Knife sees Harry Hole waking up with a ferocious hangover, his hands and clothes covered in blood. Not only is Harry about to come face to face with an old, deadly foe, but with his darkest personal challenge yet.

ONE COPY TO BE WON

This delightful, illustrated book will put a smile on everyone’s face. Humorous and beautiful illustrations, combined with words of wisdom from PUG, take readers on an inspirational journey. Who would have thought that PUG stands for Philosophical Universal Guidance?

ONE COPY TO BE WON ONE COPY TO BE WON

Pacific: An ocean of wonders

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Philip J Hatfield RRP $49.99 Bateman Books

A new look at this fascinating ocean, considering the diversity of culture beyond the familiar viewpoint of colonial history. Fully illustrated with maps, paintings, artefacts and photographs, with some items from the British Library collection reproduced for the very first time.

PUG: How to be the best you

Worth A Detour: South Island Peter Janssen RRP $39.99 New Holland

The South Island boasts some of the most breathtaking landscapes and unique tourist attractions in the world, but what about the unknown places that don’t appear in the regular tourist- or travel-guides? Respected travel author Peter Janssen scoured the South Island to uncover these hidden gems.

Workplace Bullying: A costly business phenomenon

Recursion

Blake Crouch RRP $29.99 Pan Macmillan

Andrea Needham RRP $35.00 Mary Egan Publishing

What if someone could rewrite your life? “My son has been erased.” Those are the last words the woman tells Barry Sutton, before she leaps from the Manhattan rooftop. Deeply unnerved, Barry begins to investigate her death, only to learn that this wasn’t an isolated case.

Corporate abuse. Mobbing. Workplace bullying. Call it what you will, the outcome is still the same – staff who become demoralised, and lose trust and confidence in your organisation; staff who leave.

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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RV ROAD BOOKS ONE COPY TO BE WON

ONE COPY TO BE WON

ONE COPY TO BE WON ONE COPY TO BE WON

Lost and Found Danielle Steel RRP $34.99 Pan Macmillan

Madison Allen is a renowned, career-driven photographer. Sifting through old photos in her fashionable New York firehouse apartment, she reflects on what could have been. She’d had three men in her life who were very important to her in different ways, but it was the fourth love, her job, which always won in the end.

Relative Strangers: A mother’s adoption memoir Pip Murdoch RRP $30.00 Fern Publishing

Pip Murdoch has written a searingly honest memoir about growing up in the 1960s and what it was like to give up a child for adoption, in the face of limited choices and moral disapproval of unmarried mothers.

Antarctic Journeys

The Making of a Manager

Philippa Werry RRP $24.99 New Holland Antarctica has no native inhabitants, and it’s very remote, which means everyone who goes there – today or in the past – has a special reason for wanting to go. It’s a place that children can only imagine, because they can’t go there.

ONE COPY TO BE WON

A well-organised love story devoted to our feathered friends which – when one really watches them, their habits, acrobatics and prettily patterned feathers – will brighten the dullest of days.

102

One copy of each title to be won, email the book title as subject to: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz or post to: RVNZT vol 5 Books PO Box 220 Martinborough 5711 with your full details, go in the draw to win. Closes 3 September 2020 Enter online here

Flying Furballs 2: Hot Air

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Liz Light and Oscar Thomas RRP $39.99 John Beaufoy Publishing

Leading a team for the first time is a daunting endeavour. Top tech executive Julie Zhuo presents a bold guide to getting respect – and results – in your new managerial role.

BOOK GIVEAWAYS

ONE COPY TO BE WON

The 50 Best Birdwatching Sites in New Zealand

Julie Zhuo RRP $40.00 Penguin Publishing

The Gendered Brain Gina Rippon RRP $40.00 Penguin Publishing

An agenda-setting, mythdebunking book by neuroscientist Professor Gina Rippon that demolishes the idea of biology as destiny and the myth of the male or female brain.

RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

Donovan Bixley RRP $14.99 Upstart Press

Get ready for take-off! Claude D’Bonair and his friend Syd are following a lead that takes them into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Can they stop Europe from going to the DOGZ?

BOOK WINNERS VOL 3 Gravity Is The Thing – R Dunn Ngatea The First Breath – L Look Totaravale My Van My Castle – P Stade Nelson RV There Yet – M Ross Lumsden Meltwater – C Leatham Alexandra The Pale North – M Coleman Whangarei The Little Ghost Who Lost her Boo – L Marshall Ashburton Taming The Wild – P Barber Allegra In Three Parts – M Fryer Tauranga

• Battery & Auto Electrical Specialists • Nationwide Battery Warranty • Over 90 Stores Nationwide

MARKET PLACE

Contact us to advertise: FREE to subscribers or $25 casual advertisers per issue. Supply maximum 35 words, phone, price and contact email, plus one photo 1mb in size. Post to: RV For Sale, PO Box 220 Martinborough, 5711 or Email: Subs@rvmagazine.co.nz – You can also load your For Sale on our website: rvlifestye.co.nz/for Sales

2-19

5-19

2-20

2010 VW Crafter

2013 Elddis Buccaneer Clipper

1990 Fuso MK517K

2016 Swift 644 Escape

2 permanent beds at rear. Double bed up front. Front swivel seats. 7.2m. Auto 2.5.Table front or rear. Microwave, Auto TV, 150 watt solar panel. $75,000 Ph: 021574453

8M immaculate, comfortably sleeps 4. 2 decent sized single beds, fully insulated. Central heating, stability control, anti-sway. Ideal for permanent living. $62,000ono Ph: 021 710 272

High quality finish in washed Maple Fixed dbl bed with storage, pull out settee into dbl bed. Self containment for 4 people $97,000 ono Ph: 027 340 6273

18,600KM 4 seat belts NZ gas & electrical complied. External shower and BBQ point Thule bike rack for 2 bicycles $96,000 Ph: 027 284 5851

2-20

1-20

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Hino Rainbow

Swift Bessacarr E765

2003 Mitsubishi Canter

2016 Fiat Ducato Rollerteam Scout

Fitted Fiarma windows, near new flush toilet and shower. 2 new truck batteries, outside shower Extensive quality work done, have receipts $95,000 Ph: 027 295 9704

New solar panel, shower closed off from toilet Lots of storage, 6 berth fixed rear double Awning with walls, electric step $95,000 Ph: 027 434 1040

Total Freedom camping capable with Solar Panel installed. New COF and 6 months rego just applied Mongoose radio/dvd player/gps/bluetooth CB radio, CO2 alarm installed $50,000 Ph: 027 476 4696

All the extras have already been added just hop in and drive away! 57,000KM Serviced Feb 2020, 4 berth certified seats for 6 $96,500 Ph: 021 173 4120

6-20

2016 Stirling Continental

2011 Jayco Sterling

2015 Southern Star

2015 Sterling Elite 645

Leather upholstery, Dble bed w superior mattress Loads of storage, large fridge/freezer End bathroom w sep shower, incl TV $69,500 Ph: 027 433 9689

XL rear ensuite bathroom, leather upholstery Outside shower, Smev oven Thule bike rack, 2 awnings $65,000 ono Ph: 027 413 2047

Set up for off the grid, heavy duty axles TV inbuilt freeview, 80 ltr fridge 60 ltr freezer, Caravan roll out awning w walls $60,000 ono Ph: 027 435 9271

Travel with comfort and style in this beautifully designed caravan with practical layout and plenty of features. ANZA Motor Company $59,995 Ph: 0800 668 585

Caravan & Motorhome Repairs Call into our showroom for accessories, solar panels, satellites, awnings, TV’s etc

www.gazley.com | 04 886 1063

FREEWAY LEISURE & RV CENTRE LTD.

PARTS & ACCESSORIES REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE SELF CONTAINMENT WORK ph. 04 233 0331 | email: steve@freeway.co.nz 25 Ulric St, Plimmerton, Wellington

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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All double glazed windows, skylights, wheel spats, bumpers, side skirts, trims, habitation doors, locker doors, locks, tail lights, indicators, and interior habitation parts. Ph: Kevin 027 517 0300 Email: sales@cmparts.co.nz

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2-19

10-19

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2005 Zong Tong A-Class Motorhome

2016 Jayco Silverline

1996 Hino Rainbow

2000 Wakerley Motorhome

11.5m wide body, new 320 Cummings motor. New deep cell batteries and driving batteries. Loads locker space, self-levelling stabilisers. $260,000ono Ph: 021 022 56653

Fully self-contained and set up for permanent living. Club lounge leather upholstery, rear locker Double pull out, full length awning $85,000 Ph: 027 406 3871

Converted 2007, swivel chairs in front Ideal for permanent living or getaways Very comfortable and drives like a dream $134,000 ono Ph: 027 436 4878

Regulary serviced and very well cared for Shed stored when not in use, blackout blinds Sep shower and toilet, tow bar $98,000 Ph: 027 486 1084

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6-20

2009 KEA Dreamtime

2008 Fiat Ducato

2013 Tiffin Allegro Breeze 32BR

2020 Frankia i8400QD Platin

Fully serviced incl gearbox, rear diff, as per service schedule. Good indoor/outdoor storage, lockable safe. Rear ladder, 5 seat belts, all CERTS current $98,000 Ph: 027 473 3153

Mint Condition, extremely low 110,000kms Excellent condition tyres and brakes Self-contained, king bed converts to singles $49,995 ono Ph: 027 498 3797

10M converted right hand drive, Solar power, sleeps 6, generator, 2 slide outs, 2 awnings, Excellent condition, 1 owner $325,000 ono Ph: 021 0245 3519

Right Hand Drive with car licence, COF, Designated passenger seats at standard 4, Island bed & Electric Pull down Double Bed $322,000 Ph: 0800 112 828

Clear View Mirrors FULL MECHANICAL & AUTO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS AND SERVICING

• MOTORHOME SERVICING & REPAIRS • PRE COF CHECKS & WOF • BRAKE SPECIALISTS • BATTERY SPECIALISTS • MTA ASSURED 17 Waikaukau Road, Glen Eden, Auckland PH: 09 813 3658 | Email: accounts@dctrial.co.nz www.dctrial.co.nz

call: 0274 939 305 Email: dovetail@xtra.co.nz www.clearviewmirrors.com.au

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www.littlecracker.co.nz For all soft Upholstery needs Squabs, Wall linings & carpet 21 Chelmer Street Oamaru ph. 03-434 6238 E: info@blackhawkltd.co.nz www.blackhawk.net.nz

For all your automatic and manual transmission, diff repairs and requirements, give us a call today. 07 847 2799 | 10 Grasslands Place

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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MARKET PLACE

Contact us to advertise: FREE to subscribers or $25 casual advertisers per issue. Supply maximum 35 words, phone, price and contact email, plus one photo 1mb in size. Post to: RV For Sale, PO Box 220 Martinborough, 5711 or Email: Subs@rvmagazine.co.nz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; You can also load your For Sale on our website: rvlifestye.co.nz/for Sales

6-20

2020 Frankia i8400GD

2012 Fuso Canter Diamond Booth

2017 Keystone Cougar

2017 Mercedes Malvern

With less than 250km mileage. Right Hand Drive with car licence, COF, Designated passenger seats at standard 4, 2 x Single Beds & Electric Pull down Double Bed $315,000 Ph: 0800 112 828

This is truly something special, you will struggle to find this much luxury and comfort in another motor home. Washing Machine (Brand New) Lounge & Kitchen Slides Out $259,995 Ph: 0800 668 585

Fifth Wheel/Isuzu Truck combo, Complete off the grid living. ALSO ...we will throw in a Nifty Boat in excellent condition, Boat fits in storage compartment in Fifth wheeler $210,000 ono Ph: 021 079 1035

Sleeps 4, perm French double bed and two settee that make up another double bed. 2 x TVs, one in bedroom, one in Lounge. Runs beautifully, no issues, low kilometers. Packed with features. $159,000 Ph: 021 044 7013

6-20

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Nearly new â&#x20AC;&#x201C; save heaps on the new price. A beautiful, comfortable easy to drive motorhome In great condition, registered, certified and ready to go. $149,999 ono Ph: 027 696 0147 07 315 4623

Like new with only 9000 KM 4 berth, rear singles make a king double Swivel cab seats, ESP & traction control $135,995 Ph: 027 576 6767

Only 5300km. Absolute mint condition, plenty Great little camper, two berth of storage. Fully self contained, perm dblâ&#x20AC;¢ bed, Fresh, grey In goodand tidy condition, self-contained black water tanks freeview. Lots of draw and cupboard storage Price deduction by $30,000 now Coastal Motorhomes & Caravans â&#x20AC;¢ Resin complies with the AS/NZ $134,995 ono Ph: 021 978 118 $34,000 Ph: 07 307 0503

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2013 Southern Star 700

2009 CoachCraft Venetto

2018 Dethleffs Trend

Professional Build Caravan & Tow Vehicle

As new, ideal for permanent living! Rear bathroom, island bed, Immaculate condition, huge awning. UCC Motorhomes & Caravans $769,990 Ph: 0800 222 108

660 rear U shaped lounge. The Ford engine has had a fresh service - and a new COF on handover UCC Motorhomes & Caravans $74,990 Ph: 0800 222 108

Distinction Range A6977. Bike rack, full oven, reverse camera. TV & automatic satellite dish UCC Motorhomes & Caravans $113,990 Ph: 0800 222 108

Custom designed & built by Savill Coachworks. Spacious interior design, island bed. Galley style kitchen, Led and sensor lighting. Pull-out marine grade BBQ $150,000 ono Ph: 021 939 957

Sparky

The Cute Wee Fire with a Big Heart Everyone loves Sparky. He can be found in many diverse locations and situations from mobile homes, house boats, holiday homes, tiny houses, tucked up in front of inefficient old open fires and even in larger modern new builds. Sparky will keep you cosy Heat Output and warm and boil the 6-20 kettle for a cuppa while6-20 7kw (estimated). he chuckles away and A 1.2kw Lion wetback can be Jayco Silverlinebrightens your day. fitted to2018 heat your hot water.

Jayco Eagle 324BHTS

Immaculate condition, 3x large slide-outs. Great storage, full size linen closet. 3x wardrobes, 2x aircon units, underfloor heating. Automated awning, outdoor hot n cold shower $99,000 ono Ph: 027 479 2818

6-20

2014 Airstream International

Immucalute as new, model 25.75-2.MY17. Only Very good condition, approx used 14 nights used a couple of times, has all the extra’s. East Colour since new. Stored inside, will come with current west bed slide-out, upgrade to leather upholstery options nowWOF/Rego. Near new batteries and tyres, Two tvs, full sized fridge/freezer, washing available! machine charges when driving. $96,000 Ph: 021 454 299 Leon $89,500 ono Ph: 027 440 0724 Meet Sparky’s big brother Leon

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Wholesale Prices Direct to the public across New Zealand Heat Output 16-18kw (estimated). A 3kw Lion wetback can be fitted to heat your hot water.

Leon is a multi-fuel fire standing 900mm high with a fixed log box base for wood storage and a stove top cooking surface. Leon will keep you warm and cosy on the outside and will boil the kettle or cook a pot of soup or stew to warm your insides too. Leon has been built to work hard and stand the test of time. When fitted with a “Lion” wetback plenty of power saving SHIMMERING hot water is also on hand. ROSE

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ASHBY GASFITTING www.wagenerstoves.co.nz 5 Allen Bell Drive, Kaitaia Ph/Fax (09) 408 2469

To ensure you meet the new gas codes contact Mike Ashby for all your requirements

ph 021 416 225 email mike@ashbygas.co.nz

As new condition with many extras. Serviced very well since new. Washing machine and tow ball mounted bike rack if wanted $82,500 ono Ph: 021 733 441

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2016 Leisureline Platinum

Attention Happy Campers!

We cater for all small camping cylinders from 0.5kg up to 45kg with clean efficient propane.

We also have a selection of cylinders available in stock .. 30 Springs Rd, East Tamaki, Auckland | Mon - Fri 8am-5pm Sat 8am-12pm Ph: 09 274 8229 | Email : Autolpg@Xtra.co.nz | autogascentre.com

PLAN YOUR TRIP AROUND DESTINATIONS, NOT DUMP STATIONS Simple to install and operate Hygienic Odourless Uses no water

YOUR RV ELECTRICAL SPECIALISTS

Established since 1988, Auto Electrical Services (Wai) Ltd offers comprehensive automotive electrical services. We do repairs for: Motorhomes, Caravans and 5th Wheels Auto Electrical Repairs, Cars, Vintage Vehicles, Mobility Scooters. We are also stockists of wide range of new & used spare parts, batteries plus much more. Visit us today for all your automotive electrical needs or call now to discuss your requirements.

Ph: 06 3788126 email: aes@xtra.co.nz 21 Bentley Street, Masterton

Composting toilet Contact John m: 021 175 6686 e: info@enviromarine.org | enviromarine.org

We are NZ’s biggest parts support and stocker We have been We are& servicing NZboth wide supplier of providing NZ’s biggest Wehave have over over 20 years We years experience Experience continuously Fiat Ducato parts supportover and stocker & specialising in Fiat Ducato with Fiat Ducato, Specialising in Parts, the last 35 parts of servicing NZyears wide supplier Motorhomes / light commercial. Servicing Fault finding We have overand 20 years experience continuously over Fiat Ducato specialising in Fiat Ducato the last 35 years parts | 2 3 S a l e y a r dMotorhomes s Road, O t a hcommercial. uhu Auckland | italianauto.co.nz / light We have been

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RV Lifestyle-NZTODAY Vol 5 July–August 2020

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MARKET PLACE

6-20

2019 Leisureline Nomad 490

2003 Leisureline

2020 Fiat Ducato Pilote P740C

2017 Fiat Ducato Pilote G740C

A spacious 2 berth w a big fridge Heating, TV and satellite and sep shower/toilet Perfect to hook up and head away. CountryRV $69,395 Ph: 0800 288 860

The compact but practical caravan that is Uniquely NZ with an almost retro interior Small yet spacious, great cupboard space. CountryRV $29,990 Ph: 0800288 860

Electronic stability programme Island bed, extra large boot Storage Additional sleeping for two. www.deluxegroup.co.nz $157,990 Ph: 03 578 3310

18203 KM. www.deluxegroup.co.nz $158,990 Ph: 03 578 3310

6-20

2019 Swift Sprite Caravan

2016 Caravelair Allegra 475

2019 Dethleffs Exclusiv 650RET

2020 Dethleffs Nomad 560RET

Lovely caravan in near new condition Front boot storage, front travel cover 2 berth, thule awning Coastal Motorhomes & Caravans $45,000 Ph: 07 307 0503

Lightweight towing, sleeps 4 Modern French design, hail resistant Large front boot, external access Coastal Motorhomes & Caravans $44,950 Ph: 07 307 0503

Uncompromised in its layout and proportions Spacious leather wrap-around lounge Wide twin single beds, substantial kitchen Central RV $114,900 Ph: 07 378 0620

Brand new interior and exterior styling Twin single bed model Premium German engineering at its best Central RV $86,900 Ph: 07 378 0620

Caravan & Motor Home World

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432 3160 or 027 432 3245

email cof@southernmechanical.co.nz

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YOUR ONE-STOP-SHOP FOR ALL YOUR RV NEEDS • Independent pre purchase checks 236D Main South Road • Full service self containment Hornby, Christchurch • Solar installs • Diesel heater specialists • On board water email: peter@b2brv.co.nz • Television installs • General fault finding and repairs • LED Lighting • Much much more

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par

’s C a p

Lockdown, walkies and road trips 1

oof woof ruff arf yip yip woof woof grrrr, bow wow bow wow ruff ruff arf arf. Pass that on to your pets please, a little note from me to them. What a great time we have had lately – we got to stay home for weeks and weeks, I got big walkies every day and so many pats and cuddles, lunches on the deck – it was terrific. A bit strange too, though – my car seat came

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inside … now that was really strange, but I loved it sitting between mama and papa’s chair watching TV, it was great actually. I couldn’t go down and talk with the fifi next door, as mama put a fence across the driveway, and on walkies we crossed the road when we met other people and doggies. I wasn’t allowed to sniff or play with any of my mates for soooooo long, it was very upsetting actually. I love walkies so I can sniff my mates, who’s been where, how they are feeling, all those things. Mama said there was a sickness going around and everyone has to stay away from each other. How weird. I couldn’t understand why that should affect me and my mates, but mama said she didn’t want people patting me, or me sniffing up some germs from my friends. I got a growling when I walked too close to someone’s fence – they yelled at mama and papa to get me away from them, hmmm woofy ruff ruff. The only visitor we got was when the food came in the car. The boot opened up and mama and papa got food out, but I

3 1. This house in Buckland had different displays every week, pyramids, race track, farming, boats, rescue helicopter and fireman and other displays - so much fun for everyone 2. I got a ride with little Finn down at the Viaduct, good times 3. So much fun when lockdown ended and Mac came to visit with Finn, Ben and Maura

RV PETS Caspar’s Capers

wasn’t even allowed a pat or cuddle from the visitor. I don’t really know what sickness is but I woof grrr don’t like it. We did see little Charli though coz she and her daddy were in something mama said was a shared bubble with us – great to have pats, brushings and attention from her. Finally, after a really long time – it felt like a year or two – mama started packing the motorhome, woofy woof woof so exciting I couldn’t believe what was happening. “Just a weekend away Caspie”, mama said. We put on my harness, got my bed and away we went to Sandspit just a couple of hours away. It was so much fun running on the beach,

getting sandy and dirty, meeting new people and exploring somewhere I have never been. I ruff ruff love being away after being at home sooooo long. And I was allowed to get pats from people, tummy tickles all round mmmm so good. Charli and the family were there in a cabin at the campground, and other friends and kids came up to see us as well. We had the best day on the beach, fishing and playing – bow wow good times. There was even a cool fire that papa put in the motorhome, so it was warm and cosy both nights. I was a bit grrrrowly that I couldn’t eat the sticky things on the stick that everyone made over the fire, but by that time I was pretty tired and

6 4. A good tummy tickle from a strange lady at the campground, good times 5. The fire was so warm, I wasn’t allowed a marshmallow though 6. Much fun at Sandspit beach where we stayed in the motorhome, I was allowed to talk to and sniff other doggie friends 7. No one would take me for a ride, looks like fun 8. A good walk at Mt Maunganui, mama and papa disappointed we couldn’t walk around the mountain or even walk me on the beach in some places, but we found signs that showed the places we could go. My hair is a bit long for sand mama reackons

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9 9. I didn’t get much of the edamame beans or eggplant but mama shared some calamari mmmm 10. A bit of a breeze up here at Cornwall Park

laxed out on da papa’s tummy – I didn’t push the point coz I might have been put to bed. Big BBQ breakfasts and dinner … I like this campground, lots of walkies and exploring to be done. But I didn’t like the wharf area – when is papa going to realise I hate walking over that water stuff? It freaks me out seeing it between the cracks, and I pull back and try to slip my collar sometimes, I get so freaked out. The next week at home we got our first visitors, with little Finn and his dog Mac coming to stay with his mama and papa. That was great fun having Mac to stay and play for a few days. Walkies at the Viaduct of course. I even got a ride with Finn in his buggy that was woofy woof fun. Then Ricky arrived from down home and he stayed with us for a while. He always gives me special pats and cuddles – everything was feeling normal again. A couple of weeks later a new motorhome arrived in the driveway. Now that was weird, and stranger still when my car seat was put on a seat in the back and I was loaded in too, so confusing with mama and papa talking about a RocknRobyn 5. We went to Tauranga for a

couple of days, visited little Finn and Mac on the farm, and went walkies near the beach, but there were lots of signs around saying I wasn’t allowed to be there, so we had to find where the signs stopped and where they changed to doggie welcome signs. Mama had talked about going around the Mount, whatever that means, but was disappointed coz I’m not allowed there, so no go. Didn’t worry me – I had a great time getting sandy and windblown playing with papa. We visited with a man called Rob that I have meet a few times before. He had lots of visitors at his business Country RV, and I played in a kid’s pool and tried out a cool bike that was sitting there. After seeing that little girl doggie earlier this year riding on a big motorbike with her papa I have been intrigued by these things. This one didn’t look big like hers did, so I jumped up to see for myself but NO was the answer from everyone, grrrr. Last weekend we went to a new place for walkies, Cornwall Park mama said. What a great place that is, so many other doggies around, paths, areas to explore – it was great fun. I think we will go there more often coz

Where’s Caspar’s

RV PETS

p a rs C a per

mama and papa seemed really happy, and of course we had lunch at a little café there. I didn’t get much to eat coz they ate it all up, but a little fifi was sitting not far away under a table so I was pretty busy making eyes with her anyway. Now we seem to be back to normal, with mama and papa working all the time on their computers and not so many walkies. Sniffies and talkies with doggie friends in the neighbourhood are all go again though. Lunch in the Viaduct yesterday – it has been so long since we have done that. I was getting so hot at home with the heater going, mama booked me in for a haircut as soon as it was allowed. It felt great, but I slept in mama and papa’s bed a few times those first couple of nights as it was a bit bbbrrrrr chilly. We have been at home this week, but I hear talk of a trip away again next week once this magazine is finished. I love it when the magazine is finished, coz I don’t get enough attention when mama and papa are working all the time. Take care friends woof woof bow wow arf arf, and a spray on the side to sniff.

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