NZToday-RV Lifestyle Vol 19

11 12 Middlemarch is the end of the rail trail, broom in vast clumps. The scenery is spec- and freedom of the region can only be fully and many bikers are taken the same service tacular and the road is empty, the temperature experienced by cycling the rail trail itself. runs from Clyde back to Middlemarch, it is rising as the sun heads higher in the sky. We Whichever way you might travel Central clear the rail trail offers these towns and many enjoyed the road trip, the scenery was great, Otago you won’t be disappointed with stun- others along the way an enormous benefits. the people and experiences wonderfully ning views all around and plenty to explore. interesting, though we regret we didn’t get to Travelling independently we were free to see any of the world-renowned tunnels and 9. Post Office at Ophir - 1886 10. South stay overnight and drove on to Dunedin the viaducts that cyclists enjoy, or the stunning of Ranfurly heading down to Dunedin next morning and flew home. Poolburn Gorge that we have seen photos the countryside is wide open 11. B&B in of, these are reserved for those adventurers Middlemarch 12. The Ranfurly Hotel built in Coming down from Middlemarch we had off-road on the real rail trail. So many of the Spanish Mission style in the 1930s after the sky-is-close-to-the-earth sensation again. the incredible views and the sense of space fire destroyed the earlier hotel on the site. Around every corner another green vista opened before us, sometimes with yellow Call EBO - 021 980511 Auckland, North, Waikato, BoP and Rest of NZ EBO SuperTourer FoldiE Amsterdammer 350W Hduty motor 350W CentreDrive 90+kAm PmASsterdammer 84NM - 60+km PAS 350W CentreDrive • 350W HDuty mid-drive • Hydraulic Discs-Tektro • Torque Sensored • LCD screen incl Wo84rlNdM’s- N60o+k1mFPoAlSdiE! • Throttle Control • Lights, carrier & guards incl • Shimano Geared EBO TnC Tourer FoldiE Triangle MaxxiE 350W Hduty motor 350W CentreDrive 60+km PAS 84NM - 60+km PAS Triangle MaxxiE B35e03sWt A5H-G0DruaWtdyeMCoCetolelrs ntreDrive • • • Qu8ali4ty NeveMrythi-ng60+km PAS • Commute or Trail www.ebobikes.co.nz• ‘The World’s Best.. Ebo FoldiE’ 49www.rvmagazine.co.nz

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Maniototo › Central Otago TRAVEL THE Maniototo Allan Dick explores the Maniototo region and catches up with old friend and legendary radio talkback host Ewing Stevens who spent six 1 years at the Waipiata Sanatorium. Story + Photos Allan Dick 2 51www.rvmagazine.co.nz

4 31 bound but I learnt the place names: Ranfurly, 5 Waipiata, Patearoa – and tucked away in a I f you ever stumble across the old ‘Waipiata corner, Naseby. I also learnt that Maniototo changed., but still remote and under-populated Sanatorium’ you will wonder what on earth farmers were almost royalty and were to be compared to the rest of New Zealand. you have struck. This is a vast collection of treated with the highest of respect. elderly but obviously well-kept buildings However it’s a ver y, ver y special, if on the slopes of a barren hill overlooking the Maniototo farmers raised mostly sheep and/ unrecognised, place. Maniototo Plains of Central Otago. ‘In the or cattle on large farms that reached up into the middle of nowhere’ is an absolutely apt phrase surrounding schist strewn hills and the land The financial crash of 1987 did a lot of to use here. was stark. Trees were noted by their almost damage to farming here. But there was massive total absence. The climate was correspondingly irrigation and that brought dairy farming. The This is really a story of three subjects – the tough: bitterly cold in the winter, blazingly hot railway line was closed. The roads through Maniototo, the sanatorium – and Ewing Stevens. in the summer – and it hardly ever rained. Middlemarch and the Pig Root were both upgraded – and then there was the Otago Let’s begin with ‘the Maniototo’. It’s a huge, I made my first visit to Ranfurly to see Central Rail Trail that brought previously mountain-ringed plain on the northern edge a farmer, about 1963. My overwhelming unimagined ‘tourists’ here. And now we have of Central Otago. When I left school in 1957 impression was ‘this is like the setting for a this urge of New Zealanders to explore their and went to work for Dunedin-based stock cowboy movie’. It was late afternoon, the sun country. firm Donald Reid & Company, the Maniototo was low, wind was blowing up a dust storm, was almost a ‘secret’ place. The main route and Ranfurly was a small, close collection of Nowadays, Ranfurly is the biggest town into Central Otago in those days was what buildings in the middle of a flat plain. here – the hub of the Maniototo. Initially is now SH8 via Lawrence, Roxburgh and Naseby was the ‘capital’ of this region but the Alexandra. The alternative routes – SH87 via Years later, I saw Clint Eastwood as a new-fangled, country-opening railway line Middlemarch and SH85, the Pig Root – were gunslinger ride into a town called ‘Hell’ in didn’t go anywhere near Naseby, so Ranfurly very much secondary ways into Central Otago. the movie High Plains Drifter and it was exactly was created, astride the line. As a consequence, the Maniototo and its hardy as I had seen Ranfurly in 1963. residents were left pretty much to themselves. Ranfurly still sits, compact, in the midst Today, Ranfurly and the Maniototo are much of enormous stretches of near-billiard-table- At Donald Reid’s I was largely Dunedin office flatness and, like Napier, it underwent a rebuild in the early thirties after a disaster – or two – a 1. Rounds of hay dot a mown paddock like some 6 sort of pods dropped from outer space 2. Ewing Stevens at Radio Otago in 1970 – the start of a very, very long career 3-4. Some Ranfurly buildings are minimalist Art Deco, others are more grand. Cycles are now part of the scene in Ranfurly thanks to the rail trail 5. The former railway station is now an information centre and public toilet block 6. The former Ranfurly tearooms adjacent to the railway station served teas and meals to countless travellers 7. Up until recently there were two Four Square stores in Ranfurly. Now only one carries that familiar branding 8-9.Patearoa is a small ‘retirement’ village where the pub still operates and the old store and post office is now a home 10. Art Deco wall decorations on commercial buildings add interest to the streets of Ranfurly 52 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

7 series of fires. So many of the buildings have a 8 similar look that, if you squint, you could say ‘aha, Art Deco’. Local woman Edna McAtamney, a pub that was originally a rail whose husband David is an opera singer, was stop. In most cases the pub would so inspired by what she re-saw after a visit have been the first casualty, and overseas, that she created the Maniototo’s own actually it was initially, but it has Art Deco weekend. It was successful, for a been revived by the rail trail – while, but its energy seems to have petered out. Big Time. Today, owner Mark employs five chefs, the food is The railway station is now an information city-style not just steak and chips, centre and public loo of both varieties. 9 The old tearooms next to the railway station and it’s not just rail-trailers who is my favourite building in Ranfurly. It screams appreciate the place. Despite Art Deco and is now a museum. I think the ‘bloody tourists’ the Waipiata pub draws locals large hotel that dominates the main street is from every corner of the region, for meals, for pre-Art Deco. beers and for a bloody long yarn. For us road travellers the local domain offers walking- Oddly, up until recently, the two grocery distance and free parking. shops in this small town were both Four Square, The Maniototo was chosen as the site for a 150 metres apart. Both are still open, but sanatorium because of its cold, dry weather one’s lost its branding. And there is that most – the favoured ‘cure’ for tuberculosis during important of cultural assets – a good pie shop, that era. Drugs were later developed including Fantail Kitchen and Larder, in what used to streptomycin, which knocked the disease for be the butcher’s. the proverbial six. Although it’s almost always referred to as the It’s an unusually laid out town, with the main Waipiata Sanatorium, it’s actually at a location drag doing a two-turn loop before it releases called Orangapai and is several kilometres you out the other side of the town. I’ll see if I from the town proper. can find a map to explain that. It was one of five similar places in New Zealand devoted to the care and cure of Patearoa is worth a fossick around, as, of ‘consumptives’ when it opened in 1923 as the course is Naseby which is second in quaintness Orangapai Sanatorium – located on a corner only to St Bathans. of a 1000-acre farm. 10 Keep heading south of Patearoa and you will come to the remote Lammermoor Distillery. Be curious enough to go further and you will (eventually) arrive at Lake Onslow for which there is a four billion dollar plan to turn it into ‘New Zealand’s battery’ to make us power- secure forever. I love the Maniototo and we are frequent visitors, with Waipiata being a favourite destination. Waipiata is a one (very short) street town of maybe a dozen old houses and 53www.rvmagazine.co.nz

It was staffed by between 30 and 40 people 11 it was certainly big enough. and patients were housed in two wings. The However those plans came to nothing and place was self-contained, with meat supplied security was an issue – the remote location by the farm and vegetables grown in gardens. wasn’t a problem to anyone wanting to get away. the place lay empty for several years with doors There was a laundry block, accommodation Escapes were frequent. Anyone who lived in flapping in the wind and weeds growing. It for staff – single people as well as families – Dunedin in the sixties and seventies became was purchased in 1987 by Margaret and David and a very large and imposing home for the used to the frequent police messages on the Bradfield as a place of retreat for spiritual superintendent. radio advising someone had absconded from healing and Christian worship. The Bradfield the ‘Waipiata Youth Centre’ – I never heard family – now expanded – still own the property Did I mention the cold? Cold dry air was it publicly referred to as the Waipiata Borstal and are, apparently, most welcoming to visitors. thought to be especially beneficial so the patient or Youth Prison. wings had corridors with open windows to I have driven through and around the place let the weather in, which included minus-10- The place was closed in 1980 when our attitudes several times. There’s a sign at the gate – En degree frosts – and snow! towards locking up young people changed, and Hakkore – which is from the bible and translates it was acquired by a group of businessmen who as ‘Spring (fountain) of him who calls on God’. TB was common in New Zealand society had ‘plans’ for it that never seem to have been in that era and it was a killer so all of these made public – perhaps a holiday resort because I first visited around 1987, about the time sanatoria were busy. There was an expansion with a new building constructed in 1938 and a plaque says it was erected thanks to the generosity of Dunedin man Samuel Saltzman Esquire. The place was so large and self-contained it had its own post office and fire station. By 1960 tuberculosis was under relative control and it was thought the sanatorium was no longer needed, but youth crime was on the rise, so the entire complex was handed over to the Ministry of Justice for ‘naughty boys’. In effect it was a youth prison – a borstal. But as this was originally a place for ill people, MANUFACTURED SPECIFICALLY FOR NEW ZEALAND CONDITIONS AND REGULATIONS Signature 8324SB, 11.2 Meters, From $145,000 Ultra Lite 2608BS, 9.2 Meters, From $133,000 Ultra Lite 2516S, 7.9 Meters, From $119,000 CONTACT US TODAY 021 940 801 Dairy Flat, Auckland [email protected] www.sunmarketing.co.nz 54 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

13 14 12 15 16 the Bradfields bought it, and after seven years large, comfortable and modern house on the names and memories come as an immediate of disuse it was looking a bit frayed around the outskirts of Alexandra where his ‘garden’ is a response to any question. Ewing is as sharp as edges. Work needed doing. And the Bradfields vineyard of 9300 vines! Ewing sells the grapes the proverbial tack. have obviously worked constantly because the to a wine-maker. place today is very tidy and original – very He was a keen rugby player, but feeling unwell much in the solid style of the twenties. Ewing’s career has been amazingly eclectic! one day he went to Dr Potting for a check-up. He started as a pharmacist, then a minister Told it was nothing serious and that he had The size and scope of the place is of the cloth (most of the time Presbyterian) lungs better than the doctor himself he went impressive, as are the buildings – especially but most notably, a radio talkback host and and played rugby. the superintendent’s home. publisher of tens of thousands of books – and finally, a businessman. “I had a massive haemorrhage and almost The land is now down to about 140 acres, died. They didn’t know if I would survive or and several families live (and worship) there Ewing is probably New Zealand’s most not … I had tuberculosis.” and artist Russell Perry has a gallery. successful one-person author/publisher with titles such as Ewing’s Phone People, A 11. Undulating road at the top of the Pig Root as you During its time as Orangapai Sanatorium it Likeable Rogue (the story of hard case Henry enter the Maniototo housed about 150 patients and in its time, it Burgess), and many others on home remedies, 12. Ewing Stevens today in his home near Alexandra probably saw 5000 patients – one of who was recipes, etc. Much of his material for these 13-14-15-16. The Waipiata (Orangapai) Sanatorium Ewing Stevens. books was garnered from conversations on under snow, circa 1946, in the time of Ewing Stevens’ his radio shows on Radio Pacific. long stay there Ewing Stevens is a remarkable human being. He is 96 years of age, looks 30 years younger Ewing was born in Invercargill, educated and has fought off bowel cancer within the at Southland Tech’ and initially studied to past two years. He recently became a widower be a pharmacist under Bob Pollock. These for the second time and lives by himself in a 1/3 Page Wanderer Alaska Advert JUNE.indd 1 55www.rvmaga1z7i/n6e/2.c2o.n1z1:05 am

Ewing was in Invercargill’s Kew Hospital 17 With the move to Auckland came a job offer for six or seven months before it was decided from Gordon Dryden who had just launched he needed to go to Orangapai/Waipiata for a During his studies, he had seen a ‘business Radio Pacific. And that radio station and the full cure. opportunity’. It was the time of film cameras ‘Pacific Family’ became Ewing’s home for and he used the flat he and Mary were living decades. “You had to take someone with you as support in to develop films and print photographs for and my cousin Merv Stevens came with me. For customers in his spare time! He touched the hearts and minds of hundreds the first year I had to ‘vegetate’ – I was confined of thousands of people with his gentle, patient, to bed and not allowed to move – but as I got He became minister in the parish of Half Way enquiring style of talkback. It would be no better the ‘cure’ saw me allowed to have more Bush in Dunedin, and gained a lot of publicity exaggeration to say Ewing Stevens is the most and more time out of bed and sitting in a chair and became incredibly popular because of his loved of all radio hosts. before I was allowed to move about. work with youth in the new suburb, starting a Youth Club. Ewing has only just retired from radio “I had a lot of X-rays of course and while completely, continuing broadcasting from a it sounds restrictive, I made a lot of friends, This high public profile saw Ewing asked to small studio at his Alexandra home until recently. including George Baird who worked in the host a daily early-afternoon show on the new post office at the sanatorium. private radio station, Radio Otago/4XO. His memories of those six years spent on the barren, harsh hillside at Orangapai overlooking “Eventually I was well enough to be sent He gained something close to notoriety when the vast Maniototo remain crystal clear. from the wards to what we called ‘the shacks’ he wrote a book called Jesus which took an – small, free-standing bedrooms with room for alternative look at Christianity. Ewing wasn’t And today he’s only a 40-minute drive from two, but no front so that the weather came in. quite in the same league as his close friend there. The rooms were just big enough for the beds, Lloyd Geering who, a few years earlier, faced so if it snowed – and it often did in the winters charges of heresy by teaching that the bible’s 21. Ewing Stevens ‘resting up’ in his first year at the – you’d wake to find the bottom half of your record of the death and resurrection of Jesus sanatorium with his beloved Ultimate radio bed covered in snow. was not correct, but Ewing’s case caused unease 22. Ewing (right) with two of the ‘cobbers’ he made in the establishment. while at the sanatorium “Eventually I was well enough to be able to 23. Ewing about midway through his ‘cure’ and seen move about and I assisted the nurses.” In 1970 he moved to Auckland as editor of the here wearing white overalls newspaper New Citizen and became a Methodist. Perhaps because of his near-death experience, By now Ewing’s approach to religion had changed while at Orangapai/Waipiata, Ewing decided and today he calls himself a Christian Agnostic to become a Presbyterian minister and started saying God lives within a person. studying. When he was well enough he travelled around the Maniototo with the local minister, the Reverend Haggie. “We visited places like Waipiata proper, Patearoa – the Styx.” Ewing was at the sanatorium for six years! No, that is not a mistake – six years, 72 months, 2190 days! When he was finally pronounced ‘cured’ he went to Dunedin to complete his studies, met and married Mary – travelling to Ireland for that – and became a ‘photographic’ Presbyterian minister. 18 19 56 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

Some advice is Adapt smarter. just taking the piss 57www.rvmagazine.co.nz There’s a lot of terrible advice out there. Advice like you should urinate on a bluebottle sting. Which is just plain stupid. So is charging your caravan at home with a DIY lead. It’s not just illegal and dangerous, it also voids your insurance. Avoid people who take the piss and get yourself an Ampfibian adaptor. ampfibian.co.nz

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Allan Dick TODAY On The Road Again Various tales of various travels by Allan Dick Words + Photos Allan Dick 1 1. Beached. Stranded. Put it OFOR WALTER remote and rugged hill country to Macraes any way you like, Allan was in n my first day in Primer Four at Caversham Flat. In those days it ended not far beyond trouble. The Mercedes stuck in Primary School in Dunedin in late the narrow, one-way, rickety bridge across the a rather large puddle January 1950, after having moved south river and the grassy area was not much bigger 2. Rugged Hills between from Auckland in early December, I was seated than about half a dozen cars. It was a bit of a Waikouaiti and Macraes alongside another newcomer. His name was secret place – and probably still is. Flat hide the scenic gem of Walter Powell but his move to Dunedin had Bucklands Crossing entailed far less travel – he was from just over Anyway, Walter and I loved going there, the other side of Mount Cargill at Waitati. as did my family. Walter had a Diana ‘air’ 2 pistol that didn’t operate on air at all – you Walter and I were to remain friends until compressed an internal barrel, undid a screw his early death from cancer in 1980. at the back, inserted your .177 slug, put the screw back, aimed and pulled the trigger – His parents didn’t have a car, something the compressed inner barrel shot out and that was not so unusual in 1950, while my the momentum sent the slug speeding to its father still had the huge 1935 British Wolse- target. ley limousine that had brought us south from Auckland – replaced shortly after by a 1949 It was pretty useless in terms of distance Morris Oxford. and accuracy but would have been damaging to get one in your eye. Birds were safe. We were a family of picnickers – cold meat, white Vienna loaf, butter, orange cordial and While the rest of the family sat around on one of those amazing inventions, a Thermette. the Onehunga Mills tartan travel rugs, Walter and I would go roaming, indulging in target Because Walter was stuck at home, my par- practice with the Diana, swinging from trees, ents invited him along on a number of these jumping across the river – and hatching up a family picnics and while it was all a long time scene where we would come back and ‘camp’. ago, I can remember that Neither of us had actually been camping, Walter and I had two favour- but we had seen the jungle movies of the time ite places – Outram Glen and and it looked like fun. And I did have a pith Bucklands Crossing – but sun helmet like the explorers and hunters. I it was the latter we always thought I looked cool in it; in reality I looked looked forward to most. stupid. Bucklands Crossing is a The plan was that we would bike from grassy area north of Dune- Dunedin, over Mount Cargill and the Kilmog din where Ramrock Road to Bucklands Crossing, stay a week or so, and crosses the Waikouaiti River bike home again with stories of great adven- in behind the long defunct ture to tell. Cherry Farm Psychiatric Hospital. Today, Ramrock We talked and talked and talked about this, Road – great name – takes but we had no camping gear – apart from the you on and on and on through family Thermette and Onehunga travel rugs. 59www.rvmagazine.co.nz

The big ‘outdoors’ shop in Dunedin was 3 – fine with a cooling breeze, but warm enough A & W McCarthy Ltd, down Lower Stuart if we got out of it. Street. It was about as old fashioned as you hers. It’s part of Dunedin City these days. The could get with painted T&G walls and very Eastern side of the valley is now planted in a There was a caravan sans tow vehicle at dim lights. But they stocked everything. And pine forest. the far, far end – the tow vehicle arrived later they had catalogues. Little black and white, – and over the afternoon and into the early stapled magazines. So Walter and I got a cata- On a fine Saturday recently, Helen sug- evening there were people coming and going logue each and spent hours poring over them, gested we go somewhere in the campervan – mainly exercising their dogs – as well as cars choosing the stuff we were going to need. We “just for the night” and I suddenly thought going both ways, just passing through. had no idea how we were going to pay for it, of Walter Powell and our dream of camping let alone if our parents would let us go, but we at Bucklands Crossing. So, off we went, with Blue cheese and crackers, a beer, a mush- planned on. And dreamed a lot. Audrey the little black dog riding shotgun. room, bacon and pasta dish whipped up by Helen and in bed by 8.45pm. Of course, that’s as far as it went. Planning It’s exactly an hour south of Ōamaru and we and dreaming. arrived mid-afternoon in mid-spring weather Walter and I grew up and eventually went our separate ways, but stayed in touch. I am not sure when was the last time I went to Bucklands Crossing before recent years – one of those family picnics back in the mid-fifties I guess. But I have been through the place several times since my return ‘south’ 11 years ago. Usually as an alternative route to Macraes Flat and into Central Otago. It’s changed a lot since Walter and I dreamed of camping there. The road goes further than just beyond the rickety bridge. The bridge is bigger and more substantial and the picnic area is now huge, well grassed, trimmed and there is a long-drop toilet block for hims and We have been WWeehhaavvee oovveerr 2200 yyeeaarrss eExxppeerriieennccee We are providing both with Fiaspt eDcuicaalistiong, SipneFciaiat Dlisuincgation Parts, NZ’s biggest parts support and servicing NZ wide MoSetorrvhicoimngesa/nldighFat cuoltmfinmdeinrcgial. stocker & continuously over supplier of the last 35 years Fiat Ducato parts | W2E3ARSEaNlZe’SyLaArRdGsESTRSoTOaCdK,ISOT &t aSUhPuPLhIEuR OAFuFIcAkT Dl aUCnAdTO |PARiTtSa l i a n a 09 276 7245 | 23 Saleyards Road, Otahuhu Auckland [email protected] | italianauto.co.nz 60 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

4 We decided to forgo breakfast the next It was quite muddy going in with lots and waded into the brown waters to check for morning, instead, stopping off at the locally lots of puddles and even a couple of ‘Lake alligators or large eels, confirmed that we famous Beano’s Bakery in Waikouaiti for our Taupo’s, but no issue. Coming out the next were bottomed and said “this might be diffi- morning repast – and I’m not going to tell morning we got some wheelspin on a hill, cult”, hooked us up, and took several running you what it was, because you will tell me off. but it was OK. starts before he bumped and sledged us out, the bottom of the Sprinter dragging along It wasn’t the camping experience Walter Two weeks later we were back. No mud, the bottom of the ‘lake’ making an awful Powell and I dreamed of, but it was a pleasant road mostly dry and we even managed to noise. and easy night away. There was no roaming kick up a bit of dust. On the river flat area the hills, swinging from trees nor plinking at just before the ruins there was a puddle that We checked; a bit of gravel rash, but no targets with a Diana air pistol, but I’m glad I had been a ‘Taupō’ two weeks before, but was damage. He oversaw the situation as we did a finally did it. now just covering the road. I could see fresh U-turn and picked a solid way back through tyre tracks on the other side and eased into the water. GETTING STUCK it. Mid-crossing we slipped into an unseen rut, and not only got never ending wheelspin We parked overnight elsewhere! I confess – or is that admit? – that many read- from the right rear wheel, but we were also Have I learnt a lesson? Not sure there was ers will think I am a bit reckless when it comes bottomed! Cast! really a lesson to be learnt – except the old to pointing the Mercedes Sprinter motorhome maxim, “if you can’t see the bottom get out down a road. I don’t mind gravel but I am But what do you have AA Plus member- and check”. But we had been through two aware of (a) the Sprinter’s limitations, (b) it’s ship for? Our phones showed Helen’s Spark weeks earlier when the water was much not a 4WD offroader and (c) it’s reasonably had one teeny bar of reception, my Vodafone higher. valuable by my standards. might as well have been in Alaska. So, very, very carefully, we phoned the AA on Hel- 3. Last summer Allan headed to the Upper But I’m not afraid of gravel and I will head en’s phone, not daring to move an inch, they Manorburn dam in Central Otago and at the end of off down unknown roads at the drop of the identified our location and we sat down to a long and dusty track he found a couple of ‘cribs/ proverbial hat that would have wiser moto- wait – our white Sprinter van like an island batches’ – this one had previously been a jail in a rhomers than me shaking their heads in in this large brown mini-lake. Central Otago town and was relocated with a lot disbelief. of effort 4. Roadside viewing. In a distant corner Helen cooked dinner as the sun went down of Southland, on the road to Manapouri, is the old But, this wasn’t really one of those cases. and it started to freeze. Another would-be Otahu Flat School. Closed in 1956, it was unloved We made a trip to Wanaka from Ōamaru the camper in a smaller vehicle arrived, saw our and deteriorating until it was restored earlier this week after the monster rain storm that almost plight and did a U-turn. century wiped Nelson off the map. We opted to take the Sprinter and stay the night at the ruins of Four hours later a mud-covered Nissan the old Lindis Pass Hotel – something we have Patrol 4WD arrived – Tim the burly and done lots of times. And we have often been bearded AA man from Wanaka. “Sorry it’s joined by fellow adventurous motorhomers. taken so long, it’s been bloody busy.” He ANY SHAPE, SIZE OR COLOUR WE REPAIR & PAINT THEM ALL 09onehungapanelpaint.co.nz 61www.rvmagazine.co.nz

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Upcoming EVENT GUIDE MARTINBOROUGH FAIR MERCURY BAY SEASIDE CARNIVAL When: November 26 When: January 7 Where: Martinborough Square, Martinborough Where: Buffalo Beach Reserve, Whitianga www.martinboroughfair.org.nz www.mercurybayseasidecarnival.co.nz One of the largest and most popular craft markets You are invited to come along to the Mercury Bay in the Southern Hemisphere. Normally the first Seaside Carnival to enjoy an exciting range of Saturdays of February and March each year, this stalls, rides, games, food and much more! Spring fair is a 2022 bonus. WAIRARAPA MUSIC WIN KĀPITI FOOD FAIR WIN MANGATAINOKA MOTORS SHOW & IN THE COUNTRY 2023 SHINE – VINTAGE CAR DAY DOPAUSBSLE When: December 3 DOPAUSBSLE When: January 6–8 Where: Mazengarb Reserve, When: November 27 Where: Mangatainoka Where: Tauherenikau Paraparaumu www.tuihq.co.nz Check out the incredible line-up of vintage Racecourse, 1498 State Highway 2, Featherston www.kapitifoodfair.co.nz vehicles, then kick back and relax to live music, with delicious food and ale from Tui Brewery. www.tauherenikau.co.nz Fun, indulgent and tasty foodie day out with TRUE WEST ADVENTURE RACE There’s just one change – we’ve rebranded – GOOD friends, GOOD times, and GOOD food. When: December 1–4 welcome to Wairarapa Music in the Country! Where: Franz Joseph Glacier www.truewest.nz It’s the same great live music, atmosphere and CHRISTMAS AT THE RACES True West is an adventure challenge in some of New Zealand’s most remote and wild terrain. The experience you’ve come to know and love, just When: December 3 teams must navigate through the wilderness Where: Trentham Racecourse, Upper Hutt using only a map and compass. with a different title. www.wellingtonracing.co.nz/christmas-racing It’s Christmas and there’s no better way to have ŌMAKAU TROTS 2023 MARTON COUNTRY WIN fun and celebrate the festive season in style! A MUSIC FESTIVAL stunning setting, electric atmosphere and the When: December 31–January 2 DOUBLE thrill of racing. Where: Central Otago Trotting Club, Ōmakau When: Janurary 13–15 PASS www.infohorse.hrnz.co.nz This New Year’s Eve, enjoy a members-only BYO Where: Sir James Wilson night with a barbeque and DJ entertainment. Stay on to experience the iconic annual Ōmakau Trots memorial Park, Marton horse race meeting. www.martonfestival.co.nz COCA COLA CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK The festival is a community event and great When: December 10 Where: Auckland Domain chance to experience the strongest voices in the www.coke.co.nz It’s back! The nation’s favourite Christmas party, New Zealand country music scene and beyond. Coca Cola Christmas in the Park, returns to the big stage! There’s open mic sessions, singalongs, and more, so bring the kids for some good ol’ fashioned country fun! KUMEŪ CLASSIC CAR & HOTROD RHYTHM AND ALPS FESTIVAL 2023 When: December 29–31 When: January 20–22 Where: Cardrona Valley Where: Kumeū Showgrounds, Access Road, Kumeū www.rhythmandalps.co.nz www.kemuehotrodfestival.co.nz The premier South Island music festival, with up The NZ family owned and operated event offers to 10,000 good humans joining us from all over over 1000+ classic cars/hot rods, and over 100 the world. Best sound and lighting production trade sites, including specialty tools, car parts, New Zealand has to offer! project help, memorabilia, retro clothing, antiques, classic car importers and much more. BAY DREAMS 2023 WIN to enter online When: January 3 TICKETS To WIN tickets post, Where: Trustpower Baypark, Mt email or scan QR: Maunganui CRUISE MARTINBOROUGH 2023 NZTRVL Win Tickets, PO Box 220, www.baydreams.co.nz When: January 26–29 Martinborough 5711 Where: Martinborough (Cruise Headquarters) or email to: [email protected] You know the drill, if you want to be attending this www.cruisemartinborough.co.nz Winners will be drawn 7 days prior to the event. Cruise Martinborough is a hod rod, classic, and massive day out for free, register and invite your muscle car event showcasing vehicles from the 63www.rvmagazine.co.nz ’50s ’60s ’70s and prior. crew! Our famous ‘24-Hour Ticket Deal’ returns next Wednesday

BWOOIKNREBVIEOWSOKS BOOK GIVEAWAYS to enter online ONE COPY OF EACH TITLE TO BE WON! To enter email the book title as subject to: [email protected] or post to: NZTRV Vol 19 Books, PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711 with your full details, and go in the draw to win. Closes 31 Dec 2022 Love America: Passion Guardians On the Trail of of Writers & Marion Day Aotearoa Artists in RRP $40 New Mexico AM Publishing Johanna Knox RRP $59.99 Jenny Robin Jones Marion Day’s life with Bateman RRP $36.95 Calico Publishing her partner Steve Podjursky in Clova Bay, a This is a book Jones’ journey takes her remote area of outstanding natural beauty in the about New Zealanders who have found what to the spectacular desert lands of Taos and Santa Marlborough Sounds, is a story of local history they hold dear, and, with an eye on the future, are Fe in New Mexico, where she encounters not only and everyday life, as well as a stunning pictorial nurturing and defending it with all their might. the Pueblo people and their rich culture but also journal of this iconic area in all its breath-taking This is a book about kaitiaki. the memory of writers and artists such as herself beauty. Come along as Marion shares it with us. who have made the same journey in the past. The Cambridge Code Emma Loveridge & Curly Moloney RRP $25 Pan Macmillan The Cambridge Code is a guide that includes exclusive access to a thirty-minute quiz More Retro Caravans beyond the reach of established psychological measurement, providing you with an Don and Marilyn Jessen instantaneous profile of your subconscious; the The Clarence: People RRP $49.99 DNA of your mind. and Places of Waiau Toa Bateman Publishing 224 pages full colour Following on from the hugely successful Retro Her Patient Tim Fulton Caravans: Vantastic Kiwi Collections (2014) Fight: Poems RRP $79.99 the Jessens have put together a brand new of a Journey, Bateman collection. The interest in doing up and using Hardship to caravans from the pre-1950s, the 1950s, the 60s, Hope Rural journalist Tim Fulton explores more than the 70s and even the 80s is still on an upward swing that shows no signs of slowing down. 200 kilometres of mountains, rivers and valleys Catie Nettlngham bordering Canterbury and Marlborough. With its Includes a summary of the décor typical of each RRP $30 headwaters above Lake Tennyson, the Clarence decade. Examples of themed caravans such as Mary Egan Publishing has connected people for more than 800 years, American Diner, shabby chic, industrial and art This book is for anyone from highly organised Māori settlements at deco. A number of featured build/rebuild projects who is experiencing or has experienced a mental the Pacific mouth to up-country trails through show before, during and after rebuild photos. health wobble. It’s the story of someone who lives Molesworth and Clarence Reserve. Grow – Wāhine with and manages a major mental illness and Finding Connection who found that writing healed her and helped her Through Food process her experiences. Oscar Garden: Sophie Merkens A Tale of One man’s Love of Flying RRP $60 Beatnik Publishing Dr Annamaria Garden Food is a central force of RRP $45 people’s lives, work and travels: Mary Egan Publishing it’s often the only shared One day in 1930, a man walked into a department store in language. Meet women who know which mushrooms to London and bought an aeroplane. Having just learnt to fly, Oscar pick, how to preserve the olives growing along public land, Garden dreamed of flying to Australia. In his newly purchased how to make rosewater from blooms, and how to make aeroplane, he did just that. This adventure and myriad others ‘coffee’ from roasted dandelion roots. Meet women who this risk-taker embarked on are recounted in this book. make it a priority to grow, nourish and connect. 64 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

Kidnap at Grandpa Marvellous Mystery Versus Marvin Island Swing Tania Sickling RRP $19.99 Carol Garden Scholastic Nadia Lim RRP $18.99 Grandpa is a RRP $20 Scholastic competitive sort. Scholastic Zoe is a mind-reader. He’s the first up the Meet Marvellous Her older sisters Mia (mechanical genius) and monkey bars, first down the slide, and the last Marvin, the newest member of the family, for fun Annie (who can breathe underwater and talk to to be found when they’re playing hide and seek. on the farm. A debut children’s book inspired by marine life) help launch an exciting rescue with When Grandma calls “Dinner!” he’s off down the true family and farm adventures, by best-selling the coastal rangers. road and first at the table, except for the day author and celebrity cook Nadia Lim. when new swings are installed at the playground. Granny McFlitter: The Wreck This Knit Before Picture Book Christmas Keri Smith Heather Haylock & RRP $25 Lael Chisholm Penguin RRP $19.99 What if there were a Penguin book that changed Granny McFlitter is Slinky Malinki’s every time you read it? back to save Christmas at the zoo, one lightning- Christmas Crackers Actually, every book quick stitch at a time! does this. We are all part of the books we read, ‘Twas the night before Christmas and down at the Lynley Dodd because our individual reactions, ideas, and zoo, the keepers were ready; the animals, too …’ RRP $19.99 emotions make the book whole, and these things My Real Dog Puffin are changing all the time. Sneaky Slinky Malinki is creating mayhem at Emily Joe Christmastime! A special, large-format, board Kororā and RRP $30 book gift edition of this hilarious story from Lynley the Sushi Beatnik Publishing Dodd’s best-selling Hairy Maclary and Friends Shop series, which is the perfect gift for a young My Real Dog is the perfect story for anyone who has animal-lover. Linda Jane ever wished for a real dog – Keegan but found themselves with RRP $19.99 a toy dog instead. Because Scholastic what does a ‘real dog’ really Mind Free What better place mean anyway? for a penguin to waddle across the road than to Mark Stephens a local sushi shop, lured by the smell of delicious Big Feelings RRP $33 seafood? Inspired by the true story of a little blue Rebekah Ballagh Murdoch Books penguin (kororā) who was removed twice (the RRP $29.99 Ditch negative second time with a friend!) from beneath a sushi Allen & Unwin thoughts, smash store in Wellington. Big Feelings helps you to procrastination, understand your break bad habits, emotions, how they stress less, sleep make you feel and how well, live pain-free, you can manage them. overcome weight issues, fix your phobias and ease anxiety with Mind Free. VOL 17 BOOK WINNERS Lion Guards the Cake Ruth Paul The Murders at Fleat House Vicki Stradnieks Warkworth RRP $19.99 It’s In The Post Janice Husband New Plymouth Scholastic Ernie and the Magic kennel David Mills Taupo Atop the gatepost at the front of a 24 Hours On the Kiwi Seashore Michael Jujnovich Whangarei house, a stone lion stands guard. As Starfish the Star Jo Adams Riverton evening falls, the stone lion comes The premonition Rob Rae Kaiapoi alive. A birthday cake has been made, Be Inspired Michelle Green Taupo and Lion takes it upon himself to go Party Hopper Phil Plimmer Auckland and guard the cake inside the house. 65www.rvmagazine.co.nz

FROOODAREDCIPKESAI COOK BOOK Veggie Num Nums TO BE WON Makes about 16 to 18 fritters, Serves 4 to 6 RIPE: Thought for Food by Angela Redfern & The Ripe Deli Team Published by Beatnik Perfect use-it-up fritters! If you have travelled to the beach towns in Thailand, you have Publishing on 7 November 2022, RRP $60 probably come across these tasty little fritters, often called Veggie No Names. Traditionally these fritters always contain some shredded cabbage, carrot, beans and sprouts and then they www.beatnikpublishing.com add anything else lying around that needs using up! Celebrating the 20th birthday of the hugely BATTER To prepare the batter: in a large mixing bowl, combine all successful and well-respected 1 EGG the ingredients for the batter together, stirring until well Ripe Deli team. 3 tbsp RED THAI CURRY PASTE mixed and there are no lumps. ½ cup (70g) CORNFLOUR To prepare the Veggie Num Nums: prepare all the Angie Redfern and the Ripe Deli team vegetables and mix them through the batter, stirring until are back with the fourth addition to their cup (100g) RICE FLOUR well combined. Set aside for 10 minutes to allow the 1 tsp BAKING POWDER vegetables to soften slightly in the batter. successful cookbook series – Thought 1 tsp SUGAR To cook the Veggie Num Nums: over a high heat, heat for Food. Food for thought and thought 1½ tsp SALT enough oil in a large saucepan or wok to deep fry the fritters for food. This cookbook goes beyond the ¼ tsp freshly GROUND BLACK PEPPER in. Using a large dessert spoon, place heaped spoonsful pleasure of good food and looks at the 1 cup (250ml) WATER of the mixture into the hot oil. Don’t drop them in or they importance of us doing better with the way will break apart – carefully slide the mix off the spoon we produce and consume food in general.  VEGGIES: FOR THE FRITTERS into the oil. Cook about 4 or 5 fritters at a time so as not 4 cups of VEGETABLES, such as to overcrowd the pan. Cook for a minute or so on each Scan QR code below or email shredded CABBAGE, grated CARROT, side to ensure they cook evenly. Drain well and place onto Subject line Road Kai to PUMPKIN, KŪMARA or COURGETTE, paper towels to absorb the excess oil. Repeat the process [email protected] finely chopped BEANS, SPRING ONIONS, until all the fritters are cooked. Season to taste and serve CORIANDER, SPINACH, CAPSICUM, immediately with the dipping sauces. Give us your full contact details BROCCOLI or CAULIFLOWER or whole and which recipe shown here BEAN SPROUTS, PEAS, CORN etc. TIP These are great served with some spicy condiments and a you will try first. DIPPING SAUCES TO SERVE cold beer on a hot summer’s day. These Veggie Num Nums Small dipping bowls of each of the can be vegan, just make sure the curry paste is vegan and Entries close 31 October 2022 following, WHITE VINEGAR with finely serve with Creamy Vegan Mayo sliced fresh CHILLI mixed through. to enter online MAYO, SRIRACHA SAUCE or SWEET CHILLI SAUCE. FOR DEEP-FRYING 3 – 4 cups (750ml – 1L) RICE BRAN OIL WINNER ROAD KAI VOL 17 Patsy Knowles Ashburton 66 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

Majestic Mumbai Christmas Salmon Cauliflower Salad Serves 16 Serves 6 Christmas is always a busy time for us at Ripe, with loads of This delicious warm salad is a meal on its own, created by the vibrant Débora Sá festive catering going out, and every year we prepare lots of our plant-based chef at our store at The Goodside, Smales Farm. Débora loves to beautiful sides of salmon for people to share with loved ones experiment with different spices and textures to create interesting vegan salads for on Christmas day. This is our latest creation. us, for which we are very grateful. DRESSING Preheat the oven to 200°C fan bake. Line 2 large 1 whole SALMON FILLET, To prepare the salmon: line a large 1 cup (250ml) COCONUT YOGHURT baking trays with paper and lightly oil them with a skin on and pin boned baking tray with baking paper. Lay ZEST and JUICE of 1 small LEMON splash of olive oil. the salmon (skin side down) onto the 1 tbsp OLIVE OIL To prepare the dressing: in a small bowl, mix all MARINADE prepared tray. SALT and freshly GROUND BLACK the ingredients together and season to taste. If the 1 tbsp POMEGRANATE To prepare the marinade: In a small PEPPER yoghurt is very thick add a splash of water to thin MOLASSES bowl mix the marinade together. Rub it out a little. 2 tbsp HONEY the marinade over the salmon fillet CRUMBED CALUFLOWER To prepare the crumbed cauliflower: pour the 3 tbsp LEMON JUICE and leave to marinate for at least 1 x small can (165ml) COCONUT CREAM coconut cream into a large bowl and add the A pinch of SALT and 10 minutes. 1 small CAULIFLOWER, cut into 3cm cauliflower florets. Toss well to coat in the coconut freshly GROUND BLACK To cook the salmon: preheat oven florets cream. In another bowl, mix all the dry ingredients PEPPER to 180°C. Place the salmon in the 2 cups (120g) PANKO CRUMBS together. On a tray place half the panko crumb oven for 18–20 minutes or until 2 tbsp CURRY POWDER mix. Lift the cauliflower florets out of the coconut SALSA MIX just cooked through. 1 tbsp DRIED OREGANO cream and place them on the tray, sprinkle over 4 ripe TOMATOES, To prepare the salsa: in a mixing 2 tsp VEGETABLE STOCK POWDER the remaining crumb mix and toss to coat the deseeded and finely diced bowl combine all the ingredients 2 tsp TURMERIC POWDER florets in the crumb, pressing the crumb on to ¼ RED ONION, finely for the salsa. 1 tbsp PAPRIKA ensure they are well coated. Place the crumbed diced To serve: transfer the cooked OLIVE OIL, for oiling the trays cauliflower onto the baking trays. Mix any leftover 4 tbsp POMEGRANATE salmon onto a large serving SALT and freshly GROUND BLACK crumb mix with any leftover coconut cream and SEEDS + some for garnish platter. Place the salsa on top of PEPPER add that to the tray too (little crispy crumbs are 1 tbsp POMEGRANATE the salmon and drizzle over a little delicious). Bake for approximately 15 minutes or MOLASSES + some for pomegranate molasses. SALAD until cooked through and crispy. Remove from the drizzling 1 x 400g can CHICKPEAS oven, season to taste with salt and black pepper 2 tsp RED WINE VINEGAR 67www.rvmagazine.co.nz ¼ tsp TURMERIC POWDER and set aside. 2 tsp LEMON JUICE ½ tsp PAPRIKA To prepare the salad: mix the chickpeas, turmeric, 2 tsp HONEY 2 tsp OLIVE OIL paprika and olive oil in a bowl. Add the spinach 1 tbsp OLIVE OIL SALT and freshly GROUND BLACK and herbs and gently mix. ½ tsp SALT PEPPER To serve: spread some of the dressing onto a large ½ tsp freshly GROUND 2 cups (80g) BABY SPINACH serving platter, place the chickpea salad on top, BLACK PEPPER a small bunch of fresh CORIANDER and then add the warm crumbed cauliflower and a little A small bunch of MINT MINT, leaves picked more of the dressing drizzled over. Sprinkle with and ITALIAN PARSLEY, 1 tbsp WHITE SESAME SEEDS, toasted sesame seeds and any extra cooked crumbs to finely chopped + extra for garnish. Serve any remaining dressing on the side. garnish

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TRAILLITE ON TOUR Southern Road TripPart 2 Continuing the Te Waipounamu winter adventure road trip with TrailLite Retail GM Ashlee Rose, partner Kane and six-month baby Koa. 1 Story + Photos Ashlee Rose O ne of the commonest things I hear when our journey in a wet, rainy, windy Marlbor- beautiful, and you can imagine the site in the I talk about our motorhome trip south in ough region at Rarangi Beach DOC campsite middle of summer heaving with kids play- the middle of winter with a five-month-old with a handful of others. The beach goes for ing in the waves and exploring the beach. baby is that it must be cold? What would you miles and has a small spot at the north end do inside a motorhome with a baby when promising beachside camping and plenty to SPOTS TO VISIT the weather packs in? My response is simple: do, including a short 10-minute walk over babies can have warm clothes too! stairs to a secluded little beach, and some • W ither Hills winery in Blenheim is good if you I’m not going to lie; I was slightly worried great caving adventures with glow worms are staying in town and they have a good about travelling in the South Island during for a treat. restaurant winter, but Kane promised me endless crisp blue-sky days. The weather is the most set- There is a larger DOC campsite at Whites • S aint Clair Estate has great wine and a tled then, he said; we’ve got a good heater, he Bay accessed via a gravel road or a two- restaurant said; it hardly rains in the hour walk from Rarangi. The beach is • C loudy Bay was being renovated when we South Island … yeah right! were there, but this would be an amazing In fact, part of what makes spot in the summer once the renos are motorhoming such a ver- completed satile all-weather travel option is the flexibility of • Wairau River choice that comes with • M akana Confections Boutique Chocolate no fixed agenda and your accommodation travelling Factory with you. Our first major • O n the way south out of Blenheim be sure travel decision was all about trying to avoid the to check out Yealands Estate Winery in massive storm that rolled Seddon. The white road is a great self-guided in on the West Coast, so 40-minute tour through the vineyard towards we headed east, starting 2 the amazing lookout point. 1. Exploring Puhi Puhi Scenic reserve, Kaikoura 2. Cloudy Bay cellar door, canapes and pinot gris 69www.rvmagazine.co.nz

3 Plenty of walks, hikes, even mountain biking delicious pinot gris for our journey. an extended picnic lunch before making our tracks are available from here, and access Heading south we stopped at Marfells way back along the beach to the comforts and over the hill seemed to be okay despite vary- warmth of Betty, our TrailLite motorhome. ing reports online about which vehicles need Beach DOC campsite. And what an amazing to be careful. It is narrow in parts and there spot this is. I would include this site on your Keep making your way south and you are a few tight turns, so if you’re towing a future trips list as it would be great to spend arrive at probably one of our favourite caravan it may pay to watch out. Our 2015 an extended time here to enjoy the surf-view motorhome-friendly destinations of the trip – Mitsubishi Fuso TrailLite 7.6m was fine. campsites and beautiful beach. While here we Kaikōura. There was plenty of choice when it rugged up warm and hiked along the beach to came to places to stay overnight and we pretty Both spots were quiet and secluded in the the Cape Campbell lighthouse. It is approxi- much trialled them all! Also lots to do and winter and nice for a few days relaxing and mately 13km and took us four hours return, enjoy during the day. We headed to the surf playing cards, and most importantly getting with Koa sleeping off and on in the front breaks each day to park up, watch the seals used to the rhythm of motorhome life. How- pack. The view of the lighthouse in the dis- swimming in the waves and of course try our ever, it didn’t take long for the wet weather tance as you come around the point, reminds luck at catching a few waves. to limit our outside activities at a DOC site you of how far you must walk to reach your where outside activities were aplenty, so destination, but once you make it you are From Kaikōura we headed to Hanmer what better thing to do in Marlborough than rewarded with views that stretch miles back Springs and over the Lewis Pass towards taste the fine wine the region is renowned and also across towards the North Island. Greymouth, with the loose plan of then head- for and stock up the motorhome fridge with For us the howling wind didn’t bode well for ing to Christchurch via the Arthurs Pass. We had a lot of fun covering this stretch of road. WHY KAIKŌURA WAS A TOP SPOT FOR MOTORHOMING: • G reat motorhome-friendly facilities – dump 4 station, rubbish, etc. • O ptions to stay – DOC site at Puhi Puhi Scenic Reserve; freedom camping spots for self-contained vehicles; the i-SITE main parking in the centre of town allows overnight parking to enjoy the restaurants and bars on the main street; NZMCA park- over-property; Top 10 Holiday Park for paid nights • Lots of great takeaways for easy meals • Plenty of fun walks and activities to do • Free fun watching the waves and marine life • Some amazing scenery – plus beautiful coastal drive 70 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

6 5 arrives within minutes of the latest time I’d 3. Sunrise Kaikoura Coast set in my mind. He arrived and we decided 4. Betty, our TrailLite motorhome Spending time along these small towns/high- to head a little bit further down the hill to the parked up at Marfells Beach ways/roads really is a must and I was always Maruia Hot Pools where at least we might be 5. Cape Campbell lighthouse marking surprised by how much there was to see and able to stay up to date on the weather and the southern approaches to Cook Strait places there were to stay. This was the start of road closures, plus I could enjoy hot pools 6. Watching the seals swim in the the weather really packing in but what a fan- and some yoga while we waited out the snow! waves at meat works surf spot tastic way to experience the snow in the South Island! We were parked at the top of the Lewis Take your time exploring this route as there to do and ways to adventure with a baby espe- Pass in a spot called Deer Valley. Kane had are heaps of little beauties to find and explore cially one that sleeps so well in a front pack! gone for a hike/hunt up through the bushes from hikes to bike rides to little towns and NZ to the ridge but not before being stopped by history. Despite this being one of our wettest, To check out more footage of the trip and the road workers for an update on where to stormiest weeks in the motorhome – we expe- extra tips and tricks head to TrailLite TV go and what was happening with the roads rienced every weather condition you could channel on YouTube and watch episodes 1, 2 overnight. Thankfully the guys were working think of (even lighting and thunder) – we still and 3 which cover this leg of the tour. till midnight and had promised to check in on found plenty of things to do and adventures us if the roads were going to close and make to be had. THINGS TO DO ALONG THE sure we were aware of any issues. Kane set off LEWIS PASS AND TOWARDS on his hike and Koa and I cranked the heater Unfortunately that weather did change GREYMOUTH and chilled out with no cell service or TV our plans and it was back the way we came, service. A few hours later the snow started to reach Christchurch, as Arthur’s Pass was • Maruia hot pools pouring down, blanketing the motorhome closed. However, what a treat that was as we • Deer Valley DOC site and surrounding walks within minutes and settling on the ground could see and experience the scenery on a • R eefton Distilling Co. – visit Shane the owner all around us. When Kane disappears on a blue-sky clear day … the first in a week … hiking/hunting mission I always give myself hmmm Kane’s promises? In terms of the and learn all about the gin, history of the a start-to-worry time and then worry plus weather and motorhoming with a baby, we town and their plan to put Reefton back on or minus 20 mins of that time. He normally just made it work. There are plenty of things the map. Also, a great motorhome-friendly town • B lackball – old mining town with two pubs and a bit of NZ history • Waiuta – one of the West Coast’s best-known ghost towns. The rugby field still exists and walking around here is such an eye opener into what life would have been like 100 years ago in an old NZ mining town. 71www.rvmagazine.co.nz

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DON JESSEN Vintage ACC-styled fifth wheeler Author of many previous best- Vintage ACC-styled fifth wheeler selling books based on New Zealand stories and collections, Owned by Russell including Three Wheeling Downunder; Retro and Vintage An extract from Don Jessen’s latest book, More Retro Caravans: Boats, and Vintage and Iconic Vantastic Kiwi Collections, on sale October 2022 in all good Aircraft, RV There Yet? and book stores and online. Automania. Win a copy of latest publication ‘More Retro Caravans’ R ussell is not new to the retro-caravan scene, any lantern-top fifth wheelers. There were in RV Books pages. having previously restored and used a 1968 plenty of American vintage fifth wheelers, Crusader. He had made a beautiful job of including some very early Spartans that were Words + Photos Don Jessen that caravan, and in the process of restoring gorgeous, but Russell had set his heart on another caravan for a friend he decided to a lantern-roof style. Asking around some 1. Aluminium frame build a vintage-styled fifth wheeler. We did fellow retro-caravan club members, he 2. Interior looking to the front not see many fifth wheelers back in the day found a local enthusiast with an unrestored 3. Glass rack in New Zealand. The only one we can recall mid-1950s Auckland Caravan Company 4. Electrical control system was the locally made Castleline built in Paeroa (ACC) lantern-top caravan that he could in very small numbers in the mid-1970s. As a look at and take measurements from. By this 1 caravanning country we were just not ready stage he had already started stocking up on for them at that time. However, fifth wheelers materials: steel, axles, brakes, suspension, and have a long history, with the first being built other components. Russell’s early plans were by the Aerocar Company of America, based to build the chassis out of aluminium, but in Detroit back in 1929. he found the cost outweighed the benefit of weight saving and the ability for him to build Russell was keen on a lantern-top roof the chassis. After some research he found a but searching the internet didn’t turn up hitch system that suited his needs. It was an American model called a ‘Gooseneck’ that allowed Russell to retract the hitch ball below the deck in his pickup. It also had a load rating of 11,000kg which was far in excess of what was needed. Russell’s target total loaded weight was 2500kg to match the tow wagon’s capacity. He drew up a spreadsheet to calculate the weight and help plan the layout to get the balance right. The plan was to use tandem axles with a spring rating of 3000kg and a four-wheel electric braking system using an in-cab controller. About two weeks after starting, news broke that the country was going into lockdown for Covid-19. Russell rushed around town buying aluminium, ply for the floor, gas for the welders and a list of other supplies. 73www.rvmagazine.co.nz

2 Seven weeks later he had built the chassis, could and wanted an industrial look while toggle switches for his electrical control panel. fitted the water tanks, insulated, and fitted the trying to keep a period vintage theme. He also Wanting to be self-contained, Russell fitted a floor and fitted the rolling chassis complete wanted all modern comforts but intended power control system, a REDARC manager with hitch. He had made the aluminium side- them to be out of sight, so they didn’t impact 30, with a 200-amp hour lithium battery. wall frames and a fair amount of the roof on the vintage feel. As the build continued He fitted three 150-watt solar panels running frame before running out of argon gas for Russell sourced old Portree window frames down the centre of the roof to make them his TIG welder. Being self-employed, Russell commonly found on old Liteweight and inconspicuous. A 230/12-volt Dometic was amazed at what he had achieved without Sprite caravans to enhance the vintage fridge was fitted along with a Dometic SC stopping for customers or having to go to style. He even managed to source some new Sanio toilet. Water is heated either by LPG town for supplies. old-stock window stays from Caravan and or 230-volt power. Heating is supplied by a Motorhome World in Hamilton and some three-kilowatt diesel heater. A busy year followed, balancing normal vintage old-stock Stanley cupboard selfl work with fifth-wheeler construction. Russell atching handles on eBay along with some cool The exterior body work of Russell’s fifth hoped to use recycled products where he wheeler echoes a mid-1950s ACC caravan 3 4 74 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

THWEAVTIDCEHO CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle 5 6 shape and it could easily be mistaken for an ACC, except of course that they never made a fifth wheeler. There is no doubt that Russell has created a one-off. The inside of Russell’s creation is outstanding! The first thing that strikes you as you enter the door is the combined industrial chic and vintage look Russell has achieved through clever combination of brushed aluminium door faces, varnished oak panelling and leather-look upholstery. To take an industrial theme and combine it with a vintage look could be considered a huge risk, but Russell has seamlessly combined the two styles with his attention to detail. For example, the chunky aluminium support pillars have been drilled to create an eye- catching feature. Rivets have been perfectly spaced on the drawer and cupboard fronts to enhance the industrial look. The ceiling joints have been battened in varnished timber to stand out and add the vintage flavour. CONLLZETCOTDOARYSS’ PEEDCITIAIOLNS order your copies online www.RnRpublishing.co.nz or P: 06 306 6041 to order direct 75www.rvmagazine.co.nz

7 The fluted upholstery and bar stools are 8 9 reminiscent of the ’50s diner but have been given the industrial treatment with leather- bathroom featuring separate toilet, separate The beauty of the fifth-wheeler hitch design look vinyl. The bench tops, however, have shower, and separate washing area. is that all the weight transfers forward into been given the vintage treatment with bright the centre of the tow vehicle, making steering, orange retro-styled Formica and retro-styled Russell’s first outing was to the Beach Hop in braking, and handling more positive. door handles. Even the electrical conduit 2020, and he was pleasantly surprised with the piping and plugs have had the industrial towing dynamics. It was so much better than Russell tows this stunning replica with treatment –painted in copper. The combined his single-axle 1968 Crusader. his trusty 1947 Ford Jailbar that he built up effect is so stunning it is hard to describe in several years ago. Looks can be deceiving words. It is just WOW! as the Jailbar has a Mitsubishi L200 chassis and is powered by a Toyota Soarer V8 motor Not everything is about looks in this fifth and gearbox connected to a limited-slip wheeler, though. It has a spacious, practical differential. It has four-wheel disc brakes plus layout with a dream kitchen including lots of other cool gear including a digital dash breakfast bar, full-size fridge, four-burner hob and air conditioning. Needless to say, besides and griller. To the left of the door is a luxurious looking perfectly matched to the fifth wheeler, U-shaped lounge with a double bed in the it tows so effortlessly. gooseneck area. To the rear is a full-width 10 5. Set up for camping- 1955 style 6. Spacious bathroom 76 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 7. Industrial retro styled interior 8. Looking aft to bathroom 9. Bedroom situated in the gooseneck area 10. Tow car- V8 powered 1947 Ford Jailbar

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LIFESTYLE Home-build Bus conversion In this update Richard repurposes Sleeping, sitting an inner-sprung mattress for a and cooking Part5 bed and seating, then turns his F or the squabs I could have written a whole attention to the kitchen build in part chapter … but to be brief I have tried all 600mm by about 1900mm and were cush- 5 of the 2012 Nissan Civilian bus RV sorts of foam in my past versions of campers ioned by surrounding foam. converstion. The ex-kindergarten bus and never found the perfect firmness. Too firm is 6200mm long and 1920mm wide. foam and too soft foam both resulted in aching The two metallic structures could simply The project started in Volume 15. hips and joints the next morning. So this time be lifted out and then carefully shortened to I am bravely trying something completely about 1220mm by cutting some of the springs Words + Photos Richard Longley different – properly sprung mattresses. I needed with a disc cutter. After analysing how the two that are approximately 1390mm by 640mm, manufacturer had finished the ends I unfas- 1 one for each side – the middle rear seat and tened some transverse thicker end pieces side cushions can be just foam. No doubt there and refastened on the now shortened spring 23 are specialist manufacturers who could provide structures – not forgetting to bend EVERY these – but at a huge price, so I thought I’d piece of cut spring so that it had a folded end. have a go at making, or really adapting, some. One does not want a sharp piece of metal to one day penetrate through to the bedding or I bought a NZ queen mattress for $40 which my flesh! I then trimmed the side foam and had hardly been used and set about opening it end foam to the exact size I wanted and stuck up. Luckily it had a zipped padded sleeve and them together using standard contact adhe- then a top of about 30mm foam that was only sive. I shortened the existing underfelt that lightly stuck. I soon found myself looking at was above and below the springs and then two metallic spring structures that measured trimmed and stuck back the 30mm topping foam. Usually foam has to have a liner before 1. Queen mattress opened up 2. The foam edge being trimmed 3. Mattress shortened with felt 4. Mattress/seat finished 5. The end of the sock cover 6. The sock being pulled on 7. The finished swab 8. The finished seating 4 5 6 7 78 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

new upholstery is made, but I used pieces of 8 Anyway roughly the far unit has to diminish the original padded material to top the mat- by about 4mm and the near unit increase by tress so that each small mattress is just about both by making the front frames out of pine about 5mm! identical in structure to my original purchase. (see photo), putting them in place and then making each ‘wall’ in ply – the depth is a Once glued together and with a 7mm back, The upholstery material that I chose is half sheet of ply, i.e. a fraction under 600mm. a benchtop was made of 26mm oak veneered 1400mm wide, which is just about perfect Most are double thickness (7mm+12mm). I ply matching the table. This has a big lip at for my 1390mm width foam in that one need the fronts to be upright which is tricky the back and is faced around the front – all makes a sleeve like a sock 1380mm wide since the floor slopes slightly, but I seem to in 18mm pine – making a benchtop 636mm which pulls and rounds off the foam without have managed by just eyeing up from the back in depth. having crinkles. The height of the finished looking at the front upright for the washroom. mattress is about 180mm. I effectively made the sock by stitching on a 640mm by 170mm rectangular end from the inside and having a pre-hemmed rectangle ready for other end. This sleeve is put on like a sock and then the loose flap hand stitched along its remaining three sides. It is rare that one removes the fabric for washing – but if so it’s just a stitch- ing job. Also to note: I bought lots of spare fabric from the discount fabric store so I can make another swab covering if there is ever a serious stain or damage. Now that I have somewhere to sit and sleep I can begin the two kitchen units. Each will be specific to its side – the driv- er’s side (sink) unit being exactly 1000mm length and the passenger side (hob and fridge) 1140mm. Both are a combination of drawers and one big opening door. I started 79www.rvmagazine.co.nz

The passenger-side kitchen 9 10 unit has a 550mm gap for a fridge and also a hollow end of height about 1200mm. This is to allow for an inset triple light switch at the entrance (easily accessible from the inside, too), a double power point next to the benchtop and contains 12V and 230V cables passing behind the fridge. I’ll make the drawers later since I’m keen to get the vehicle to VTNZ to get it reclassified as a self-propelled caravan which should make the rego much cheaper! 9. One kitchen unit well started… 10. Top on and cut out for the double sink 11. The hollow kitchen side being made 12. Trial fit to see how 11 12 it might go ! WWE AEREANORWEOFNFEORINWG O DOES YOUR CARAVAN OR wheelFROM MOTORHOME 120 wheelalignments MOTORHOME LEAK? MMOTORHOOMMEE $151520YOU NEED OUR LIQUID RUBBER $ EASE OF ACCESS into our verFy RlarOgeMyard. EASE WE ARE NOWNLWEOAERDGEFAENFRAVEWRORFEBOINONKONGO1W5W0 OWATERPROOF SEALANT Hop off the motorway. Hop Hop off t WLAWERSHGTEEOECLKAALIMMGOANTSMOSRIEH1VN5OE0MTES aawllhiiggennemml eennttss $$MOTORHOME wheel $ FROM FREE PARK & STAY Book your tyres and wheel FREE alignments alignment. Spend a night in our lock up yard. alignme FREE WHEEL ALIGNMENT CHECK FREE in under 10 minutes. in under FREE TYRE & SUSPENSION CHFERCOKM Selling tyres since 1980. SIMPLY PAINT OR ROLL IT ONwAhNeDeWlALK AWAY FROM MOTORHOME 120 MOTORHOME 120$alignments RAENGAESOEFORFVATCYCRESESS $wheel FROM FSHEeoRAlplinEoSgffEEtt Hop off the motorway. Hop intWoEAREoaulirgv1neFmrIyReTlHnaSrtTgsReEEyTa, DrdRU.RY 2113 to HERE SOUTHERN MOTORWAY LARGE $150 WWWLAEEERASGATREROEECNKNOOAWWMOAOFSFFSFIE1VE5RERIINNGGwheel FIRTH STREET AUCKLAND EMAIL [email protected] LIKE our Facebook page TEXT Anthony on 021 22F5R2O14M2 www.tires.co.nz FREE PARK & STAY wheel FREEalignment. FREE WHEMEOLTAOLRIHGON1MM21EE02N0T CHECK $alignments FREEin under 10 Book your tyres and wheeltoDRURY alignme FROM Spend a night in our lock up yard.to PUKEKOHE LMAMLROAROTRAGTOGEORNERHHGOOMEMEEOF RV TYRES 0MOTORHOME alignments to BOMBAY minutes.awlhigawenlehimgleneemlntesnt$s $FROMFROM EAESAESOEFOAFCACCESCSESS in under HopHofpf tohfef tmheotmorowtoaryw.aHyo.pHionptoinotuorovuerryvelaryrglearygaerdy.ard. FREE TYRE & SUSP1E51N05S0ION CHECK FREESellinMgOMtTyOrTReOHsROHMsOiEMncEawelhigawe1nlehimgle9nee8mln0tesn.t$s $FROMFROM FRFEREEPEAPRAKR&K S&TASYTABYooBkoyookuyrotyuretsyraensdawndhewehleel Selling taliganlmigennmt.eSntp.eSnpdeandniaghntiginhtoiunroloucrkloucpkyuaprdy.ard. FRFEREEWEHWEEHLEEALLIAGLNIGMNEMNTENCTHCECHKECK in uinduenrd1e0r m10inmutiensu.tes. FIRTH STREET WE ARE FSeRllFSineERgllEitnEygrTeEAtsyYUrsCRTeiKsnYEtoLcsReA&inEN1cDS9e&8U10S9.8PU0ES.NPSEINOSNIOCNHCECHKECHKERE WE STOCK A MASSIVE1Alit,vrae4ilpa&abil1les0in SOUTHERN MOTORWAY WRAENSGTEOOCFKRAVMTAYSRSEISVE RANGE OF RV TYRESFrom selected Mitre 10 outlets or for WWEESSTTOOCCKKAAMMAASSSIVIVEE to DRURY RRAANNGGEEOOFFRRVVTTYYRREESS WE ARWEE ARE P1U1KFFEt1IoKIRORFHTIERHTSSHTTSRRTEtBREoEOETM,ETBTA,DY,RDURRUYR2Y1213113 further information visit our website to to SOUTHERN MOTORWAY HEREHERE DRURY 2113eTmAETLaEUilEMI:XKCdXETLKArETtTuoMEILIKroLXAAAyAEuNTtndnIirDroLtrAtehFuuhsdnoarr@ortynchFutnheyioarrobyynocetotmeynsioorb@aoen0koins2lhop.@c1o0kaot2ghmmp1e2oaa5tg2miel2.a51cio4lW2.m2H1cEEo4ARm2REEFIRTH STREET AUCKALUACNKDLAND SOUTHERN MOTORWAY 021 225 2142 FIRTH STREET FIRTH STREET to DRURY SOUTHERN MOTORWAY WE ARE 1 FIRTH STREET, DRUwRwYw.wt2i.rt1eir1se3.sc.oc.on.znzto toto DRtUoRDYRURY SOUTHERN MOTORWAY FIRTH STREET HERE www.liquidrubber.co.nz to EMAIL [email protected] Email [email protected] AUCKLAND to to BOMBBAOYMBAY www.tirLeIKsE.ocuor F.ancezboLoIKkEpoaurgFeacebook page to TEXT Anthony on 021 225PU2KEt1oKO4HE2 BOMBAY 80 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 to DRURY to www.tires.co.nz



INTERNATIONAL UPDATES John Rawlings It’s showtime! S ince the last issue, I’ve walked miles looking Another round-up of the latest at all the new RVs at both the Caravan 1 news from the caravan and Salon Düsseldorf (CSD) and the UK’s motorhome sector in the UK and Motorhome and Caravan Show, and have lots 2 Europe from John Rawlings. to tell you about. more affordable, but even so, the latest top- Words + Photos John Rawlings Word on the street is that the supply of of-the-range models from mainstream UK Fiat base vehicles remains slow and erratic, manufacturers such as Swift, Coachman, 1. Swift Voyager 2023 model which is good news for marques such as Ford Elddis and Bailey are comfortably between built on Ford Transit chassis – which seems to be the most popular alter- £30,000 to £40,000 (appx NZ$55,500–74,000) 2. The author is now Chairman native brand that manufacturers are switching and, in some cases, above that. There really of The Caravan Writers’ Guild. to – and as a result, Ford-based motorhomes aren’t many new caravans for less than It’s a voluntary position are popping up everywhere. £20,000 (appx NZ$37,000) now. 3. It was noticeable that caravan manufacturers have gone to For example, Swift (the UK’s biggest man- The new models in my Düsseldorf preview town with exterior decals; this is ufacturer) has launched its new Voyager in the last issue didn’t disappoint when I saw the 2023 Swift Elegance motorhome range for 2023 and it is based on them ‘in the flesh’. For example, Hymer’s new 4. Bürstner Lyseo Gallery model the Ford Transit. Another manufacturer told Vision S was definitely the most talked about at Düsseldorf me its Ford-based motorhomes would prob- new model at CSD but not just for its inno- 5. Tow Car of the Year – Škoda ably be delivered to customers in the spring, vative design – which includes a drop-down Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI but for Fiat-based models it will be more like rear tailgate and beautiful interior – but also 6. Lightweight Hobby Beachy Air a summer delivery. 7. Benimar models based on the new Ford chassis are now I recently interviewed Ford UK’s Leisure available Vehicle Manager, Ryan Bowdidge, for My 8. Electric Ford-based Caravan Industry Insights Podcast. He said campervan from Bürstner at the supply of the Ford Transit was improving, Düsseldorf but still far from ideal as it is hard to predict which models are being produced. Ford is pushing all suppliers hard to get the parts it needs, but production is based on which parts actually arrive in any given week. Ryan is working hard to manage customers who are sometimes desperate for the supply of new vehicles, otherwise he would have staff with nothing to work on. The ongoing supply chain issues, cost of living ‘crisis’ and rising inflation have pushed prices up. I saw more motorhomes with price tags around £100,000 (appx NZ$185,000) than ever before. That makes caravans seem 3 4 82 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

56 for the built-in steps up to the front bed in sold in the UK, so we’re not likely to see the industry dinner. I was pleased to see the the clever elevating roof above the cab. Sadly Air either (sadly). senior management of every manufacturer the €235,000 (appx NZ$407,000) price tag of attend, plus suppliers like Truma, Whale, etc. this Mercedes-Benz-based, 4x4 model was Two models from the Düsseldorf show that another talking point. made it across the channel to the UK’s Moto- Finally, in between all this activity, I also rhome and Caravan Show were the Hymer attended the Caravan and Motorhome Club’s Similarly, the new Bürstner Lyseo Gallery, Vision and the Bürstner Lyseo Gallery. Yes, Towcar of the Year Awards 2023 lunch held which also features a pop-up roof and upstairs and the Knaus Azur as well, plus its new at the RAC Club on Pall Mall in London. bed above the cab, was equally stunning but VW-based motorhome stablemates. There were 24 entrants this year, these being also out of my budget with a price tag of judged in six classes using their 85 per cent around €100,000 (appx NZ$173,000). The The Motorhome and Caravan Show is held kerbweight (rather than price), two Family idea is that this (and the new Hymer) gives at the NEC in Birmingham every October, Towcar categories, and Electric and Plug-In a low profile for travelling to improve econ- and is followed by the Caravan, Camping Hybrid categories. The overall winner was omy – it can also affect the amount charged and Motorhome Show at the NEC in Febru- the Škoda Karoq Sportline 2.0 TDI 150PS on some motorway tolls in Europe – yet offers ary. The October show is important for the DSG 4x4 SCR. Well done, Škoda (a regular more living space when you arrive at your caravan industry, as manufacturers like to get winner). camping destination. orders in so they can plan production over the winter months, so customers get their new In early November, I am attending the UK While on the Bürstner stand in Düsseldorf, models for the following spring, ready for the media drive of the new Volkswagen ID. Buzz. I also spotted a prototype electric camper- new season. Thousands of orders have already been placed van conversion based on the Ford eTransit. for this super-cool-looking electric vehicle, It looked pretty production-ready to me, but Tickets (only available online) for the so I’m looking forward to trying it out and apparently we won’t be seeing it for a while –, Friday, Saturday and Sunday were already telling you all about it next time. and there was no official comment as yet on sold out, making the total expected number of the vehicle’s range from the battery. It did show visitors to be around 114,000. Several exhib- 7 the potential of the eTransit though. We can be itors said this more controlled way of selling sure Bürstner isn’t the only manufacturer with tickets and limiting the number available each 8 an electric campervan in the pipeline. day seemed to improve the flow of visitors to the show. Episode 17 of my podcast includes 83www.rvmagazine.co.nz Knaus is one of the manufacturers that has interviews with a selection of exhibitors. embraced the biggest number of alternative base vehicles to compensate for the limited One thing I noticed at the NEC show was supply of the Fiat Ducato. Its new motor- how manufacturers have upped their game homes based on the VW T6.1 looked classy with the size and design of graphics, particu- and will appeal to couples wanting a com- larly on caravans. Last year, Bailey launched pact but full-sized motorhome with a VW its latest Unicorn with a colourful graphics badge. The interior featured a space-saving panel down both sides, which it has now shower unit with a top half that lowered over also done with its larger Alicante Grande the bottom half so that when not needed, it range. They look very smart. For 2023, Swift could fit under the rear transverse double has responded with new graphics on all its bed. Clever. models, but the most striking are on the Con- queror and Elegance caravan ranges, which Another novelty from Düsseldorf was the also have a smart new rear panel. They are simple, lightweight and low-profile Hobby really eye-catching. The Erwin Hymer Group’s Beachy Air. It’s designed to be light enough UK also goes to town on the graphics for its to be towed by the all-electric Volkswagen 2023 Buccaneer, Elddis and Compass caravan ID. Buzz. To minimise wind resistance when ranges. Personally, I think they all look great. towing, the Beachy Air is the same height as the ID. Buzz but has a pop-up roof with As I had taken over the (voluntary) role solid sides to allow full height at the back. as chairman of The Caravan Writers’ Guild, The interior is extremely simple and basic their AGM was a personal highlight of the as per the original design. The Beachy is not NEC show. On the following night, the guild celebrated its 40th anniversary at its annual

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NZMCA Motorhome show INDUSTRY NEWS Spring show breaks records NZMCA Motorhome show, Mystery Creek Hamilton 2022 1 S eptember saw the start of spring, with the were approaching, if not breaking, the 2000 expanded into their WATCH annual Hamilton NZMCA Motorhome mark with motorhomes, caravans, campers, own pavilion, with a RETRO LANE Caravan and Leisure show kicking into fifth-wheelers, buses and home build RVs display of brands and gear on Friday, September 23 at Mystery Creek packing out the allocated parking as well as the VIDEO in Hamilton. The show was booked out with overflow and emergency parking space. Same camping scenes that CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION exhibitors pleased to be in front of customers with the public parking area – packed to the Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle after last year’s cancellation due to the Covid gunnels and extending down the road. lockdown, and there was a waiting list for those drew visitors into the who missed out on space, keen to be involved Friday visitor numbers also broke records RV lifestyle vibe nicely. right to the last minute if possible. with over 10,000 people queueing to get While the show through the gates. Attendance on Saturday was bigger than usual, From the moment we arrived at the Mystery was just slightly under at 9500, with 5800 on some dealers and Creek entrance on Thursday we knew it was Sunday. This was indeed the biggest RV and manufacturers were going to be big. The number of motorhomers Leisure show to date, and we exhibitors could missing. Local Hamilton Leisureline caravan who had arrived to stay at the Park’n’Stay not have been happier. The weather was great, manufacturers are booked out for builds so rally had already broken previous records the outdoor food area had been expanded and far in advance that they are taking orders only of around 1200 vehicles, and by the time had a large canopy marquee cover for sun shade via their dealers, while others are still wait- Saturday morning rolled around, numbers (or rain cover if needed), and live music played ing on 2023 stock to arrive or have sold all their stock. It is a problem that has impacted throughout the day. The retro caravans the entire industry – overseas supply chains and campers all set up in a campground for manufacturers, shipping issues, compo- scene looked fabulous. TrailLite had nent supply – we have been hearing about it for two years now. Talk is that next year will still present a big challenge, chassis sup- ply-wise, especially Fiat chassis supply. However, with the likes of Renault and Peugeot chassis becoming more common, and Ford, IVECO and Mercedes produc- tion seemingly more stable, we will have to wait and see what happens. 1. Queues of people lined up on both Friday and Saturday mornings 2. The Projecta site had a visitor before we even opened 3. Always great 2 Projecta 3 NZMCA to catch up with NZMCA President Sharron King and the Head Office team on the stand 85www.rvmagazine.co.nz

Road Life 4 RV Supplies On the other hand, if you forget the moto- 5 Dometic rised caravan RV and stick with a trailer caravan, you will be sorted and save quite 6 a bit of money – there were certainly lots of caravans to check out. Central RV had the German Dethleffs caravans on display, Rock- wood were swamped with people checking out their American Ultra Lite caravans and fifth-wheel options. The rooftop camp tents were on show, a Tiny Home in a semi-built condition was there to get some interest, camp trailers and pods, tents and camping set-ups were all on show over the weekend. Well established in the market since 2017, Road Life from Tauranga had their new Aus- tralian range of caravans and camp trailers on display right by the main gate entry where they were stopping foot traffic straightaway – we featured the Apex caravan in Vol 18. The slide-out options certainly add space to these RVs. Although Sunliner motorhomes, cara- vans and fifth-wheelers are also distributed by Road Life, none were on display at the show pending the arrival of new stock. Plenty of accessories were available – camp- ing goods, boats and bikes – to get visitors spending, as well as whisky, vodka and gin tastings from boutique producers like the Cardrona Distillery. I never thought I would see a 375mL bottle of whisky for sale at an RV show, and just a tasty $255 if my memory serves me right. No, I did not partake in a wee dram – I was working, friends, and I am a bit past shots nowadays even tiny ones. 4. Road Life Apex caravans stop crowds 7 5. RV Supplies were just one of the outlets with RV and outdoor RV Mega accessories that people swarmed to for shopping 6. The Dometic stand had a lot on show, besides their refrigeration products this roof-top camping set up took the eye 7. RV Mega stand was busy with the new Laika motorhomes on show 8. Nationwide RV Titan caravans on display outside 86 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022

(Note to self though, a visit to this distillery 8 Nationwide RV next time we’re travelling between Wanaka and Queenstown, looks like it would be a fun Motorhomes to see the two new Austra- range for a couple of years now, alongside the thing to do.) lian-built Hilltop caravans they are now UK Auto-Trail motorhomes that were on dis- distributing; this is a big departure from the play inside the main pavilion. Again visitors The Dometic stand had a range of refrigera- bespoke Coastal motorhome builds we are were crowding to get into the various models tors and chiller boxes on display, but it was the used to from this Whakatāne-based com- rooftop tent-camper that caught many an eye pany. Speaking with owner Mike Farrell on oron display. as people came past – interesting new product the stand he was excited to have sourced a Vanari Caravans have been established from them. Sizes start just under $2000 and caravan that meets the standard of build and in Ruakākā since 2019. They import the go up to $3000 depending on your options. construction he liked, with finishes that also Snowy River and Regent caravans manu- meet his standards. factured in Australia – some nice finishes, RV Mega from Mt Maunganui were inside and layouts here, but what caught the eye the main pavilion, the new Laika Kosmo and Outside, the owners of Australian Titan was a new product they will have in stock Ecovip motorhomes that we featured in Vol 17 Caravans were on the stand for distributors from December  2022, the Hitch Hotel. captivated many. Speaking with RV Mega prin- Nationwide RV. This brand has been in their The American manufacturer was on site cipal Richard Olsen, we learnt that feedback from customers on his new brand to New Zea- land is fantastic – the Italian style and finishes tick many boxes for buyers. This is just one of the brands Richard distributes along with the Bailey Pilote, Adria and Eriba RV motorhome and caravan range brands available on the yard, as well as a good range of second hand RVs. RV Mega also have one of the biggest showrooms for everything RV and camping that you could ever want at their Mt Maunganui store. They would have to book half the pavilion for their parts and accessories alone if they sold these at the show as well. We managed a quick visit to Coastal SWIFT & COACHMAN AUTHORISED DEALER We have limited numb range in stock and ava most discerning buyers. LUSSO II Interi- or You need to view the Coa LUSSO II Interi-LUSSO II Interi- looking for next level lux or or Introduced just last year pinnacle of excellence w caravaning. EXCLUSIVE DEALER Securein stock now yours and tak Experience new Swift & CoaEchXmCaLnUrSaInVgEesDEALER We have limited numbers of the Coachman experience the luxury Co in stock & available now. range iinn sstotcok caknd navoawilable now to suit the ‘the pinnacle of Lusso II interior excellence when most discerning buyers. it comes to luxury You need to view the Coachman range if you are caravanning’ looking for next level luxury and workmanship. WeWheavehaavneexlitmenitseivde rnaunmgbeeorfsneowf &the Coachman Introduced just last year, the Lusso range is the Acadia userdancgaeravinansstotockchaonodseafvroamila.ble now to suit the pinnacle of excellence when it comes to luxury Laser XCEL most discerning buyers. caravaning. to II (8ft wide) A L L R O A DAcadia interior VisYitoouunr eyeadrdtoorvtiaekwetahleooCkoaact homurawn erabnsgitee tifoyou are Lusso dislcooovkeirnygofuorrnneewxtclaervaevlalnuxinucryluadnindgwtohrekNmEaWnship. Secur‘ethyeouprsinanndactlaekeotfhe opportunity Lusso II Swift Challenger ALL ROAD with raised chassis. expeeriexncceetlhlee nlucxuerywCohaechnman offers. interi(o8rft wide) Introduced just last year, the Lusso range is the it comes to luxury caravanning’ AUTHORISED DEALER NEW Raised chassis Acadia New Swift ALL ROAD in stock now pinnacle of excellence when it comes to luxury Laser XCEL caravaning. (8ft wide) 2 GATEWAY DR . WHAKATANE Secure yCouOrsAaCndHtaMke AthNe opportunity to in sto2cGkAnToEwWA EXCLUSIVE DEALERexperiencEeXtChLeUluSxIuVrEy NCoZacDhEmAaLnERoffers. L0u7s3s0o7II1000 . 027 2300 955 (8afdt mwinid@eg)atewaycaravanAsc.caod.ianzinterior WWW.GATEWAYCARAVANS.CO.NZ 07 307 10 We have limited numbersNewofSwtifht eALLCRoOaAcDhinmstaocnk now a d m i n @ g87www.rvmagazine.co.nz AUTHORISED DEALER

WATCH 10 HITVCIHDHEOOTEL CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle demonstrating this fabulous camp trailer that 9 Vanari 11 compacts down to a small one-metre storage space and expands out to a full two-metre long There is no arguing about the gor- sleeping vessel, with solar, heating and cook- geous super-yacht wood finishes, ing packed in as well. Watch the video on our teak flooring, big kitchen, leather Facebook page and YouTube channel for info lounges, and big bedroom options on this product. Price starts at $17,000 for the that are available, and (as we have standard unit. featured in previous issues) the ability to design aspects to suit, For those in the market for big, luxurious for mobility impaired clients for motorhomes capable of full-time living when example, offers customisation required, the Zion Motorhomes’ stand cer- for clients that can’t be satisfied tainly drew the crowds to view the luxury elsewhere. European-manufactured Morelo, Carthargo, TrailLite Landmark motor- 12 VW Frankia and Dethleffs models on display. At homes dominated in their arena. these shows, salespeople on the Zion displays The Paerātā-based manufacturer are often actually owners themselves who are has been producing TrailLite RVs for over these campers are well cemented in the Kiwi happy to come and help business owners 50 years, and part of their DNA is in bring- psyche and the range is expanding at each Jonas and Irene Ng by talking about the moto- ing innovation and technology to the locally show event. rhome they own and love. Many of them have manufactured product in order to compete For us the show was brilliant, we had record started with the 3500kg Dethleffs model as with rival overseas luxury brands. We headed subscription sales welcoming over 200 new their first RV and graduated up to bigger and to the factory after the show and will profile subscribers to our RV Lifestyle family. Caspar better models over the years. The fact that some of the latest builds and updates to the had a great time as well, meeting his fans of the customer wants to work for the company Landmark product following this editorial. many shows. Being so busy meant the Rock and spread the word on these brands speaks The Grand Californian Volkswagen camp- (Bruce) and I actually had very little time to volumes to the customer care and service this ers were popular, and the colourful red and really get around the show to grab photos company offers to its clients over many years. white VW 4Motion AWD camper had people and reviews for readers. We were run off our talking. The charm and easy accessibility of feet crazy-busy, so I trust these snippets and For New Zealand-manufactured product, profiles give you some food for thought and ACM had a new model on an LDV chassis on display, alongside the luxury-fitted Platinum motorhome on the IVECO chassis, and the newest edition to the models, a luxury cara- van model with its luxury $250,000 price tag! inspiration going forward. 9. Vanari Caravans Hitch Hotel 10. Vanari - Aussie built Snowy River caravans from Vanari, and they had the Hitch Hotel on display taking orders 11. Vanari - Snowy River caravan interior 12. VW 4 Motion AWD camper in the Grand California range 13. Full width bathroom in the nose of the AlltraX caravan, luxury appointed fittings and fixtures 13 ACM 14 ACM 14. The Alltrax caravan built by ACM oozes the luxury of their Platinum motorhomes Your Factory Authorised Thetford Distributor since 1973 New Zealand’s Largest range of Spare Parts, Toilets & Toilet Fluids. For after Sales Service & Knowledge contact the specialists. Trade enquires welcome for Sanitation on the move plus Waterless toilets. Waterless Dehydrating & Incinerating toilets, Small Desiccant Dehumidifiers for Motorhomes. www.thetfordnewzealand.com Tel 0800 17 18 17   88 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 SCAN ME New name and branding for the representative body of the New Zealand RV Industry    Following a period of consultation, the Recreational Vehicle, Caravan and Manufacturers Association  (RVCMANZ) has announced that it has decided upon the adoption of a new Association name and associated  branding.  With immediate effect the RVCMANZ will be known operationally as the Recreational Vehicle Industry of New  Zealand (RVINZ) and will adopt a new brand identity including the new logo shown below.  The Association was formed in 2005 when a dedicated assembly recognised the need for better  representation of the Industry amidst changes to various key standards directly affecting the design and  manufacturing of both motor homes and caravans.  Since inception, the Association has comprised a mix of members from both the manufacturing and supply  sectors of the NZ Industry and during its existence has played a significant role at critical times by assisting the  shaping of important legislation directly related to the Industry’s interests. This advocacy and advisory work  continues. 

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PROFILE SELECT CARAVANS USA Coachmen Catalina Caravan THWEAVTICDHEO CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Bigger than Texas 1 Words Robyn Mountain Photos Bruce Mountain Those looking for big interior living spaces were impressed by the American- 2 manufactured Coachmen Catalina caravan model on display from Select Caravans. 90 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 The space created in the double slide-out, that expands out at the push of a button, is where the four-seater dining space and sofa-bed are situated – great for watching the big screen TV – and this space offers the second berth set up as well. Opposite this space is the home-styled kitchen with long bench space, and a breakfast bar at one end. Everything is big and domestic sized in these units from the sink and tap fixtures to the large refrigerator at the end. The bathroom is a spacious room with a corner shower box, vanity unit with decent sized sink, plenty of storage underneath and a wall cupboard for linen storage, etc. The pedestal flush toilet goes to a 113L black tank, so around four times the capacity of a cassette toilet. The bedroom is in the nose of the caravan

3 with an island queen bed that lifts for stor- tour of what was on offer. CONSTRUCTION age underneath. On each side are wardrobes David established Select Caravans in 2019 and overhead storage cupboards. All the Cambered structural steel I-beam frame, windows are tinted and have privacy blinds. and specialises in fifth-wheelers, caravans, seamless roof membrane and fully decked and tiny homes from Cherokee and Coach- 10mm walk-on roof construction, smooth Central heating vents throughout the unit men RV, divisions of Forest River, one of HD aluminium radius front, R7 fibreglass provide heating, with Laser blue ambient accent America’s largest RV manufacturers with RV insulation throughout, full-length frame lighting on the interior and plenty of LED exte- production numbers in the millions. Ecoated outrigger, 16mm tongue and groove rior lighting including in the awning. plywood floor decking, 10mm fully decked You need to make an appointment to visit walk-on roof, Easy-Trac rack and pinion slide- Some visitors got on their hands and knees Select Caravans’ Hobsonville site where out, G20 tinted privacy windows, flip-down to inspect the caravan’s undercarriage and David will take you through the different cargo rack with 90kg capacity, screwed when they stood at the top of the entry stairs options on offer, discussing your needs, cabinet construction with pocket-bored and saw the interior space, their gasps were storage, tow vehicle requirements, and for lumber core stiles audible to those people queueing to take a semi-permanent situations you can look peep before clamouring to talk to Select Car- at all sorts of options – even two-bedroom avans owner David Sharp and get a personal units for those needing more family space. 1. Great storage in the front full-width pod, large 4600mm electric awning with remote and coloured LED strip. Three steps to habitation entry 2. Smooth HD aluminium radius front – this rounded nose is home to the bedroom space – aluminium siding makes for a sturdy exterior finish 3. Nice breakfast bar at this end of the kitchen, opposite is the fully extended slide-out holding dining and lounge room, bathroom to right of image 4. Checking out the undercarriage was a must for this gentleman 5. Fully sealed underbelly, twin axle, Dexter EZ lube axles with leaf spring suspension, self-adjusting brakes. Chassis cambered structural steel I-beam frame, full-length frame E-coated outriggers 6. Upgraded aluminium wheels, twin axle, 15-inch tyres. with diamond plate rock guard, stabiliser jacks 456 91www.rvmagazine.co.nz

7. Kitchen bench is seamless Thermofoil with sink lid, Thetford 3-gas burner and oven, 900W microwave above, 12V high efficiency 280L refrigerator with separate freezer, corner bathroom, pantry and wardrobe storage on far wall, flooring is wood-plank linoleum 8. Large TV on the wall, storage below, bedroom door to right, habitation entry far right. An electric fire can be installed under this TV space as an extra option 9. Bathroom, full-sized shower at 860 x 860mm, good sized vanity sink, storage underneath and wall cabinet cupboard storage 10. Queen-sized island bed, mirrored door wardrobes and storage both sides, lights and USB chargers, bed lifts for more storage. Windows are tinted and have pleated night window shades 11. Coachmen Catalina with slide-out on Easy-Trac rack and pinion 7 slide-out setup 8 9 10 TECH SPECS 11 USA Coachmen Catalina Caravan $120,000 • T ow length 8800mm, body 7600mm, width 92 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 2440mm, exterior height 3120mm, interior height 2060mm, • G VM 3447kg, tare 2534kg, payload 912kg, hitch weight 306kg Living and self-containment • W ater – Fresh 166L, grey 151L – bathroom black-water tank 113L • 5.86kW LPG forced-air heating • 22L gas/electric DSI water heater • 2 00W solar system with MPPT control, Victron battery charger, 105Ah Lithium battery 1 x 105Ah, LCI one control monitor panel system • J BL entertainment system with dual-zone, Bluetooth, optimised for USB flash drives, iPods and other mp3 players, Smart TV 40˝ • Multiple dual-port USB charging stations • Power front jack with light • O utside media centre with TV prep, power, speakers, and TV mount

Introducing Why choose Select Caravans? Every model comes complete with: • 200W (min) Solar • Victron Charger • 105 AMP hour Lithium battery (Lion Energy UT1300) • Huge cargo capacity • Private master bedroom • Full kitchen & large pantry Before you buy – compare these key features: • Does your new caravan come with a high quality Lithium Battery? • A minimum 200W solar system? • How much cargo can you carry? 257BHS 259FKDS 243RBS CARAVANS 26DBH 26RK www.selectcaravans.co.nz Hobsonville, Auckland. Contact David on 021 458 260 or email [email protected]

SPOTLIGHT TRAILLITE Landmark Motorhomes THWEAVTICDHEO CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle From Coromandel to Oakura for the Mullers Words Robyn Mountain Photos Bruce Mountain 1 C atching up with RV owners is always motorhomes top of most discerning a pleasure, and being at events like buyers’ must-have-one-of-these list. motorhome shows is brilliant for talking The sales people were flat out with to a mass of people in a short space of time, customers, so we popped into the latest finding out the ‘What and Why’s’ relevant to Landmark Oakura 554 motorhome their decision-making processes and offering while it was temporarily vacant. This advice along the way. Now and then we are model, based on the Mercedes-Benz lucky enough to talk to customers on a dealer’s chassis, is 8100mm in length, 2240mm site at a pivotal part of their journey in the RV wide, with a starting price of $296,000. purchase process. As we looked over the vehicle a 2 After catching up with TrailLite GM Shaun couple from Taranaki stopped to chat travelling New Zealand extensively, Nancy Newman at the show the Rock and I headed with Bruce and asked if this was our new decided she wanted to move to a floor-based to the Paerātā TrailLite manufacturing site to vehicle or if we were just looking. They were island bed as access up the stairs was becom- check out the new features in the Landmark Nancy and Lloyd Muller, keen motorhom- ing a challenge at times – one of the aspects series motorhomes designed and built on ers of many years, who had purchased their of maturity we can all relate to. Lloyd was site. Always looking for the next innovation, first TrailLite model in 2010, a Coromandel happy with the Coromandel, but also keen to perfecting the designs and the customer pur- with the big luton over-cab bed and large rear keep his wife happy so the beloved Coroman- chasing experience keeps their popular luxury lounge space. After 11 years and 177,000km del was sold in early 2020 and the 3 4 ordering process commenced for a new Landmark Oakura 758. After 94 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 chatting with Nancy and Lloyd we popped around the corner of the factory to check out the brand-new Landmark Oakura 758 (8300mm length on the IVECO chassis) that was in the last weeks of production. Nancy and Lloyd wanted their new motorhome to have all the bells and whistles to cater for their needs for the next 10 years at least, which meant going further than

5 67 8 9 10 1. Nancy and Lloyd Muller from Taranaki, checking on their TrailLite Landmark Oakura 758 motorhome build 2. The rear 11 lounge in the Coromandel 757 is the big U-shaped lounge Kiwis love so much; quality roman blinds over the large just the Landmark upgrades and personalis- windows all round, seat belts fitted for two passengers ing their Landmark Oakura 758 down to a ‘T’. and the fully adjustable hydraulic table facilitates a second The Cvana awning was upgraded from four bed 3. Nancy and Lloyd sold their 12-year-old Coromandel to five metres – to also protect the rear side with the over-cab Luton bed in 2020. This is the 2022 latest window from sun and rain, explained Nancy. styling in the Coromandel 757 model on the yard that shows Although the boot is a good size they wanted this bed design 4. Nancy and Lloyd upgraded their new an extra storage locker in the passenger rear Landmark Oakura 758 model with a longer 5m awning to – ”we know we need more”, said Lloyd. The cover the rear window for sun and rain protection, and fitted most substantial, and costly, upgrade they an extra storage locker behind the rear wheels. This model is both wanted is possibly the most fun and sat- on the IVECO chassis and is longer at 8300mm isfying of them all: fabulous air suspension on 5. Mercedes-Benz front cab is beautifully fitted with all the the rear axle – great for a comfortable ride mod cons, paddles, and controls on the steering wheel and height adjustable if necessary for access- 6. Keyless entry to the habitation entry door and electric step ing off-road steeper angles as well as offering for entry 7. ‘Big Foot’ stabilisers are standard; upgrading the ultimate in comfort with a press-button to a push-button automatic hydraulic levelling system is automatic hydraulic levelling system, perfect an option 8. Mercedes-Benz chassis features 2L, 4-cylinder for a big luxury unit such as this. turbocharged, Euro V1 engine, 9-speed auto transmission Oakura 554 9. An electric step and two internal steps give The freshwater tank 420L, grey tank 305L entry to the interior 10. Comfortable lounge couches on and the toilet cassette was upgraded to a each side – this area converts to a second berth for two if flushable toilet with 139L black tank. A lith- required 11. Quality door with window, concertina privacy ium battery upgrade was a must for the couple blind, handrail for entry, the TV fits back into an alcove plus a boost from 540W to 720W solar panels, cupboard and pulls out when needed. Above door monitors 12 are easily reached 12. Quality stainless hinges, sturdy metal fixture for secure closure adding strength and durability as they plan on being self-sufficient on their storage upgrades might pimp the RV to be adventures and during music festival visits perfect for you, but it may be that one of the for the maximum number of days possible. alternative overseas Benimar or Mobilvetta smaller RV models might actually be more On this trip the couple were heading to a suitable. country and western concert – Brad Paisley was in Auckland – so they used the occasion After talking to the Mullers, we also to call in and check up on the build progress looked over the Landmark Oakura 554 and delivery date. It transpired that Nancy is Mercedes model which is 200mm shorter quite the entertainer herself, performing at in body length but has an essentially simi- many local country music festivals around lar layout, so we could envisage what they the lower North Island, and Lloyd is both will be getting, lucky them – they will be her roadie and dimple-cheeked, sparkly comfortable doing the music festivals over eyed groupie rolled into one. summer. There’s certainly a lot to consider when THE CAB CHASSIS OPTIONS looking to buy at this price point and size of vehicle, and fortunately there is an expert on Landmark 500 series motorhomes are built on hand who can sit down and talk you through the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter cab chassis, ideal your needs, the options that might fit them, for the up to 5500kg GVM weight vehicles. and help you get through the maze of lay- The 700 series are on the IVECO Daily cab outs and ideas to the crux of what will be chassis, with up to 7200kg GVM. Both brands the right choice. As with Nancy and Lloyd, are dual-wheel rear-wheel-driven chassis with the upgrades, options, colour schemes and all the latest technology you might expect. 95www.rvmagazine.co.nz

13 14 15 Landmark upgrades are not available on the quicker charging from heavy loads and 80 As you might expect, the audio system gets TrailLite 300 series. Both brands are dual- per cent of the stored battery energy can be grunted up, a Fusion premium Bluetooth wheel rear-wheel-driven chassis with all the used, as opposed to around 50 per cent with stereo with high-end speakers is installed, latest technology you might expect. The Merc traditional batteries. Inverters are an option and a Sky TV compatible add-on goes in boasts a 2L, 4-cyclinder, turbocharged diesel chosen by the client to suit their needs. for the 12V TV. The kitchen bench tops are Euro VI, 140kW power, torque of 450Nm upgraded to Infinity solid surface tops, the and a 9-speed auto transmission. Adaptive WHAT DISTINGUISHES thickness of the bench top has doubled – distance control, ESP, hill start assist and all A LANDMARK MODEL lifting the cover off the stainless-steel sink round disc brakes with active brake assist FROM THE REST? revealed that it was quite heavy. The inset are just some of the standard features. The soft close cabinetry with automatic drawer Iveco engine is 153kW, 470Nm, with 8-speed The Landmark upgrades to the stan- locking is handy, cabinetry finishes on the transmission, and has automatic headlights. dard Coromandel, Oakura, Karapiro and kitchen door and drawer fronts look amaz- Both models have state-of-the-art Premium Matakana models take owners to a level of ing in the high gloss lacquer paint finish on touch screen audio systems, Bluetooth, Apple comfort and personal customisation that is the upgrade. A nice security upgrade comes Carplay and Android Auto connective. Big a step above all others in the range. Working with an alarm with panic button and infrared Foot stabilisers are common on all models as with an experienced designer, owners will sensor. is a 7-inch reversing screen for the rear dual work through colours and combinations camera, and a 2000kg tow rated tow bar can that create their personalised interior fin- Exterior-wise there are cool colour changes be installed on both chassis. ishes – even the bedding and manchester with the metallic silver wall graphics along can be personalised. Luxury tapware to suit with new distinctive Landmark graphics and POWER SYSTEMS your style and gorgeous glass handbasins in badging to set the vehicle apart from the the bathroom are just some of the fixtures standard models. Colour-matched bumpers Standard 540W solar with three panels that can be taken to the next level in quality. tie your exterior colour choices together. (upgradeable to 720W, four panels), MPPT solar controller, 25 amp, multi-stage 230V charging system, 270Ah no maintenance AGM battery, fully integrated system with smart Master bus data connection. Upgrad- ing this standard system, or better to a full lithium system with 230Ah lithium battery (460Ah upgrade available) to meet demands from consumers with coffee machines, elec- tric bikes and electrical gadgets on the road, is a recommended option as lithium can handle 16 17 18 96 Vol 19 Nov-Dec 2022 13. Plenty of under bench storage with large drawers opening to reveal hidden drawers within on multiple levels, rubbish bins in the bottom, big utility drawer under the sink 14. The kitchen space is streamlined, the door cuts off the living space from the bathroom, and doubles as the en-suite bathroom privacy door 15. Rear bedroom space, corner shower on the left, en-suite toilet on the right, queen island bed with six drawers beneath, retractable bed for day bed positioning, wardrobe and storage drawer with USB charger within on each side, two overheads for storage, plenty of LED lighting. The drawers under the bed offer masses of storage, bedroom area carpeted, stair steps on each side of the bed for easy entry are also carpeted 16. 2022 upgrades to Landmark models include a SOG toilet system, 12V electric flush toilet cassette toilet standard, can be upgraded to 137L black tank 17. Corner shower box is a good size, between the living area and the bed 18. The en-suite toilet door can open fully on the full length piano hinged door, closing off the front living area. Towel rails on the back of the door, corner shower unit with acrylic doors, single drain plug, overhead roof vent, height adjustable shower head

Adventure without compromise Where luxury meets exploration. Bigger water, more powerful batteries and big payloads give you the freedom to venture further and stay longer without sacrificing a single comfort. Quality New Zealand craftsmanship ensures TrailLites handle conditions with ease. PURSUING PERFECTION Auckland, Christchurch, traillitegroup.co.nz Available through

PARDOVFEIRLTEOMRAIAKLEWMeonddeel kreisen ARedgreHaemadfionrgoff-grid camping The outdoors of New Zealand have always features common in the Wendekreisen Freedom Scan QR for range. The cabin delivers comfortable and Specifications Regtoinucthredomy weak spot for adventure spacious seating with phone compatible touch screen, reversing camera, USB ports and 6-speed and a video and discovery. As a family member of automatic transmission. We have installed a powerful 340-watt MPPT controlled 12-volt solar pull-out pantry can store large shops of groceries. eWnothrudssiaxsxticPchaomtopserxvaxnners, as a west-coast system and combined this with 2.88 kilowatt hours Other features include ambient LED night lighting of fast-charging battery storage. Whilst driving, the and ample storage. The rear of the lounge suite surfy and throughout a stint of tour-guiding alternator also charges your batteries. A quality also includes a large drawer, big enough to adventures, I have seen New Zealand in its rich mains power charging system is installed if you are accommodate medium sized suitcases or a variety and glorious beauty. From very early on, my plugged in at campsites. of soft travel bags. ambition to build homes on wheels, was guided by A 2.2kW variable speed diesel heating system is If you are planning to freedom camp off-grid, then off-grid independence to explore New Zealand’s connected to the vehicle fuel tank. The heaters ‘set this is the right vehicle to take. outstanding diversity. In my opinion, premium and forget system’ brings quiet and efficient warmth camping here is found in remote locations. An to wherever you stay. The heater fuel consumption FEATURES off-grid campervan therefore allows you to get is about 300ml diesel per hour. The combination away and enjoy the sublime peace and quiet of our of solar, good energy storage and efficient heating • LDV deliver 9 biggest wilderness. means that there is very little need to refuel gas • Rear-wheel-powered In recent years, our family business has developed bottles or to charge batteries on paid campgrounds. • 6-speed automatic transmission the Wendekreisen Freedom range of campervans. The hot water is powered by a heat exchanger, • Off-grid performance (diesel heating, extra Starting with the Koru Star 2 Freedom, we moved connected to the vehicle cooling system. There is to a unique 3-berth unit and, in 2019, were proud no need for gas or any other fuel to heat your water. batteries and solar) to finalise the world’s best non-composite 4-berth Once the engine reaches operating temperature, • Internal height 1.95m unit on VW crafter. This year, we have completed the in-house water will be hot for a period of up • Large storage compartments the first automatic off-grid model - the rear-wheel to 24 hours. A good mattress is essential when • Walkthrough to front cabin powered Koru Star 2 Freedom with automatic resting on holidays. Our vehicles are equipped • Avtex TV and Avtex soundbar transmission. This campervan is packed with with top quality medium density Dunlop foam • USB and 12V supplies throughout mattresses. These carry an anti-mould guarantee • Ambient LED night lighting Sxx and provide for a very comfortable sleep. The • Accredited New Zealand made living entertainment includes a Netflix compatible • Local supplier warranties Avtex smart TV with soundbar which can also be • 3-year vehicle manufacturer warranty used as a Bluetooth speaker. A custom designed $128,990 incl GST www.wendekreisen.co.nz 98 Vol 16 MAY-JUNE 2022