The 2022 show season began in style at the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure show in Christchurch. This fantastic event saw exhibitors and visitors come together for a long-awaited weekend of fun and inspiration.
It’s been a tough couple of years for everyone, but excitement was in the air at the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show in Christchurch in May. Some 9,500 visitors poured through the doors of Christchurch Arena, ready to browse, try and buy some of the goodies on hand. The sell-out show was marked by sunny blue skies – a delightful surprise after the rain that had been initially forecast – and high expectations on all sides. With over 80 exhibitors, the show was packed with everything from motorhomes, campers and caravans to e-bikes, boats, batteries and connectivity gadgets – plus, of course, the Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations team giving readers the opportunity to subscribe to their favourite magazine with a big discount and a much-sought-after, show-only special reusable bag!
The show featured many regular names as well as a few old favourites. Many South Island brands, like Sota in Nelson, Infinity Caravans and Jayco in Christchurch featured large in the RV arena, while OzTent’s stand featured comfy-looking chairs and cosy tent spaces – perfect for visitors to have a bit of a sit-down and a break from the crowds. The large NZMCA stand was busy, as always, as was the RV Super Centre, which featured an impressive array of RV essentials. This year saw quite a few changes in the way the show was put together by Classic Events. There was a marked increase in online ticket sales, meaning the long queues of last year were a thing of the past. The change from a midwinter show to the balmier May climate also worked in the show’s favour, with many of the outdoor exhibitors and visitors enjoying the Christchurch sun.
Visitors were primed and ready to hunt out bargains, with many only too happy to chat to exhibitors about what they were looking for. While many were there to do some much- needed research on the types of RV available in New Zealand, plenty were on the hunt for ideas around making their current vehicle safer, tidier and more modern. Connectivity was a huge focus, with more people looking for routers and TVs as well as satellite dishes. “We sold every smart TV we took with us to the show,” says Duncan MacMillan, from Auckland-based Apollo Entertainment. “While satellite dishes were still popular, a lot of people were after the latest technology.”
Electric bike racks were also flying off the shelves, indicating the increase in RVers using e-bikes to get around. Hydraulic levelling was the other notably popular item, possibly due to seasonality. “People want to make their vehicle usable in all weathers without having to worry about putting their vehicle up on ramps,” says Duncan. “If you’re travelling in winter, nobody wants to be outside in the cold, trying to level up in the rain. With hydraulics, you just level up and you’re done with it.” It was a very successful start to the show season, and many exhibitors are already busy preparing for the North Island show, which takes place over the weekend of September 23rd to 25th at Mystery Creek in Hamilton. “It’s great to see so much positivity from exhibitors,” says Jenni Muhlmann from Classic Events. “Everyone is so glad to be back at events and once again able to meet up with visitors and RV enthusiasts.”
The Hamilton NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure Show takes place at Mystery Creek on September 23-25 2022.
For more information and tickets, visit nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz
