The biggest motorhome and caravan show in New Zealand, the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show kicks off in Hamilton from 22 to 24 September and boasts more than 230 exhibitors
The 2023 show also features more motorhomes and caravans than last year’s successful event and with such a diverse collection of exhibitors, the Mystery Creek site will be bursting with stands offering everything imaginable for lifestyle activities this summer (and beyond).
As well as the truly impressive line-up of motorhomes and caravans to explore, there’s also the popular Retro Lane, TrailLite Group Theatre, and Ryman Health Check Up Centre. With exhibitors filling two pavilions and two huge accessory marquees, this is an event to plan a day (or two, or three) around.
Always popular, particularly for those who appreciate workmanship and artistry, Retro Lane (located outside the double doors of the main pavilion) showcases refurbished vintage caravans, cars, and vans. The jewel in the crown is the NZMCA’s beautifully refurbished 1928 REO Speed Wagon. Originally owned by the association’s founders, Andy and Gladys Anderson, the NZMCA will be on hand to answer any questions on REO.
A highlight of last year’s show was the TrailLite Group Pavilion (situated at the Campers Entrance to the show, near the OTBT Seat & Eat). TrailLite Group will be in their own dedicated building situated on the eastern side of the main pavilion with a wide selection of their own world-class motorhomes on display, as well as showcasing some of the best from overseas such as Benimar, Fusion, and Mobilvetta. The TrailLite Group Theatre features experts in their field and offers eight presentations each day.
The two huge new marquees, Pohutakawa and Kowhai, are dedicated accessory areas filled with everything from fishing drones to artisan sauces and everything in between. There’s also a huge line-up of all the electronics needed for your motorhome or caravan to be top-of-the-line. Accessories exhibitors can be found throughout the pavilion and on outside sites, making it easy to find all the new gadgets, innovations, and fresh ideas to make life on the road even better.
If you love the show and an amazing deal, the all-new Super Fan Bag is full of products from some of the amazing exhibitors (including an issue of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine), and includes access to the dedicated Super Fan lounge. $50 will secure you the fine-looking eco bag to carry around your goodies from the show, and the amazing products inside it. Super Fan Bags can be purchased online with tickets or at the show office (if stocks last).
The Health Check Up Centre, sponsored by Ryman Healthcare, also returns this year. Located inside the main pavilion, the health hub features free health and wellbeing checks, focusing on the importance of keeping well.
Three food locations are on-site – the first is near the entry to the show for early morning muffins, coffee, and brekkie needs. Then there’s the Off the Beaten Track Seat & Eat with a wide variety of foodies on-site (as well as seating, shade cover, and show singer/guitarist Steve Crossland entertaining over lunch). Inside the pavilion is COAST Café to enjoy treats while listening to the soundtrack provided by Coast FM.
Park and stay for $10
As the home of the largest Event Park and Stay in New Zealand, visitors are welcome to stay on-site for only $10 (does not include show entry) for all three days of the show. There are also dedicated entry and exit points for campers and a shuttle service back to the camp site. Thanks to the NZMCA, there are late-night dinner options on Friday and Saturday nights, with entertainment and Good George on site, for campers only. The smart choice is to choose the multi-day pass, which provides unlimited access over all three days for only $35.
For those coming along for the day, there’s ample free car parking and tickets are only $18, with under 16s free with an adult.
ASK ME Ambassadors are available to help you around the show. They will have all the information you need to know to help find what you’re looking for. There will also be sunscreen and water refuel stations around the show, so don’t forget to bring your bottle.
The show is open from 9am to 5pm Friday and Saturday, and 9am to 4pm Sunday. Tickets $18 single day, $35 multi-day) are available from nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz.
