The sunshine lasted throughout the weekend adding to a positive vibe from visitors and exhibitors alike. The number of Kiwis discovering the benefits and joys of travelling by RV has boomed over the past year, undoubtedly the pandemic has encouraged many to reassess their travel plans and to shine a light on all that New Zealand has to offer.
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Entertainment for little travellers
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The show provided a welcome opportunity to showcase all the benefits and joys of RV travel. Here are just a few of the highlights…
For those looking for something big, Morelo Palace from Zion was drawing lots of attention. At around 9.5 metres, the Palace is all about luxury, comfort and style. Not exactly for first-time motorhomers, but very impressive to look through, and plenty of visitors were doing just that.
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Zion’s Morelo Palace
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Not quite as big as the Palace, but also attracting lots of interest, the Optimum motorhome from Jayco certainly has the wow factor. It’s big, it’s blue, and it includes a dishwasher and washing machine. Built on the Iveco diesel platform, it’s over 8 metres long and has loads of room inside – including a slide-out on one side to make it even bigger.
At the Roadlife stand, the Sunliner Navian had queues waiting to inspect. This spacious model includes a double slide-out, electric awning, washing machine, inverter all as standard. The décor is fresh, modern and welcoming with plenty of room to move.
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The Sunliner Navian
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But for anyone just dipping their toe into the RV scene, there were plenty of smaller options including the VW Echo Caddy which offers day-to-day transport as a small station wagon, transforming into a camper with the addition of a double bed and pull-out kitchen. There’s also the newly launched Sun and Moon Campers – a teardrop camper built right here in New Zealand (Taupo to be precise). The campers include pull-out cooking and sink units, storage space, and a nice roomy bed inside.
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The Sun & Moon Camper
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Caravan enthusiasts were well catered for with impressive selections from InsideOut, New Age, Rockwood, Snowy River and more. The off-road Avida Topaz caravan from ALM Group impressed with its huge kitchen and luxury interior. CentralRV had their new Beduin Scandinavia range on show which is already proving popular with the New Zealand market.
Thinking about living on the road permanently? BOP RV’s Grand Design Imagine 2670MK is hard to beat. It’s not often you’ll find things like an island kitchen bench, an office desk, and a faux gas fireplace in the kitchen. Perfect for long term, or permanent holidays.
For those who remember touring Europe in a VW Kombi, the new VW Grand California was well worth a look. Marketed as ‘the grown up Kombi’, the Grand California is available in two layouts and has all the luxury mod-cons that today’s motorhomer wants.
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The VW Echo Caddy
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From the team at Oztent, the new Malamoo beach shelters and chairs are a must-have for next summer. The beach shelters are made from UPF50+ certified polyester and are available in two sizes. Quick and easy to pop up when you need a bit of shade at the beach or a picnic.
Looking for new technology? The 32” Android smart TV from RSE has everything you need for your viewing entertainment. And if security is an issue, check out their new OrchidLite GPS Solar Panel locator. Pop it on your RV or caravan roof and enjoy the peace of mind in always knowing its location.
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The Saturday crowd
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The team at RV & Marine Supplies were as busy as ever with huge demand from new and seasoned motorhomers in need of RV accessories from toilet products to gas stoves and bike racks. There were some good deals to be had, but if you missed out, check them out online – they currently offer free delivery on orders over $200.
If you want to keep track of your travels, Scratch Maps have come up with a clever idea. Their maps of New Zealand have ‘scratch’ spots included so you can scratch off the places you’ve been to.
There were some great prizes to be won at the show also. Congratulations to Ray Cairns from Manurewa who won the grand prize of a free KEA Breeze motorhome for one year. And it was good timing, he got the call that he’d won on his wife’s birthday. The couple are planning their first trip to the far north.
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The grand prize – a KEA Breeze for one year
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The RSE smart TV was won by Lea McFarlane. Dave Rees was the very happy winner of the City X-ebike from Bionic Bikes.
And of course, the best deal of the show (in our humble opinion!) was found at the MCD stand. From the time the gates opened until the very last minute of the show, we were kept busy signing up new subscribers and re-subscribers. Our jute carry bags were in hot demand, with this year’s design choices proving very popular. If you missed out, be sure to take advantage of this month’s subscription offer here.
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The MCD team had a busy weekend!
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MCD’s carry bags were in hot demand
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