NZToday RV Lifestyle Vol 7

Vol.

7

NZTODAY RV Lifestyle | NOV-DEC 2020 |

Show Spotlights 2020 & 2021 show models

RV MEGA Bailey Adamo

BOP RV Imagine Caravan

NATIONWIDE RV Auto-Trail Tribute T-680

ACTION MANUFACTURING Dreamtime

Wenderkreisen Koru Star 2ST

Heartland Journeys Walk & Cycle Trails Road Trips Reviews

VOL. 7 NOV-DEC 2020

Otago • Waimate • Mangaweka • Mangōnui • New Plymouth • Catlins to Cromwell • Middle-earth • Piano Flat • Paparoa Track • Brass Monkey rally • RV 2020 and 2021 show models • Freedom camping

Freedom camping

What’s it all about?

Travel & Lifestyle Otago

Lawrence golden gateway

Waimate

Walk & cycle trails

Middle-earth mountain biking Piano Flat – A great caravan ride Paparoa Track Great Ride

Allan Dick road trip & camping

Mangaweka an artist hub

Mangōnui Butler Point

Retro Caravans Brass Monkey rally

New Plymouth SH3 to Urenui Catlins to Cromwell 4WD 46th parallel adventure

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Road trips – Destinations – Lifestyle

Waimate – Allan Dick takes a campervan trip to explore the local Waimate region Southland – Otago, 4WD off-road adventures across the 46th parallel Taranaki – visiting Urenui, a seaside village on SH3 north of New Plymouth Rangitikei – Mangaweka, where art, rafting and a big ol’ plane are just some of the attractions Northland – Butler Point Mangōnui, exploring our early whaling industry

RV PETS

Classic Caravans – NZ Retro Car and Caravan Club’s inaugural Brass Monkey rally Freedom Camping – What is it all about? Basic rules explained

12 West Coast – the Paparoa Track, Great Ride starting in Blackball 34 Marlborough – Kaikoura, the new Middle-earth mountain bike park 38 Southland – Piano Flat, a great caravan holiday riding the trails

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Walk and cycle trails

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WIN $250 INTERISLANDER FERRY VOUCHER

Reviews & Profiles

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88 RV Industry – Grant Brady from Action Manufacturing on business post-Covid-19 in 2020 97 Show Profiles – 11 models from the recent NZMCA Motorhome Caravan and Outdoor show.

VW California Grande Camper, Platinium MH, Bailey Adamo MH, Dreamtime MH, Imagine Caravan, Duet Tourer Camper, Koru Star Camper, CI Magis HM, Royal Flair Piazza Caravan, Auto-Trail Tribute Camper, Morelo Palace

Regular – Competitions – Marketplace 81 Books – latest release books to be won 90 Subscriber Page – win with Protecta 122 Events – scheduled events around New Zealand 125 Walkabout – industry news, events and products 128 Marketplace and RV trade directories 134 Caspar’s Capers – be in to win with Interislander

BOOKS TO BE WON SEE p81

VOLUME 7 Nov-Dec 2020

Otago – Lawrence, gateway to historic goldfields and more

CONTENTS

Rock’n’Robyn Chronicles – diary of the RV Lifestyle team

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EDITOR’S Letter to Readers ISSN 2703-2477 (Print) ISSN 2703-2485 (Online)

NZToday RV Lifestyle Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020 www.rvlifestyle.co.nz EDITOR Robyn Dallimore, editor@rvmagazine.co.nz ADVERTISING MANAGER Bruce Mountain, bruce@rvmagazine.co.nz 021 657 090, Auckland Office 09 296 2926 SUB-EDITING & PROOFING Thiers Halliwell, Allan Walton DESIGN Cameron Leggett CONTRIBUTORS Sheryl Bainbridge, Grant Brady, Robyn Dallimore, Allan Dick, Kathy Catton, Don Jessen Gary Patterson, Jane Dove Juneau COVER SHOTS Gary Patterson OBC: Supplied Volkswagen 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) Full online website access $25 1 year 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: 09 296 2926 Mail: PO Box 220, Martinborough 28 Oxford Street, Martinborough, 5711 PUBLISHERS Bruce Mountain, bruce@rnrpublishing.co.nz Robyn Dallimore, robyn@rnrpublishing.co.nz 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.

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No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. Please check our website www.RnRPublishing.co.nz for a full Terms and Conditions of advertising schedule.

Christmas is coming

W

ell here we are, a few more months after Covid-19 changed our lives in March this year. What a ride! Who would have guessed so much could change in such a small amount of time, and spread over the entire world – strange times.

The RV industry has been lucky in many ways, well initially anyway, as vehicle sales are through the roof. Doesn’t matter at what level – the most basic secondhand 30-yearold camper or caravan is just as much in demand as the mid-range $100,000 to $150,000 models, and even the big and flash $550,000 models will have waiting lists shortly, such is sales demand.

New Zealand manufacturers, as you will read from Action Manufacturing Grant Brady’s column in these pages, are managing the challenges as they can; Leisure Line caravans reportedly have orders well into next year, and for the first time didn’t attend the Hamilton Show as they can’t take on much more work; Jayco was not present either for the first time – their factory is in Melbourne so we know the challenges they have been facing.

NZ distributors of imported models potentially also face supply challenges into next year, with so much of the stock that has been ordered and shipped to New Zealand being already sold on the books. And with the overseas RV manufacturers finding worldwide demand has sky-rocketed, order books are overflowing – goodness knows what the supply situation will look like in 2021. I have heard whispers one importer won’t see new product until 2022.

The NZMCA Motorhome Caravan and Outdoor show was put off from its September dates and opened instead on Friday October 9 for three days. Thankfully Auckland came down to Level 1 at midnight on the Wednesday prior, and visitor numbers showed the eagerness of people from all over the country to investigate the RV lifestyle on show.

There were so many options for punters at the show. I have spotlighted in this issue a variety of two-berth campers, motorhomes (both NZ and

overseas manufactured), as well as a couple of the big caravan units on offer, especially for those looking for tiny homes, extra living space on the property – that sort of size – these will be of interest to many I am sure.

Travel and cycle-trail wise in this issue we inspire you to explore the South Island with Sheryl and Neil as they headed away on a 4WD adventure experience from the Catlins to Cromwell. They have now done the whole South island on these types of tours. They also explore Lawrence and its golden history. Gary heads off in the caravan to Piano Flat with the bikes and also takes on the Paparoa Track, starting in Blackball, for his first full ride of the track he helped design. Allan heads off in a camper van around the Waimate district, while Kathy heads north of Kaikōura on the way to Marlborough, to visit the recently opened Middle-hill mountain bike park.

In the north Sheryl stops off in Mangaweka, a small town on the main trunk line of SH1 before you get to Taihape, and in Northland explores the whaling history at Butlers Point in Mangōnui. Jane cruises from New Plymouth to Urenui for a weekend in their local backyard, as many of us are doing now – exploring our own regions at weekends. Don and Marilyn head to the inaugural Brass Monkey rally as part of a classic caravan club event.

Take care on the roads before Christmas. Think about giving friends a gift subscription to the magazine perhaps – share the love of reading I say.

A bit early, but this is the November and December issue, so Merry Christmas, best wishes and positivity to you all, from us all.

Regards from our small team

Robyn Dallimore Editor-Publisher

Laura Atikinson Subscriptions

Bruce Mountain Publisher

Cam Leggett Designer

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ROCKNROBYN CHRONICLES

What shall we buy?

RV check list Words + Photos Robyn Dallimore

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ummer temperatures have been around this week and into the 30s for some, bring it on.

Suppliers are getting rental enquiries for the motorhomes from locals now; in the past 98 per cent of rentals have been to overseas visitors.

For me, renting a motorhome or two is a smart way to sample the lifestyle before you buy an RV yourself, try a long-wheel-base two-berth as well as the bigger, separate bedroom models and different ones in between.

So many people buy their first RV based on what someone else has, or what someone else thought they should have – we have met them – but they are soon selling it after finding they don’t need a big boot, or they don’t want six berths, they want living space for two, or they have an amazing big truck or bus unit, but need a campervan to get into those smaller less-accessible places.

I feel like I have learnt a little bit over the years from the many people we have met on the road, and some say that that advice I’ve given visitors at shows was the best they had ever received. It seems like common-sense stuff to me, but sometimes a few basic points to focus your attention on other parts of the picture can be useful.

First, you need to understand yourselves, who you are as people and how you will travel.

Are you weekend warriors off doing sport of some sort with heaps to carry or a team to take with you? Or maybe you’re free and available to travel for weeks at a time. Perhaps

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you want to live on the road for a while. Are you free at weekends now and maybe a few weeks or months later in the year? Will you lend your vehicle to family and friends, or put it onto a rental provider to earn income? Does your partner have an amazing wardrobe and need it for dressing up at rock’n’roll events, or glamorous nights out when on the road? Do you need a tow bar for the trailer (one couple we know had to have a trailer for their racing car)? If you both need a hair dryer and electric curling tongs before you leave the vehicle in the morning, you will need serious batteries and a big inverter. Is it really just one of you who wants to get away now and then? Do you both want to drive the vehicle? Can you both drive it? – people don’t necessarily take into

1. Buying the accessories and upgrades is one cost, getting them installed is another that must be factored in

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With regards to motorhome versus caravan it is a simple equation in my eyes. Are you a stayer or a goer? account that one person could get sick and the other might not be able drive them out.

With regards to motorhome versus caravan it is a simple equation in my eyes. Are you a stayer or a goer? Will you head to one spot, set up the caravan and probably a tent

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or two and stay the whole holiday right there, kicking back chilling, bringing in the fish and winning at cards? If you are planning a long trip around the country and thinking of stopping for days at a time to explore everything in an area, bike the trails and shop the local fare, you are more of a caravan person. If you can park it up at home, you will have the advantage of a spare room, a room you can take to family events if need be, that sort of thing. Or maybe you will just park it up in a permanent site at the most amazing campground – the decision is clear cut for you.

Can you both tow the caravan, and back it, or will you need a caravan mover?

Are you buying the caravan to go with an existing vehicle? Do you know the tow rating

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of that vehicle and understand the tow ball weight for your vehicle? If your nifty modern car isn’t designed for towing and you are looking to buy a suitable tow vehicle, please take the time to choose your caravan first, then match the tow vehicle to it. The weight range of caravans can be enormous. A small compact five-metre one will be sweet-as, weighting 1500kg or 1800kg maybe. But if you’re looking at a sturdy Aussie-built

off-roader, or any model over six metres, it will be anything from 2000kg to even 3300kg weight, serious weight that will pull the rear-end out of the car or see the caravan and car flipped over as the caravan pushes the vehicle off the road somewhere. For a big fifth-wheel unit you straightaway need a 3500kg big ute or similarly large vehicle, that is for the hitch to pull it, as opposed to a tow bar to pull it.

2.Our RnR got an upgrade in 2013 - webasto heating installed, new gas oven installed, new fridge moved from under bench installed on the right, new kitchen drawer unit, - cost $20,000 3. A motorhome with bunk beds for the kids, is this on your list?

4. The variety of new motorhomes and caravans in the market today is vast 5. 1963 Lilliput Gazelle caravan is a classic caravan, more your cup of tea_ 6. Classic or retro caravans with matching classic vehicles are super popular nowadays, is this all you need to get into the RV Lifestyle?

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QR CODES – WHAT ARE THEY? We have all been introduced to QR codes through the government COVID-19 App.

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Where are you going to park your RV? Do you have enough space down the side of the house – taking into account the height of a motorhome and accessibility for a vehicle of around seven metres on average – and once you’re parked up can you still get inside it?

Long-term storage has its own considerations for things like tyre storage and protection, battery charging, solar panels, things like that.

Being under cover is ideal for care of your vehicle, but if you expect the solar panel to work under cover you will be disappointed.

If you are storing a vehicle in paid storage, what cost is involved with that over the long term? How do you charge your house battery to keep it healthy?

Big boot storage is fantastic to have, but seriously work out if you need it and what will you actually put in there. Some will need plenty, but others would rather have a lower bed or more rear lounge space instead of an oversized boot. Same with the fixed-bed bedrooms. Seriously do you need a room just for sleeping, or will the new electric drop-down ceiling beds that are made up, do the job for you – just the pillows to be added at night.

Our U-shaped rear lounge with big rear windows and views, easily seating up to eight people for dinner, is more important to us than a fixed bed. I like the fixed bed in our new motorhome, and having the bedroom is nice, but sitting around the front seats and more compact floor space is not as comfortable for the Rock and me as the U-shape in the truck-based motorhome. Horses for courses, right.

Does the RV you are looking at have everything you want? – satellite dish and TV, diesel

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or gas heating, good fridge, awning, stove, bike racks, etc. Make a list of must-haves and buy something that has them all, because it costs a lot to have after-market stuff installed – honestly you can pay, say $2000, for an item and then pay the same again for installation.

Use RV repairers where possible. If you need something done, fixed, repaired, installed, or want a check-over – please go to the RV industry professionals. You can waste a lot of money paying ‘professionals’ to fix something on a motorhome or caravan, and you end up paying for them to learn on the job, or how 12V works, or why that piece was put in there when it is too heavy for the weight balance of the vehicle. Sounds a bit fussy but honestly when you pay an auto-electrician to diagnose a diesel heater problem and you pay $800 for them to locate the fuse, then pay another diesel specialist bunny $2000 for the same heater problem only to find out the actual problem was the original wiring of the TV which should have gone to the battery and not the heater wiring loom, you’ll realise that RVs are a specialist niche product.

So at the end of the day, be a bit careful and think about yourselves not neighbours, family or friends who may have brought a particular model – get what is right for you at this time, and for up to five years potentially.

If you’re planning and scheming and talking about doing ‘this’ when you retire, has no one told you the truth of the matter – you might not be around by then. If you want to live the lifestyle then get into it and make it so, build it and they will come, buy it and you will travel. Well maybe, just see what you think now you have read my basic tips.

Essentially a QR code is like a barcode that holds product information and pricing, so when it is scanned it connects you to a link for further information. In our case it will link you to a cool video on our YouTube channel or an entry form.

Mobile phones often have a built-in QR code scanner. You can find this out by opening your camera and pointing it at the QR code for 2-3 seconds, it should take you to the appropriate link or website. If it doesn’t work go to your settings, locate the QR Code scanning and turn it on. You can also download a reader if you don’t think your phone has one. In my phone I went online and located a QR reader App by asking Google, downloaded it to my phone and I was away. www.qr-barcode-scanner. en.softonic.com/ android?ex=BB-1459.2

In some of our editorials and reviews we will have a picture of a QR code, and many of our entry forms for competitions now have a code.

Simply scan and enter the competition online, subscriber online, or watch review videos for more expansive information and views of a product.

Enjoy this new interactivity in the magazine.

7. This German Dethleffs single axle caravan is a good towing weight at 1800kg GVM, it is vital you understand the tow weight range of your vehicle in relation to the towing weight of your caravan or trailer

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WALK & CYCLE TRAILS

Paparoa Track cycle trail › West Coast

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Great Expectations PaparoaTrack

The first group through the Paparoa Track Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson or as credited

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have great expectations of the Paparoa Track. I had a hand in the design of our new Great Walk when I trudged for 10 weeks through then untracked wilderness and I saw plenty of potential for play in the landscape. I am intrigued by how the track design we envisioned and marked in blue tape has been built, and how it might feel to ride in reality. I expect a world-class ride … time will tell. Four years ago, as we packed up our field camp in the hills, trail builders arrived to convert our survey tapes into physical works. They were hampered by the wet West Coast weather and ex-tropical cyclones that delayed their progress. So recently, when the announcement came that the track would be fully opened on the 1st of March 2020, I went online, booked hut tickets and planned a trip to the West Coast.

This latest Great Walk is the longest of any Great Walk or Ride on the sub-alpine tops in the country. Most of NZ’s Great Walks are just that – walks – but this track is the only one you can also ride year-round! I love grand mountainous views, and knowing there are plenty of these on this track I am extra keen to map the Paparoa Track for the Great Rides App. I am ready early on the trail’s opening day. I reach Blackball which is just northeast of Greymouth. Blackball is the base for the track if you are traversing west towards Punakaiki. This little settlement, tucked into the Paparoa Range, is famous for the ‘Formerly the Blackball Hilton’ hotel, Blackball Salami and as the birthplace of the NZ Labour Party. Now it will also be known as the start of the Paparoa Track which begins just above the town at a place called Smoko-ho Carpark.

It’s mid-morning the day before the full track opening when I reach the carpark.

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Around the corner from me at the trailhead is a group gathering for a customary blessing under the carved waharoa (gateway). Their vocal harmony and the strumming guitar are joined by a chorus of birdlife – the vibrant birdsong is likely the result of the predator control network that runs for miles beside the track. The vibrant rainbow over my shoulder seems to be a good opening omen. It’s also appropriate given that the first pot of local gold was mined right at this spot by the early prospectors.

Not long after the crowd parts and drives away, I drive my bike in the opposite direction on the original gold-mining pack track

to Croesus Knob – the first section of the Paparoa Track up to the tops. The track has a wide bench, gentle gradient and a rough surface. It is yet to get the loving touch from trail builders that the fresh trail beyond has felt. I climb through the rainforest, still dripping from the earlier drizzle, to reach Garden Gully. The surface is mossy and the round rocks on parts of the track are slick under my tyres. It’s all rideable, but tricky in places. I venture along the Garden Gully side track and find not a garden but a collection of historic relics with the tiniest huts and the biggest gold stamper battery. Garden Gully? Perhaps when mining was in full force their tailings may have created mounds of rock gardens?

Maybe the huts had gardens outside back then, but there’s no sign of them nowadays.

It’s all trees and ferns and dripping bush.

While in this area I also follow a benched track uphill to look for the old mineshaft, but as far as I can tell – as I slither around the damp, steep bush-clad slope – it seems to have been long-buried by a slip. Back on my bike, I continue to pedal up the main track and find alpine herb gardens of my own that lie just beyond the bushline of the Paparoa Range.

1. Rounding the Paparoa Range 2. Crossing the first suspension bridge 3. The junction to Garden Gully with a curious weka Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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I pass a historic hut and moments later reach the Ces Clark Hut where the deck presents sweeping views of the forested green hills that descend into the Grey Valley. It is lunchtime and after saving my GPS data I head inside and happen to meet the Rosie party of six riders from Christchurch. Over lunch we talk and they invite me to join them on their ride to the Moonlight Tops Hut. I take up the invitation as I am keen for some cycling company.

Beyond the hut, we continue to climb. We soon leave the historic pack track behind and roll along the newly formed ridgeline trail, as does the spilling cloud we encounter. Ahead is 10km of tussocky tops, broken only by the occasional rocky outcrop and now and then a whisp of a cloud. As the cloud disappears, the trail swaps between both sides of the

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range. The words of Dickens’ Great Expectations came alive as ‘we changed again, and yet again, and it was now too late and too far to go back, and I went on. And the mists had all solemnly risen now, and the world lay spread before me.’ Here I joyfully ride along the single track through rock gardens, snaking around craggy knobs in the open country before arriving at the new Moonlight Tops Hut. This backcountry hut is fitted out with some of the comforts of home – lighting, gas hobs and even USB charging points! Our high-country home also has priceless views, being up at 1000 metres, with the hut windows gazing out at the 300-vertical-metre and 5km-long escarpment that is the poster child for the track. The jagged cliff edge has the same profile as the hut warden’s pruning saw that we

watch cutting the track closure tape that evening. We also watch the sun go down over the Tasman Sea, the sunset stunning as it casts a pink hue over the vertical and corrugated escarpment face.

Dawn is cool, calm and clear. Dickens’ words are true for us in that ‘it was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold; when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.’ The escarpment walls are in shadow as the sun casts beams over its edge. All eight of us who overnighted together eat quietly, silenced as we watch the golden glow strike the previously closed section of track. The morning’s rays reflect off freshly laid quartz gravels beckoning our party to explore the beautifully glistening path. Enlightened and loaded we accept the invitation.

Our entire overnight hut party heads off early in the cool shade, keen to be the first visitors to explore the completed track. We leave together, but we soon leave behind the quiet Japanese trekker as we make our way to the Pike Saddle. After riding through the cloud forest we reach the saddle and pause for a moment; seeing the Pike River coal mine’s ventilation shaft far below in the forest, we silently remember those lost underground.

4. The Moonlight Tops with the cloud starting to clear 5. Mapping my way along the tops 6. Coming around the mountain when I come 7. Moonlight Tops Hut with the escarpment backdrop 8. Dawn’s golden glory Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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On the surface we are mere metres from the giant escarpment. The track narrows and the land buckles with layered rock formations revealing its inners. Last night’s hut warden’s geology lesson comes alive as we ride on the edge of this ruptured fault relying on the traction of our knobbly tyres to hang on tight above the precipitous drops.

I could have spent hours up here at the viewpoint that looks over the sea, the Pike catchment and the strata formations of this massive cliff line; however, we continue, keen to see what the track next has in store for us. Eventually, the track leaves the tops for the descent where the trail builders have

magnificently built a magic carpet that flies us around cliffs and corners and lands us safely in the cloud forest. Then just around the next bend at the escarpment base, a bridge takes us tantalisingly close to the spray of the tallest of waterfalls – spontaneously our group wows. Wow! Along the ridge we cruise, mainly down but with a few ups to slow our pace. At the new Pororari Hut I bid farewell to my riding companions, who pull out for an early lunch break while I ride on alone through the woods to reach the Pororari River. Here the limbs of beech trees arc over the waterway and the deep clear pools below are perfect

for a cool dip. I was here with a riding friend two months ago when this section of the trail partly opened; we took a dip below the suspension bridge in a couple of large swimming holes and were truly refreshed before we headed out. It’s a glorious spot for a swim.

As I cross the bridge on this sunny day I peer down, and this time the swirling water holes are devoid of swimmers although the day is equally stunning. I follow the track and the flow downstream where the river and I squeeze through a tight gorge before zipping along the flats towards Punakaiki. As I enter the flats I start to encounter others who are coming in to start their adventures. I stop and chat to a couple of them who are rapt by the fine weather and at how the trail winds up high between the confluences of two rivers, one with a wide oxbow bend. In either direction, this is a fabulous trail.

I reach a junction that divides cyclists from walkers, cyclists having an extra kilometre to travel to a separate carpark at the southern side of Punakaiki. To get there the track turns south and I make one last climb over a small saddle and down a fun flowing trail that pops out between two carved pou, then over a suspension bridge to reach Punakaiki River flats and the trailhead carpark. Wow, what

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a ride! It has just become my new favourite trail. Arriving just after lunch I am the first visitor to complete the Paparoa Track. My great expectations started years ago when I was physically marking up some of the track and seeing the potential there. What the trail builders have done since is incredible

and will become a must-do for any capable walker or wheeler – it’s a world-class ride indeed. With my expectations exceeded I pose for a celebration selfie at the end of the Paparoa Track; soon that will appear like a diary snapshot when I load it onto the Great Rides App. Enjoy!

9. Crossing the Poraorari River 10. Bikes at the hut with the grand escarpment at sunset

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Lawrence › Otago 45.9123° S, 169.6856° E

TRAVEL

Gateway to the Goldfields

Lawrence – a small country town with a big beginning

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Story Sheryl Bainbridge Photos N & S Bainbridge

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ooking down at the small countr y settlement of Lawrence from a nearby hillside there’s little to differentiate it from any other rural township in New Zealand.

Sheep and cattle dot the smooth green hills around the valley where pastoral Lawrence nestles peacefully. That’s how it is now. But Lawrence, or more precisely Gabriel’s Gully just off the main road, was the site of this country’s first major gold rush, leading to much of Otago being sluiced, panned and dug over.

Tasmanian Thomas Gabriel Read discovered gold here in 1861, and within a year the population had grown to 11,472, more than double the population of Dunedin at that time. Gold had previously been found in the

Lindis River, but Gabriel’s find signalled the start of the Otago gold rush. Gabriel’s Gully is now an attractive DOC reserve with interpretive signage, walking tracks and parking for self-contained RVs. Gold fossicking is still permitted in a small streamside area, and Gabriel is remembered with place names, a memorial in the Gully and a small plaque (written in gold of course) in the Lawrence cemetery.

GOING FOR GOLD “You’ll get gold,” said several people who recommended that we head 60-odd kilometres to Roxburgh. There, Stuart Edgecumbe, who runs Roxburgh Gold Panning, shows visitors to his Lone Pine Mine property how to dig out gold-bearing gravel from the site and learn the historic method of gold panning. Stuart shows us old goldmining tools made by local blacksmiths, and after a health and safety talk, leads us to where we’ll be digging. He doesn’t take our fee at this stage, explaining that if we don’t find gold, we won’t need to pay. The property is on the site of what was the old Lady5 smith mine. Originally the Clutha River ran directly below, but its course changed over time. Stuart tells us that once World War One began, the miners went off to war, and those who came back looked for PAPER ROAD employment options that were less arduous than mining, so the Ladysmith mine was abandoned.

BOOKS. ART. COLLECTABLES. CLASSIC MOTORCYCLES Then, clad in his Victorian miner’s attire, Stuart starts us off. “I meet the world here,” he says. “I don’t advertise but ph. 64-3-415 8808 through word of mouth I’ve had visitors email: paperroad9535@gmail.com from all over the world. Sixty per cent 5 Saunders Street, Owaka 9535, NZ come from overseas, including India,

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Finland, China and Slovenia. Great-grandchildren of original miners have also turned up, as have people who want to learn the practicality of life in the gold fields.” Stuart, who has been teaching gold panning for 10 years now and spent two years prior to that getting set up and obtaining the necessary consents, calls the gold-panning experience the most satisfying thing he’s ever done, but when asked about the most gold he’s found … it’s “my wife of 49 years,” he smiles.

Stuart shows us how to regulate the water flow to the sluice so that the gravel moves down the sluice while leaving gold particles behind. “The movement of the gravel when you’ve got it right is called dancing,” Stuart explains. As we dig and sieve the rocks from the gravel, he guesses that I will be more successful than my husband. “Dame Fortune and Lady Luck favour women,” is his theory, but adds that the secret to successful gold panning, as well as luck of course, is to be thorough and patient. We manage to glean a few specks of gold each, which is then put in a small phial of water that Stuart provides. He tells us that the specks look bigger in water, “and if you want them to look even bigger, put them in glycerine,” he advises. We didn’t get rich, but it was a lot of fun, and something that we’d never done before.

Next day, my husband returned from up-river at Gabriel’s Gully with his $10 plastic gold pan and little else. He’s been beaten to the punch by a young man, who with Teutonic thoroughness has set up a sluice, dammed the stream and is seeking his daily quota of gold from the public gold-fossicking area. All he needs is luck, thoroughness and patience, and he’s likely to be in the money.

THE CYCLING CYCLE Lawrence doesn’t really need to capitalise on the fact that nearly 120 years ago the first New Zealand-made bicycle was made here by young Patrick O’Leary. Sitting in the sun at the Beaumont Motel I watch a steady stream of cyclists, ramblers and dog-walkers pass by as well as many RVs and cars with bikes protruding from their roofs like bizarre horns. As one of the country’s 22 ‘great rides’ the Clutha Gold cycle trail has proved immensely popular with locals and visitors. Last year the Trust that manages the trail was buoyed by funding, including a $6.5 million grant from the Provincial Growth Fund to extend the 73km trail by 63km, taking it from Lawrence to Waihola via Milton. Being not far from Dunedin, that

city’s residents come to Lawrence to cycle in family groups during weekends and holidays, and I’m told that once children are back at school ‘retirees come out to play’. As in Middlemarch, cycle-related businesses have set up shop to service the growing need for puncture repairs and bike transport.

Due to its position between Dunedin and Central Otago, Lawrence is where travellers either stop for a coffee and a look around on their way past, or visit to learn about their own and the goldfield heritage. Accommodation is often at a premium and several of the more historic buildings in town have been snapped up and are being converted to B&Bs by those wanting a change from city life in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

TUAPEKA VINTAGE CLUB A large grindstone near the club’s front fence acknowledges that the clubrooms are situated on the old Christie’s flour mill property. The stone was dug up from a former doorway into the building where it was serving as a step.

Outside the vintage club are 19th century buildings – a barn and loft, an old schoolhouse that was flat-packed from Balclutha, and ‘Harry’s hut’, a small cottage where five people once lived. “But don’t ask me who Harry was,” I was told. A waterwheel on the adjoining property sits on 22 tons of stone, and a bigger wheel is being built. That property is owned by Stevie Robertson, who is a great supporter of the club, and whose attractive wetland ponds add to the appearance of the club’s grounds.

1. Lawrence today 2. Entrance to Gabriel’s Gully 3. Gabriel Read’s memorial at Gabriel’s Gully. Inset: A memorial at the Lawrence Cemetery – Gabriel actually died in Tasmania 4. Gold-panning lessons 5. Tiny flakes of gold 6. Stuart McCraw and his 1911 Veteran AC Sociable

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Inside the clubrooms, where open days are held on Sundays, there are rows of radios, tons of tractors, historic shearing gear and much more. Several vintage vehicles are also on display including Stuart McCraw’s 1911 veteran AC (Auto Carrier) Sociable. This three-wheeler is warranted to travel on the road and Stuart drives it in the 19km Dunedin to Brighton Run car rally, “but it takes an hour and a half to get out there,” he says, adding that the car cost £83 in England when new and was developed well before the renowned AC Shelby Cobra.

THE CHINESE CONNECTION Given that they extracted nearly one-third of the gold from Otago and contributed greatly to the economic development of New

Zealand, the treatment of Chinese miners in the goldrush days was appalling. They were not allowed to live within the town boundaries and had to set up camp west of Lawrence at Chinaman’s Flat, now the Lawrence Chinese Camp. In some instances, the Chinese were subject to serious abuse and even murder or at least sudden, unexplained disappearance.

A shameful time in our history.

One exception, which occurred sometime later was the interment of Sam Chiew Lain who in fact has the most impressive tomb in the Lawrence cemetery. Generally, Chinese weren’t allowed to be buried in the main part of the cemetery but were interred in their own section downhill from the main graves.

Over time mature trees have grown around the gravestones, and it’s peaceful and pretty

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now. In accordance with the custom of the time, some remains were exhumed to be returned to China. As explained on the cemetery noticeboard some were transported on the ship the Ventnor which foundered off the Hokianga Harbour bar in 1902. Remains that were retrieved from the wreck were reinterred by Far North west coast iwi and finally accorded the respect they deserved.

Dr James Ng has done more than anyone else to acknowledge the contribution made

by Chinese miners. He set up the Lawrence Chinese Camp Charitable Trust to protect and preserve the site and restore the three remaining buildings – all that are left of the original 60 or 70 existed at the height of the gold rush. Chinese New Year celebrations take place at the camp. This year it’s the Year

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of the Rat and festivities included traditional Chinese dancing and costumes, gold panning and Chinese food.

LAWRENCE’S WORKING WORLD The shearing industry has been a big part of the Lawrence region for well over 100 years.

Dion Morrell Shearing is possibly the biggest employer in the Lawrence area at present.

Dion, a former champion shearer himself extended his Alexandra-based business into Lawrence to help keep his team busy for the whole year, and there’s certainly a hive of activity going on around his premises.

“We’ve also got a couple of runs in the Far North,” Dion says, and for these trips the shearers load up with diving and fishing gear – “I almost have to remind them to take their shearing gear as well,” adds Dion.

Art galleries, artisan and antique shops feature on the main street. Weaver Lindy Chinnery was creating a hand-dyed merino scarf in blue/green pāua colours. Lindy, who learnt to weave in Australia says she weaves her gorgeous scarves and throws for colour and texture, and no two are the same.

I can vouch for the bangers and mash at the Coach & Horses inn, and there are good cafés, a specialty chocolate shop and an excellent

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small museum where we find that the score to our national anthem was written by a local schoolteacher. Lawrence is also where two lions once escaped from a circus and, stuffed in more ways than one, are now on display at the Dunedin museum. I’d been surprised at the number of very small cottages throughout the Otago region, but the museum’s display of a goldminer’s camp under canvas made me realise that a small cottage would seem like a palace after enduring conditions like those.

As more and more people see opportunities living here and converting or renovating old churches and other historic buildings for a change of lifestyle, the face of Lawrence is

slowly but inexorably changing.

Perhaps that 120-year-old vision that created the first cycle has resulted in something that will become the town’s new gold rush.

7. The millstone at Tuapeka Vintage Club’s property with the 19th century barn and loft behind 8. Wetlands adjoining Tuapeka Vintage Club’s property 9. Chinese miners’ graves at Lawrence Cemetery 10.Sam Chiew Lain’s tomb at Lawrence Cemetery 11. The Chinese Empire hotel 12. The restored joss house

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TRAVEL

Waimate › South Canterbury

44.7327° S, 171.0481° E

WAIMATE

WALLABYCOUNTRY Allan Dick explores an area of the South Island that may have escaped your notice. It shouldn’t.

Story + Photos Allan Dick

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s Kiwis we are all pretty damned chuffed to say we live in the most beautiful country in the world, but some parts are more beautiful than others and we all have our favourite parts. For me the most spectacular part of our country is the lower half of the South Island from Christchurch south, all the way to Stewart Island. The housing and tourism boom in places like Queenstown and Wanaka has to be experienced to be believed, but there is much, much more to the ‘Deep South’, as it used to be referred to, than these two tourist Meccas, and I am here to tell you about some of the things you miss by making a beeline from Christchurch to the Southern lakes.

One of these days I am going to write a story about driving down SH1 from Christchurch to Dunedin, and on reading it, you are going to say “Gosh, look what we missed out on.”

But all journeys start with the first step, and our first one is to look at the Waimate District of the South Island.

It’s one of the smaller districts in New Zealand, bordered to the north by South Canterbury, to the south by Waitaki, to the west by the Mackenzie Country and to the east by Chile separated by thousands of

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kilometres of salty Pacific Ocean. There are natural boundaries as well, primarily the mighty Waitaki River and Lake Benmore, our largest man-made lake.

The eastern half of the district is lush farmland that gives way on the west to the early hills before the Southern Alps proper – the Hunter Hills and the Kirkliston Range separated by the mighty Hakataramea Valley (simply the Haka’ to friends, and the real home of Richie McCaw).

A lot about the Waimate district is unknown, made even more so by the fact that the principal town, Waimate, is on a loop off SH1 and is a place you might easily bypass. The rest of the towns are largely strung out like pearls on a necklace along SH1 between the Pareora River in the north and the Waitaki in the south.

It’s hard to imagine today, but Waimate was once a bush-milling town. Abundant native bush drew many of the first settlers and once that was gone, in came the sheep and cattle. But cropping and berry fruit were also vital parts of the agricultural mix.

One of the earliest prominent Pākehā settlers was Michael Studholme who became close to the local Māori chief Te Huruhuru, so European settlement of this region was a peaceful affair compared to other parts of the country.

Studholme effectively settled Waimate, and even today his descendants still farm the property from the homestead on the outskirts of the town where his original bush house – the Cuddy – still stands.

Today, the lush and mainly flat lands to the east are mostly given over to pivots and dairy cows and the region boasts two large dairy plants competing for the local milk.

The oldest is at Studholme on SH1, more properly Studholme Junction as it was from here that a branch railway line headed off to the west, originally going as far as Waihao Downs through Waimate.

The Fonterra plant here was originally built to process the pea crop from the area, but with the growth of dairying, first the plant was taken over by Russian interests who converted it (but management seemed

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to spend most of their time in the adjacent pub which they also bought and restored) and then Fonterra took it over when the Russians got burnt financial fingers.

South of Studholme, in the middle of nowhere on SH1, is a new dairy plant built by the Chinese giant ‘Jily’ – AKA the Inner Mongolia Dairy Company. And here, I register a personal interest. Grandson Dillon, the reason we moved from Auckland to Ōamaru twelve years ago, is one of the plant bosses.

With the arrival of dairy, traditional sheep and cattle farming became pretty much consigned to the hill country of the west but in them thar’ hills there is other livestock too – rabbits, hares, pigs, deer – and New Zealand’s largest population of wallabies.

Someone introduced some Bennett’s wallabies for sport a long time ago and they liked the place so much, they bred and bred.

Today they are a noxious pest on which various authoritative bodies and farmers have declared war. All-out war. No-mercy war.

Fully grown, these critters stand about a metre tall and are as cute and loveable an animal as you will find. Although they move about mostly at night, if you take a daytime trip through the hills you will find plenty – dead at the roadside.

6 1. The famous yellow shed which is a landmark on SH1 2. This green and pleasant land 3. A smaller replica of a typical hut the early Pākehā settlers lived in, in the Waimate Bush. This is at Knottingley Park 4. Tanker with trailer heads into the ‘Jily’ plant near Glenavy 5. Publican of the Studholme pub, Sam Murray with his Chrysler classic 6. Rape seed has become a big crop in the district. It becomes canola oil Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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Now, we have a tricky situation here. Farmers hate the wallabies, saying they eat as much grass as three sheep and must be eradicated.

Environmental and farmers groups hate the wallabies. But some people are astounded New Zealand has such a huge and localised population and find them cute.

Over the years they have been a marketing symbol for Waimate, not so much nowadays,

though a café in town has started producing wallaby pies. Then there is Gwen, the Wallaby Lady. More on her later on.

I have had a special place in my mind for Waimate since February 1960 when, as a young bloke, I visited from Dunedin to watch the running of the second Waimate 50 motor race. The first meeting had been held the year before when the Waimate Council

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Property Brokers Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

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approached the Timaru-based South Canterbury Car Club who were looking for somewhere to stage a major motor race.

Waimate saw the promotional possibilities and the event ran from 1959 to 1966 but has been revived in recent years as a semi-classic meeting.

On that first visit, I found a calm, peaceful, pleasant town basking in warm sunshine. I liked it and visited often – much more often now I live in Ōamaru.

In recent years Waimate has undergone a huge amount of growth. When I moved to Ōamaru twelve years ago, I became aware of the rivalry that existed between the two places, mainly on the back of teenaged Oamaruvians on Saturday nights heading north of the Waitaki River to have a beer-fuelled feed at the pie-cart, terrorise the locals and steal their girlfriends. The rivalry seems to still exist, but as a one-way street. Waimatians don’t seem to care.

The town is undergoing a revival thanks to a kick-start from local-boy-done-good Gary Rooney, who is now a Timaruvian but hasn’t forgotten his home town.

Starting with just a single bulldozer and a ton of work ethic, Rooney has built a sizeable business empire and he’s now giving back to

Customer focused, result driven

Call Wallace & Finch to call Waimate home Christine Wallace M 027 226 1908

Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

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Waimate – although he is incredibly private about it. He built a new medical centre, was a major funder of the new Events Centre, bought the Waimate Hotel and turned it into a world class restaurant, and an old bank building has been revived as a café and bakery.

His enthusiasm for the town is contagious and others are now in behind this wave of creativity.

There is a move afoot in New Zealand for decentralisation, for a better lifestyle and cheaper housing – Waimate is well placed to take advantage of that.

So, asked if I would like to do a story on the Waimate District, how could I refuse?

Transport and accommodation for this trip was courtesy of Wendekreisen Travel who supplied a two-berth, self-contained motorhome based on a LDV diesel chassis, with six-speed manual gearbox. Wendekreisen is an Auckland-based, family-owned business with a depot in Christchurch and that is where I headed for one of the swiftest and most simple pick-ups I have ever experienced. I wasn’t quite ready to go, so headed back to home base in Ōamaru for a night or two before setting out on my Waimate Odyssey.

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To be honest, I was ready to go, but the weather wasn’t! Our spring had been blighted with winds that, mixed with abundant pollen, caused torment. Antihistamines and a break in the wind meant it was a fine, calm mid-afternoon when I headed north and crossed the Waitaki Bridge onto foreign soil.

I can’t think of anywhere else in New Zealand where a river forms such a definite border or boundary in the minds of locals.

To Oamaruvians, the Waitaki River really is ‘border’ with Waimate and not just something on a map.

First stop was at Glenavy, a small town that still has a shop – and a pub. Until the mid-fifties the Waitaki River was crossed by a single, combined rail/road bridge and proof of that still exists with the old pub being located a block away from SH1 towards the ocean because that was both where the main road went and where the railway station was.

After the on-site work force finished constructing the new road bridge and rail bridge, the construction village huts were left on site and became a camp for fisherfolk chasing the local salmon and trout. Over the years the huts were bought and sold, added on to, and then became a mini subdivision and proper

camping ground. There are other fishing villages a short drive away, right down at the coast and there is one on either side of the river mouth.

Glenavy is important in the story of the growth of agriculture in New Zealand.

7. Waimate’s famous mural is a reminder of the early days of motor racing around the streets 8. The Events Centre in Waimate – something the town is proud of 9. The former Waimate Hotel is now a worldclass restaurant 10. You are not seeing double – Quinn’s Arcade was the first ‘shopping mall’ in New Zealand and is destined to be a boutique brewery 11. Wendekreisen motor home was comfortable and economical. Solar panels on the roof mean it can go ‘off the grid’ 12. Happy Campers! Helen and Allen Craven and their converted bus at Glenavy. They have been there for four years 13. Entrance to the fishing village on the Waimate side of the mouth of the Waitaki River

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The Scottish McLean brothers settled at nearby Waikakahi after selling the vast, 450,000 acre run at Morven Hills in the Lindis Pass. At 48,000 acres Waikakahi was much smaller than Morven Hills, but it was still big enough to be the target for the Liberal government of the time (1899) that was looking to break up the large land holdings into small units for more intense farming.

By now, only Allan McLean was on Waikakahi, living in a large home. At first he resisted when approached by the government to sell, but eventually the then Minister of Agriculture came visiting. He arrived by a small and special train and went to see McLean, and after protracted discussion McLean agreed to sell. The Minister signed the cheque and took his train back to Wellington.

The McLean run was developed as 130 farms and 14 runs as well as 47 village sections. The splitting up of the property caused a building boom in Waimate. McLean took his £330,000 (a vast sum of money), retired to Christchurch bitter at the ‘forced’ sale and built McLean’s Mansion that still stands – as does his home, ‘The Valley’ at Waikakahi.

But, enough of that history, my destination for that first night was at ‘the Box’ – local speak for the Waihao Box. First a lesson in South Island geography.

All of the ‘plains’ from Christchurch to about Ōamaru are a huge bed of shingle, washed off the Southern Alps by rain, snow, wind

Museum – Tues to Fri 10am until 3:30pm (outside these hours by appointment) Groups welcome 28 Shearman Street, Waimate 7924 admin@waimatemuseumandarchives.org.nz Phone: 03 689 7832 Archives – by appointment only 9 Innes Street, Waimate 7924 Phone: 03 689 7842 archives@waimatemuseumandarchives.org.nz

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and often dislodged by earthquakes, over millions and millions of years. Without these flat gravel beds that stretch from the Southern Alps to the mighty Pacific, a map of the South Island would be an odd looking thing – It would be two great knobs of land joined by a spine of mountain range with Banks Peninsula an island.

From Banks Peninsula all the way to Cape Wanbrow – save for Timaru’s Caroline Bay and Ōamaru’s harbour – the coastline of the lower South Island is a steep shingle bank, more favoured for fishing than swimming.

You can sit in a deck chair and cast a line that immediately goes into deep water.

“There’s good fishing here,” is what fisherfolk tell each other.

An upshot of this is that many of the rivers and streams along this coast have to force their way through this gravel bank to empty into the Pacific and some create lagoons behind the gravel bank. Even the mighty Waitaki has long, narrow lagoons.

But the Waihao River needs the help of human beings to get its water to the ocean without the lagoon flooding farmland. The Waihao is an interesting river in that it’s one

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of the few in New Zealand where there is no Queen’s Chain, and the riverbank and riverbed is owned by the farmer through whose property the river flows The lagoon where the Waihao touches the Pacific is sizeable and has been used for power boat racing. It is also where members of the Ōamaru Rowing Club train – they trained so successfully that in 1962 the Ōamaru Four won the Gold Medal at British Empire Games at Perth!

Draining the lagoon by bulldozing a passage through the huge shingle bank was too difficult and too expensive, so early engineers came up with this ingenious idea of putting a ‘pipe’ through the bank at the lagoon highwater mark. Instead of a conventional steel or concrete pipe, engineers decided on a rectangular section ‘pipe’ made of timber which they called a ‘box’. It’s quite long, maybe 50 metres, and excess water from the lagoon is constantly flowing through it. The box was renewed about six years ago.

I arrived at the box just on dusk expecting to have the place to myself but whitebaiting season meant the carpark was full! I sat and waited as the ’baiters tramped out of the

gloom, got into their vehicles and headed home, leaving just me and two other, smaller, motorhomes.

Next morning I hit the road, exploring the handful of roads that lead to the coast along this stretch of coast, before heading to Waimate.

First stop was the town of Morven, like Waimate on a loop road off SH1 and where an Aucklander known as ‘Austin Don’ has a base. Don travels the country with his car and trailer looking for rare examples of the British car and then hauls them back to Morven where he owns what was once the General Store, the hub of the town.

Morven was once a fully functioning town – at least two stores, a butcher’s shop, hall, school, churches, railway station. Today the domain is kept immaculate, otherwise the town sits and snoozes. Austin Don’s not resident, so I move on to Willowbridge where a monument records the first ever steeplechase held in New Zealand.

I see a sign that says Willowbridge Settlement Road and ‘Sculpture Garden’. It’s also ‘No Exit’. I am not sure why there was a settlement here – unless it had something to do with the railway. There are several small and tidy houses here and at the end of the road a

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gateway of two large pillars surmounted with marble lions. Here lives Jenny Skerret and her husband who run a B&B with pet Kunekune pigs, chooks and a dog named Elvis.

Their neighbour is Michelle Aplin, a mature Cornish woman who discovered she can form wonderful creations from chicken wire. She is very clever and her garden is an unusual work of art, and is open to the public.

It’s a gorgeous day – warm and calm.

14.‘The box’ at the mouth of the Waihao River – popular spot for whitebaiting 15. Morven was once a town with (almost) everything. Now the General Store in where Austin Don stores his treasures 16. Michelle Aplin and some of her chicken netting art

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I have already decided tonight will be spent at Mount Nimrod, a DOC area in the northern corner of the region, but on the way I am calling into Waimate to see Lara from the council, who instigated this trip.

But first there is a visit to the Wainono Lagoon conservation area and then into the famous café on the corner of SH1 and the ’Waimate Road’. This place, resplendent in black and orange for years, is called ‘Nosh’, but locals (that is everyone south of here to Invercargill) still call the place the ‘Cup and Saucer’ which is what it used to be called. The food here is delicious which is why it’s always busy. I want real coffee and dither over a huge Ginger Kiss or an equally huge Afghan. In the finish I get both, but the Afghan goes into a

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bag for later – only I leave it behind on my table outside in the sun.

I am early for my meeting with Lara, so I cruise around the town, revelling in the very wide main street before driving to the top of the hill where the ‘white horse’ monument is. The last time I was here, it was gorse and scrub; today it’s nicely kept lawn and the council has a plan for all sorts of outdoor activities.

Lara is waiting at the café called ‘The Barn’

where she has asked that they keep aside a Wallaby Pie for moi!

Just as I close my mind to visions of cute, woolly little creatures bouncing around a paddock when I eat lamb, I close my eyes to cute wallabies and tuck in – great flaky pastry, and meat that is tender and sweet. But would I go back for seconds?

Lara takes me for a walk down the main street telling me of ‘plans’ for the town and we bump into Rick Stevens – an American

Situated just 6 minutes from the Waimate town centre, behind the Fonterra dairy factory on State Highway 1 is the historic Studholme Hotel.

This true ‘railway hotel’ dates back to 1916 and is nestled beside the now empty railway platform at ‘Studholme Junction’.

It was here at Studholme that, until March 1966 the passenger train service deviated from the main trunk line for the short run into Waimate.

Although the trains don’t stop at Studholme today – you can!

Stay a night in one of our 5 extensively restored rooms which take you back in time to the hotel’s early days, and enjoy dinner for two at our evening restaurant.

Each room has distinctly different ‘William Morris’ wallpaper, and two of the rooms have luxury ensuites.

Whether it’s an evening meal in the restaurant, a quick drink in our cosy bar, or a restful nights accommodation - you too can share a little of the spirit in one of South Canterbury’s grand old landmark hotels, just off State Highway One.

A colourful past, a convivial presence…

Welcome to the Studholme Hotel.

8 Murray Street, Studholme Junction, South Canterbury 7980 • PH +64 3 6899815 • studholmehotel@gmail.com

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who is Gary Rooney’s man on the spot and overseeing all of the projects.

There is an aspect of ‘wait and see’ when I quiz Rick about things, as Rooney is known for his privacy and playing his cards close to his chest. I think Rick was joking when he mentioned a monorail up the main street. I think …

I say farewell to them both and climb aboard my Wendekreisen motorhome and head west up the Waimate side of the Waitaki River through dairy country to the Kurow Bridge. This one is new but the original was built to take the Kurow branch railway line to this side of the river and up the Hakataramea Valley where a town of 10,000 souls was planned – but never eventuated.

I am planning on heading back to Waimate via Meyer’s Pass and in the depths of this lonely and barren part of the world I stumble across a group of people all driving old Austin motor cars. It’s the Dunedin branch of the Austin Owners Club and some of them know me! So we have a yarn!

It’s a long and winding road with a lovely little Ōamaru stone bridge in the middle and by the time I reach it I have given up counting dead wallabies on the road.

Back in dairy country, I stop at the Waihao Forks Hotel where I pay homage to Ted d’Auvergne and the bottle of beer he left when he had to run to catch the train that took him off to war. He never came back, and the beer is in a cabinet that has become a shrine. There’s now also a monument outside which serves as a memorial to all soldiers.

On I press, back through Waimate and via hill country to Mount Nimrod where I park up for the night. Here I celebrate. For the first time I have seen live wallabies – in the wild. Plenty of them. I am surprised by how big they are and how gracefully they move. I am alone at Mount Nimrod and for

the second time I wake to glorious sunshine – and no wind.

I am in no hurry as I make my way back to SH1 and stop in the small town of St Andrews.

An Auckland man bought the near-derelict pub several years ago on a bit of whim and spent a lot of time and money restoring it. It’s been for sale for some time.

It’s not often small-town New Zealand gets a new ‘shop’ these days, but three or four years ago, Malcolm and Natcha moved from Roxburgh to St Andrews, bought the former Post Office (later a vet clinic and then a second hand shop) and opened it as a milk bar and truck stop.

Despite there already being a diner in the town, business has gone well for them.

On the way south to Makikihi, I call in to the St Andrews Domain which has grass so well trimmed and manicured you could use it as a bowling green. Dave and Edith are the camp managers and live in a converted bus on site.

This place is a credit to them and they bemoan the lack of ‘permanents’.

South I go to Makikihi where Smith’s Crisps were made when that brand of chips came to New Zealand in the sixties, later to become Bluebird. Spuds (like peas), used to be a major crop in this area, but today most are trucked in from outside and are turned into Makikihi Fries – pretty much a staple pub food in the south.

There’s a decent pub here and a garage. But what is this? The little place called ‘Country Crafts’ is open! It’s a small building set back from the road where local craftspeople sell their wares, but there’s also a garden of irises.

The latter are being looked after by Linda, and the shop by Jessica and Marilyn – the latter has been doing this for over 40 years!

Continuing south on SH1 I make a side trip to bare, lonely Hook Beach where in 1844 Bishop Selwyn, walking around New Zealand, met Edward Shortland who was doing likewise. Hook Beach is home to a large fishing

competition each year and is a popular fishing spot.

There’s a monument here. So there should be! What a coincidence!

I arrive back in Waimate for coffee in ‘The Waimate’ with mayor Craig Rowley and his deputy, Sharyn Cain. Craig came to Waimate as a police officer, but liked the place so much he resigned and took up his previous profession as a jeweller. He’s in his third term. Sharyn is much more a ‘local gal’, previously in the hotel industry and today looks after licensing in the region. She has a reputation for ‘being everywhere’. It’s a pleasant hour talking about the past and present in their patch. The town is busy – it’s the first day of the Waimate Shears and the next day is a horse show.

Then I am off to see the Wallaby Lady – Gwen Dempster-Schouten who is licensed to keep the ‘noxious pests’ and has been doing so for many years and has a good business with visitors from all over the world.

I know Gwen (she’s a character) but don’t take her lightly – she is as sharp as a tack. She is raising three joeys in a small room. They grow slowly and spend a long time living in mum’s pouch before heading into the outside world. Two of the joeys were saved from road kill mums; the other mother was shot.

I wonder how many are shot from a distance and never checked to see if there is a joey in their pouches?

17. Jenny Skerret feeds her Kunekune pig also named Jenny 18. The very art deco pub at St Andrews – it’s for sale 19. Waitaki Lakes – plenty of camping sites to choose from with lake and mountain views 20 over page. The Wallaby Lady, Gwen, with an armful of legs, feet, tails and ears Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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I am nearing the end of this journey. On my third night I am heading for ‘the lakes’ – the huge camping areas on both sides of the hydro lakes up the Waitaki Valley.

There are three of them, Waitaki, Aviemore and Benmore, and there is camping on both sides. The camping here is ‘the way it used to be’ – huge areas of nature, on the lakeside.

All caravans and tents must be removed over winter, but at 7am on Saturday the 19th of September this year – and every year – convoys of vehicles arrive to take up the best pozzies. Sometimes there are squabbles.

Shade fences are set up, toilet tents erected, children’s swings hung and some have all of the comforts of home. This is a unique area.

And it’s beautiful.

Despite the number of caravans and tents, today there is virtually nobody else here, so I have my choice of lakes and pozzie. I go to Fishermen’s Bend of Lake Waitaki (the oldest dam on the river), just below the Aviemore dam. This is a piece of tranquillity. I want to stay for a week.

Next morning, I pack up with a sad and heavy heart and head back to Waimate, stopping off at Kapua briefly. This is a drained swampy area where perhaps the greatest number of moa skeletons have ever been found in New Zealand. This makes a visit to the Waimate Museum a must.

The museum is located in the old Courthouse and grounds, and as you would expect, much of the museum is given over to the early European settlement, but there are also large displays of moa bones. There are also Māori/

Waitaha displays which again, started me thinking, who really were the Waitaha?

On my way home to Ōamaru, I stop off in Knottingley Park outside town. This is a very large park with trees, a camping site, walks, drives and sheep. A bit of a secret really.

I return to Ōamaru full of awe, not just for what is happening in Waimate with the developments that are underway, but the three nights I had there were very special.

Many thanks to Wendekreisen Travel for the use of the Koru class campervan, a two-berther with toilet and shower built in their own factory in Auckland. I liked the uncluttered nature of the shower with only the toilet in there – the kitchen basin serving a dual purpose. I also liked the fact the toilet had its own water tank. Sensible.

Because I was alone, I left the bed made up and ate my evening meal either sitting outside or in the driver’s seat. The fridge kept my evening beer chilled and the diesel heater warmed the room quickly in the mornings. The roof of the vehicle has solar panels which means you can go off-grid and freedom camp longer. The LDV diesel was economic and the service at the Christchurch depot, immaculate.

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• Walk Amongst • Touch • Feed Photograph OPEN 7 DAYS 10am-5pm 20th Sept to 10th June During the off season from 11 June until 19 Sept will open by appointment, weather dependent or by chance.

Located North end of Highway 82 on Bathgates Road, Waimate.

Your Host - Gwen Dempster-Schouten. Phone 03 689 7197 Email: jenny_dempster@hotmail.com EFTPOS AVAILABLE OR CASH. GROUP BOOKINGS BY PRIOR ARRANGEMENT PLEASE

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TRAVEL

Clarence › North Canterbury 42.0024° S, 174.0097° E

Middle Hill: the new Middle-earth Ten-minutes-drive off State Highway 1, beside the Clarence River, is a magical, new mountain bike park. Not your average mountain bike park, this place is set to rock the world of mountain bikers all over New Zealand. Kathy Catton caught up with co-owner, Genevieve King, to learn about how to shred, bunny hop and send it through the beauty of the North Canterbury high country.

Story by Kathy Catton Photos Middle Hill

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his spot is well and truly home for Genevieve King. She was brought up here, while her parents farmed the surrounding hillside with fine merino sheep, deer and some beef. With 560 hectares of stunning hillside, it’s a remarkably lush spot. Added to that the Clarence River (Waiau Toa) just a stone’s throw away at the bottom of the valley, Mount Tapuae-o-Uenuku standing majestically at 2885m within sight, and the Pacific Ocean nearby, it’s a unique vista on any day of the week, rain or shine.

Genevieve, nicknamed ‘G’ by her friends, 34, exudes passion and enthusiasm for this corner of the earth. Although a relative newcomer to the mountain bike scene (she bought her first mountain bike just four years ago), she is definitely a gutsy, outdoorsy kind of girl. In her youth she was a ski patroller, raft guide and traveller, spending her twenties chasing winters around the globe.

“I love snowboarding,” says Genevieve. “When I was younger, I dreamed of turning Middle Hill into a ski field.

I guess my dream has come true – it’s just mountain bikes instead of skis and snowboards!”

After the Kaikōura earthquake in 2016, the King family’s life was thrown up in the air. Almost literally. All the buildings on the property were written off (split in half by the Papatea fault line), and the land was uplifted in places by a world record-breaking 12 metres. But as New Zealanders have shown time and again, out of adversity comes opportunity and Genevieve set-up a food truck to feed 30 road, contractors who were repairing the main road north of Kaikōura. This lasted for one and a half years and was a huge success.

3 “The men loved the food, and I enjoyed

preparing it,” says Genevieve. “I had previously written a cookbook. With the profits I bought the food truck which enabled me to carry out this contract. I met my partner, Morgan, at the top of the Takaka Haill on a Tinder date to go mountain biking, and when the contract finished, we bought a digger to start the park.”

The meeting of this pair led to a culmination of their skills and passions. Genevieve with her guiding and patrolling background and Morgan Rigby, 36 with his bike-trai building skills. Very quickly after meeting, they knew they wanted to create something to appeal to mountain bikers all over the world. They started building the bike park in October 2018, and within a year, Middle Hill MTB was open to the public.

1. 560 hectares provide the backdrop for Middle HIll 2. Morgan Rigby, 36, takes the lead on trail building 3. Genevieve and Morgan invested in a digger to create tracks to challenge even the most adventurous of riders

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Morgan, affectionately known as ‘Morgz’, grew up in the Motueka Valley and is a selftaught trail builder. What stands him apart is his ability to envision new trails that others don’t see. He spent the best part of the last decade travelling in Canada, Europe and Asia, doing the occasional downhill race as he went. He learnt how to build trails at the Wairoa Gorge near Wakefield, which kicked off a dream to turn his parents’ farm in Dovedale into a bike park. Morgz loves building big jumps and gnarly downhill tracks, and when he met Genevieve work was already underway on his first trail at Dovedale – ‘Hungry Goats’, a culmination of the tracks he’d seen overseas.

He’s also self-taught on the digger, seeing himself as a practical Kiwi boy who can turn his hand to anything. The feedback on his work has been amazing, with some very talented

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“When I was younger, I dreamed of turning Middle Hill into a ski field. I guess my dream has come true – it’s just mountain bikes instead” riders considering the trails at Middle Hill to be up there with the best.

What the couple has created is a mountain bike park for all ranges of abilities, with the focus being on intermediate to advanced riders, as well as professionals and those looking for photoshoot opportunities. Fourteen

different trails here mean that there are all sorts of terrain to suit different styles and abilities, with the more accessible trails starting halfway up the hill.

And more is yet to come. New trails (“works of trail-art”) are being opened all the time, all over the hill. You won’t find a chairlift or gondola to get you up the hill. Instead, the couple has invested in a Can-Am side-by-side farm vehicle to take riders up the hill, and have use of a farm truck and van when the tracks are dry enough. This means riders can get up the hill no matter how muddy the site is. Numbers on the hill are capped at 24, so there’s no waiting in line or running into other riders up the hill.

“It’s a passion project for us,” says Genevieve.

“We have a very rustic feel here. It’s entirely private property, so people ride at their own risk and will need to open and close the occasional farm gate as they ride.”

And it’s certainly got that ‘casual, local and authentic’ vibe about the place. Genevieve is quick to thank the local Middle Hill Shredders Association, who have volunteered their time with helping to build and sculpt the runs. Also, Dwayne from Coastal Sports, in Kaikōura, helps out whenever he can. According to Genevieve, he’s been pining for something like this for years, so is incredibly supportive of the couple’s efforts.

Families from the local area also visit with a ‘locals weekend’ on offer. One of their youngest riders is 13-year-old Oli Clark from Kaikōura, who Genevieve describes as “a champion in the making”.

“We love being able to provide a venue where kids – young and old – can get amongst nature and challenge themselves. And of course, we

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT AT MIDDLE HILL? • Be sure to make a booking via the website – in fact, it’s essential. You’ll get the greatest value for money if you can book a full day, which could be split over an afternoon and the following morning.

The perfect reason to stay a night in the area.

• Middle Hill is about 40km north of Kaikōura and 100km south of Blenheim, 5km up Waipapa Road off SH1 just south of the Clarence River. It’s a gravel road that is (usually) 2WD friendly.

• There is no coaching or guiding on offer and no café on site. There are also no patrollers – you are on the property entirely at your own risk.

• Bring your bike, full-face helmet, gloves and knee pads, as well as basic bike tools and spares.

Remember your lunch and snacks, basic first aid, water and sunscreen. It’s essential to have a fully charged phone with you as well, in case of an emergency.

• You can hire bikes at Coastal Sports in Kaikōura, and Middle Hill do have some helmets and knee pads available for hire.

• You can pay on arrival (EFTPOS is available), and after your briefing, the bikes will be loaded, and you will be taken up the hill on one of the vehicles.

• Each lap takes about half an hour, including the shuttle up. Remember to stop and enjoy the views!

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want to keep riding ourselves, so that we can also enjoy the property.”

In the last couple of months Middle Hill has hosted the Mudbuster Enduro. The Enduro is a form of mountain bike racing where there is a large proportion of timed downhill stages, with riders pedalling up between stages. Middle Hill saw competitors from all over New Zealand, as well as some international riders who were still in New Zealand. For professionals such as Ed Masters, Sam Blenkinsop, Charlie Murray and Rae Morrison on the circuit who are unable to travel overseas currently, these types of races are critical events to push bikers to their limits.

“It’s great to see everyone smiling and chatting in the sun, after a challenging five months of coronavirus affecting people’s lifestyles,” says Charlie Murray.

And what do Genevieve’s parents make of it all? With ‘retirement’ being a foreign word to farmers, they fully embrace the couple’s diversification of the land.

“Both my parents have got e-bikes, so that’s great,” smiles Genevieve. “Dad enjoys riding some of the trails and is involved with planning where new trails will go, with his knowledge of the land being very valuable.

We’d like to build a trail for Mum in the next few months, so she gets to have a gentle ride around the place.”

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And plans are a-plenty. With new trails being envisaged and plans for world-class events happening on an almost daily basis, there is plenty of scope for growth.

“We want to set up a semi-permanent camping facility at Middle Hill in time for the summer season,” says Genevieve. “We’re not about offering cafés and chai lattés, but we would like to offer our visitors a rustic place to stay.”

So, if you are looking for your next hit of ‘brown pow’ or ‘hero dirt’, it’s well worth considering a trip to Middle Hill.

4. No matter what time of day, the scenery is stunning 5. ‘Locals’ weekends are a hit with young and old 6. The majestic Mount Tapuaeo-Uenuku cradles the Middle Hill valley below 7. Bring your own bike and get ready for an adventure!

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TRAVEL

Catlins to Cromwell › Otago

-46.018667, 169.508781

46 South Our New Zealand

Adventure Across the 46th Parallel Taking high roads, low roads and no roads at all between the Catlins and Cromwell Story Sheryl Bainbridge Photos N & S Bainbridge or as credited

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e’re on a five-day trip with NZ Adventures, a convoy of 4WD vehicles travelling roughly across the 46th parallel. Mostly be on backcountry roads and roads unsuitable for the average 2WD vehicle, our journey will take us from Lawrence in Otago to the Catlin’s coast before crossing into Southland and then heading back to Otago, to finish at Cromwell.

At our briefing the night before we leave, we find that we’ve all been on NZ Adventures tours before, sometimes together, so we start off in an almost family atmosphere. Some of us have been soaking up Lawrence’s goldmining history for a few days, while others are determined to return and are encouraged by the prospect of the 73km Clutha Gold cycle trail being extended by a further 63km from Lawrence to Waihola via Milton.

Next morning we’re not at breakneck speed, but I wonder about the reason for the name as we travel along Breakneck Road near Lawrence to reach the Tuapeka Mouth ferry.

While the ferry can transport two vehicles at a time across the Clutha River, time constraints and a very fast flow mean we’ve opted for a passenger-only trip over the river and back. Anyway, there’s a perfectly good bridge a little way down the road. The ferry, which is pretty much a platform on top of two old whaleboats, has been operating since 1896, and we enjoy the experience of this novel way to travel. Tuapeka Mouth is as far as paddle steamers used to travel up the Clutha River back in the goldmining days.

It’s late summer and the huge land-use change to dairy in the Upper Clutha valley

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is evident in the lush green fields. A Frenchowned milk-powder plant and the Mataura Valley milk-processing plant (mainly owned

by Chinese interests) are in full swing here.

Throughout the trip we see plenty of sheep, looking larger and whiter than their counterparts in other regions, and the pastoral outlook’s very easy on the eye as we travel some very long roads towards our destination of the Catlins.

I love the small Catlins town of Owaka – it’s got art, history, a pretty railway garden and some development is currently taking place, led by a guy who was working in a fly-in flyout job and is now busy restoring some retail buildings. We stop here for coffee before continuing towards the scenic Pūrākaunui Falls.

There’s no shortage of waterfalls in the Catlins, and they’re all different and all very pretty.

Our lunch stop is near Pūrākaunui Beach.

Today there are no sea lions and no waves crashing against the cliffs as there were during our previous visit a couple of weeks earlier. Lunch is on a nearby farm and is a fundraiser for the local rugby club. We enjoy a great meal that includes pāua patties and exceptionally succulent lamb chops.

1. Mountain bikers get a dusting 2. Riding high on the Tuapeka Mouth ferry 3. Pūrākaunui Falls

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Te Mania’s the brand and Headwaters is the breed – a cross of Perendale, Finn and Texel sheep. Delicious.

Then it’s up through farm roads above a small part of the Catlins’ extensive coastline to look down from cliffs towards the small settlement of Papatowai, some distance along yet another lovely sandy beach. We finally spot a small seal swimming far below before we carry on through rugged rural landscapes.

At Tawanui, our tour leader Robbie points out an old timber mill, adding that at one time there were timber mills all around this area.

We cross into Southland for an overnight stay in Gore, a town of about 10,000 people where the Southern Agricultural Field Days had been held a week or two beforehand. From general discussion it seemed that this year’s field days had been particularly popular and a bit of a boost to locals following the devastation caused by heavy rain and the recent flooding of the Mataura River.

As we drive through Mandeville the following day, we learn that one of two steam engines dumped in the river near Lumsden (which we pass later) in the 1920s has just been excavated, and that Mandeville itself is the site of the Croydon Aviation Heritage Centre where Tiger Moth planes are restored.

We’re off to the large Cattle Flat Station where Cam Young, son of the owner Geoffrey Young meets us.

Cattle Flat Station runs a pure-bred Hereford herd under their Koromiko Stud, but are using some Angus bulls over some of the Hereford cows. Cam tells us the worst wind he’d ever experienced had recently blown the back window out of his tractor “then we got 220 millimetres of rain”, he added. This resulted in significant flood damage and Cam was off to see members of the ‘Farmy Army’ who were helping to clear fences and repair damage on the property.

Throughout our travels we’ve seen the silt build-up and other property damage caused by this weather event, but in true Southland fashion communities have been hard at

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remedial work. As well as the cattle and some 8000 sheep, Cattle Flat Station is venturing into tourism farming, providing hunting and fishing opportunities while keeping part of the farm in its natural state. Cam tells us that one of their issues is the high aluminium content in the soil, which means they need to apply plenty of lime. The Cattle Flat Station property extends 23km from the gate to the end of the farm. We wind our way over steep hills with magnificent native bush on one side of the track, then through Glenlapa and Sweetacres Stations to lunch at Lumsden.

Afterwards, for a complete change, we’ll be spending the afternoon in the city.

My husband’s a vintage motoring fanatic and I expect to be in for a long slow afternoon, but a visit to the ladies’ at Invercargill’s Bill

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All Tours are run by owner /operators Robbie & Connie Crickett. www.nzadventures.co.nz

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Richardson Transport World museum dispelled any thoughts of potential boredom.

I’d just read Peter Williams’ article about the museum in volume 4 of NZTODAY RV Lifestyle, but he didn’t mention seeing in the mens room what I saw. Opulent ladies’ loos!

In the first washroom, three pedestal handbasins, one green, one yellow and one pink each held a matching soap dispenser, and above each handbasin, light shone from within a correspondingly coloured retro frosted glass lightshade. On the side wall a selection of hand-mirrors was displayed. Acting like a sleuth, I slink into the next ladies to find that its glamorous Betty Boop-themed décor ‘out-decoes’ the thirties! Fantastic to have such charm incorporated into what could be considered a ‘man’s world’!

The museum is in Tay Street. Sadly, Bill himself died in 2005 but left a legacy of a large collection, literally hundreds of trucks and petrol bowsers including the only working Dodge RX70 Airflow in the world and a large assortment of Fords. There’s something for everyone though. Children can enjoy Lego in the ‘construction zone’, there’s a ‘Cadbury’ display – alas, no actual chocolate – and upstairs is a wearable-art collection that includes a dress made from thousands

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of road-user-charges labels and vehicle relicensing labels, all folded to show the distances travelled. Entitled ‘Journeys’ the award-winning creation was completed by HWR Richardson staff. Nearby, ‘Wings over Otatara’ acknowledges the large spoonbill population that is not uncommon in the region.

Vehicles, both restored and awaiting restoration, are subjected to a regular cleaning and polishing regime that takes about two months to complete. “Then we start all over again,” says volunteer Lee Boniface, who is lavishing attention on a Ford Mercury truck.

In the 1970s Road Metals got three of the first four Mack trucks that were brought into the country. It was a revelation to watch a video of the way that these big beasts redefined what was expected of trucks at that time. Another aspect of the museum that I particularly liked was the way that several trucks on display still carried the name and business of the operating owner, so the museum’s more than a history of trucking, it’s also a history of the evolution of local transport businesses. This museum is well worth a visit on so many levels.

Leaving the luxury of Invercargill’s Ascot Hotel next morning, we head across Western Southland towards Monowai, built as a

hydro village in the 1920s but with its turbines and plant upgraded by owner Pioneer Energy in the early 2000s. Tonight’s stay will be somewhat different – cabins surrounding a communal kitchen and dining area, and shared bathroom facilities. But we were made well aware of this before the trip started, and as it turns out we have a relaxed and jovial evening after a magnificent spread of meats and salads.

4. Travelling through the countryside (photo NZ Adventures) 5. Leaving Pūrākaunui for Papatowai Beach 6. In the hills on Cattle Hill Station – the ‘Farmy Army’ are helping out down there somewhere 7. Unexpected glamour at Transport World (photo Richardson’s Transport World) 8. Another elegant ladies’ loo at Transport World (photo Richardson’s Transport World) 9. One of a kind – the only working Dodge RX70 Airflow in the world 10. And the model of the Airflow in the Construction Zone (photo Richardson’s Transport World) 11. Petrol anyone? (photo Richardson’s Transport World)

NZ Adventures run 5 Different Tours For more information contact Robbie or Connie Crickett

email – info@nzadventures.co.nz

Ph 03 218 8569 or call Connie on 027 550 6727 or Robbie on 027 435 4267

or visit – www.nzadventures.co.nz

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Before that though we travel through Invercargill, notable for its many fine parks, and past Thompson’s Bush, left as a remnant to show what the landscape of Invercargill was like when the first Europeans arrived. On the outskirts of town we see plenty of evidence of damage by the recent floods, while Robbie gives us a brief history of nearby Winton and then Riverton, one of the earliest settlements in New Zealand due to its suitability

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for berthing ships. We pass Isla Bank where ‘the soil’s as good as it gets’ and Fairfield where we learn that coal goes from neighbouring Nightcaps past the Fonterra plant at Edendale (which is fired up with much closer mined lignite) and on to Clandeboye.

By now we’re pretty well on the 46th parallel and this is borne out by the name ’46 South’ on the gateway to one of the dairy conversions now owned by a German investment group.

We head through forestry roads on property owned by Matariki Forests and managed by Rayonier. An area of beech forest has been set aside to give an idea of what that type of forest looks like, but the exotic forest is a mix of Radiata Pine and Douglas Fir. Apparently Radiata, which has the advantage of being much faster growing (say 40 years compared to 70), doesn’t handle heavy snow loads well, and in snow-prone areas the trees

tend to snap off during heavy falls. Douglas Fir is much more resistant to snow damage.

A cross between the two is being investigated and looks promising. Douglas Fir, because of the lightness of the seed, is a high-nuisance wilding species.

At Mt Linton, one of New Zealand’s largest farm properties in private ownership, we’re told by the farm manager that among other things there are 108,000 sheep-andbeef stock units and 120km of shelterbelts.

These farms are big businesses and genetics are very important as is the development of sheep breeds, and at Mt Linton we hear that Texel sheep have flat backs so find it difficult to right themselves if they become cast.

Wind’s been a problem here too – the tractor was left out one weekend and the top of the cab blew off, then the topsoil blew off newly seeded paddocks, all resulting in issues that the farm workers didn’t really need in an already busy life.

As we leave Mt Linton cookhouse with a prepared lunch, the cost of which again supports local initiatives, Robbie warns us “you’re going to see the Wairaki River – you’re going to see it close up!” and indeed after another superb meal at one of the huts on Mt Linton Station we’re bouncing through the river and way over hills, dales and more rivers to reach Wairaki Station. After a talk by owners Trudy and Richard Slee, Richard (a former Young Farmer of the Year) leads us on a long, steep journey on the edge of his beef and sheep property following the southern faces of the Takitimu Ranges where we look down on well-cultivated flat paddocks – a direct contrast to the mountainous terrain that we’ve just travelled over.

We descend through the farm to a woolshed and learn more sheep and shearing facts. It’s in this woolshed that four shearing records were set, the latter two being Dion

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Morrell who shore 716 ewes on February 1, 1995 and Darin Forde who shore 720 ewes on January 28, 1997. Dion now has his own shearing contract business operating out of Alexandra and Lawrence and Darin was the face on ‘That man deserves another beer’ in the DB Draught advertising poster, which shows him standing in a yard full of shorn sheep holding a pair of scissors.

A new day and we follow the power pylon road from Borland Road into Fiordland National Park through one of only three accesses to Lake Manapouri, about 50km away.

The road was originally installed to construct the power pylons between the Manapouri power station and the Southland District grid. The road is maintained to service and access those pylons when necessary. There’s a small crew of contractors painting the pylons at present. Ironically visitors complain about the pylons detracting from the park’s natural beauty, forgetting that the structures’ presence is the only reason that access was formed and is still maintained. There’d be no road without them. They certainly have a presence – we’re dwarfed by the pylons that are in turned dwarfed by the steep jagged mountains. From the Borland Saddle we look down on the Green Lake, one of two lakes formed by prehistoric earth movement. A little later we stop at the Grebe Valley lookout over small lakes

and large moss swamps. The area is believed to be the toe of debris from that ancient landslide. Grebes, birds once common in the area, are now extremely rare here, although thanks to conservation efforts they are no longer an endangered species.

Flowering mountain ribbonwoods make a pretty display beside the road. We’re told that beech trees have been flowering prolifically this year, and as the flowers are enjoyed by rats and mice, they too have been around in abundance. While some mice fall into the river to be enjoyed by the local trout, many more vermin are causing havoc by eating birds’ eggs. When we stop for morning tea a friendly New Zealand robin (Toutowai) flits around our vehicles and shoes but stops long enough to have a photo taken.

When we visited Lake Monowai the previous evening, we were overawed by its pristine beauty, even while knowing that the lake’s level had been increased by 2.5 metres to accommodate the power station’s needs, but quite honestly I don’t have the words to describe the magnificence of the mountains folding away one after another on the shores of the south arm of Lake Manapouri. All I can say is that we all feel truly blessed to be able to experience this natural splendour, and it’s a bunch of happy campers that backtrack out of the National Park to our lunch stop.

12. Sheep are an occupational hazard 13. Interested bystanders watch as we begin the Wairaki River crossing 14. View of the pylon road to Lake Manapouri

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Throughout our journeys we’ve seen numerous Garston to Cromwell on the Nevis Road over brightly clad cyclists and many RVs, indicating the Hector and Carrick Ranges. This road, that the areas we’ve been are hugely popular only open for part of each year, is steep, rough, with the domestic traveller. narrow, winding and dusty – not really the Our morning tea is at a spot that is still part place to meet several mountain bikers coming the other way, but we do! Some are more conof the Te Wāhipounamu/South West New siderate than others and we learn that they are Zealand World Heritage area and we’re starparticipating in some sort of event. Down on tled to learn from interpretive signage that at the head of the North Mavora Lake is a remote the river flats there are around 20 stream crossarea known as Shirkers Corner where consciings but at last we find ourselves at Ben Nevis Farm, which has just changed hands and sigentious objectors hid for the duration of WWI, nificant restoration is taking place on some of leaving their wives or girlfriends to bring them the buildings. Then we chug up the final grade food. In 1919 the government published a list of military defaulters and these men were to Duffers Saddle summit, which is the highest deprived of civil rights including losing the public road in New Zealand, before descending to our destination. right to work for local or public authorities for We’ve been privileged to see a lot of South 10 years, being unable to change their name for 10 years, and military defaulters that were Island countryside that is not available to many overseas when the war ended were unable others. I’ve learnt more about sheep than I thought I’d ever know, the company’s been to return to this country for 10 years. Tough times, but feelings ran high between families great, and it will be a struggle to get back to of servicemen and others. our normal meals after the superb dinners and Next, it’s past the deer capital of Mossburn lunches we’ve been having. I’m keen to head – where deer farming was pioneered and the south again next year but NZ Adventures has industry is still a big local employer – and into organised a new Heartland tour that takes in parts of central and the lower North Island, so the hills once again, along glacial remnant ridges on a property where the 75th dog trials we’ll be off to do that instead. Nevertheless, have just been held. It’s raining, and when we we’ll be back south just as soon as we can! ask the farmer to send some in our droughtstricken direction, he says despondently “you Drive 14.from And station we meettomore intrepid station and bikers experience the South Island High Country can have the whole bloody lot.” After lunch we 15. majestic Lake Mavora begin our final trek, the 75km journey from 16. And up we go!

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During the afternoon we’re in a more pragmatic space, again travelling through farmland beside another part of the Takitimus, only getting stuck once and learning more sheep facts.

Ewes have only two teats, and when one gives birth to triplets the biggest lamb is taken from the mother, and on a nearby station four lambing shepherds are employed to mother them on to ewes that have borne only one lamb. The donation for travelling through this farm is a fundraiser for the local fire brigade.

After a night in Te Anau we’re off into the countryside again. We see snow on the distant mountains as we pass the Wilderness Scientific reserve that has been left untouched to show what Te Anau looked like before all the development took place. At the first dairy farm established in the Te Anau basin, Robert Kempthorne (another previous Young Farmer of the Year) and his wife Anna have been milking once a day for several seasons. We travel to another scenic beauty spot, this time the Mavora Lakes, where quite a few RVs are parked up enjoying the comparative solitude – there’s plenty of room here, and the opportunity for tramping, fishing and cycling. Then we backtrack to a place that’s part cycleway/ part walkway and part of the Te Araroa trail.

We hear that the boat TSS Earnslaw that runs from Queenstown to the top of Lake Wakatipu no longer carries motorcycles because of the number of pedal cycles being transported.

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Piano Flat › Southland

-45.561079, 169.015563

Playing loudly at Piano Flat

Heading west into Northern Southland Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson or as credited

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own a caravan. I’m not sure how exactly it happened, but I suspect it had something to do with my wife getting her bottom caught on the overhanging vestibule of our small two-person hiking tent while scrambling out on her hands and knees one wet morning in a busy camping ground. Why I suspect this was the turning point for our camping adventures, is that it was not long after this incident that I received one well-used, orange caravan – as a birthday present! Owning a caravan had never been a topic of discussion between my wife and myself, let alone amongst our friends, so I found it curiously interesting when, not long after receiving that birthday surprise, our close friends also started buying retro caravans. One couple even bought the identical twin to my

10-foot Anglo Imp birthday present.

The desire to transform these old aluminium cans into recreational fun-mobiles soon became the focus. The idea that I could use the caravan as a home and office while away riding and collecting data for the Great Rides App being the prime motivator/excuse. For the sake of efficiencies, the two Anglo Imps simultaneously underwent a year-long transformation whereby they were stripped to their framing, skin and floor, rewired, relined, insulated, a few mod cons installed, the drawbar extended for bike racks, and self-containment certification achieved. The work was all completed primarily by our friend who owns the identical twin Imp assisted by my wife as his apprentice. They did an unbelievable job.

1. Hanging out in the Anglo Imp 2. The evening fire was heavenly (Remarkable Imagery) 3. The Piano Flat campsite is hard to beat

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Once the fun-mobiles were ready to hit the road again we reassembled our group of friends and the name ‘Waka Waggoneers’ was coined for our merry band of travellers from the Wakatipu basin. While the two Imps remain unnamed (and one lives up in Queenstown), just a block away from our home in Kingston resides ‘Winnie’, a Winston caravan with soft green-blue trim and graceful mid-century curves. Then around the corner from Winnie and ready to head away at a moment’s notice is the ‘Jambulance’, Kingston’s original 1982 Bedford ambulance which was once used as a jam van for a community

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fundraising project but has now been masterfully recrafted for life on the road.

The last weekend of September was agreed upon as a great time for the inaugural Waka Wagoneers’ jaunt as a number of us have birthdays in that month; it was also fitting since it was the second anniversary of receiving my birthday caravan. Piano Flat in Southland was the destination finally settled upon. As we travelled south late on that Friday afternoon, I considered the quirky naming of the various parts of our province. Sub-regions in Southland are called northern, western, eastern, central and remarkably southern Southland.

As with the unimaginatively tame names of our country’s two main islands, Southland also likes to keep things pretty straightforward, so why not use the cardinal points of a compass. We Waggoneers set our bearings on northern Southland, navigated past Waikaia and ended up at the most idyllic of riverside conservation campsites, Piano Flat.

Arriving down the dusty road we find the tumbling Waikaia River defines the area, with its arching beech forest rising uphill on one side and the spacious camping sites on grassy terraces with scattered trees above the river bends on the other. Piano Flat is camping

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bliss (albeit slightly damp underfoot during our visit) and we Waggoneers soon have our wagons circled. After setting up camp we visit the self-registration kiosk to pay our way for the two nights and then take a short evening stroll to explore the suspension bridge across the river while collecting fallen broken branches on our return to camp; like most of the sites here, our river terrace site has a concrete fireplace and a picnic table which we soon make use of. With the campfire ablaze, nestled in our chairs under a big starry sky we enjoy a drink, eat birthday cake and plan our adventures for the following day.

The next morning is a beaut. It seems that a cool, clear morning is also ideal for the sandflies which greet us as we open our wagon doors. We will not let the sandflies deter us from one tradition that the Waka Waggoneers have developed over our short history – the communal cooked breakfast.

Each caravan has a task: Winnie does the best scrambled eggs, the Jambulance turns out perfect toast and mushrooms, our identical twin Imp makes crispy hash browns from scratch, and we bring home the bacon.

With our two refurbished caravans’ newly installed extractor fans whirling away, we are

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4. We had the campsite to ourselves 5. The Piano Flat campsite is hard to beat 6. Crossing the Waikaia River on the day tramp 7. The Jambulance is masterfully fitted out 8. Cooking up a breakfast feast 9. A big breakfast to start the day

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not afraid to take on the oily frying duties.

After breakfast, with full bellies and smiles on our faces, we squeeze into our bright outdoor clothing ready to divide, some to ride and others to stride. Being a diverse group with different interests means we’ll be all the richer when we return and share the different stories of our day’s adventure. We say our farewells and go our separate ways, the trampers cross the suspension bridge we found last night while we cyclists stay on the campsite side of the river.

My group of riders head upstream on a

4WD road that winds its way up the valley and into the hills. The initial ride is stunningly scenic with the giant beech trees forming an umbrella, dappling the sunlight over the glinting river. It’s hard not to stop every five minutes to take photos of the deep pools in the river. It’s an “honest climb” as my friend described it – steep enough that my less-fit friends use the photo stops to put their pounding hearts back into their chests as their lungs tried to burst out and go back home. We make a mental note of these waterholes for a potential dip after a hot bike ride,

should we return later in the summer. The rough vehicle track continues to climb, occasionally descending before finally ascending out of the forest and onto the tops. Here, near the head catchment, we reach Christie’s Hut which is little more than a tin shelter to rough it for a night. Near the hut is a substantial old stone chimney, the only remains of a sizeable dwelling that once stood on the spot. A hundred years ago this place was swarming with gold miners working their claims. We look down into a ravine and see Canton Bridge, which is near a derelict mine that was once

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worked by the Cantonese miners. Despite our being above the bushline the mountains still encircle us. There’s snow not far above us. The tussocks around us seem to be still yawning and stretching after a winter buried under the weight of a zillion snowflakes. Below us, downstream and a fair number of kilometres away is our camp and somewhere down there in the forest are the Waggoneer walkers. We turn our bikes around for the return ride. If the climb was a grunt, the descent is a blessing as we fly down the smooth trail in a matter of a few blurred joyous moments.

While we rode, our fellow camper-trampers walked upstream through the forest following the Waikaia River. Their four-hour loop track is narrow and typically beech forest rooty; however, it never really climbs far away from the sound of the river. There are several highlights along the way with river rapids, wildlife and the rich greens of the verdant mixed beech forest. A South Island robin appears, curiously inspecting the group while waiting for a meal of insects drawn out from the disturbance their walking has provided.

Their riverside walk has plenty of deep dark pools too, and eventually they reach the halfway point where the hills close in to a tight gorge. A suspension bridge gets them to

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the opposite bank and after an hour or two scrambling and weaving around impressive boulders and gnarly roots, they emerge back at the campsite weary, hungry and ready to put their tired feet up.

Refreshed by a bracing dip in the river, we settle in around the fire for the evening once more. The fire tonight is far grander in scale than the previous evening’s effort since

10. The flats of the beech-clad Waikaia River 11. Climbing towards the head of the Waikaia 12. The 4WD track is a good hard trail surface 13. Filling up as the day heats up

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DRIVE THE MILFORD ROAD

Photo by: Sophie Piearcey

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www.fiordland.org.nz

14. A truly scenic ride in the backcountry 15. Toasting marshmallows 16. What’s down the shaft?

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we had a little more time to scavenge wood.

Warming in a semicircle around the flames, we share the highlights, stories and mishaps of the day’s walking and pedalling adventures.

There is something very humbling about sitting with friends under the night stars with a crackling fire for warmth, where the only sounds are the rushing waters of the nearby river and the distant call of a lonely morepork. We feel very small beneath the canopy of the universe, and thankful for the love and friendship of those we are with. As the fire dies down so does our conversation and we eventually say our goodnights and drift away to our cosy beds to rest our weary bones.

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Warming in a semicircle around the flames, we share the highlights, stories and mishaps of the day’s walking and pedalling adventures The next day dawns clear and bright, and with yet another cooked breakfast tucked under our belts we are keen to stretch our legs. Walking along the road we spot an old playground that appears to have been drawn

straight from our childhood memories. The seesaw, swings, rocking horse, roundabout, and a slide set into a river terrace, are all in perfect working condition and well maintained. This brightly painted playground is attractive for the young but equally appealing for us oldies. It takes only moments before we are each reacquainted with our inner child.

Each ride brings back a memory from long ago. For me the slide reminds me of one that I grew up with at Hamilton Lake; for others, the bold colours bring back their own vivid memories. For a few moments, the peaceful morning of charming birdsong is broken by our happy hollers and laughter while tears

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of joy are spun from the corners of our eyes by the centrifugal forces of the roundabout.

Or are those the tears of nostalgia – the realisation that our lives are but a speck on the clockface of time, and time is going by pretty fast? It’s fun! We are children again for a few minutes.

Leaving the folly of the playground behind we enter nature’s playground, the Ngahere Ara and Piano Flat Creek Loop Tracks. The narrow track heads up onto a river terrace and is carpeted with a fine layer of beech leaf litter. The trail continues deep into the woods.

Here we discover more of the rich gold-mining history of the area after looking down a trailside gold-mining shaft. Just beyond the shaft we hear gushing water and come across a water race. This historic, yet functioning water supply, once fed gold-sluicing guns on the flats. Today it delivers drinking water to a few holiday homes as well as to our campsite. We follow the track as it meanders along the curves of the water race, which in turn mimics the contours of the landscape. I am a big fan of water race trails and this one through the forest is a real source of wonder and delight. Before long we leave the waterway and descend past a derelict mine entrance and complete the loop back to the camp.

With our weekend nearly over we put away the camp chairs, wind up our stabilisers, and the Waka Waggoneers roll out of Piano Flat. Leaving the site we pause and I have a quick look at an interpretation panel outlining the peculiar name of this flat. The site is named after Harry Selig, a piano player, who is reputed to have been the first person to recover gold on the flat. We leave Harry’s Piano Flat behind, with our lives a little richer for the experience. From our weekend away I can understand how this conservation

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campground strikes a pleasant chord with all sub-region Southlanders making the most of being close to the beauty of nature and a range of outdoor activities.

As for me and my unexpected birthday present, I’m a convert. Being able to carry one’s home and toys in such a simple manner is great. The comforts of a cosy, warm bed, running water, lights and a full kitchen all on board makes these simple weekends away pure pleasure. No more pokey tents and sleeping on a mat on the hard earth. No, as it turns out, I’m not opposed to a little more comfort as I get older.

Post Script: Piano Flat and the playground reminded us of joke from a Scholastic Book Club (remember them?) childhood jokebook: Q. What do you get if you drop a piano down a mineshaft? A. A flat minor.

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18. Turning back time to our youth (Remarkable Imagery) 19. Riding of a different kind 20. Enjoying the day tramp and the river bends 21. The short walk along the water race

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Urenui › Taranaki 38.9978° S, 174.3902° E

White Cliffs of Pukearuhe

What a trip – psychedelic bikes and high tea in the hometown of Sir Peter Buck Story + Photos Jane Dove Juneau

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ometimes it is not about how far you travel; just getting out of your usual environment is refreshing. We decided to take a halfhour drive north of New Plymouth to Urenui to give our new (to us) Mercedes Sprinter campervan a test run. My partner Rick and I recently drove it back from Rotorua after spending a couple of frosty nights at Waikite Hot Springs, but we wanted to spend more time getting to know the van before heading off on a long trip, so Urenui and exploring the coast north to Pukearuhe at the south end of White Cliffs, was the plan.

Urenui on SH3 north of New Plymouth is a small seaside village that most people pass in two minutes flat as they drive to points north of Taranaki. I had stopped a few times in Urenui for a coffee and went to the Urenui Rodeo many years ago, but I had never stayed there.

With the campervan hurriedly packed for a few nights we drove north to Urenui.

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In the centre of town we turned off towards the ocean. The afternoon sun was shining down through a sky full of pink flowers on a large magnolia tree in the Anglican churchyard. The green grass was covered in a carpet of white petals. Leaning against the rock wall surrounding the church was a rainbow-coloured bike with a basket of flowers. Several other psychedelic bikes draped with driftwood, shells and leaves marked the entrance of the Old Town Hall Café. Inside the tearooms on the polished hardwood floors were tables set with old English china, ready for high tea. Crocheted hand-made throws were draped over the back of chairs and all around the room was a mix of British memorabilia with the Union Jack on plates, boots, hats and, of course, on flags.

At the counter two cheerful girls wearing purple wigs prepared tea and scones with clotted cream. Owner Jo Watson had previously worked as a photographer but, having reinvented herself, now runs a café with traditional English high tea. Jo is originally from Dorset and embraces everything British in her tearooms. She prides herself on producing traditional clotted cream as made in Dorset – cooked for 12 hours, the cream is then chilled until a golden crust forms. Their specialty is a range of 62 different scones they make, from pistachio and raspberry, carrot and walnut, beetroot and chocolate, to traditional cheese or date scones. The fluffy fresh scones are made daily and best served with clotted cream and delicious home-made jams.

I tried the pistachio and raspberry, which was very tasty. They also serve full English breakfasts, as well as lunch with Cornish pasty, ploughman’s pork pie and Jo’s Welsh rarebit.

Just across the road is a large rustic

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lodge-style building with high vaulted ceilings, home to the Mud Bay Café. They have a tasty range of cabinet food and a blackboard menu with choices like garden pizzas, eggs benedict, and burgers. In summer the café is also open for dinner.

Down the road beyond the cafés is a park with a heritage sign detailing the history of Urenui and directions to a 4km historic walk around the town. The park looks across to a hill, which was once Pihanga Pā and later became part of Pihanga or Urenui Redoubt.

Another point of interest on the historic walk is the birthplace of Te Rangi Hiroa or Sir Peter Buck on the banks of the Urenui River. A World War I veteran, Hiroa was among 500 soldiers in the Māori contingent who fought on the frontline at Gallipoli

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and performed courageously treating the wounded on the battlefield. Buck graduated in medicine from Otago in 1904 and went on to carve a distinguished career in health, politics and science. He championed efforts to improve Māori health throughout New Zealand and became a member of parliament and a cabinet minister.

The park overlooks the slow flowing Urenui River as it winds its way out to the sea.

The river separates the town from the Urenui Beach, but can be crossed by a foot-bridge to get to the beach settlement, campground and golf course. We drove across the river and a few kilometres north of Urenui to the turn off down to the beach. The road winds down through an immaculately kept golf course to the campground office and village

of baches. We chose to camp on a grassy area among the pōhutukawa trees, near the river mouth. At this time of year it was peaceful with the river running by beyond the trees.

At high tide the sea laps up against a rock wall installed by the council to protect the beach from erosion.

We woke up to a frosty morning, and as we stumbled out of the van half asleep a cheerful whitebaiter gave us an amused wave. After a hearty breakfast we drove north to explore the coast.

North of Urenui is Waitoetoe, once famous for its beach races. I went to the beach races back in the ’80s as a young photographer for the Taranaki Daily News. I remember horses charging along the black sand beach with sand flying, on a grey Taranaki day. We drove to the end of the road and walked down the path to a dramatic view west along the cliffs. There is extensive erosion on this section of coast so it is tricky to get down to the beach. Another track goes down to the north end of the beach but it looked like it might have been a private road so we didn’t venture down. This was likely the entrance used for the horse races in the past.

Back out on SH3, past Café 487 formerly Mike’s Brewery (should have stopped), we turned on to Pukearuhe Road at Mimi, to get

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to Wai-iti Beach and Pukearuhe. Wai-iti has a small campground and a range of accommodation and is another place to stay in North Taranaki. We popped out to the beach for a quick look then drove a little further to the end of the road at Pukearuhe, which is the start of the Whitecliffs Walkway. There is not a lot of parking at the end of the road and the turnaround is OK but not great for a large motorhome.

It’s better to visit on mid-to-low tide, as the waves break against the cliffs at high tide. It is a spectacular place with large towering cliffs stretching north up the coast. We climbed down to the beach along the riverbed as the old boat ramp looked steep and slippery – I

1. A sky full of magnolia flowers at Urenui 2. A table for two, at The Old Town Hall Café 3. Elodie, Charlotte and Jo dressed up for a birthday celebration 4. The Urenui River winds down to the ocean

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wouldn’t recommend it. The Whitecliffs Walkway can only be accessed from Pukearuhe and is closed during lambing season from to July 1 to September 30. The best option for walking is Pukearuhe to Wai Pingao Stream returning to Pukearuhe via the beach at low tide only or back the way you came (3–4 hours/6.5km). Be careful of cliff erosion on the beach section, caution is required.

In pre-colonial days Pukearuhe pā, perched above the cliffs, was the Ngāti Tama stronghold, which protected the northern frontier of Taranaki. In the 1860s the Taranaki bushrangers occupied the area and built a redoubt and blockhouse, which was raided by Ngāti Maniapoto. The post was abandoned for some time then reoccupied by armed constabulary

under Captain William Messenger. In 2003 Pukearuhe pā was returned to Ngāti Tama as part of their Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

We enjoyed our exploration of the North Taranaki coast. The camper performed well with only one exception – the hot water heater wouldn’t turn on. This was soon sorted out by a visit to Nationwide RV at their new spacious location at Waiwakaiho. Simon Barkley the workshop manager and his team were very friendly and helpful. I now know where the fuses are as well as the water heater reset button.

So, even if you decide to go away at the last minute, it is great to take a short drive and explore your own backyard. A weekend away doesn’t have to involve a marathon drive. As we discovered there are often interesting

places close to home that you have driven through dozens of times but never stopped to explore. Urenui is a lovely place to visit for a few nights and don’t forget golf clubs if you play, as the course looks excellent.

Urenui is named after the Urenui River.

Ure an expression for courage and nui means great. The name was given by Manaia to honour his son Tuurenui, but the name may also be translated as large penis. (NZ History – Ngā kōrero a ipurangi o Aotearoa)

5. Waitoetoe Beach north of Urenui 6. Tall cliffs dwarf Rick at Pukearuhe 7. The sun sets over the bay at Urenui

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TRAVEL

Mangaweka › North Island

-39.808948, 175.787957

Mangaweka

Art of the Rangitikei Art, rafting and a big ol’ plane are just some of Mangaweka’s attractions Story Sheryl Bainbridge Photos Neill and Sheryl Bainbridge

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hen you pause in Mangaweka, stepping out on Broadway feels like stepping back a hundred years in time. In the 1980s the state highway was diverted away from the then main street to get a better contour (from a transportation point of view the area is exceedingly difficult geographically).

For some years, when the heart went out of the community for a while, Broadway’s old buildings looked neglected and abandoned.

But more recently there’s been a revival. New residents have restored some of the old shops, and local artists have repopulated Broadway with murals and created life-sized cut-outs of people dressed in Victorian clothing apparently going about their business. A cut-out of a man and his dog attracts lots of attention – not so much from people as from passing dogs who rush towards it then stop in confusion. At first glance a man leaning casually against the door frame of an original-looking old Coal and Wood building is simply taking a breather, but another look reveals that he is simply painted

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in situ, and I’m told he’s actually a tribute to a local man, the late Henry Dorrian. Another mural is a tribute to our ANZACs, both human and animal.

One character is missing. “He must have got up and walked away,” observed artist Julie Oliver when her cut-out of a seated man was stolen. Julie has played a big part in creating the artworks together with Richard Aslett, owner of the unmissable Yellow Church gallery on the main road. Julie said she’d love to see other artists come on board, as the cut-outs and murals on various walls and buildings are beginning to form an outdoor gallery that is accessible to everyone. In the meantime Richard, who opened the gallery in 2006, has just completed a Mangaweka adaptation of The Scream by Edvard Munch for the streetscape. Richard’s version features Mangaweka-born Karl Sim wearing the bowler hat. Many will remember Karl Sim alias Carl Feoder Goldie as the famous forger who re-created the works of many artists including

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those of Charles Goldie and was duly convicted. In Mangaweka his fame is celebrated with the ‘Fakes and Forgeries’ event which takes place every two years. Richard himself has won several awards, including the cover of the region’s Telecom phone book with a screen print of the local DC3 plane and the 2019 design for the NZ Police Pride T-shirts.

Opposite page, top: Some old buildings are getting a facelift. Bottom: Dogs rush

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towards this cut-out to investigate 1. The band played on – a Broadway mural 2. A ghost from the past on Broadway 3. Mangaweka version of The Scream 4.This mural pays tribute to the ANZACs – men and horses Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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As well as exhibiting Richard’s own works, the gallery runs regular solo and group exhibitions for established and emerging artists, and also houses a large eclectic collection of other artists’ work As well as exhibiting Richard’s own works, the gallery runs regular solo and group exhibitions for established and emerging artists, and also houses a large eclectic collection of other artists’ work Last summer, in Richard’s words ‘to raise the bar and have a bit of a laugh’, the former NZ X-Factor and New Zealand’s Got Talent star and the ‘Apprentice’ Michael channeled the 1970s, introducing smart new staff summer uniforms based on the classic NZ walk-shorts-and-socks look of yesteryear!

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Walk through

History

Mangaweka power station A swimming spot with a touch of nostalgia.

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To their surprise, cards and fridge magnets featuring this trendy look sell very well.

Mangaweka, roughly halfway between Wellington and Taupō and about 15 minutes south of Taihape, is named for the weka. In the arty town, roadside sculptures reference this once prolific bird. When the main-trunk line went through in 1894, Mangaweka was built as a rail settlement. A 288m viaduct and five tunnels were completed in 1903–4, all built by a workforce with picks, shovels

and wheelbarrows. It was the longest viaduct on the line, but due to the area’s unstable geography as well as the high maintenance costs involved in painting the steel structure it was dismantled in 1981 when the 7km Mangaweka deviation was built. The original viaduct’s massive concrete bases can be seen from the state highway north of the town today, and a new viaduct (one of three) is visible driving from the south just before reaching Mangaweka.

Not far from town a 116-year-old cantilevered road bridge, the only one of its type in New Zealand, spans the Rangitīkei River. The one-lane bridge was built in three sections, the end sections being constructed first, then the middle section which holds the end parts in place was built.

It’s another amazing feat of engineering in a dramatically beautiful part of the countryside.

There were plans to demolish the bridge and replace it with a new road bridge.

5.Cards and fridge magnets of dapper duo Richard and Michael rocking the ‘70s look, fly out the door 6. The cantilevered historic bridge 7. Looking down into the river

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However, finding that the structure was more solid than first thought, the Manawatu and Rangitīkei District Councils saw the light and agreed to leave the bridge as a pedestrian/ cycleway access, thereby saving another piece of our heritage. The local historical society has agreed to help fundraise for its ongoing maintenance and a new two-lane road bridge is still planned.

Campgrounds on either side of the bridge give visitors the opportunity to enjoy the Rangitīkei River and spectacular views of the stunning, steep-sided Rangitīkei Gorge. One campground has powered and non-powered sites, while across the river is a higher-end campground and licensed café that is open in the summer. Both campgrounds are run

by Awastone, a business owned by the Eames family who also started rafting trips on the river in 1981. I’m told that the ‘splash and giggle’ trips, which involve an hour on the

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water, are suitable for those aged between three and 103, and rafters don’t have to stay the night but can make the activity part of a day trip. Sundays between January and March see live music performances at the campground between 1pm and 3pm. There’s an eclectic mix of music and the atmosphere is relaxed and easy.

A member of the Eames family was also responsible for the appearance of an old DC3 alongside the state highway. It was initially a means of getting people to stop for fuel but has been unused for some years. However good news may be on the way – it’s expected that fuel will once again be available in Mangaweka by this spring/summer and the old plane beside the fuel tanks may get a new lease of life.

Mangaweka itself is also experiencing a new lease of life as families choosing a more relaxed, less-money-orientated lifestyle are

moving in. Younger families are enjoying the small-town lifestyle and post-Covid-19 opportunities to work from home. Hopefully they may in time include some artists keen to add some new talent to the Broadway streetscape.

EVENT 7 March 2021 Awastone Sunday Musical Performance Catch Richard, Fred, Cynthia and the full band in March.

8. The old DC3

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Mangōnui › Far North 34.9773° S, 173.5389° E

TRAVEL

The Point of Whaling Now serene, Butler Point was once an integral part of our early whaling industry

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Story + Photos Sheryl Bainbridge

B

eside the historic house a superb Magnolia grandiflora has provided shade since the 1840s. Next to the property’s shell paths is a brick-lined well from which water was originally drawn, and further on, an olive tree. It’s a particularly interesting tree because, although rot meant its trunk had to be drastically cut down into what is effectively a large stump, from beneath what was thought to be a dead specimen a small sprig emerged. It was a delightful surprise and is being carefully nurtured by Jan Ferguson, manager of Butler Point Whaling Museum and Historic House, which has been in family ownership since 1970. The magnificent gardens with their mix of native and exotic flora have a five-star rating with the NZ Gardens Trust and have been restored in a manner that reflects significant early New Zealand history.

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1. Captain Butler’s historic house at Butler Point 2. The original well has been restored Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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Whaling captain William Butler lived with his family and operated a trading station at Butler Point from 1847 until his death in 1875.

The front part of his house was transported by sea from a property he owned across the harbour on Paewhenua Island. It was rolled

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on logs to a barge, then off again to its present position, and those rollers remain under the house today. The rear portion of the house was added later. Following the Butler family’s occupation shorter-term residents included Theophilus Wake, uncle of our WW2 heroine

Nancy Wake, known as the White Mouse for her exploits in occupied France. It was then acquired by the Dacre family. Hubert Dacre was a dentist and a keen cabinetmaker, and a large sideboard ornately carved by him and his wife is part of the family’s legacy to the property. Ownership then passed to the Marchant family until 1970 when it was purchased by the late Dr Lindo and Mrs Laetitia Ferguson.

The Fergusons spent much of their lives undertaking the enormous task of restoring, repairing and refurbishing the house and garden, both of which were in an awful state, with rampant vegetation growing right up to the house. The couple had a huge interest in old houses and preserving early New Zealand heritage, and enjoyed sourcing relevant memorabilia such as a fold-up travelling piano similar to one owned by Captain Butler’s wife, Eliza. Artefacts from more recent times were also gathered, and one of the kitchen shelves displays a tin of minced toheroa concentrate from Ninety Mile Beach, which while not dating from the nineteenth century is nevertheless something that is no longer available to us. Mrs Ferguson collected and catalogued samples of the original wallpaper, and when the rooms were re-papered the replacement wallpaper was matched as authentically as

Come for a wine tasting at Dancing Petrel after you have visited beautiful Butler Point Museum. Just 5 minutes away. Call Kim 021 241 3221

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

3. A fine sideboard carved by Mr and Mrs Dacre in Victorian times 4.We always knew it! Mangōnui has a special place in history 5. Toheroa from Ninety Mile Beach was once a delicacy 6. Said to be the oldest pōhutukawa in the North Island, possibly in New Zealand

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possible The faithful restoration of the house earned Dr Ferguson a well-deserved award in a Historic Places–Placemakers-sponsored building restoration competition. At the same time the Fergusons began collecting whaling artefacts which led to the construction of the museum, now filled with memorabilia including maps, whalebones, scrimshaw, paintings and much more. As a local I was intrigued to find that a 19th century whaling map in the museum identified only Mangōnui on the drawing of New Zealand.

Visitors are welcome to the museum by appointment (whalingmuseumbutlerpoint.com is the website or phone 09 406 0006) and well-guided tours provide much more of the property’s history. Although Butler Point looks only a hop, skip and a jump away when viewed from Mangōnui, there’s actually a 15-minute drive along the Hihi Road to reach it. It was once considered relatively isolated as the only access was by boat, but better roading means it is much easier to reach these days.

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Near the entry gates, several Elingamita johnsonii shrubs have been planted specifically to feed and attract native kererū.

Endemic to the Three Kings Island, elingamita, a very attractive plant with dark green karaka-like leaves and vivid berries is named for the SS Elingamite that was wrecked on the Kings in 1902 and the shrubs are now established throughout the 26-hectare property.

Further along the lengthy drive is a grove of macadamia trees, planted as an experiment when Mrs Ferguson’s interest was piqued by her brother’s plantation in Queensland.

“They’re very labour-intensive though,” Jan points out. Delicious though, and the recipe for the Butler Point Macadamia Nut cake

featured in issue 77 of RV Travel Lifestyle.

A magnificent stand of mature pōhutukawa can be seen near the end of the driveway. It includes one majestic tree that is at least 500 years old, and possibly as old as 800 years.

Others shelter the cemetery with its marked and unmarked graves, and there are more trees on the property’s Māori pā site. Regenerating natives surround the old trading post

area where once buildings stood, and where whaling ships – sometimes rafted up right across the harbour – discharged and picked up their cargoes. Now, like many sites on this historic land, it’s a peaceful place for a picnic.

Whale pots stand outside the museum and several dark rocks, once used as ballast by the ships and said to come from Chile, remain on shore and have been used in the construction of retaining walls near the sea.

History can’t be changed and the best we can do is learn from it. Although the thought of whaling is anathema to us now, in the 19th century it was a legitimate, albeit hard and dangerous way to make a living, and we’re lucky to have our country’s whaling history so faithfully recorded and preserved. Last year a juvenile humpback whale spent a couple of months in Doubtless Bay. For a while it was accompanied by a Bryde’s whale. We hope they’ll come back again in the future when the only way they’ll be captured is on camera.

In the meantime Butler Point Whaling Museum is a wonderful place to learn about our settlers’ early lives in a very scenic, historic location.

7. Jan Ferguson standing outside the museum with whale pots 8. View from the Butler Point pā site to Rangitoto Reserve, a pā site at the harbour entrance 9. The bay outside the house and museum 10. The cemetery with its marked and unmarked graves, some dating back to the 1840s 11. View across Mangōnui harbour from the site of the old trading post – whaling boats would raft up from one side of the harbour to the other

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Last year a juvenile humpback whale spent a couple of months in Doubtless Bay

Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

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CLASSIC CARAVANS

Retro Caravans

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Brass Monkey Gathering – August 2020

From Whitianga in the north, Levin in the south, Whanganui in the west, Tauranga in the east, and all points in between they came to gather at Motutere Motor Camp on the south-eastern shore of Lake Taupō.

Words Don Jessen Photos Don Jessen and Peter Nunn

I

t was Friday the 20th of August and the NZ Retro Car and Caravan Club was hosting its inaugural winter Brass Monkey rally.

Organised by Peter Nunn, the founder of the club, the rally was designed to attract those hardy souls who will caravan in any weather and like using their caravans in winter.

Unfortunately, Covid-19 Level 3 lockdown in Auckland meant several vintage caravans couldn’t make the trip as planned, so numbers were down from 20 vans to just 11.

However, those 11 caravans made a stunning sight sitting in a row on their beach-front sites and were highly visible from both the lake and the road. They looked as pretty as a picture! Ranging in age from 40 years old to 62 years old these restored caravans tend to attract attention wherever they go, especially when there’s a group of them together.

So, what was there? From 1980 there was a beautiful little Alpha complete with bathroom – the design of this particular Alpha first saw

the light of day in 1977 and continued through until 1980. Next up was another Alpha from 1978. This one was a little different in that it was an Alpha slide-on – basically, a self-contained unit that slides onto the tray of a ute – and the owners had modified the unit to fit the tray of their 1980 Holden ute. Towed behind the rig was a homebuilt replica mini vintage caravan that was actually a kennel for their rather large dog. Like many classic and vintage rigs, it had been given a name – ‘Just

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1. Motutere Motor Camp on the southeastern shore of Lake Taupō 2. View out from our awning - perfect

Holden On’ fitted the rig perfectly and the whole outfit was just stunning. Other caravans from the seventies were represented

by Peter’s immaculate 1974 10-foot Lilliput matched with a beautifully original, very low mileage 1966 Nissan Gloria. Another 1971 Lilliput Special 12´ 6´ in equally stunning condition, along with a brace of cool-looking Anglo Imps from 1977 and 1975, a 1976 CI Sprite Elk and a 1976 Gypsy Special, completed the line-up from that decade.

The 1960s were represented by two caravans. One was a very sweet looking 1963 Zephyr originally built in Dunedin. Now Hamilton based, this little Zephyr had been fully restored and was just beautiful and full of character. The other was a 1965 Mostard Yvonne. Now I bet not too many caravan experts have heard of this brand! It is a full-bodied caravan with a roof that pops up, very much like the pop-top concept Liteweight pioneered in New Zealand in the late seventies.

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Liteweight first saw the idea in Australia, but the pop-top concept originated in Europe at least a decade or more before that. This gorgeous little caravan was actually built in the Netherlands.

The brand was Mostard and the model name Yvonne – the owner named all his models after his daughters. This caravan was found in Belgium by the current owner and imported in fully restored condition. The Belgian owner who was retiring from caravanning was delighted it

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was going to an enthusiast, and sent it to New Zealand filled with many retro-period accessories that were a total and somewhat delightful surprise to the new owners. They tow this rig with an equally stunning 1934 Ford Tudor hotrod. The final caravan was my 1958 Liteweight Kiwi Special 14-footer.

The Motutere Motor Camp has a great setting and great facilities. The weather on Friday wasn’t too bad and although there was a cold wind

blowing off the lake, that night we all gathered at the cookhouse, which had an extension with clears around it and seating for a good number of people, and had a casual good old traditional BBQ communal dinner. It was great fun and a time to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. As always with these gatherings, the common love of old caravans and the friendly nature of retro caravanners makes for a great time.

3. 1956 Zephyr caravan in the middle, Anglo Imp on the right 4. The Mostard Yvonne built in the Netherlands.

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5. Alpha slid-on camper 6. Friday night BBQ with

5

dress-up, fun and frivolity

Saturday dawned fine and during the day became quite warm. Some folk took off to Taupō for the morning, some to the hot pools out from Turangi, while others went fishing straight off the beach or in their kayaks. Me? Along with others I was content to wander around the caravans and see what had been done with their restorations, and to curl up in a deckchair in the sun with a good book!

Saturday night the ladies put on a grand dinner. And grand it was! The main course was delicious and the dessert was heavenly.

Somehow, they had managed to combine all of my favourite desserts into one mass dessert! The evening was again a great time with much hilarity created when a few couples turned up in their ‘onesies’ animal suits. A couple of the guys had even managed accidentally to put theirs on back to front! Not to be out done, our Captain, Peter, had put on a blow-up frog suit. The mouth piece was clear plastic which doubled as a vision area for the occupant. However, it tended to fog up and believe me there is nothing so funny as a blow-up, vision-impaired frog stumbling around! All hilarity aside, it was a great weekend with great fellowship and some awesome retro caravans on display. The general consensus was that

So, if you love retrocharacter caravans then these are great places to catch up with the owners and discuss the merits of vintage vanning

6

the Brass Monkey rally should become an annual event for retro caravans, and I have no doubt that if our world gets back to some kind of normality, then the 2021 rally will be extremely popular. I would expect to see triple the number of retro caravans at the next one.

Future retro rallies this year, include the ‘Walk Down Memory Lane’ display and weekend at the NZMCA-sponsored Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure show in Hamilton at Mystery Creek on October 9–11, and the ‘Great Escape’ retro-caravan event starting with the three-day 75th anniversary birthday bash of Liteweight caravans at the Cambridge Top Ten Holiday Park on the November 20 and following on with a three-day retro-caravan road ramble convoy passing through Morrinsville, Matamata, Te Aroha, Paeroa, Waihi, Bowentown and so on to Whangamatā to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Beach Hop and the 10th anniversary of the Beach Hop retro-caravan show sponsored by Caravanz and Classics.

So, if you love retro-character caravans then these are great places to catch up with the owners and discuss the merits of vintage vanning or just to go and admire New Zealand’s amazing caravan heritage.

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

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RV ROAD BOOKS ONE COPY TO BE WON

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Frensham – A New Zealand Garden Margaret Long & Juliet Nicholas RRP $59.99 Quentin Wilson Publishing In this lavishly illustrated book, Canterbury gardener, Margaret Long, tells the fascinating story of Frensham, considered one of New Zealand’s finest gardens. As though we are right there with her, the reader is taken on a tour through the seasons, listening as we go to Margaret’s thoughts and insights about why this plant was placed here or that tree there, what is behind her choices not just of plantings but also structures, materials, colours.

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Balance: Food, Health and Happiness Rachel Grunwell RRP $40 Beatnik Publishing

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Flying High – The Photography of Lloyd Homer Simon Nathan RRP $45 Geoscience Society Of NZ An illustrated account of the work of Lloyd Homer, a leading photographer of New Zealand’s natural environment. A unique record of the impact of many natural disaters – working for GNS Science, Lloyd was often first on the spot to cover events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. Later in his career Lloyd specialised in aerial photography.

Respected journalist Rachel Grunwell interviews 30 experts globally to get the best of tips on how to uplift your mind, body and soul so that you can live your best life. Along the way, Rachel also shares her story on how she went from being an unfit, stressedout investigative journalist and mother, to someone who is now a multi-marathoner and wellness expert who coaches others with fitness and lifestyle plans.

ONE COPY TO BE WON

ONE COPY TO BE WON

The Trout Dreams

Unfree Speech

Derek Crzelewski RRP $39.99 Bateman Books

Joshua Wong RRP $24.00 Penguin

Join Derek and Jennifer as they embark upon an angling adventure that takes them from the banks of the Clutha River in the South Island of New Zealand, to the roaring rivers of Colorado, USA. Filled with Derek’s wry story telling and expert advice and secrets tips for fly-fishing, this is a true tale of finding trout and love in New Zealand.

The must read book for anyone who cares about Hong Kong and democracy.’ Joshua Wong is a brave and inspiring young leader. Together we are one loud voice that cannot be silenced.’ – Greta Thunberg. At what point do you stand up to power? When he was 14, Joshua Wong made history. While the adults stayed silent, Joshua staged the first ever student protest in Hong Kong to oppose National Education – and won.

Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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BOOK REVIEWS ONE COPY TO BE WON

The Way of The Monk Gaur Gopal Das RRP $35 Penguin In The Way of the Monk, Das takes us on an unforgettable journey and offers precious insights to make life happier and easier, even in the stormiest of times. Whether you are looking to find your purpose, strengthen relationships, discover inner calm or give back to the world, this thought-provoking book will challenge you to change your outlook and align yourself with the life you want to live.

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Automania – Iconic New Zealand Collections Don Jessen RRP $49.99 Bateman Books Visit the most incredible motor vehicle collections from across New Zealand, rarely ever showcased for the public before.

From vintage cars to motorbikes, military vehicles to famous movie cars – the owners of these collections take us inside their garages to celebrate the vehicles that have captured their imaginations.

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Mallory, Mallory: The Revenge of the Tooth Fairy James Norcliffe RRP $17.99 Penguin A cunning kidnap and blackmail plot…what could go wrong?

When Mallory and her sidekick Arthur kidnap the tooth fairy, they get more than they bargained for in this sparkling fantasy adventure novel for children.

ONE COPY TO BE WON ONE COPY TO BE WON

he wā moe kiwi pakupaku Bob Darroch RRP $15.99 Penguin In this Maori-language edition bedtime story, it’s time for Little Kiwi to go to bed – but where is he? A favourite lift-the-flap adventure in the eternally popular Little Kiwi series of storybooks, now available in te reo Maori.

BOOK GIVEAWAYS One copy of each title to be won, email the book title as subject to: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz or post to: NZTRV Vol 7 Books, PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711 with your full details, go in the draw to win.

Closes 31 December 2020

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

The Wheels on the Truck Topp Twins – Illustrated by Jenny Cooper RRP $18.99 Scholastic VROOM! VROOM! Buckle up and join the joyride with the Topp Twins on a roadie to the beach!

BOOK WINNERS VOL 5 The 50 Best Birdwatching Sites – K Dickison Nelson Workplace Bullying – M Heylen Henderson Flying Furballs – M Fisher Titahi Bay Lost and Found – Fran Aitken Timaru Recursion – C Maxwell Pauanui Relative Strangers – L Marshall Ashburton Antarctic Journeys – M Osborne Te Aroha Worth A Detour South Island – A Barwell Rotorua Worth a Detour North Island – L Smales Waipukurau Pug – T Honore Riverhead The Strength of Eggshells – B Fox Hellensville

BOOK GIVEAWAY

Hook Yourself on Flyfishing

Les Hill Les Hill is the author of eight best-selling books about fly fishing. A retired school teacher, he lives on a twoacre block near Hokitika.

His new book, Hooked for Life: A Celebration of Fly Fishing (Quentin Wilson Publishing $45) is published in November.

“T

he gods do not deduct from a man’s allotted span the hours spent fishing.”

Babylonian proverb While we’re navigating through a time of much uncertainty, a time when travelling abroad is not an option for most, an opportunity exists for many to ‘hit the road’ and explore New Zealand. At the same time there is a chance to try something new like fly fishing, and there can be few better places in the world to practise the gentle art than from New Zealand’s roads and, drawing on my experience,

from the roads of the South Island in particular.

Fly fishing is often perceived by many as something quite difficult to do, taking years to gain proficiency. In fact, the basics – sufficient to catch a fish on a fly – can be learnt quickly.

I’d suggest three steps.

First soak in the fundamentals, the technical details (the gear required, the flies to use, the knots to tie, etc.) from the Fish and Game website – fishandgame.org.nz. There is a wealth of information there to get you started including a video that I enjoyed featuring in

– ‘Introduction to trout fishing – Part 4 Fly Fishing.’

The second and third steps however, are the real keys to your success – learning to cast a fly and where to go to catch the fish.

The graceful art of throwing a line into the air, of arcing it back and forth rhythmically and dropping it gently onto the water may appear difficult. It is not. I learnt as a 12-yearold boy by practising on our back lawn at home then went on to snare two lovely fat fish during my first outing on the Mataura River.

Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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The only guide I had was a little book about fly casting. You’ll get all the details you need from YouTube. The secret is in the practice – fifteen minutes daily and you’ll soon have control over line and fly.

A logical place to begin a South Island road journey with fly rod in hand would be the northern rivers of the Buller and Grey districts basing yourself in Murchison or Reefton. Hosts of beautiful freestone rivers and streams await nearby – the tributaries of the Buller and Grey rivers mainly. This is boots-and-shorts country, a place to boulder hop from one ever-tempting jade-green pool to the next. Here the rivers run in confined channels, full of energy, cutting through verdant, mixed beech and podocarp forests. And the trout possess the same energy as the rivers they occupy. This is my favourite place to fish.

The Canterbury side of the Southern Alps is big-sky country, with wide-open valleys, braided rivers and dozens of hidden lakes.

When exploring this region, I invariably turn off the main roads and head inland, to the top end of the Clarence River near Hanmer, or the upper reaches of the Hurunui, Rakaia,

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Closes 30 December 2020

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

South Ashburton or Rangitata rivers. This is boots-and-shorts fishing also. Although the lakes abound with fish, for me the real attraction are the less plentiful monsters in the rivers – big, bold, wild brown trout.

Moving south and inland, lies the spectacular Mackenzie country. While one’s eyes are ever drawn towards the dominating sight of New Zealand’s highest mountains at the head of Lake Pūkākī there are plenty of other, unheralded, places of equal beauty. At the southern end of the Mackenzie rests Lake Benmore, New Zealand’s second most popular fishery, but also on the fringes of the area are unsealed roads leading away from the tar up either shore of Lake Pūkākī, up to the head of Lake Ōhau or inland to the headwaters of the Ahuriri River.

Meanwhile, slicing through the heart of the Mackenzie basin are the hydro canals – world renowned for more monster trout – many topping the scales at 30 pounds or more!

The birth of my fly fishing, the place where I got ‘Hooked for Life’ (the title of my new book) is Southland, on the three main rivers and their tributaries – the Mataura, the Ōreti and Aparima. This is purist fly-fisher country. Here

the dry-fly is king and matching the hatch a necessity. The ‘mad Mataura rise’ – a phenomenon when the river comes alive with trout rising to hatching flies – has to be seen to be believed. It is only during this event that the huge population of trout in the river becomes apparent. Catching them can be a challenge!‘Fish and Game’ claim “Trout fishing is easier than you think. New Zealand has the best fishing spots in the world, and you don’t have to go far to find them.” Each point made is true. I believe there are few better ways of exploring New Zealand than through seeking out the thousands of rivers and lakes that hold trout. All of these waterways drain stunningly beautiful valleys, rest in lovely lakes or flow across lush, green pasture land. Often they are found in hidden places, even more eye-catching than better-known iconic views.

Begin with a little planning, then pack your car or RV and be off. But be careful, because like me, you may get securely hooked.

A footnote. Some of the inland roads suggested are narrow in places and unsealed. A check for their suitability for a RV would be wise.

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ROAD KAI

Soy Sesame Jackfruit Stir Fry Recipe and photo by Kelly Peloza Photo/Upton’s Naturals Makes 2–3 servings Prep time: 60 minutes Cook time: 60 minutes

INGREDIENT LIST Marinade: 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1/4 cup soy sauce 1–2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce 1 teaspoon ginger powder 1 clove garlic, minced 3 tablespoons vegetable broth or water 1 10.6 ounce package Upton’s Naturals Original Jackfruit Click to enter online

We have samples of Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit to giveaway.

Four flavours available: Original (unseasoned), Bar-BQue, Chilli Lime, and Thai Curry flavours.

Scan QR code or Email Subject line Upton’s Jackfruit to subs@rvmagazine.co.nz. Give us your full contact details and the flavour you would like to try.

Upton’s Naturals natural Jackfruit.

Kelly Peloza Photography/Upton’s Naturals

Sauce: 2–4 tablespoons chili garlic sauce, to taste 2 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons sesame oil 2 cloves garlic, minced Juice of 1/2 a lime 2–3 teaspoons fresh grated ginger 3 tablespoons tamarind concentrate Sriracha, if desired 1-teaspoon cornflour Stir-fry: 8 oz rice or Udon noodles 3 tablespoons neutral oil, divided 1 small onion, chopped 2 green onions, sliced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 carrots, peeled and sliced 1/2 head broccoli florets

Upton’s Naturals Jackfruit can be found at select New World, Pak’n’Save, Fresh Choice, Super Value, and Four Square locations across New Zealand for an RRP of $11.99 per 300g package.

If you’re interested, please keep in mind Upton’s Naturals natural Jackfruit. Serving as a delicious substitute for recipes that call for pulled pork, shredded chicken or even fish, the 100% vegan and versatile line-up makes it easy to create plant-based meals for the week in minutes. Whether it’s worked into a one-bowl meal, taco bento box, or mason jar salad, home cooks can get creative with the Original (unseasoned) variety and inspired by the Bar-BQue, Chilli Lime, and Thai Curry flavours. Each are delicious paired with premade rice, pasta or veggies. The shelf-stable line-up is made with simple ingredients, high in fibre, and free of cholesterol, oil, gluten, GMOs, and artificial flavours.

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

Garnish: 2–3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds Sliced green onion Lime slices Sriracha or chili garlic sauce DIRECTIONS Combine all marinade ingredients, except for the jackfruit, in a shallow dish and stir until smooth. Taste and adjust flavours to your preferences. Add the jackfruit and stir to coat. Marinate for 1 hour.

Combine all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Stir and set aside.

Start cooking the rice or Udon noodles according to package instructions.

While waiting for the water to boil for the noodles, heat 1-tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Cook the jackfruit on all sides for 5–6 minutes total, and then transfer to a bowl or dish. Set aside.

Add the second tablespoon of oil to the wok or skillet, and increase the heat slightly.

Stir-fry the onion for 2 minutes, and then add the green onions, garlic, carrots, and broccoli. Add 2–3 tablespoons of the prepared sauce to deglaze the pan and season the vegetables. Sauté until the vegetables are golden and tender, adding a few more teaspoons of sauce as desired. Reserve the remaining sauce. Transfer the vegetables to the bowl or dish with the cooked jackfruit.

Drain the cooked noodles and pour the remaining sauce over the noodles, stirring to coat. If there’s not enough, add more soy sauce, sesame oil, or vegetable broth, according to your taste preferences. Heat the third tablespoon of oil in the wok or skillet and stir-fry each portion of noodles, plating directly after.

Top each plate of noodles with 1–2 scoops stir-fried veggies and jackfruit. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, green onion, lime slices, and sriracha or chili garlic sauce, to taste.

Bar-BQue Slaw Sandwich with Caramelised Onions

Recipe and photo by Kelly Peloza Photo/Upton’s Naturals Makes: 4 sandwiches Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

Jackfruit Pad Thai Makes 4 servings Prep time: 60 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes

INGREDIENT LIST 12 ounce package rice noodles 2 tablespoons peanut or vegetable oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 5 green onions, sliced 1 10.6-ounce package Upton’s Naturals Chili Lime Carnitas Jackfruit 1 cup fresh bean sprouts Sauce: 2 tablespoons tamarind concentrate Juice of 2 limes 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup brown sugar 3–4 teaspoons chili sauce, to taste Garnish: 1/2 cup chopped peanuts 1/3 cup sliced green onions Lime slices

INGREDIENT LIST Slaw: 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise 1 1/2 tablespoons non-dairy milk 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon celery salt 1 1/2 cups shredded cabbage 1/3 cup shredded carrots 1 tablespoon diced onion Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Sandwich filling: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 onion, sliced into rings 1 10.6 ounce package Upton’s Naturals Bar-BQue Jackfruit 4 burger buns Barbecue sauce DIRECTIONS Prepare the slaw by mixing the vegan mayonnaise, non-dairy milk, apple cider vinegar, and celery salt in a large bowl. Add the shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and onion. Salt and pepper to taste. Chill until ready to serve.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over very low heat. Add the onions and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring frequently, until caramelised. Set aside.

Heat the jackfruit in a separate saucepan, or in the microwave.

Toast the burger buns in a dry skillet.

Assemble the sandwiches by spreading the bottom bun with barbecue sauce, then spooning jackfruit onto each bun. Top with caramelised onions and a large spoonful of slaw. Top with the other half of the burger bun. Serve with any leftover coleslaw on the side.

DIRECTIONS Soak noodles in a large bowl of hot water for 30 minutes to 1 hour, or until the noodles are softened. Mix together all of the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

Heat the peanut oil in a large wok or skillet and stir-fry the noodles for 2 minutes. Add the garlic, green onions, and jackfruit, then stir in sauce. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, adding the bean sprouts in the last minute.

Plate the Pad Thai and garnish with chopped peanuts, sliced green onions, and lime slices.

Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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RV INDUSTRY Action Manufacturing

Stalled, kick started and boom times ahead

We caught up with Grant Brady, head of Action Manufacturing in Albany, New Zealands largest RV manufacturer. We asked how the company coped with Covid-19 initially and where the business is at now.

Words Grant Brady

Action Manufacturing - usually producing 1 motorhome every 3-4 hours, down to 1 every 2 days

2

020 started off well but by March turned into one of the most difficult business environments I have experienced, feeling rather like 9/11 and GFC rolled into one nasty package.

Here at Action we had an order book for around 600 sale and rental units to be produced between April and December, and at one dark stage that looked like dropping to zero. Initially, this was a complete shock for our little Action tribe as the orders evaporated, and we had to dig deep as a business to regroup and figure out what we would do.

Luckily we have a very resourceful team and spent 10 years preparing the business to be match fit for some sort of future financial event. That preparation and the agility of the team meant we were confident of our survival, with our main risk centred around inventory levels. We had been stocking up because we initially believed our biggest Covid-19 risk would be supply chain interruption but we hadn’t really thought through the tourism impacts. In the past, tourism events had been measured in percentages; –10 per cent was

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Grant Brady

normally tough, –20 per cent usually meant a recession, while 100 per cent was not on the radar at all. As New Zealand’s largest specialised vehicle manufacturer we faced the harsh prospect of a complete withdrawal from RV production, pretty shocking for a company which had been around since 1948.

Now the good news – and a very short version of a complicated story is that we got creative and renegotiated terms with our

main customer Thl. This helped us retrieve enough volume to keep a core team of skilled staff, and slowly turn our inventory into cash.

Our RV production dropped from one motorhome every 3–4 hours to one every two days, but we kept our RV factory alive.

From a staff perspective it was really tough.

Unlike a shop with a possibility of business returning, with vehicle orders cancelled and 6–7 month lead times to reorder, we knew there was no easy pathway; we had to reduce staff levels. The whole process was difficult for everyone to deal with. It was more sudden than the slower burn GFC, and more painful because of the uncertainty and pace of it all.

What we did was plan for the worst and hope for the best. We had to dive into the restructure and resize the business to survive, but also retain enough key skills to be able to grow again. The ripple effect through our main suppliers was also huge, and it really made us realise how many mouths New Zealand-based manufacturing feeds. When people say ‘buy New Zealand-made and keep the country working’, it really resonates with

Action because we manufacture large refrigerated trucks, ambulances and many types of RV and other specialised vehicles from the ground up. Buying imported products still feeds families, but those in Europe or China, not New Zealand.

Over the last six months Action has adjusted as a business, we have picked up as much non-RV work as we could find, redirected our skills to service and repair work, and invested in new designs and branding to move across to retail sales. We are the largest RV manufacturer in NZ, building Everland, Kea, Maui and other iconic brands. We are adapting and changing as we make people aware of our roots and the real value in New Zealand-made.

We had mentally prepared for a couple of years of hardship, but already it’s such a different environment; what started life as a GFC-style event quickly moved into a worldwide RV boom. It just emphasises how hard it is to manage a business in these ever-changing times. With the growth in demand we are now stuck with problems of getting enough chassis and finding the skills we need.

When I think how we moved through such a radical time so quickly, I realise that Thl did

a great job with their domestic travel blitz Combine the benefits of an RV in a Covidhere in New Zealand. That offering was never 19 world with the fact that New Zealand has to going to make money for rentals – the size be one of the best countries to travel through in a camper, and we all have to feel confident of the NZ domestic market compared to the about the future and our industry. What an number of rental units is really unique in New exciting time for Kiwis after years complainZealand – but it exposed a huge new audience ing about never getting rentals over summer to the RV lifestyle. The Hamilton show was a or being able to book and travel in the South great example of this with lots of people new Island, and that in turn is providing hope to to the industry searching for information and ideas, with no real idea of what they wanted the isolated towns that rely on tourists – what but with a clear understanding of the benefits a neat time for us all. No tourist crowds over that can be derived from travelling by RV, and summer, renewed enthusiasm by Kiwis to see they want to get on board. their own country, and again an appreciation In hindsight it’s no surprise that the RV is from locals in small country towns for visiting popular in this new Covid-19 world. For one Aucklanders and Wellingtonians.

This really is going to be the summer of the thing a motorhome is something the whole RV. family can enjoy. With international travel bans affecting wider families, with mum and dad buying a camper there are many more potential users within each family. Forget visiting restaurants among large groups of people when you can buy your own groceries and cook aboard; forget travelling and mingling with crowds when you can travel Action Manufacturing headquarters in your own RV bubble.

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LIFESTYLE Freedom Camping

Freedom camping over summer

Over recent years we have heard a lot in the media about ‘freedom camping’ especially since the 2011 Rugby World cup era, when for the first time local councils put in specific by-laws and fines to control where you could park and stay overnight, and in what type of vehicle.

Words + Photos Robyn Dallimore

1

T

oday individual council regions all have freedom camping laws that specifically set out the areas of no camping or parking over at all, and areas that have been designated and serviced with rubbish facilities and maybe toilets, to offer safe overnight parking.

The Rock, Caspar and I are seasoned RV travellers now with easily 70,000km under our belts, and we freedom camp 95 per cent of the time all around the country. Now to be fair, that’s because we are road-trippers, always on a mission as we are working, not on holiday or cruising having a chilled time like the rest of the motorhomers we pass on the roads.

Our first motorhome trip was over 20 years ago and we stayed in campgrounds, and still do if we know we are staying more than a few hours. Campgrounds have a culture and vibe that is so inviting and inclusive, fun for the kids, a little shared responsibility for the adults with the pressures of real life left at home. Friendships and bonds are formed over years of returning to the same campground, seeing the same families and relaxing together.

Our first freedom camping experience was in Australia, in Queensland, and was akin to a nightmare for a wee while – driving through the Ironbark forests, dark by 6pm, looking for a State Park that was meant to be there somewhere, no GPS would work, no phones. By the time we found it, we had been talking about how creepy the forest was, so we drove into this secluded small carpark. No one was there at all. We pulled over and stopped. I freaked out and demanded we get the hell out of there,

visions of Wolf Creek playing out in my head.

We headed back out and an hour later found a little village in the hills. We found a church where we drove onto their side lawn, directly under the security spotlights and we parked up – ah, I finally felt safe. OMG what a laugh when we look back, I was totally crapping myself.

Nowadays we drive to so many places and can point out the rest area, beach, lake or carpark behind a pub or restaurant that we have parked in overnight. We have eaten in restaurants or hotels and asked to stay the night, pulled up in very nice suburbs to park safely outside a house for a few hours, parked in boat marinas and so many of the rest areas going between Auckland and Martinborough. We can boast of backing into a spot to stay overnight, only 40 kilometres from home, when we just couldn’t make it the rest of the way.

We have had no issues ever – no one has banged on our doors or windows, no dramas to speak of, though we recently slept in the main street of Ohakune in the new motorhome and I got a fright when I peeked through the blind and a bloke was standing on the footpath reading the signage – at 1 am!

I think he got a fright too.

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Designated freedom camping spots may be limited to number and size of vehicles as well as the number of days you can stay there. This information is easily accessed from local council websites, and local information centres and tourism outlets will have printed information as well. Print these out at home if you’re a planner, or get the info sheets – so handy if you’re out of cellphone range and want to know which part of the beach, or how many vehicles they take. Sulphur Point in Tauranga used to allow many vehicles to park over the huge reserve and carpark area they have, but parking is now limited to about 10 vehicles, crammed in side by side – and that is it.

So rules can change and you need to check every trip.

If there are no restrictions on numbers, be considerate when parking and don’t back in close beside another RV. The reason we ‘freedom camp’ is so we aren’t jammed in beside others.

Most basic rules of behaviour apply: take your rubbish with you, don’t run your generator outside of decent hours (for me that would mean no generator from 7pm at night till 10am the next day!), park within the space provided so others are not hindered, keep your animals on a lead at all times, no loud noises after 11pm will be appreciated, observe fire restrictions and empty toilet waste in approved sites.

Here is a little more generalised information on self-containment and responsible camping, check out the websites for more details info.

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APPS AND MAPS Nowadays a variety of apps can indicate the location of designated legal freedom camping sites, campgrounds, dump stations, holiday parks, etc. so no problem acquiring the information digitally. Campermate and Roadtrippers are two examples.

If you are into the mobile RV lifestyle (as opposed to a static caravan on-site somewhere), belonging to the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) is a must in this regard. There is a Travel Directory that comes with your membership, both in printed form and accessible online if you need to, plus they have an app.

Every single dump station, campground, pull-over spot, POP (park over property – usually a member’s property you can go to), NZMCA private campgrounds, business car parks, designated council freedom camping area information – the lot is all packaged into this directory.

FREEDOM CAMPING – SELF-CONTAINMENT To have a certified self-contained vehicle, under the freedom camping laws you need to meet these guidelines, found on the www.NZMCA.org.nz website. The full information can be found here: www.parliament.nz/resource/0000164999 You need to have • Fresh water tanks: 4L per person per day (12L per person minimum), e.g. 24 litres is required for 2 people for 3 days and 48 litres is required for 4 people for 3 days •A sink: connected via a smell trap/water trap to a water-tight sealed waste water tank • Grey/black waste water tank: 4L per person per day (12L per person minimum, vented and monitored if capacity is less than the fresh water tank) • Evacuation hose: (3m for fitted tanks) or long enough to connect to a sealed portable tank • Rubbish – sealable refuse container (rubbish bin with a lid) • Toilet (portable or fixed): minimum capacity 1L per person per day (3L net holding tank capacity per person minimum) A portable toilet must be adequately restrained or secured when travelling. The portable toilet shall be usable within the motor caravan or caravan, including sufficient head and elbow room whenever required, even with the bed made up. Where permanent toilets are installed, this shall be in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and comply with the sanitary requirements in section 3 of the Standard (plumbing requirements).

When these conditions are met, a portable toilet may be used externally, e.g. within a toilet tent or awning, where it is appropriate and convenient to do so.

From the www.NZMCA.org.nz website

RESPONSIBLE CAMPING RULES Responsible freedom camping can be a popular choice for some New Zealand visitors; but while it is free of charge, it is not free of responsibility. Responsible freedom camping is camping in a tent, campervan or motor vehicle on public land, on a site with minimal or no facilities, such as toilets or showers.

There are over 500 responsible freedom camping locations in New Zealand, each with different rules and regulations. However, there are some basic rules that all responsible freedom campers must follow.

4 basic rules for responsible freedom camping • Dispose of rubbish responsibly • Respect the environment by taking away all waste, ensuring you leave the camping • area clean for those who come afterwards.

• As Native American Chief Seattle said: “Take only memories, leave nothing but footprints.”

Keep New Zealand clean Always use a public toilet or toilet in your vehicle.

Protect our environment Use recycling facilities whenever they are available to help protect our environment.

Waste disposal station If travelling in a motorhome, you must empty your toilet and waste water at designated dump station. Look for signage This information from: www.newzealand.com/int/feature/free-camping/

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PROFILES + SPOTLIGHTS

Mystery Creek

SHOW STOPPER Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain or as credited

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ith the ups and downs, ins and outs of Covid-19 lockdowns and level changes it was touch and go as to whether the NZMCA Motorhome Caravan Motorhome and Outdoor show would go ahead this year.

Initially scheduled for mid-September, that date was pushed out to October 9–11 due to Level 2 restrictions – these being lifted for Auckland just two days prior to the opening date.

What a lot of stress all round, with exhibitors not knowing if they could or would attend and the organiser’s Classic Events not

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knowing if all their work for months would result in an actual event. Then we all collectively wondered – would the punters come?

The gods were smiling that is for sure. Level 1 arrived, the show went ahead, albeit with a few less exhibitors attending, the motorhomers turned up in spades with over 1600 staying at the free NZMCA Park’n’Stay rally area. Visitors from all over the North Island arrived on the Friday, with 8,000 visitors through the gate, another 8,000 on Saturday and over 4,000 on the Sunday, a record number for this event.

1. There were accessories to be had, not as many retailers as normal, but the products were there to be snapped up 2. Sharon and Chris King chatting with Mike Farrell on the Coastal Motorhomes accessories stand 3. The outdoor eating area had open and covered areas, live music each day and was open on the Friday night for those staying over in the Park’n’Stay rally area

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Look out for the QR codes for the models we managed to video either at the show or later, a bit of a laugh and full of more expansive views for your pleasure.

And the visitors came to spend. I am not sure any of the motorhomes that we feature here will be available now, such is the current demand within the RV industry. Even second-hand, privately owned vehicles sold, two of them in the first few hours on the Friday.

Here I have elected to give readers a range of vehicles from a range of countries, twoberth campers, motorhomes, caravans both big and small, tents and camp trailers. This will give readers new to the shopping experience for RVs to see the variety and price ranges available to them, and perhaps spot a model that looks just right for them.

Look out for the QR codes for the models we managed to video either at the show or later, a bit of a laugh and full of more expansive views for your pleasure.

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4. Existing owners of TraiLite looking for their next up-grade. Lionel and Shona from Papamoa on the left, Jo at the rear, hubby Keith on the right from Hamilton 5. ECHO responsible camper, built by Grant Wakerley - New Zealands best-known RV designer 6. The Bivouac roof tent captured lots of attention with the classic truck it was mounted on 7. By all accounts all these second-hand private vehicles sold at the show

The grown-up Kombi All-new Grand California.

Back in the 60’s when we danced nude in fields Volkswagen made the world’s most iconic van. Like the Kombi, we’ve all grown up a bit since then. Now life’s more about relaxation than liberation. That’s why you’ll find 4MOTION AWD, a touch screen control pad, heated outdoor shower and separate wet room now comes standard. Going nude is still entirely optional. volkswagen.co.nz

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Grand California 600

GRAND CALIFORNIA 600 AWD Manufacturer: Volkswagen Model: 2020 Grand California 600 Price: $159,000 Cab Chassis: Volkswagen Crafter

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n the last couple of years Volkswagen designers have turned their eye to reinventing that most classic of all campervans, the original Kombi that is still so popular today.

At this show we viewed the latest Grand California 600 AWD version. This model offers full self-containment in an under-six-metre body with fantastic internal head height, fixed bed for 2 adults and an over head pull out loft bed for 2 children. Easy to drive, it feels like a car with all the safety bells and whistles you would expect from a Volkswagen. Check out the publicity photos here – they fully showcase the VW’s features. As evidence of its popularity, crowds at the show made taking photographs difficult on the day.

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1 1.Compact kitchen storage, multiple drawers, slideouts within, bench extension pull-out and a combined two-burner gas hob and sink unit on top, with glass lid doubling as a splash back and bench top 2. The rear queen bed is semi fixed in place – it does lift up to the side to store large items if required. Slightly rounded profile overhead lockers provide plenty of storage, the tops open up, and the bottom profile opens down – very cool design (GC680 model) 3. Roof pod for secondary sleeping for 2 children, accessed by ladder, LED lighting and roof skylight 4. Front cab seats swivel for dining for four. The front facing dining seats are belted for passengers.

Bathroom tucked in behind, and the rear bed behind 5. Combo bathroom-shower space, fold up sink, tap and shower faucet combined, two drainage plus in the shower floor, two cupboards storage below, 12V electric flush pedestal cassette toilet (GC680 model)

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Chassis • Volkswagen Crafter turbo-diesel 130kW 4MOTION all wheel drive. Start-stop system with regenerative braking, 8-speed auto transmission, Ad Blue tank. ESC, ABS, Hill start assist and descent control, cross wind assist, rearview camera, parking sensors, park assist, 17-inch Lismore alloy wheels, cruise control, central locking, radio remote and more.

Dimensions • GVM 3880kg, tare 3181kg, payload 699kg, 2000kg braked towing • Length 5986mm, width 2427mm, height 3094mm, internal height 2180–2200mm Living – self-containment • Water tanks - fresh 110L, grey 90L • Combined toilet-shower with SOG ventilation, motion sensor light, two drains in shower floor, doublesided cupboard mirror door • Gas and electric combo heating and hot water • Kitchen with gas hob and sink, 70L drawer 12V fridge • Magnetic blinds for privacy • 92Ah battery, alternator charging plus 104W solar • Rear bed approx. 195cm x 140cm.

Loft bed approx. 1600mm to 1900mm wide x 1220 mm deep

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Koru Star

KORU STAR 2ST Manufacturer: Wendekreisen Auckland Model: Koru Star 2ST two-berth Price: $65,990 Cab Chassis: 2017 LDV 80 88,000km

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here were some pre-owned options on show. This locally built ex-rental campervan from Wendekreisen, with under 100,000km on the clock and under $66k, was popular with many. Manufactured in Airport Oaks, Auckland, Wendekreisen have been manufacturing campers and motorhomes for around 25 years in Auckland. They have a rental division, new and second-hand vehicle sales, as well as now offering repairs, upgrades and installs to general RV owners vehicles.

This model is on a lower price point cab chassis, the LDV 80, and is fully self-contained ready for two people to head out and get into the RV lifestyle. The images will show you the highlights, scan or go to our YouTube channel and view the video content as well.

1 CLICK TO

WATCH THE VIDEO on our Youtube channel…

NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

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2 1. The sliding door on the drivers side gives access to the toilet and water services, this means there are not cuts into the original camper body 2. Kitchen unit has the small fridge below bench, cupboard storage below, combined sink and two ring gas hob within, storage overhead 3. Reversing camera up top, easy flowing interior front to rear, sliding opening windows in the home body is great, two roof vents, LED lighting, overhead locker storage galore 4. Compact combined bathroom, dropdown sink with hand held shower head from the tap 5. Three storage overhead lockers on each side, the table goes down and a large bed is made up in the rear 6. Pull-out pantry storage at the end of the bathroom 7. Pull-out step up into the camper. Outdoor table drops down behind the kitchen unit, standard sliding entry door

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Cab Chassis • LDV 80 2.5L 100Kw Turbo-diesel common rail injection intercooled, 5-speed manual, 88,000km this model. Cruise control, ABS and EBD • Touch screen tabloid and reverse camera, air con, remote keyless entry, and anti-theft security system Construction • Factory steel construction service van body, body sidewalls and ceiling insulated with EXPOL polystyrene. 2 x roof vents and 1 x 230V power hook up Dimensions • Length 5700mm, 2552mm height, 1998mm width, interior height 1870mm • Rear door opening 1550mm, side door opening 1590mm • Large rear drawer 1240x480x330mm Living • 2 x 130Ah deep cycle house batteries, 18 amp 240V – 12V charging system, 12V charging system via alternator. Inside 12V power outlet, double USB charge port, 3 x 240V power socket • Bed made up 1850 x 1800mm • 1.9kW Propex LPG gas heating • 60L Vitrifrigo fridge (12V electric) • 30L hot water heat exchanger (using heat from motor) • 80L fresh and 120L grey water • 19″ Telesat LED HD TV with DVD and USB. Fusion entertainment system • 2 x gas hob and sink combo unit • Shower with Thetford cassette toilet Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Transtec Duet Tourer

DUET TOURER 6M Manufacturer: TranztecRV Model: Duet Tourer 6m start from $134,000 Cab Chassis: Fiat Ducato

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ranztecRV are based in Thames and have been outfitting and building RVs since 2001. A family business established by Glen and Leonie Donaldson, in 2006 son Matt joined the team and the business grew and developed. In 2011 Matt and his wife Natasha took over the RV-building side of the business, while Glen developed the Duralite interior products lines further in fact – they had stands next to each other at the show. Now boasting over 90 builds for customers all over the country, this company ticks away quietly helping customers into the RV lifestyle.

The business motto reads, “We don’t just offer you what we have, we can offer you what you want in your motorhome.” Let’s take a look at a campervan on a quality Fiat Ducato cab chassis, with custom-fitted RV habitation entry door, fully self-contained ready to go. The rear doors open flat-back for full open access. A second slightly bigger option is available offering front dining, rear bed made up permanently if you like. You can choose your own colours, manual or auto gearbox and all sorts of other options can be tweaked to produce a custom-build campervan just right for you.

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1.Compact at six metres, check out the rear doors that open right out and around, standard RV door – not a sliding door for entry 2. From the back to the front. This rear area makes up into two single beds, or make the whole area into one large bed. Kitchen on the left, bathroom opposite. Step up into the cab at the front 3. Big rear opening doors reveal the living space, TV and entertainment, USB charger ports – make up two singles or one large bed area 4. The kitchen has three storage drawers below the stainless sink, four-burner gas hob, gas oven, and storage below. Overhead cupboards for more storage, pull-out bench extensions, opening window behind the sink, power plug, LED lighting, range hood 5. Standard compact bathroom, pull-down sink, cabinet above, cassette toilet, fitted covered toilet roll holder 6. Monitor control panels all in one easy-to-access and read spot, REDARC battery management system, Eberspacher diesel heating, Truma hot water

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2020 TranztecRV Duet Tourer two-berth motorhome $134,000 starting price Cab Chassis • 2020 Fiat Ducato, LWB auto or manual available. Unique standard RV habitation side entrance door, 6000mm length Living and Freedom Camping • Solar package, REDARC Battery management system, 286Ah battery, 150W solar panel, LED lighting, digital battery monitoring • Large 103L fresh and greywater tanks • Truma gas-electric hot water system • Triplex gas grill/oven combo, threeburner gas hob with glass lid • 120L three-way auto fridge – elevated off the floor for easy access • Eberspächer diesel heater, TV-DVD, semi-auto sat dish, TV set up with a satellite dish for Freeview. The 19.5″ Avtex LED TV has a built-in DVD and a slot for a Sky card • Rear sleeping: two wide singles, one 720mm x 1980mm and one 720mm x 1800mm, or make up one double 1700mm wide x 1980mm • 3.5m shade-maker awning, electric step entry

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Auto-Trail Tribute T-680

AUTO-TRAIL TRIBUTE T-680 Manufacturer: Auto-Trail Model: 2020 Auto-Trail Tribute T-680 two-berth campervan $131,750 Cab Chassis: 2020 Fiat Cab Chassis

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his Auto-Trail Tribute T-680 two-berth campervan attracted plenty of interest, this model on the Fiat cab chassis. We featured a similar model in the last issue Vol 6; this model has the Fiat cab chassis instead of the Ford Transit. Nationwide RV have models from north to south with branches in Albany, Drury, New Plymouth and Ashburton in this two-berth Auto-Trail Tribute range, as well as four and six-berth options over a range of floor plans and price ranges.

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TECH SPEC’S

5 1. This Auto-Trail Tribute T-680 two-berth campervan attracted plenty of interest, this model on the Fiat cab chassis 2. Front cab seats swivel to the rear 3. Rear lounge converts to 1860mm x 1630mm bed, wide opening doors at the rear 4. Wide opening doors in the rear 5. Sliding van door, electric step entry. Step up to the dinette and front cab.

Two seat-belted seats for passengers, LED lighting below and overhead, adjustable and expandable table. Front cab seats swivel to the rear. Bench extension for the kitchen on this end bench 6. Combined bathroom, swivel 12V electric pedestal toilet, overhead shower, mirror, pull-down sink and mirrored storage cabinet on the left wall

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Cab chassis • Fiat 2.3L turbo-diesel, 104kW engine, 9-speed fully auto transmission, ABS brakes, traction control, cruise control, central locking, colour rear-view camera and more.

Dimensions (mm) • Length 6360mm, width 2270mm, height 2680mm • GVM 3500kg, tare 3000kg, payload 500kg, gross train weight 4450kg Living – self-containment • 100Ah deep-cycle battery and a 100W solar panel on the roof • Combi 4kW gas/230V blown-air heating and hot water • Freshwater and greywater fitted 70L tanks • Thetford 96L 3-way auto fridge with internal freezer box • Full gas oven and grill, 3-burner gas hob • Gas bottles 2 x 4.5kg • Rear double bed 1860mm x 1630mm • Combined shower – 12V electric flush pedestal cassette toilet • Double-glazed house windows, fitted blind, and fly screens Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

BOP RV Imagine Caravan

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GRAND DESIGN IMAGINE 2670MK Manufacturer: Grand Design Model: Grand Design Imagine 2670MK $106,000

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n the last issue (Vol 6) we featured the Cougar fifth-wheel from BOP RV in Katikati – on the same day we saw that model, the newest addition to the range had just arrived, the Imagine by Grand Design RV, not ready for review but so great to see it at the show.

What a fantastic living space this offers, with two large slide-outs – one houses the kitchen area on one side, the other side expands the dinette and lounge seating space.

The space in these units just can’t be argued with – a near-domestic sized bathroom with plenty of storage. A kitchen island bench, with huge stainless steel sink, full gas oven to cook in, microwave and a domestic sized fridge fitted into the wall. Then press a button and a 40-inch TV pops out at one end perfectly placed for the theatre chairs opposite. One of the drawers in the kitchen is called a ‘Pet Stop’ pullout food drawer – didn’t see it but how intriguing.

Built for the North American winters, the construction of these units is outstanding with a four-season protection package – heated and enclosed underbelly, double-insulated roof and front cap, high-density roof insulation, moisture barrier floor enclosure, residential ductless heating system throughout via the 35k BTU high-capacity furnace, heated and enclosed dump valves, designated heat vent to the subfloor. Laminated aluminium framing for main floor, roof and slide rooms, side and rear walls, five-inch radius wood-framed roof. Gel coated fibreglass exterior, one-piece roof membrane and a roof ladder.

If you’re looking to be living on the road or need an extra house on the property, these units offer space to spare, and multiple floor plans to suit everyone’s dream layout. Forget a tiny home, these sized vehicles offer all the space, bangs and whistles you could imagine. Viewing vehicles at BOP RV in Katikati is by appointment only so contact the team to check out this model and others, with a price point under $110k for all this space you get a big bang for your 3 buck that’s for sure.

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Dimensions • Length 9800mm, height 3499mm, internal height 2000mm • GVM 3500kg, tow ball hitch weight 291kg, WOF Living and self-containment • 2 x large slide-outs • Fresh water 200L, grey 310L • 220L fridge with separate freezer • 40-inch HD LED TV, Bluetooth stereo • Ducted gas heating • 67L/hr quick recover water heater • Queen-size bed 1520mm x 2030mm • Shower 760mm x 910mm • Pedestal toilet, blackwater tank 170L • Power, battery and solar are client choices – not standard options.

Pre-wired to meet all standards and requirements for the client’s choices • Motion sensor lighting • Electric awning • 700mm wide habitation door

5 1. Slide-out on both sides – this one is the dining booth and seating space. To the front the under-nose storage goes full width across, easy access to services 2. Fantastic rear bedroom.

Drawers and wardrobe storage both sides, overhead as well, LED lights, windows have built-in blinds and screens 3. The BOPRV stand had the Imagine caravan and the Cougar fifth-wheel to draw crowds in

E x clu s ivly f r o m B O P RV New Zealand’s authorised agents for USA renowned…

4. A party in the kitchen, a centre island with large stainless sink and quality 7 faucet fitting – check out the sink drainer. Dinette in the slide-out opposite, and the Thomas Payne theatre chairs, electric-heated and massaging – so much space

5. On the left a pop-up TV is set into the bench. Underneath in this model, a gas fireplace – this area faces into a living zone. To the right is the kitchen with full gas oven/separate grill/four-burner gas hob, microwave above, domestic sized hood 6. Pull-out two-burner cooker on the outside, tucked into the kitchen slide-out bench unit 7. The size of the bathroom is epic, plenty of cupboard storage for linen, a faux brick wall covering in the shower, sink vanity unit to the right, large mirror above, storage underneath. Toilet with black tank connection to the left

Mob: 027 3156761 E : nick@ boprv . c o. n z

www. b op rv. co. nz Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Royal Flair Piazza Sky-Deck

ROYAL FLAIR PIAZZA SKY-DECK Manufacturer: Royal Flair Melbourne Model: 2020 Royal Flair Piazza Sky-Deck $150,000

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evin RV – at Levin near Wellington – are the exclusive agents for the Australian luxury caravan brand here in New Zealand. They have displayed them at the shows for the last couple of years, bringing a new touch of class with the Sky-Deck on these Piazza models.

The Royal Flair caravans take everyone’s fancy as soon as they spot them and realise there is a covered closed-in deck that drops down from the front of the nose, such a wonderful space is created with this design. The popular bright green unit on display at Mystery Creek had the latest designed rear lounge, with electric north–south electric drop-down bed. Add to this the very cool 40˝ TV that comes up on a riser out of the cupboard between the front and rear living spaces, lots to see in here. Luxurious dark browns in the leather and furniture fixtures, contrasting bright white walls, and bench spaces and brushed fixture handles, a modern apartment on wheels.

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1.Royal Flair Piazza Sky Deck – the unique Sky-Deck offers 4.5 sq metre covered, enclosed outdoor deck area, with fly-screen security entry door, fly-screen curtains all round, power and TV outlets 2. Storage options galore with drawers, cupboards, wardrobes and pull-out pantry units 3. Rear wall two-seater lounge (1600mm x 750mm), bedside tables and drawers each side, wardrobe storage, bed head feature wall. Push-button electric drop-down bed comes down from the ceiling to make this a north–south island bed area measuring 1900mm x 1400mm, second couch opposite 4. Separate shower, vanity unit with storage below, onbench sink, 12V electric flush pedestal toilet 5. From rear lounge seat looking forward to opposite lounge couch, the 40˝ TV with built-in Freeview and DVD player mounted on electric riser, open view through to the front keeps this area feeling open, not closed in

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Tandem axle trailer – Supagal box section galvanised chassis which has 100mm (4in) RHS rails and 150mm (6in) RHS drawbar. Torflex (known as Duratorque in New Zealand) suspension is fitted to the tandem axle wheels and there’s a ball coupling up front.

• Also fitted with stability control, electric brakes, Torflex 2700 GTM 12″ brakes and 245x16″ Hawks Silver rims. A pre-coated one-piece floor goes down, the body built on top of that.

Dimensions • Length 7100mm, width 2350mm, height 3150mm, internal height 2000mm • GVM 3500kg, tare 3093kg LIVING and Self-containment • Gas/240V hot water cylinder • 2 x 95L each onboard fresh and greywater tanks (4 tanks) • 2 x 4.5kg gas bottles • Webasto diesel heating • 184L 3-way auto fridge with separate freezer • 3-burner gas + 1 electric hob, separate oven and grill, 240V microwave • BP35 battery management system with Trek 2 x 160W solar panels, 2 x 105Ah batteries

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Arriving Mid-Summer the all-new 23´ Piazza

Wow, what an amazing start to the Summer season our industry is having!

Arriving Christmas new 24´ Family Flair

With the amazing success achieved by Royal Flair at last Month’s Mystery Creek show we are now taking bookings for Mid-Year 2021 delivery.

AUSSIE MATE THE ULTIMATE IN OFF-ROAD CARAVANNING This year’s favourite has been the 18´ Aussiemate All-Terrain Van having produced numerous sales both at, and after the show. With features like a fully independent suspension set-up, a drop-down bed over a good-sized club lounge and the class leading ‘Enerdrive’ 12/240v power system to allow true off-grid living, we knew we were on to a winner. scan the QR to watch the video

But what’s new in the Royal Flair range for the 2020/2021 season you ask?

This side of Christmas we have arriving a New 24´ Family Flair model featuring larger bunks, and a more open layout plus, our all-time favourite the 18´6˝ Piazza model will be back in stock. With Royal Flair sales growing every Month, we don’t expect these to hang around for long. We have one last treat for you! Arriving Mid-Summer will be the all-new 23´ Piazza featuring a master bedroom with a North/ South queen sized bed at the rear of the Van, mid bathroom, a decent sized galley kitchen topped off with an L shaped lounge/diner with entertainment centre opposite. This leads you out onto the 4.5m2 deck where you can get the full advantage of those approaching Summer nights.

0800 RV CENTRE (0800 782 36873) WE BUY & SELL QUALITY NEW & USED RV’S & CARAVANS

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

www.levinrv.co.nz

Levin Rv Centre

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

NZ Dreamtime

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DREAMTIME M720

Manufacturer: Action Manufacturing Model: 2021 Action Dreamtime M720 Prototype $179,500 4-berth motorhome Cab Chassis: Mercedes-Benz 519 7.2m

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he largest manufacturer of RVs in New Zealand is Action Manufacturing in Albany, based at the RV Super Centre sales site, Action produce a range of mobile solutions for the RV industry and service industries, as well as manufacturing top selling KEA brand motorhomes since the mid-1990s. We have recently seen the new style, 2019 Everland motorhomes come out of the factory with an infinitely sensible contoured roof shape for easy water flow off it; why many RVs have flat roofs I just don’t know.

For this show they have launched a new prototype – a revamp of one of the most popular motorhome models on New Zealand roads, the Dreamtime.

Stepping into this motorhome, there’s an unbelievable amount of storage in the unit directly opposite, a pull-out pantry cupboard to the left, storage space for the over-cab bed ladder. The ladder rung width is fantastic, the safest I have ever used – yes I did get up into the Luton, it had to be done.

Featuring the large U-shaped rear lounge area, this has two table feet positions for dining

options; the rear area can make up into a large double bed, while leaving the front table area and side lounge seats still available for use – a permanently made-up bed can be achieved if desired; plenty of overhead storage in this area, and rear boot storage is accessible under the rear cushion; heating vents placed throughout the unit, including the bathroom for drying; Eastwood upholstery for the squabs, two toned for contrast; one-level flooring throughout, fully sealed hardwearing vinyl flooring. There are options for colour choices on the interior.

Wondering where the two passenger seats are, lift the cushions in the front lounge area, pull the lever and a three-point seat belted seat will come up.

Lots of design features coming through in this model, and they are not finished yet with thoughts of an electric drop-down bed, tweaking the shower placement as they develop the design.

Good-size bathroom with separate shower, pedestal toilet and overhead storage, standard opening door into the hallway, kitchen opposite.

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The kitchen has a bench extension at each end and with these up there is great bench prep space on offer. Under-bench storage is phenomenal – two pull-out pantry units, multiple drawers and cupboards with shelves as well. And then overhead, large locker storage areas with shelves with lips on them – quite a dark space in this colour palette, maybe there was an LED light I couldn’t see, but a lot of storage available. The internal roof height is over 2000mm, and at 163cm I can’t actually reach into these overhead lockers, but the Rock can at his height. Hi-Macs bench tops with stainless steel inset sink with glass cover,

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splashback with hooks on both sides of the window, range hood above the gas hob. Hi-Mac is like Corian, tough, scratch resistant, easy to repair, sand out damage, and it looks great.

Check out our photos, and scan the QR codes to watch video content for more views. We meet Sheri and Bill who were with Action Manufacturing designer Mike Short, who shows us how the new twin convertible travelling seats work, and Grant Brady pops his head in at the show; plus we went to Albany for a bit more of a close up on some of the details so this content is there as well.

2021 Action Deamtime M720 prototype fourberth motorhome $179,500 Dimensions • 7240mm long x 2270mm wide, 3250mm high • GVM 5000kg, tare 3850kg Cab Chassis • Based on the Mercedes-Benz M720 V6 dual rear wheel, rear-wheel-drive cab chassis. Powered by a 3.0L 6-cyclinder 140kW Turbo-diesel, 7G Tronic autotrans. Cruise control, ABS, ESC, Xtron Multi Media Nav system. 2500kg tow rated.

Living and Freedom camping • Four-berth – rear lounge 2 x singles 700mm x 2000mm or 1 double 1450mm x 2130mm, over-cab 1400 x 2000mm double. Roof to top of Luton mattress height 650mm • Fresh and grey water 145L inbuilt tanks • 2 x 100Ah lithium batteries, 30Ah MPPT solar controller, 280W solar panels, Projecta Electronics System • 4-burner gas hob with glass lid, underbench oven and separate grill • 128L 3-way fridge with chiller drawer and internal freezer box • 13L Truma space and water heating combined • 24″ LED TV, Fusion sound system, auto sat dish included, Luton is wired TV ready

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1. Based on the Mercedes-Benz 519 dual rear-wheel-drive cab chassis, constructed with Omni Panel composite floor, walls and roof, an Action Manufacturing-specific product. Panoramic double glazed windows, Action 4200mm awning 2. Utility hatches on the right driver’s side, 2 x 100Ah lithium batteries and controllers. Toilet cassette access hatch further down 3. Step into the vehicle – to the immediate left a pull-out storage unit, bench space, the Luton ladder lives behind here, overhead locker sliding opening. Lift-up Luton bed on gas struts above cab entry, curtains for privacy, window each side of Luton, USB chargers and LED lights 4. Storage unit opposite entry, fridge to the right 5. Extensive storage options opposite the habitation entry door, drawers and handy cupboard below, utility cabinet with bench, three-shelved cabinet above, 128L fridge/freezer/chiller drawer, storage cupboard above 6. Kitchen bench has an extension at both ends; multiple drawers, two pull-out pantry units, and cupboards beneath – a lot of storage 7. On each side in the rear we have the latest in convertible travelling seats, hidden below lounge room seating, remove the squabs, flick a handle and a compliant, three-point-seat-belt-fitted seat comes up, a kick panel can be open or closed for feet. Inset: Seat in upright position, drinks holder in place, note the handle below, power point here as well, and the open/close side for storage or open space option 8. Move the table forward, or remove completely your choice, base out of internal boot locker access, squabs down (not sure I put these down right) and you have a bed that can be left made up, as well as dining seating in place for two or three 9. Separate shower to the left, pull-out plastic door, vanity unit with heating vent below, 12V electric flush pedestal cassette toilet, vanity sink with shelf, window with blinds, overhead locker storage and mirror Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Ci Magis 82XT

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Ci MAGIS 82XT 4-BERTH Manufacturer: Ci Motorhomes Model: Ci Magis 82XT 4-berth $147.900 Chassis: Fiat 2.3L diesel turbo

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lways a pleasure to step into a Ci motorhome from Italy – the ‘ooh-la-la’ factor shows in the styling. Ci Motorhomes manufacture over 6500 motorhomes per year, and the company started some 37 years ago so have plenty of experience in the field.

This is a four-berth model with a front electric drop-down bed of 1900mm x 1280mm with a 250kg weight rating, and two permanent singles in the rear – 2060x800mm and 1930x800mm. Fitted with everything you might need – TV, auto satellite dish, reversing camera, awning and bike rack, so there are no extras to worry about getting installed. We first viewed this model at the show, and later at the Manukau yard of Walkabout Motorhomes – where the new owners were about to pick up the new vehicle, complete with the plastic wrapping still on the mattresses and covering the seats. The size of the front dinette seating is generous and nicely designed. A compact kitchen, separate twin bedroom with full-width rear bathroom – separate shower one side and a large storage cupboard on the other, toilet and vanity in the middle.

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Cab Chassis • Fiat 2.3L turbo-diesel Euro 6D 104kW, 9-speed auto, cruise control, traction and hill-hold, ESC and ABS brakes, 16inch alloy wheels with spare, WoF Dimensions • Length 7450mm, width 2310mm, height 3000 • GVM 3500kg, payload 500kg Living and self-containment • 120W Solar Panel, 100Ah AGM house battery, 15Ah Smartcharger • 100L fresh and greywater tanks • Automatic 140L 3-way fridge/freezer • Gas oven with grill • 6kW Combi Truma gas water and heating • Rear single beds (mm) 1990x730 and 1890x730, Front double 2120 x 990 (790) • LED 18.5in colour TV/DVD (NEW Pro Series), Sky decoder with Alden automatic aerial Exterior • Dual reverse camera, Fiamma 4-bike rack, Fiamma 4m awning, double-glazed windows, door flyscreen, central locking including side door

1. Comes with all the extras, dual reverse camera, bike racks, satelite dish 2. A full shower in the right corner of the bathroom, vanity sink and storage under and above, pedestal 12V electric flush cassette toilet in the middle, to the left is a large storage cupboard or wardrobe or both it is so large 3. A compact L-shaped kitchen bench, three-burner gas hob, combined oven/ grill under the bench. This cupboard has useful pull-out storage drawers and utility drawer within. Round stainless steel sink, locker storage cabinet above the window 4. The Fiat cab chassis, USB charging points, drink holders, steering wheel panel controls. Fiat make a comfortable vehicle to drive 5. Electric drop-down bed in the cab area, easily made from both sides, 250kg weight rating. LED lights for reading, roof vents for light and ventilation. The TV is in the perfect position at this height for watching telly in bed 6. Twin single beds, overhead locker storage, LED lighting, double-glazed windows with fitted blinds and fly screens – bathroom entry in the middle rear

NEW RANGE

DUE FEB 2021

9 SPEED AUTOMATIC ALL NEW EXTERIOR & INTERIOR COLOURS

51, Ash Road, Wiri, Auckland Ph: 09 810 8999

www.cimotorhomes.co.nz

DON’T MISS OUT! 7

SEE WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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Bailey Adamo

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

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BAILEY ADAMO Manufacturer: Bailey Model: Bailey Adamo 69–4 motorhome $151,900 Cab Chassis: Ford Transit

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he latest 2021 model Bailey Adamo fourberth motorhome was landed in New Zealand literally as the show started, arriving straight from the wharf following clearance and dressing ready for display – it was all go for the team at RV Mega. Based in Mt Maunganui, RV Mega is the biggest dealer for the Bailey range of products for New Zealand.

This compact motorhome at just a sliver under seven metres with lots of new innovations for the 2021 model year.

Bailey has traditionally based its coachbuilt motorhomes on the Peugeot Boxer cab chassis, But the 2021 Bailey Adamo models will be built on the Forst Transit wide-track lower chassis skeleton. The arrival of Adamo means Bailey will now stop producing the Advance coachbuilt motorhome range, meaning the Alliance is now its entry-level motorhome, the Adamo is the mid-range and the Autograph, which accounts for some 75 per cent of all Bailey motorhome sales, will remain the flagship.

Check out the details here and in the photos, plus there is an excellent video

presentation on the motorhome from salesman Gavin Sokolich, showing the fantastic hidden twin Aguti convertible travelling seats. I loved the electric pedestal table with multi-directional swivel and telescopic leg.

It is really cool, and super flexible operating at the push of a button. This area converts to double bunk beds if required, with the electric ceiling bed that comes down to three levels, and this bed conversion available as well.

Cooking is no problem with the gas oven, grill and hob setup. Storage cupboards and drawers below bench, and overhead locker storage above. Tower fridge with freezer box opposite.

The bathroom is full width, plenty of space in the separate shower box on the left, with acrylic folding doors, two drainage plugs, LED lighting and roof vent. In the middle above the access door to the storage is a double vanity mirrored cabinet, to the right the 12V electric flush pedestal toilet, vanity sink unit in the corner, storage underneath and above.

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1. Long wall couch, kitchen to one side, electric ceiling bed above, and a fully adjustable-expandable hydraulic table 2. Revealing the passenger seats in the lounge area 3. Remove a cushion, flip a lever, pull up the seat back and you have a full seat-belt-fitted seat, with foot space ready to go, one on each side makes this a four-berth vehicle.

The lounge also converts to a large bed for visitors, a bunk bed situation 4. Full-width rear storage, wide half-height door on kerb side, full-height narrow door on the driver’s side 5. Upon entry, to the left the spacious front dining area, two long side couches on each wall. Fully adjustable hydraulic table, and there are two seats with seatbelts hidden away. Step-through access to the front cab area, the front cab seats have arm rests, and swivel for more seating in the living space 6. The cab ceiling bed remains made up with bedding, push-button electric drop-down, two height options, this one you can sit on the side to get on. Great TV position by the door.

Large windows each side. The back squabs create a head board 7. Handy flip-out bench extension, underbench utility drawer and cupboard below that.

Full gas oven, separate grill and four-burner gas hob on top. Overhead cupboard storage as well, LED lighting. Check out the curved roll-away door to the full-width rear bathroom 8. Full-height shower, two drains, light and roof vent, acrylic folding doors 9. Pedestal 12V electric pedastal toilet, vanity and storage on the right, shower on the left.

Lots of mirrors as well

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Plenty of space in here, concertina slide away door for access, good use of space.

Access to the rear boot storage from the inside captivated many, and with one tall access door on the driver’s side, and a short wide door on the kerb side the storage options are vast. One visitor to the stand travels with show dogs, and the access door from the bathroom to the rear storage boot 114

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(which is heated by the way) was just what he needed in an RV but hadn’t seen until this point.

Those who follow super-bike racing worldwide may recognise Gavin’s name – yes it is him. Covid-19 has changed many people’s lives and this is a change of direction for him this year. We also met with Richard Olsen the new owner of the RV

TECH SPEC’S 2021 Bailey Adamo 69–4 four-berth motorhome $151,900 Dimensions • Length 6987mm, width 2720mm, height 2849mm • GVM 3500kg, tare 3010kg, payload 410kg Cab Chassis • Ford Transit Mk VIII facelift chassis.

Automatic, 2-litre diesel, 120kW engine, ESP, ABS, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, Dometic reversing camera with separate viewing screen. Fully specified cab with cruise control, air con, heated wing mirrors, automatic headlights, remote central locking for cab and habitation door and more.

Construction • ALU-TECH BODYSHELL – structural interlocking aluminium extrusion external framework with no external fixing points, for additional strength and rigidity. Upper body panels built using superior bead application laminating technology, a timber-free construction, incorporating a composite plastic internal skeleton, a high-density polystyrene insulation and a GRP inner wall lining, then cloaked in a single sheet impact-resistant GRP outer skin for extra durability. The strengthened floor panel is lined with GRP for underside protection. BS EN-1646–1 Grade III classification for heating and thermal insulation.

Living and Freedom camping • Thetford 142L tower fridge with internal freezer box • Thetford ‘K’ series combined gas oven, grill and hob • 100W Truma solar panel • Truma combi 4E water and heating system • 100L insulated freshwater tank with frost heater, baffles and level sensor • 100L greywater tank • 2 x 9kg gas bottles • Beds: Front double couch conversion 2220x1290mm, front ceiling drop-down double 1840x1560mm

Mega business. He was due to take over the business around the first lockdown period, but Queen’s birthday weekend saw the takeover conclude – congratulations to Richard on joining the RV industry family.

Three models in this motorhome range up to 7500mm length, check out the images and video, see if this will tick your boxes.

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

ACM Platinum

ACM PLATINUM Manufacturer: Auckland Coach Motorhomes – ACM Model: ACM Platinum 7.6m $260,000 starting price Cab Chassis: Iveco 50C210

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ne of the bespoke built motorhomes from ACM, with luxury super yacht finishes, big Iveco cab chassis and packed to the hilt with the customer’s chosen finishes and layout requirements. The particular model on display really caught visitors, attention – with most not believing the finish and size of this build. Let’s take a look around. It’s exciting to see the new all-wheel drive Iveco chassis just released, a big, serious looking beast for sure, can’t wait to see the first build by ACM on that platform.

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1. The Iveco 70C cab chassis is the choice for ACM 2. Side entry stairs both sides to give access to the Luton bed area. LED lights, plenty of ventilation with windows and roof vent, storage pockets as well 3. Roof vents, LED lighting and feature panel in the ceiling.

This visitor found a nice place to sit back and enjoy the vehicle 4. From the habitation door looking to the rear, a step up into the rear lounge area. Large mirror on the bathroom wall opens this space up even more. Fridge on the left, formed sink and bench unit, overhead kitchen cupboards light compared to the living 5. High-gloss finish to the cabinets, full gas oven with separate grill and four-burner gas hob, glass lid. Check out all the storage drawers, and the splashback – wow!

6. Sliding door entry into the bathroom, the smartest design in motorhomes for years – swivel cassette toilet to the left, vanity in the middle and shower to the right. Lots of storage cupboards, mirrors, towel rails, opening window and LED lighting

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Cab Chassis • Iveco 50C 210, 156kW, 8-speed auto. ABS, EBD with hill-hold, ESP, heated electronic rear-view mirrors, 7-inch LCD display with Iveconnect multimedia, reversing camera, heated and adjustable driver and passenger seats Dimensions • Length 7600mm, height 3200mm, width 2440mm • GVM 5700kg, tare 4900kg, 2500kg tow rated Construction • Fully insulated steel frame floor, one-piece fibreglass underfloor protection • Fully insulated aluminium-framed, vacuumformed fibreglass walls, interior and exterior.

Double-glazed fully opening windows with integrated blinds, electric step entry Living and self-containment • 2 x 240Ah gel ACM deep-cycle batteries, • 3000W inverter/150amp charger, 50amp DC to DC charger, BEP Czone Battery management system, 2 x 150W solar panel • 280L fresh and grey water tanks • 190L Dometic three-way automatic gas fridge with separate freezer • Thetford Caprice gas oven, separate grill, four-burner gas hob with glass lid • 2.2kW Eberspacher diesel heater • 22L Suburban 240V/gas auto-light hot water and built-in kitchen extractor fan • Separate shower with glass door, Thetford swivel cassette, 20L full electric flush with overfill sensor, roof vent extractor fan • Exterior shower and pull-out BBQ connector, 4500mm awning and 2500kg towbar • Beds – Luton cab-over double (2200 x 1400mm) – Rear double (2200 x 1900mm) Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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NEW

Full L.E.D Headlights

Redesigned interior with additional fingertip controls and soft touch steering wheel

Electric Park Brake

EXPERIENCE THE NEW DAILY E6 – ARRIVING JANUARY 2021 With innovative new safety features, high level driver appointments and more powerful yet cleaner running Euro 6 engines, the new Daily E6 continues to be the ultimate platform for motorhome applications. Enhanced engine options with 180hp and a market-leading 210hp provide superior power and torque to deliver effortless driving while still meeting stringent exhaust emission performance. And when matched to IVECO’s industry-best 8-speed Hi-Matic full automatic transmission, the owner can rest assured of seamless power delivery and a dynamic and responsive driving experience. The new Daily E6 also introduces new technology including a Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Queue Assist and other new active safety features, while new high-performance L.E.D headlamps dramatically aid visibility and increase road presence. Importantly for motorhome owners, the new Daily E6 also introduces clever Cross-Wind Assist technology which uses the vehicle’s electronic stability program to stabilise the motorhome if hit by sudden gusts of wind. Inside the cabin, the driver will also enjoy a new instrument cluster that provides over 100 points of information, while a new electronic park brake allows for easier movement around the cabin.

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

PROFILE SPOTLIGHT

Morelo Palace

MORELO PALACE 93MB 4-BERTH Manufacturer: Morelo Model: Palace 93MB Price $575,000 Cab Chassis: Iveco Daily 70C18

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hen you want to step right up into a big RV unit, offering luxury living with all the bells and whistles, often at the touch of a button then the Morelo-built motorhome could be for you. We reveiwed this model in RV-NZTL Vol 4, but can’t resist showing new readers the level of quality you can reach with a motorhome today. As I said then, there are so many features to note within this luxury liner I can’t even tell you them all as it would fill so many pages, and with the price point being the price of an average house it is fun discovering them all.

This model is from Zion Motorhomes in Pokeno.

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1. Relaxing enjoying the Waikato River views with the Morelo discovering all it has to offer 2. Nice interior door finishes, privacy blind, and this is the extra wide 700mm doorway, with pull-out flyscreen.

3. The table is adjustable, extensible and folds in half for more space. Long lounge couches face each other, belted seatiing faces forward 4. The driver’s area is a cockpit for sure, latest technology steering wheel with controls for the phone, stereo, cruise control all integrated Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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5.The aerodnamic rear design is new, the top shape changes the airflow down the back, helps keep the dirt off apparently. Looks very good, external bumper 6. Nice bedroom, one step up into the room, bed has two drawers for storage, has the Evo Pore mattress with water gel top layer and comfort sprung base 7. Toilet suite sits beside the large shower box, roof vent above, opening window, there is an extendable shower-top head behind the sink, for easy cleaning of the unit I presume 8. Kitchen bench boasts two sinks, with covers, three-burner gas hob, with glass lid for bench space. Note the fitted coffee machine on the shelf 9. A great assortment of utility and storage drawers below the bench, all soft positive-close fittings 10. Electric secondary bed, generous size, comfortable. LED lights are touch operated, roof vent above and privacy curtains

Morelo Palace 93MB 4-berth $575,000 Cab • IVECO Daily 70 C 18, Emission class: EURO 6d Engine: 3L 152kW 8-speed auto transmission. Class 2 licence required. ABS, airbags, remote and central locking, electricheated external mirrors, traction control and alarm.

Chassis • Hot dipped galvanised ladder frame. The high-strength steel design works with the false floor to create a level living room floor with the cockpit fully integrated into the living area. The underride guards prevent a car from sliding under it. Double rear axle, 16″ alloy wheels, air suspension on front and rear axle. Lower garage rear – with lowering of up to 380mm available, low loading sills.

• Weights: GVM 7500kg, tare 6400kg, payload 1100kg • Dimensions (mm): length 9500, width 2400, height 3640 • Lounge bench, left (mm) 1740 x 1000 Couch – right (mm) 1250 x 650 • Rear bed (length x width) 2000 x 1630mm • Overhead electric pulldown bed (length x width) 2000 x 1300mm • Rear garage doors 1230 x 1120mm Self-Containment • Awning, 32″ LED TV, fully automatic Sat Dish, • Freshwater tank 380L, greywater tank 250L • Ceramic cassette toilet bowl with 250L black tank • Gas supply in 2 x 9kg bottles • Electrical package: Energy 420 Premium Power gel batteries 420Ah, combined charger/inverter 3000W, up to 120A charging power when driving – 440W solar panel Hot water central heating • Alde Flow is a separate hot water tank that you can connect to the water-glycol circuit of the heating system. The hot water tank preheats the fresh water before it gets into the actual hot water tank of the boiler. Alde Flow, along with the Alde Compact 3020HE with Boost mode activated and a flow rate of 3.5L/min (capacity of a normal shower tap), will provide continuous 40° C shower water as long as the fresh water supply is sufficient. Alde high-performance hot water central heating system, Gas-operated 5.8kW heat output, Electric heat output up to 3kW, integrated boiler with the water-glycol circuit floor heating, adjustable between areas.

Heated false floor, bathroom radiator towel dryer and heater.

Living • Outside shower and BBQ point • Electric 6m awning with awning light, flush fitted into the corner of the roof

CREATING FOND MEMORIES AND LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

THROUGH SUPERIOR MOBILE HOMES

Fascination in motion

Morelo first class motorhomes

Unique down to the last detail

The best of the best from Erwin Hymer group Arto

Combining state-of-the-art production technology with

Experience the motorhome world of FRANKIA and

– the compact liner. A dynamic driving experience

traditional craftsmanship to produce top class motorhomes

decide which model suits your lifestyle. Integrated

for ambitious destinations - And the focus is always

built to exceed your expectations in every respect. A Morelo is

A-class, part-integrated Low-profile or alcove Overcab

on individuality, functionality and design.

always a statement of wanderlust, of exceptional comfort and

models. Flexibility is one of FRANKIA’s greatest

outstanding quality. Iveco 210HP rear wheel drive.

strengths. Mercedes Benz 190HP rear wheel drive.

MODELS TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS

Esprit A Class from $229,000.00

Pulse GT A Class from $192,000.00

Trend Low Profile from $151,000.00 From 5.99m to 8.72m

OPTION TO COLLECT YOUR MOTORHOME FROM GERMANY AND TOUR BEFORE SHIPPING TO NEW ZEALAND

PRICES INCLUDE

• Manual awning • 200W solar panel with MMPT • Reversing camera • GPS with 7” display • 19” Avtex LED TV with KiwiSat auto satellite dish.

Authorised Distributors of Dethleffs Frankia Niesmann+Bischoff Morelo Motorhomes

Viewing by appointment only at 50 Gateway Park Drive, Pokeno, Auckland

0800 11 2828 021 227 6662 E: sales@zionmotorhomes.co.nz zionmotorhomes.co.nz

Service partners in Auckland, Taupo, and Christchurch.

South Island Agent 7 Foremans Road, Islington, Christchurch

0800 222 108 03 348 2247

Motorhome Friendly DESTINATIONS & EVENTS Travel & Explore with us, visit: nzmca.org.nz/mhf

Stay on-site, make friends & experience

Events with Parking Coming into spring, and with summer around the corner, it’s a fantastic time to look into which Kiwi events are welcoming self contained Motorhomes and Caravans to stay on-site.

Nothing beats finding the perfect spot at your favourite event, setting up, chatting with some new friends and really taking in the experience, your motorcaravan always a short walk away - what could be better? Find a complete list of events that offer on-site or nearby parking at nzmca.org.nz/events

Whangamata Beach Hop New Dates: 25 - 29 November, 2020

This is a free event, no tickets! Repco Beach Hop is New Zealand’s number 1 nostalgia festival that celebrates the best of the 50’s & 60’s - rock and roll, hot rods, classic cars and motorbikes.

Managed Certified Self Contained parking for motorhomes and caravans will be available again this year - for booking info, please visit nzmca.org.nz/events

Wairarapa Country Festival 29 - 31 January, 2021 - Featherston

The perfect opportunity to plan a mini-break in the Wairarapa! The festival at Tauherenikau is fast becoming recognised as a weekend full of fun and entertainment for the whole family. The 2021 festival will be one of the biggest events yet with an epic lineup of Kiwi talent that will have everyone kicking up their heels. Cruise Martinborough will also be returning in 2021, giving festival goers a chance to view hundreds of vintage cars!

Downer NZ Masters Games 5 - 14 February, 2021 - Whanganui

Park up and compete! Summer would not be the same without iconic sporting events, and the Downer New Zealand Masters Games, the largest annual multi-sport event in New Zealand, is no exception.

Equally, summer would not be summer without a chance to a gather with mates to relax and create memories. The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association provides just that opportunity. Combine the Games and NZMCA and it’s a recipe for great times - see you there!

Wings Over Wairarapa

26 - 28 February, 2021 - Masterton WINGS is unlike any other aviation event - the Wairarapa scenery provides a stunning backdrop to an extravaganza of aerial action over three days!

Whether you are an aviation enthusiast or just want an entertaining weekend away with your family, Wings over Wairarapa has so much to offer. In addition to the spectacular flying programme there are fantastic ground displays and activities for small and big kids alike.

NZ Endurance Championship 6 - 7 Nov, 2020 - Cromwell

Hororata Highland Games 7 Nov, 2020

Canterbury Folk Festival 13 - 16 Nov, 2020 - Amberley

Branded Summer Country Music Festival 13 - 15 Nov, 2020 - Te Aroha

Cross Hills Garden Fair 21 Nov, 2020 - Kimbolton

Nelson Motorhome Show 28 - 29 Nov, 2020

Egmont Country Music Fest 8 - 9 Jan, 2021

Katikati Avocado Festival 9 Jan, 2021

Marton Country Music Fest 15 - 17 Jan, 2021

Kumeu Classic Car Festival 16 - 17 Jan, 2021 - Auckland

Auckland Folk Festival Jan 29 - 1 Feb, 2021

Festival One 29 Jan - 1 Feb, 2021

Taupo Summer Concert 30 Jan, 2021

Buller Gorge Country Music Fest 5 - 7 Feb, 2021 - Westport

Burt Munro Challenge 10 - 14 Feb, 2021 - Invercargill

River Park Blues Festival 13 Feb, 2021 - Waipawa

South Island Motorhome Show 13 - 14 Feb, 2021 - Ashburton

Taranaki Country Music Fest 19 - 21 Feb, 2021 - Waitara

River Park Country Music Festival 27 Feb, 2021

Classic Fighters Airshow 2 - 4 April, 2021 - Blenheim

Please note all the above events must conform to any Covid-19 restrictions where applicable

nzmca.org.nz/events Find out more

Upcoming EVENT GUIDE NELSON MOTORHOME SHOW

When: November 28th – 29th Where: Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park, Nelson www.nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz

WELLINGTON GO GREEN EXPO

When: November 7th – 8th Where: TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington www. gogreenexpo.co.nz New Zealand’s Largest Green Living & Sustainable Lifestyle Show! This is your one-stop shop for everything you need for a sustainable life.

WAITOMO TRAIL RUN

When: November 7th Where: Waitomo Homestead, 584c SH 3, Te Kuiti www.waitomo.com It is a true New Zealand underground, overground adventure. Explorers will run or walk over and under 6, 11, 21 or 35km of landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Walkers, runners and children – indeed explorers of all ages and abilities

RIDE THE WILDERNESS

When: November 14th Where: West Coast Wilderness Trail, Ross www.ridethewilderness.co.nz An opportunity to see the West Coast beauty and all it has to offer while racing the fantastic West Coast Wilderness Trail. It has everything from lakes, rivers, creeks, board walks, single tracks, historic bridges, forestry, wetlands, reservoirs, water races you name it – it’s all here.

Do you live for the open road or for the joy of exploring the unknown with the independence of travelling with your home on your back? Then Rotary’s Motorhome Show is just for you.

I LOVE TAKAPUNA CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL When: December 5th Where: 38 Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna www.takapunabeach.co.nz

We are thrilled to be working with the team behind the Coatesville Market to bring you a carefully curated, boutique and quality offering of craft, art, food and beverage stalls for this event – this is not the market to miss, so pop the date in your diary now!

TE AWAMUTU ANNUAL CRAFT FAIR

WAIKATO CHRISTMAS MARKET

The Te Awamutu Annual Craft Fair boasts over 100 craft stalls who only sell New Zealand made or assembled products. Garden art, iron work, cotton ladies and children’s clothing, plants, jewellery, sweets, chocolates and more.

Waikato’s very own Christmas market is here, featuring a gorgeous selection of quality artisan goods and beautifully handcrafted gifts, fine art, skincare, wooden toys, leatherware, candles, fresh food and more, all showcasing our talented local enterprise.

When: November 14th Where: Selwyn Park, Te Awamutu www.events.stuff.co.nz

When: December 12th Where: Claudelands Park, Hamilton www.waikatochritmasmarket.co.nz

CANTERBURY HALF MARATHON When: December 13th Where: Pegasus Lake, Pegasus www.canterburyhalfmarathon.co.nz

The Canterbury Half Marathon is being held on Sunday 13th of December 2020 at Pegasus Town. This beautiful setting will host the Canterbury Half Marathon and 9km Run and Walk.

SHOW DAY RACES 2020

When: November 13th Where: Addington Raceway, Christchurch www.addington.co.nz Show Day Races is truly a great day out for everyone and is a fantastic way to celebrate Canterbury’s Anniversary Day. There will be no public surcharges, and entry will be by gold coin donation to Maia Health Foundation.

WAI WORRI COUNTRY MUSTER REPCO BEACH HOP 2020 When: November 25th – 29th Where: Whangamata www.beachop.co.nz

Repco Beach Hop is New Zealand’s number 1 nostalgia festival that celebrates the best of the 50’s & 60’s – Rock and roll, hot rods, classic cars and motorbikes.

HAWKE’S BAY BETTER HOME & LIVING SHOW

HAMILTON CHRISTMAS CONCERT & TREE LIGHTING

When: November 13th – 15th Where: Pettigrew Green Arena, Napier www.betterhomeandlivingshow.co.nz

When: November 28th Where: Garden Place, Hamilton www.hamiltonchristmas.co.nz

With over 120 exhibitors, ‘Ask an Expert’ sessions, latest trends, innovations and exclusive show specials it’s the place to be for solutions for sustainable homes, gardens and better living.

It’s 27 metres tall to the tip of the star. That’s over 6 storeys high. It takes a team of 15 people to install the frame and the lighting, fluff the branches, hang the baubles. This tree is huge!

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When: January 2nd – 3rd Where: Wai Worri Woolshed, Aranga, Waipoua www.countrymusiccorralled.com Wai Worri Country Muster is a two day country music festival featuring guest artists, plus many supporting acts. Located at Aranga, 40km North of Dargaville.

We offer family entertainment, food and refreshments available to purchase from a food truck, and children under 15 are free.

Upcoming EVENT GUIDE RHYTHM & VINES 2020

When: December 28th – 31st Where: Waiohika Estate Vineyard, Gisborne www.rhythmandvines.co.nz Widely regarded as one of the world’s best New Year’s destinations, 20,000 people from all around the world will once again be travelling to the most eastern point of Aotearoa to farewell the decade in style and welcome in the first sunrise of 2021.

scenic areas and high-country stations of outstanding merit from the mountains to the sea. The trip up the Rangitata Gorge to Mesopotamia Station is definitely a highlight.

TWS NZ SUPERSTOCK CHAMPIONSHIP

top off a fabulous line up. Along with more supporting singers this is shaping up to be a great weekend of fun and great music. Our bands for the weekend are The Hired Gunz, Merrilands Country Music Band and a special hand-picked band.

WHEN: January 2nd – 3rd Where: TWS Paradise Valley Speedway, Rotorua www.rotoruaspeedway.co.nz The TWS New Zealand Superstock Title is the pinnacle event of every year for ADULT TICKETS the Superstock Class, and this year it is being held at the home of everything Stockcars, Rotorua. This is the one event that can’t be missed. With well over 100 cars anticipated to compete at this event with competitors travelling from all over New Zealand.

WIN 2

BAY OF ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021

WAIRARAPA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

When: January 8th Where: Kainui Road Vineyard, Kerikeri www.boimusicfestival.com

WIN 2

When: January 29th – 31st Where: Tauherenikau Racecourse, Featherston www.tauherenikau.co.nz

The Bay of Islands Music Festival returns with a mega first line-up announce that includes 2020s breakout indie pop phenomenon Benee, the irresistible pop-roc hooks of The Beths and the big-ballad songstress Tami Neilson.

Legendary NZ songstress Jodi Vaughan will be heading the 2021 festival, a weekend full of fun and entertainment for the whole family.

EGMONT COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2021

TICKETS

SOUTH CANTERBURY SPRING TOUR When: November 23rd – 28th Where: Christchurch-Mid & Sth Canterbury www.homesteadtours.co.nz

This six-day tour from Christchurch to South Canterbury covers historic homesteads and a selection of gardens,

When: January 8th – 10th Where: New Plymouth Raceway, New Plymouth www.egmontfestival.co.nz Super excited to have the Topp Twins coming, also back by pupular demand, Bevan Gardiner and James Davy.

Cooper’s Run are heading our way to

To WIN tickets Post or email subject to: NZTRVL Win Tickets, PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711. or email to: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz Winners will be drawn 7 days prior to the event.

WIN 2 TICKETS

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LO OVE AN R VE 50 HIC PR LE OD S A UC VA TS ILA BL E

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DOES YOUR CARAVAN OR MOTORHOME LEAK? YOU NEED OUR LIQUID RUBBER WATERPROOF SEALANT

MOTORHOME CENTRE Book online at farmerautovillage.co.nz or call Henry Clarke - 0800 443 338

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We’ve got your next Motorhome service covered. › Dedicated motorhome team ready to help. › 10% discount on all parts and labour when servicing, exclusive to association members with ID. › All brands are welcome, plus we’re an authorised Fiat & Volkswagen agent.

We’ve moved!

Find us at 19 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui

WALKABOUT Industry news

SWABBO away for RVs

A

ttention all barefoot campers and beach goers! Sick and tired of cleaning all that sand and dirt out of your car, tent, RV or beach house after the kids and grandkids have run amok? Let the Swabbo Ocean help you keep the great outdoors from getting indoors! Made from durable, UV-resistant polypropylene, the new, portable Ocean’s double-stacked nylon bristles and patented gravitational wash-away design will clean sand and grit from happy, mischievous campers and beach-goers’ feet in an instant, and turn untold hours of cleaning time back into high quality vacation and leisure time. Keep an Ocean by the house, pool or hot tub, and take it with you when you travel to the beach or go camping.

Ph Paul 0274998790 www.swabbofootwasher.com

WIN a SWABBO We have one Swabbo Ocean to giveaway, scan this QR code, or click link to enter.

Closes December 30, 2020.

www.rnrpublishing.co.nz/win-a-swabbo/

New Prolan Extreme fights Rust on Vehicle Chassis

“I

t’s fantastic!’’

That’s what Darren Greening of Ashburton’s Green Fertiliser Spreading thinks of Prolan.

The New Zealand-made, environmentally friendly, lanolin-based corrosion inhibitor and lubricant has worked wonders on the vehicles he uses in his business – one of the toughest testing grounds around. ‘‘I always had an A+ rating at the vehicle testing station without it. Now they want to give me a higher rating,’’ Mr Greening said.

He described the fertiliser industry as ‘‘harsh’’ on the gear used. Rust was an ever-present problem. ‘‘I’ve had 20 years in this industry and

haven’t found anything that will keep it at bay like this.’’

He has recently tried out the Prolan extreme-strength corrosion inhibitor on the fertiliser spreader trucks. When it was washed off after the recommended time, the trucks looked like new.

Apply NEW Prolan Extreme to vehicle chassis, motorhomes, buses, caravans improve COF and WOF checkouts a natural product made here in New Zealand.

Free Ph: 0800 776526 Email: julie@prolan.co.nz www.prolan.co.nz

Oztent Malamoo Beach Hub Shelters

E

nhance your next beach trip with the Malamoo 2- or 4-hub Beach Shelter. Utilising our Rapid Hub Technology, the pop-out walls give you a large, reliable shelter within minutes of arriving.

Made from UPF50+ certified polyester, the Malamoo Beach Shelter is designed to protect you from harmful UV rays, while the large door and windows ensure complete ventilation. Grounded, even on the windiest days, the Malamoo Beach Shelters come with sandbags, pegs and ropes to anchor down. Folding into a compact carry bag, these shelters are big on shade and low on weight.

Your best outdoor experiences are right around the

corner. Keep cool under the Malamoo 2- or 4-hub Beach Shelter.

KEY FEATURES • • • •

Rapid hub frame – easy setup and pack down Extra-large entrance and windows for airflow UPF50+ protected Compact pack size – easy to carry to the beach

For more information on Malamoo 2- and 4-Hub Beach shelters visit www.oztentnz.co.nz, in store at Heatrite, Palmerston North or phone 0800 109933.

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WALKABOUT Industry news

Mobile Wi-Fi Maxview Roam

M

axview Roam, a powerful mobile Wi-Fi solution designed to provide uncompromised internet connectivity, even in remote and rural locations. Its powerful roof mount antenna has been designed to maximise 3G/4G signal.

Coupled with the router, this creates a reliable and secure Wi-Fi hotspot for your vehicle. Unlike other products, the Roam can also receive Wi-Fi sources (such as free Wi-Fi hotspots or networks), so you are only using data when necessary.

The router is designed to work with any unlocked mobile SIM card • Powered by Teltonika – Devices – Up to 50 devices at any one time, including smart TVs, smart phones, tablets and laptops • Power options – 12V automotive cigarette power supply, or can be powered using 230V mains power supply Available from RV Supplies $695.00 W: rvsupplies.co.nz

Dates announced Covi Motorhome show 2021 W ith motorhoming and caravanning booming, New Zealand’s biggest motorhome and caravan show is the place to be. The Covi Motorhome Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow is on from 19th to 21st March, 2021 at the ASB Showgrounds Greenlane, Auckland. It provides a great opportunity for visitors to find the perfect vehicle to help them explore the wonderful sights New Zealand has to offer. So if you have ever thought about motorhoming or caravanning this is one show you absolutely

don’t want to miss.

The only show with all the major brands, there will be something for everyone. www.supershow.co.nz

2021 Dethleffs Stock Set to Land

T

he initial shipment of 2021 Dethleffs caravan stock is about to arrive in New Zealand, with several of the first few models already pre-sold.

The European market-leading caravans have had a fast rise to popularity in the New Zealand market over the past few years.

Kiwi customers appreciate the exceptional build quality, innovative design, high payloads and exceptional towing manners.

Central RV has ordered increased quantities of the most popular layouts for 2021, but due to a rise in demand due to constraints on international travel, Central RV owner Brent Thurlow recommends buyers plan their purchases well in advance of holiday plans.

Dethleffs caravans are available in New Zealand exclusively through Central RV in Taupo.

For more information, visit www.centralrv.co.nz, email info@centralrv.co.nz or ph: 07 378 0620.

Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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WASTE & TOILET TREATMENT Brought to you by Habitat 100% Natural | Made in NZ | Cost Effective | Fresh Aroma The New Zealand made range of Habitat Toilet Sanitation products have

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been carefully designed and developed to provide you with a complete range that ticks all the boxes, including being kind to the environment.

Habitat has two core products, Habitat Pure & Habitat Pure Rinse each serve a different purpose but work in harmony to create a great result. Both products have been tested for suitability in use with rubbers seals and components used in toilet systems.

Habitat Pure Is a toilet additive waste digester that breaks down waste naturally using enzymes and bacteria to create an effective result which is also kind to the environment.

Habitat Rinse is designed to be dispensed into the top tank of a cassette style toilet and provides a fresh lemongrass scent when flushing along with cleansing the toilet bowl.

Available from all reputable RV retailers in NZ- and of course, from our RV and Marine Supplies online store.

Sold in an easy pour 1L recyclable NZ made bottle. Habitat Pure is also available in a cost effective 2.5L bottle which can be used to refill the handy 1.L bottle when its empty.

Each 1L bottle contains 25 doses.

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COMPETITOR Data on 03/09/2020. Dosage information based on competitors website and information/data-sheet

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

8-20

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2016 Idle Time 5th Wheel 4000km

2013 Volkswagen Crafter Talvor

1990 Fuso MK517K

2013 Keystone Bullet

2016 Ford Ranger 37000km both on WOF 3 slide outs, LH entry. 2x150 watt solar panels 2 rain vents 12volt TV and built in video player 4 burner Thetford oven, full fridge and freezer $150,000 Ph: 027 441 8311

Dbl bed over cab has great head room Dinette area and u-shaped lounge both convert into dbl beds, 6 berth, self-contained $79,990 Ph: 03 578 3310 Deluxe RV Group

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

Includes 2014 Mazda BT50, Two opposing slide outs, WOF not COF. Motorised awning, 2000w inverter Towing vehicle 3.2Ldiesel auto/trip $135.000 ono Ph: 021 867 829

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2020 Deffleths Nomad 650RQT

Swift Bessacarr E765

2019 Bailey Coastal Bondi

2016 Sterling Eccles SE Wayfarer

Stunning layout, East West island bed Full rear bathroom, large kitchen full size front lounge Central RV $97,900 Ph: 07 378 0620

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

Light, bright, compact yet spacious Higher ground clearance, 4WD tyres Packed with all necessities without compromising style $76,000 Ph: 021 02210984

This is the flagship Sterling Model with premium features. It has contemporary modern interior 8 metres Twin Axle in length by 2.23m Wide $66,000 Ph: 021 919837

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2011 Jayco Sterling

2009 Leisureline Elite

2015 Southern Star

2018 Swift Conqueror 580

In immaculate condition, 24ft Slide out with permanent double bed Kitchen, shower & toilet never used In brand new condition $65,000 Ph: 027 453 5802

4 berth self-contained & electrical WOF Solar power pull-out and permanent awning All set up for off grid camping $62,500 Ph: 021 038 0091

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

In perfect condition 4 berth island bed BBQ point outside + 230v outside socket Front travelling cover ground cover for awning $59,500 Ph: 021 055 7830

WATERPROOFING Call into our showroom for accessories, solar panels, satellites, awnings, TV’s etc

03 688 0166 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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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

LUBRICATIOn DECKS

Caravan & Motorhome Repairs

CENTRAL AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES MAIN ROAD SOUTH, LEVIN

FULL DIESEL REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE • All COF Work • Transport and General Engineering • Heavy Transport Engineering • Trailer Manufacturing • Stock Crate Repairs

Ph (24 hrs) 06 368 2037 or 06 368 1591 Ken 021 246 8202 Ian 021 432 995 email: central.autoslevin@gmail.com

COF SERVICE - TOWBARS

WE SUPPLY GENUINE REPLACEMENT PANELS AND PARTS FOR ENGLISH AND EUROPEAN MOTORHOMES AND CARAVANS

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

cmparts.co.nz

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GO ONLINE AND LIST YOUR RV FOR SALE - www.rvmagazine.co.nz/all-listings FREE TO LIST YOUR RV ONLINE, MULTIPLE PHOTO’S AND DESCRIPTION SPACE AVAILABLE.

10-20

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2009 Jayco Sterling

2007 Jayco Jay Flight 5th Wheel

2019 Dethleffs Sunlight

2001 National Seabreeze

Very tidy 2 berth, self contained Washing machine (never been used) Front boot compartment BBQ gas bayonet $54,000 Ph: 027 572 5199

Superb condition, hardly used and has a number of upgrades. Current Wof & Rego, chassis undersealed for longevity. Generator, twin tub portable washing machine $52,500 ono Ph: 021 246 4644

Excellent condition, includes extras permanent huge rear bed, shower and toilet Large rear garage underneath the rear bed $99,990 Ph: 0800 222 108 UCC Motorhomes & Caravans

10.2m V10 luxury on wheels She is fully equiped, well designed & appointed In immaculate condition, a wonderful home to live in and drive $165,000 Ph: 09 8462591 or 021 412804

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2009 Nissan MK240

2011 Bailey Unicorn Barcelona

2013 Tiffin Allegro Breeze 32BR

2020 Royal Flair Piazza

Horse truck but take horse dividers out and use back area for storage, Insulated living area, very good condition $152,000 Ph: 027 2808828 or 07 5768134

Luxury 4 berth in excellent condition Self containment and a Kiwi fit out For freedom camping $51,300 ono Ph: 021 430 274

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

21’ push out model, 2 berth N/S Island rear bed, good storage Double glazed, sep bathroom shower $160,000 Ph: 021 909 932 Levin RV Centre

10-20

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2019 Royal Flare Van Royce

2015 Mercedes Benz Pandora

2013 Fiat Ducato

2017 Mercedes Malvern

U shaped lounge/diner to front of caravan Island Queen sized bed, movable dining table Slide out BBQ, washing machine $155,000 Ph: 021 909 932 Levin RV Centre

4 berth/seatbelts, separate shower Full width storage locker across rear Inside outside stereo, slide out BBQ $120,000 Ph: 021 909 932

90,000km, 2 berth 4 sealtbelts Captain chairs revolve, self contained 12V TV and automatic antenna $75,000 Ph: 027 433 9689

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. $155,000ono Ph: 021 044 7013

SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR MOTORHOMES The Legendary “Littlecracker”

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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

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Hercules Tanks Ltd 13 Wedgewood Street, Katikati 3129

FOR ALL YOUR EWOFYOUR INSPECTION / REPAIRS / FOR FOR ALL ALL YOUR EWOF EWOF EV CHARGER INSTALLATIONS / INSPECTIONS INSPECTION // REPAIRS / AUCKLAND / WAIKATO AREA / INSPECTION REPAIRS

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www.herculestanks.com Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

129

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

MARKET PLACE

10-20

6-20

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2011 Mercedes Sprinter

Benimar Tessoro 463

2019 Dethleffs Sunlight Distinction Range

2016 Swift Bolero Black Edition

Designed with comfort and space Large panoramic windows and U shaped lounge 6 berth with 3 separate sleeping areas $72,990 Ph: 07 575 0170 Country RV

Like new with only 9000 KM 4 berth, rear singles make a king double Swivel cab seats, ESP & traction control $134,000 Ph: 027 576 6767

CV640, permanent huge rear bed Large rear garage underneath the bed Self contained, 6.36m in length and 2.65 in height $99,990 Ph: 0800 222 108 UCC Motorhomes

Simply stunning inside and out 4 berth with classic rear French bed Large washroom couple with a spacious front lounge $116,500 Ph: 027 221 1440

10-20

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1994 Winnebago Vectra

2006 TrailLite Piha

2018 Dethleffs Trend

2004 Ford Transit

Booked in to be re-carpeted, new upholstery Double sinks new 2014, full bathroom. Plenty of storage inside and out, qn island bed $85,000 Ph: 027 535 4642

Spacious rear lounge, 4 berth n/s facing island bed above cab, fully self contained. Plenty of storage inside and out incl long cupboard at rear for fishing rods etc $150,000 ono Ph: 027 304 2915

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

New solar panel / house battery, bike rack Dbl bed over cab / lounge converts to a dbl All up todate certificates, TV with positional aerial $58,000 ono Ph: 021 481 665

10-20

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6-20

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1984 Mitsubishi Canter 4 Berth

1985 Isuzu Journey

2014 Airstream International

1991 Toyota Hilux

Very good running ear, needs rust repair Plenty of storage, full size shut shower New bluetooth stereo microphone $14,500 ono Ph: 027 815 1586

Runs well, purchased to convert to a camper Currently unfinished, fitted with fresh water and grey tanks. Gutted inside ready to complete, can be viewed in Taupo $10,000 ono Ph: 07 217 1160

Very good condition, approx used 14 nights since new. Stored inside, will come with current WOF/Rego. Near new batteries and tyres, charges when driving. $89,500 ono Ph: 027 440 0724

2.5L diesel pop top camper comfortable to drive 250,000km RUC up to date. New WOF & Rego, selfcontained for 2. New electrical WOF till Oct 24 $14,500 Ph: 021 889 199

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

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GO ONLINE AND LIST YOUR RV FOR SALE - www.rvmagazine.co.nz/all-listings FREE TO LIST YOUR RV ONLINE, MULTIPLE PHOTO’S AND DESCRIPTION SPACE AVAILABLE.

10-20

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Toyota Coaster

1988 Isuzu Journey

2005 Ford Transit 2 Berth

1990 Mitsubishi Fuso

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RV PETS To watch videos of Caspar’s adventures visit his facebook page or watch on YouTube Caspar’s capers

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NZTODAY RV Lifestyle

Summer fun here we come 1

H

i friends woof woof It has been a super busy time since my last column. We packed up the new motorhome and drove down to Martinborough after the last magazine. It was good to get away, and papa stopped at all the regular places along the way. We even stopped to check out the snow on the mountains and had a pit stop at the Waiouru Army Museum. Then up the hills to the big waving windmills above Ashurst – boy they are so big and there’s so many of them.

2

Over the years we have sometimes stopped for a break on the hill top and I have done a little business here and there.

We stopped in at friends near Masterton on the way down. They have moved to a new house so my mate Boy-Boy showed me around his new pad – nearly went for a swim in the lake, whew that was close. It was so great to sit up and see the shops and the park at Martinborough when we got home, even better to be running down the footpath the next morning, getting out to see my mates again, yahoo.

Mama and papa did lots of work at the house, lots of trips to the smelly dump place, I don’t know why they won’t let me out of the car there, woofy woofy, mmmm smells all around. I am sure I could sniff out something to take home.

Then the motorhome was packed, it was bye-bye to Pete and Laura and away. Mama

3

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Vol 7 Nov-Dec 2020

said we were going the long way home.

We headed to Napier and stayed the night on the stony beach where we have stayed before.

There is a big long footpath for walkies, and sometimes mama and papa have ridden their bikes along here to go for breakfast in town, not this time though, just a quick overnight sleep, breakfast and away, off to Wairoa, then Gisborne and around the Cape I’m told. Yippy yip yip, we haven’t been that way for so long.

Our first stop was a in a cool little town called Wairoa and we went for a great walk by the river and the sea. I had never been there before, so no mates to meet up with, but I did sniff out a few smells and left plenty of my own messages for the locals.

Next stop was at Gisborne for lunch. We have been here before, and this time parked up around the marina and mama and papa

4

had a bit of lunch – I had to sit outside, grrrr.

Away we went up to Tolaga Bay next – I knew this place straight away, I baulked and pulled and growled at papa, but he made me walk across the big long bridge anyway. Grrrrowl when will they stop making me do that. I get so scared and shaky with the water under us – I can feel it all the time. Thankfully they let me run all the way back from the watery end, it took so long.

My walkies lead got lost somehow so I had a big dressing gown tie for a lead on this trip – a bit short but I got used to it anyway, better than staying in the motorhome and no walkies.

More driving until we found a place to

went to check it out. I helped papa drive as much as I could. We went on some back road, stopped at a pub for a break and walkies, and drove on some gravelly rough roads for ages.

Eventually we pulled up at a lake with just a few people around to talk to. We could stay there the night papa said, so had a bit of a walkies with him while mama made dinner. It was real quiet and lots of bush and mountains around.

Next morning a walkies to explore a bit more before we headed off for hours driving on a dirt road – “we’re on a mission now Caspie”, said mama, Murapara first, then Rotorua, then we have to get to Tauranga to Mac’s place for baby Finn’s birthday. We didn’t stop until Rotorua.

stay the night at Waihau Bay. A good walkies around the beach front was yippy yip good that night, and early the next morning a new mate was there on the back of a ute. We had a good chat while he waited for his papa to come back on his little boat. Then off we went to Ōpōtiki. We had a good walk around there and I chilled out on a funny seat while mama looked in shops.

Where to now? I hear mama and papa talking about going backwards – what the ruff ruff does that mean? I soon found out – we headed back to Gisborne instead of going to Whakatāne. It meant a lot more driving, mama said, but none of us have been to Lake Waikaremoana so we

6

58

1. This beach at Napier is so stony, where is the sand?

2. I have a seat, and am secured in by my harness – not much movement so missing my big seat in the other motorhome 3. These are big windmills mama said, they were waving to me 4. Why do they make me walk over water, I just don’t like it – Tolaga Bay 5. We stayed the night at Waihau Bay. I met this local mate who was waiting for his owner to come back from fishing 6. I just sat around waiting for mama and papa in Ōpōtiki Nov-Dec 2020 Vol 7

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7

8 7. We camped up at the show, cosy time in front of the fire 8. We were all waiting for the show to open with Darci, Bonnie and Tobin Chisnall, with their mate Ajax. I had to get back to the stand before it did 9. Arial and Timothy were fun. I got so many pats 10. Phoebe, Madison and Elliott gave me lots of pats as well 11. I had to hang onto papa I was so scared up the top of the walkway.

Nice view said mama – grrr who cares, I cried

9

Mama and papa walked around and we had lunch at a little café that let me sit outside. By the time we got to Finn and Mac’s house I was really yap yap yappy at everyone after being in the motorhome soooooo long, I was really ready to be at home again.

We spent a couple of weeks at home, then

10

the motorhome was being packed, and then the other motorhome was packed too – what was going on I thought? Showtime Caspie, mama said, yip yippy yip I love the shows.

We camped up with Sue at the show – now I understood why we took both motorhomes, one for us and one for her. What a busy show it was. I was exhausted by the end of the three days. I had to stay awake the whole time, there was no chilling out relaxing or snoozing during the day like at home coz I had to be ready for my friends who come to say hello and pat me at the shows, and I made new friends too. It was great fun.

So so so good to be home again though, I think I slept for two days catching up. Then it was back into work for mama and papa, until boxes and bags started coming in from the cars into the house, all our stuff came out of cupboards and drawers and into the boxes.

What the woof woof is going on here I barked?

We are moving house Caspar, go and get your

Where’s Caspar’s

toys little buddy, don’t leave anyone behind. I will keep you posted on this change.

This year has been full of changes; my little head is spinning – what’s next I wonder? Ooh I know Christmas, the tree box is out, so are the decorations. I think da mama and Charlie are getting ready to put it up at the new house soon, woof woof I love Christmas.

We are off in the motorhome again after this magazine is finished, maybe I will meet some of you on the road soon, hoping so woof woof.

11

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