‘Water in the hot pools comes from a gla- biodiversity of the area. 6 cial-fed underground spring and is warmed There are several walking tracks and look- by ‘waste’ heat generated by a refrigeration MORE INFO plant at a nearby ice-skating rink’. It’s an envi- outs around the lake, as well as bike tracks, ronmentally friendly use of energy that means and the nearby Lake Tekapo Regional Park Glacier Explorers runs tours from September the facility has an energy efficiency rating of offers a two-hectare fully enclosed dog park! to May. The tour includes pick up from the 1:4. The water itself is incredibly soft and pure, We also spotted paddle boards for hire as well Hermitage Hotel. with minimal chlorine required to achieve as other watercraft. Tekapo Star Gazing tours run all year and start fresh, clean and safe water. times depend on the time of year and when it Next on our trip was the majestic Aoraki/ gets dark enough to see the night sky. With New Zealand’s fastest inflatable water Mt Cook village, at the base of the tallest Tekapo Springs is open 364 days a year and is ride and a Jumpernaut inflatable obstacle mountain in Aotearoa New Zealand, Aoraki, located just off State Highway 8. course, there’s lots to keep the kids happy, standing at an impressive 3724 metres. This The Skylark Cabin is available for holiday rental while the three large hot pools, steam, sauna, was our base for the Glacier Explorers Tour, [email protected] plunge pool and day spa are all perfectly set run out of the Hermitage Hotel. And on the up for relaxation and rejuvenation. During subject of superlatives, the drive to the village the winter, the complex repurposes itself and is quite possibly one of the most beautiful in offers an international sized ice-skating rink the country, meandering along Lake Pūkākī along with an adrenalin-pumping snow tube with very little traffic in either direction. It’s park. actually hard to imagine this place with inter- national tourists. In fact, I don’t want to. It’s Secondly, and while you’re still in Tekapo, just idyllic without. the vivid blue of the lake is a must-see. Lake Tekapo is surrounded by rugged mountains, 6. Impressive telescopes give a window on the night wide-open skies and a golden tussock vege- sky 7. Gentled nestled in the foothills of the Ben tation. The purple of the lupins also adds a Ōhau range, the Skylark Cabin is a great retreat beauty and fragility to the landscape. Espe- cially given these plants are seen as an invasive weed that is being eradicated to protect the 7 WE ARE 65% BOOKED Quote NZToday RV lifestyle to obtain a special 2 FOR THE YEAR night package of accom, a well-stocked fridge and ALREADY, GET IN freezer with all breakfast foods provided, plus full QUICK BOOK TODAY! use of the huge outdoor bath tub and pushbikes to explore the local cycle trails. Price $900. [email protected] www.skylarkcabin.co.nz MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 49
8 After a 10-minute bus ride from the village breaking to see the rapid retreat of the glacier. angles and is essentially set up as two offset – accompanied by a fantastic introduction to And it’s getting worse. From 1990 to 2021 the open-plan spaces. One contains the bedroom the geography of the area by shuttle driver average glacier retreat was 130m per year. and bathroom, positioned to allow morning Jonty – and then a 1.5-kilometre walk to Lake sun in both winter and summer, and the other Tasman, our glacier boats and guides are Vivien, our guide (originally from France), holds the kitchen, entry and living areas. waiting for us, ready to show us the longest explains the process of calving. “Although we glacier in New Zealand, at 23 kilometres. can only see 30 metres of the glacier above the The folded-like form takes inspiration from surface, it actually goes 270 metres underwa- the local skylarks, who, with their angular, And this is where the paradox of feelings ter, where it is fixed to the valley floor. The precise and purposeful acrobatics, also call begins. Jonty tells us in the early 1990s this water forms an undercut of the glacier on the this landscape home. lake didn’t even officially exist. Fast forward surface of the water, and with nothing sup- 30 years and it’s now approximately 6.5km in porting the ice above it, it falls into the water.” And if you haven’t got time for the star length. gazing in Tekapo, but still want to explore the And hence we are witness to these icebergs, night sky vastness further, there is the option The reason for the growth is the glacier that which are often breaking up, rebalancing or to have a private Astro tour in the comfort sits at the top of the lake. And it’s melting. Ice- rolling over. It’s an incredible sight. With of the Skylark Cabin. A guide comes to the bergs periodically break away from the glacier Aoraki/Mt Cook looming in the back- cabin, sets up his telescope and takes you on face and the lake gets larger as the icebergs ground, it’s quite magical to see and touch a 90-minute guide of the visible stars. melt. In some ways, it’s wondrous and joyful these ancient icebergs floating around us. I to see such beautiful icebergs serenely float- almost think I should be in Antarctica or the And then there’s the outside bath. Hold- ing on the lake, but in other ways it’s heart North Pole. Certainly not dressed in shorts ing 450 litres of 44-degrees Celsius water, and a T-shirt (and a life jacket) in the middle this is the ultimate way to relax. Epsom salts, 9 of sunny New Zealand. plush bathrobes and non-breakable wine 50 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022 glasses are all provided for guests, so it’s just When I ask Vivien how he feels about the a case of turning on the tap and slipping on icebergs, he sums it up perfectly, saying, “It’s in. Engulfed with heat and with protection a little bit sad as I feel how fragile our envi- against the sometimes harsh evening and ronment is, but I also see it as a joy that we night-time temperatures, this is how to wrap can witness this time up close. It’s a treasure yourself in kindness and rejuvenation. in our backyard. And it’s beautiful. I love the blues and the crystals of the ice.” With the darkest sky, the tallest mountain, the longest glacier and, in my opinion, one of If you’re needing some counterpoint to the cutest cabins, there are plenty of wonders the expansiveness of this region, I can highly in this region to explore. Just don’t leave it too recommend the Skylark Cabin as a place to late – when international tourists come back retreat and ‘come home’. it may not be so idyllic and peaceful, and who knows when the glacier will have gone. The tiny house (49 square metres) is seven kilometres outside of Twizel. Gently nestled 8. Worth a visit during the day and at night: Tekapo into the tussock grasslands at the foothills Springs has plenty to offer young and old of the Ben Ōhau range, this place has been 9. With exclusive use of the hot pools, the star described as a brave and bold tiny home. gazing tour is a mixture of science and storytelling Completed in 2021, it’s full of sharp pointy
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WALK & CYCLE TRAILS Southland › Great Walk Rakiura Track LogAginGgreatthWe aRlk -akiura Gary maps the Rakiura Track, a gentle, typically three-day Great Walk that offers a sample of Stewart Island’s national park paradise. Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson or as credited 52 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
I t might be NZ’s third main island and one of the best places to see kiwi in the wild, but most of us human Kiwis have never visited Stewart Island. Until just recently I too was in that camp despite living less than two hours from Bluff ’s ferry terminal. Today is my lucky day because the weather is settled and that means the waters of the notoriously treacherous Foveaux Strait are too. It’s a pleasant crossing with a cold nip in the air. The chill is not unexpected given it’s the middle of winter in the deep south. This time of year is a good opportunity to tramp, with few others on one of the NZ Great Walks that remain open all year. As the ferry nears Halfmoon Bay I pop outside and watch the bobbing fishing boats moored out from Oban. It takes only a few minutes to land, put my pack on and walk to the Department of Conservation Visitor Centre. Here I find a friendly ranger who offers up the current track conditions, the weather forecast and points me in the right direction to the start of the track. I head for the hills behind the settlement as I’m going to walk the track clockwise. My late arrival to the island suits overnighting in North Arm Hut before walking the scenic coastal stretch and looping back to Oban. Outside the visitor centre, I turn on my three GPS units ready to log up-to-date mapping data for the Great Hikes App, put my camera around my neck and follow the suburban gar- dens which become less nurtured and more natural as I climb. Near the top of the rise, the road terminates and the Rakiura Track begins with its damp soils ready to capture my footprints. I add a GPS waypoint and enter the dark green forested path. I am excited to start as this is my first winter walk in over a decade, I’m on an island I have never vis- ited, and it’s a mini adventure given it’s NZ’s shortest Great Walk. Unlike some of the NZ Great Rides which are generally completed in shorter timeframes, these premier walks are 3–6 day hikes. Even so I think I can complete this 32km flattish walk in two days, not the recommended three. The craggy headlands of the coastal walk MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 53
1 23 The track is initially wide, surprisingly although you can see some dam walls and a How different things were for this remote wide and in places is even cobbled. It was diversion channel to where William Gallon pioneer. once a log-hauling road, and for me it’s the set up the island’s first mechanical sawmill. In first introduction to the logging heritage that 1861 behind the dam wall would have been a I continue along the track towards the shel- makes up the fabric of the track. After rising cleared forest, a 3km long lake and just down- tered bays of North Arm. I love the patches of over a small saddle I descend to the edge of stream a large waterwheel that straddled the dense forest that somehow escaped Gallon’s Paterson Inlet and come across the remains creek bed. I take a GPS waypoint, some pho- saw. The track is gentle, muddy and narrow, of Gallon’s sawmill. Little remains of the mill, tographs and stand in quiet contemplation. and soon in the shallows I spot the rusting remains of a log hauler and boiler. They are 4 5 54 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
6 78 sitting alone in the inlet and are slowly being deck, before entering the forest track which more historic log haulers. The haulers are well eaten away. It’s like nature is fighting back here leads inland and crosses the island. This track protected from the elements and are over 100 on the island. Just like the forest has reclaimed section is renowned for being muddy even years old. They stem from a time when most Gallon’s sawmill, here the water and oxidation in summer, and the ranger’s earlier report of the rimu logs used for shipbuilding had reclaims the iron back into the earth. After proved very true. While there has been a lot been felled on the island. The coastal fringes rounding a few more bays I reach North Arm of upgrade work to this Great Walk, I was still where these massive machines stand were Hut. It’s painted green as the forest and sits surprised at the extent of the inland section milled until the 1930s. It is incredible how alone overlooking the Arm. Tonight I am not of the bog. The track started with tread-deep densely the forest now closes around these alone. Before nightfall a woman reaches the muck; this deteriorated to boot deep mud, relics as it did around Gallon’s mill. hut, at twilight two deer graze beside the deck then just before the highest point of the track and after dark two young blokes come in late. there were places I dared not pass even if I Leaving the haulers behind, the track nears With a hut capacity of 24, the four of us sleep had gumboots. I managed to find enough the coast. In the distance, I can hear kiwis in isolation making the most of the space in logs and stumps to avoid the deepest holes calling. Their squeals get louder as I near a the near-empty hut. This is winter tramping but my lingering memory of this part is not group of young folk. They beckon me closer rest at its best. of rising to the tops… but more of sinking to and in whispers tell me of a kiwi (bird) just the bottom. Soon the track begins its descent around the corner. I thank the party and Next morning is clear, cold and calm. As I to the coastline and dries out as I reach two begin to quietly step along the track, avoid- leave the hut I take care not to slip on the icy ing snapping twigs and peering left and right for this elusive bird. Was I going to squeal too like the others I wondered? Next, I initiate my search-and-rescue training as if deployed to look for a lost party. I begin purposeful wan- dering looking for a sign around dead spars, rotten logs and any homely grotto that would be kiwi friendly. I give up the search and it all seems like a prank – I am not sure if these young ones were just pulling my tired legs. 1. The forest here is lush and varied 2. The cobbles that make up the start of my forest walk 3. Overlooking the tannin-stained stream waters 4. Māori Beach in Wooding Bay looks perfect for a dip 5. Crossing over to reach Māori Beach 6. There are beautiful forest walking sections 7. Wildlife spotting straight outside the hut 8. One of the rusting historic boilers along the shoreline 9 9. There are beautiful forest walking sections MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 55
10 With the day and tide receding, I begin to marking a return to the trailhead carpark. months leaves little time for lingering. There lengthen my stride. I take a quick detour to From here most trampers get a shuttle pickup are still many weeks’ worth of work back in Port William Hut to log it for the Great Hikes 5km back to Oban, yet I elect to walk and the office to compile and launch the Great App. As far as coastal huts go, this one is one follow the coast into town. Once back, I save Hikes App before the summer walking season. of the best I have seen and would have made the GPS tracking logs, wash the mud off my Looking back from my warm office, the Rak- a perfect overnight retreat. The hut has a large boots and wait for the next ferry home. iura experience for me was mellow, muddy grassed lawn overlooking a white sand beach and magnetic… the attraction of the island in a sheltered cove. I can see why this area My time on the island was brief. Walk- is so much more than just the Great Walk. would be a good place to settle. Over 100 years ing all the Great Walks over just a couple of ago the government attempted to encourage 11 1000 Shetland Island emigrant families to this coastline. Barracks were initially built for 150 settlers, yet only five families arrived. With no community services, the families fled to the mainland and the settlement was abandoned. Today the only evidence of those times is a line of large eucalyptus gum trees on the shore above the bay. I flee too as I am also keen to return to civilisation today. My next stop is at a sus- pension bridge that overlooks Māori Beach; the name is derived from a former pā site that once occupied the south-eastern headland. This is an idyllic spot too, as there is a long sweeping sandy beach with a conservation campsite at the far end. There was once a saw- milling settlement where the present campsite lies; the community had several houses and a school. All that remains of the pioneering set- tlement today are some iron relics including a boiler. Leaving the sandy beach behind, the track scales the rocky headland and climbs high above the sea and coastal bluffs. There are great views over Foveaux Strait before I pass through the massive chain-link sculpture 56 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
13 10. Overlooking Māori Beach at Wooding Bay 11. Halfway buoy hangs overhead 12. Fishing still makes up a big part of Stewart Island’s economy 13. Enjoying trekking along the sandy beaches (Keri Moyle – signsoflife.co.nz) 14. Overlooking Māori Beach at Wooding Bay 12 14 MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 57
16 15 17 There was no time to retrace my steps to delve deeper into the island’s other tracks to 15. Near the highest point of find the elusive kiwi and it was too cold to climb up to Mt Anglem (980m). What struck the track overlooking the inlet swim in winter’s waters. The next time I visit me most is the recovery of the forest from 16. Reading the history of (and there will be a next) will be in summer, milling. How yesterday’s needs contrast with the log haulers (DOC) when I will make time for viewing wildlife today’s national park protection where the 17. Crossing the estuary on Ulva Island, catch a flight to land on the only logging during my trip was that taken at Little River (DOC/ 90 beach beside the dunes of Mason Bay and by my GPS unit. Seconds) Stats 32km, 3 Days 58 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
The walking Routeburn Track country we all dream Milford Track Queenstown of… Mavora - Greenstone Walkway Welcome Rock Trail Kepler Track Te Anau Piano Flat Loop Track Lumsden Big Totara Walk Hump Ridge Track Tuatapere Whisky Creek Track Gore Long Hilly Track Foveaux Walkway INVERCARGILL Rakiura Track Stewart Is. Southland is home to four epic Great Walks and a large number of stunning walking trails for hikers of all levels, including short, day, and multi-day walks. All of these walks let you sample the region’s rich natural heritage; traversing mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, sandy beaches and rocky shorelines. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to explore! DISCOVER MORE AT SOUTHLANDNZ.COM/GREATWALKING
ROAD TRIP Otago-Southland › Great Southern Loop SOUTHERNODYSSEY 1 Allan Dick heads out on a great southern loop, starting and finishing in Oamaru and including New Zealand’s deepest lake — and finds that we have our country back Story + Photos Allan Dick 2 60 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
3 4 Some of the territory we covered was St Bathans. Alas, the weather didn’t play ball marginal in terms of road conditions, but if I hate to say this when so many people involved and there was a chill wind that kept us in our you are looking for a Great South Holiday, in the international tourist industry are winter jackets as we saluted the New Year. this gives you a bit of everything – you can facing such tough times – but it’s nice to delete the rough bits and still be stunned by have our country back again! But these were two-day trips. For our first the beauty of it all. And the incredible variety I have spent much of the past month real expedition of 2022 we decided on a great – mountains and lakes to spectacular ocean getting around as much of the lower part southern loop – Oamaru to Oamaru via Central views. of the South Island as I can and have loved Otago, Western Southland, Invercargill and it. No overcrowding and no rushing to get back to Oamaru via the Catlins and Dunedin. We were lucky with the weather; timing camping spots before they fill up. Less traffic. There was no real planning of the route and it for day after day after day of high twenty, Less impatience. in typical, disorganised fashion, we followed early thirty degrees temperatures. I have the noses, whims and interesting looking tracks sunburn to prove it. Christmas Day was spent in Skippers at and trails. the end of the dramatically breathtaking road From Oamaru there are two direct routes behind Queenstown that scares the pants off Waaaal – that’s not really true. While my into Central Otago – up the magnificent so many people. I thought we might be alone part of it may have been a bit loose in the Waitaki Valley and then through the Lindis – but there were three other vehicles there planning, not so when it came to packing Pass to Cromwell, or south on SH1 to when we arrived on Christmas Eve. So much the Nissan. Audrey’s Mother had dotted her Palmerston and then up the Pig Root where for bright ideas! i’s, crossed her t’s to such a degree of ‘only- you head into the vastness of the Maniototo what’s-needed’ you’d have thought we were Plains. We chose the latter as we wanted to We spent a couple of days there with a day on an Everest Expedition. She reckoned the arrive through Ranfurly. trip up the adjacent Branches Road – possibly 12 teaspoons I had in my cutlery box was the most breathtaking and easily drivable overkill, so ten were given the heave-ho! On the way though, tummies must be filled road in New Zealand. as we forsook breakfast to hit the road earlyish Packing and unpacking was down to a and Vanessa’s Cottage Café in Hampden However, we fooled the crowds on New razor-sharp art – five minutes to set up camp, always fills the bill. Year’s Eve and found a remote spot known five minutes to get ready for the road again. only to God, deep in the mountains behind A handmade lamb’s fry and bacon pie for him and ‘scramblers’ (scrambled eggs) for Audrey’s Mother, while little black Audrey was content with the water in a dog bowl. It has to be said that while the pies in Fairlie deservedly have a legion of fans, with queues outside each day, there are plenty of other places around New Zealand that also excel in creating masterpieces of the Kiwi staple–and Vanessa’s is one of these places. Muddy Creek Café in Omakau is another unsung hero in the pie-making pantheon. 1. The Pig Root – a smoothly flowing road takes you into Central Otago from Palmerston 2. Duffers Saddle on the way into the Nevis from Bannockburn is the highest public road in New Zealand 3. The historic hotel at Becks – restored several years ago but now sits idle 4. Sheep yard waiting for a trim perhaps? MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 61
56 Palmerston is the turning off point for the plain of the Maniototo. region – I will get around to that one day. Pig Root. It’s not Palmerston South, just plain Once this was a land of wealthy sheep and But look, we’ve got a long way to go in this old Palmerston, because it was here before Palmy (North). cattle farmers – almost farmer barons – but odyssey, so let’s not tarry. the crash of the eighties hit hard and changed That first night was spent at the Manorburn And yes, this road is called the Pig Root, the ‘landed gentry’ image of the region. Today not the Pig Route, and no, it’s not some smutty irrigation has brought cows and new wealth. dam, not Lower Manorburn near to schoolboy joke. Pigs did a lot of rooting up of Alexandra, which used to be a major ice- the ground with their snouts … honestly! In a Ranfurly, the capital of the Maniototo skating venue once upon a time, but the recent issue of NZTODAY I listed the Lindis reminds me of the town in the Clint Eastwood Upper Manorburn at the end of an endless Pass as one of my most favourite drives in movie, High Plains Drifter. Sort of all out on gravel road deep into a Moonscape of schist- New Zealand – well the Pig Root is right up its own in this ocean of flatness. rocks and bareness. This is a long way in and there as well. It’s broad, sweeping, and while it the Manorburn is actually two lakes with two climbs considerably in its length it is gradual, There is an art deco look to many of the dams – the original being drowned when this so you are not really aware of the constantly buildings here, the indirect result of a fire irrigation project was extended. There are increasing elevation. Like the Lindis, there are in the early thirties that saw several new some cribs/baches here, mostly built from no towns. Once you pass through Dunback buildings erected at about the same time. They recycled bits and pieces. The lake is also full – and that’s a don’t-blink – you just get on used to have an annual Art Deco weekend. of kōura, the freshwater crayfish. Limit is 50 with the pleasure of driving. It’s also lightly But don’t go expecting Napier. per person per day. trafficked. Apart from irrigation, currently the other This is breathtaking but lonely country. The change from standard New Zealand source of ‘wealth’ in these parts comes from Access? People tow boats in here, but you pasture to the dramatic landscape of Central the Otago Central Rail Trail that passes right really need something with some ground Otago happens quite quickly – one minute through the Maniototo. Hot and sweaty clearance. you have grass and trees, next minute, tussock, people on big flash pushbikes are as common We spent that perfect night under a schist-rock and the great, mountain-ringed here as Herefords. cloudless sky watching the stars, seeing satellites zoom and identifying shapes from I could and should, write a story about the Maniototo. It’s such a dramatic, but lost, 7 8 5. Campsite on the Manorburn dam. It was idyllic. Inset: Koura aplenty – at both Manorburn and Poolburn. The limit is 50 per person per day. Some are quite sizeable 6. Curious letterbox in Ranfurly 7. Small town of Lauder – on the Otago Central Rail Trail – gets Audrey’s approval 8. The frock in the window gives a clue that the Omakau hardware store no longer sells screws, nails, nor 4 x 2s 62 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
9 10 11 the schist-rock strewn skylines. Was there a murder that was never solved ‘New Central’ and we had a repast at Olivers We liked this so much that night two was around here? I think so. Restaurant, which is now very much back to the legendary status it enjoyed in the grand spent around the corner and up the last part In the morning we had to make a quick days of Fleur Sullivan. of the Old Dunstan Trail at the Poolburn dam. trip back into Ranfurly for ice as the heat was Similar to Manorburn, but a shorter drive in getting to the chilly bins, and keeping the The Ritchie family bought Olivers when and on a road that is OK for any vehicle – as beer cold is a necessity so it can be enjoyed it was closed and run down. The rebirth is long as it’s dust proof. at your destination. And there were other magnificent – both accommodation and considerations, like butter and bacon needing food. The owners are descendants of the John More cribs, a lot more here, scattered to be kept chilled. McFarlane Ritchie who founded the stock around the shores of the lake, mostly firm, National Mortgage and Agency (NMA) separated and given privacy by the enormous We have good chilly bins, but the heat was way, way back in 1877. schist-rocks. – and just as many kōura. searing, turning ice to water quickly. Next stop, after buying apricots and There are council signs here that say there is After Ranfurly it was lickity-split down to cherries, was hustling, bustling Cromwell. Just to be no more reclaiming of old huts. It would Alexandra, stopping off at various favourite too busy for us to be relaxing, so we topped up seem that people were finding a bit of 4 x 2 places and making a detour to Ophir which with fuel and headed out into the wilderness stuck in the ground and saying, “ah this is part is a place lost in time. It’s just lovely. of the high Nevis – the Nevis Valley, one of of a hut” and building on that. our favourite destinations. Our stop in Alexandra was for a visit to the Of the Manorburn and Poolburn I am Warehouse as Audrey’s Mother was insisting I This runs from Bannockburn to Garston – not sure which is my favourite. They both had to get into ‘shorts and jandals’, which the 70 kilometres of harsh and vast beauty with deserve an overuse of clichés to describe red shed provided at very modest cost. a long climb in, 25-odd river crossings and a their remoteness, the tranquility of the high climb up and down to Garston. water contrasting with the harshness of the Question, how can they sell jandals at $2.50 landscape. with everyone along the manufacturer and The Nevis was almost ‘Friday night on supply chain still making a profit? Queen Street’. Normally the place is empty On the way out of Poolburn we stopped at apart from a couple of residents and curious the old Moa Creek hotel and store out on the I like Alexandra. It’s ‘Old Central’ – the way passers-through. This year though, the large edge of loneliness and pondered on where we the region used to be before… well, before it flat area in the Lower Nevis by the bridge and were and what it was like back in the old days. all changed! river had maybe 20 campervans baking in the sun. One family even had a couple of horses Clyde has changed. It’s now very much behind a temporary electric fence. We stopped to say hello to residents Ken and Anne Adie who live on a property claimed by Ken’s great-grandfather, who was a gold miner and his sluicings are still clearly visible on the lonely hillside. 9. Poolburn skyline – can you see a ship here? 10. Homespun signage at the Poolburn reservoir 11. Old Moa Creek Hotel with store alongside – both long closed 12. The historic Post Office in 12 Ophir is still open for business MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 63
13 14 The Adies had a visitor, Paul Hampton an ordinary two-wheel-drive car. it just slumbers. who was staying along the road in his ‘uncle’s I have done the Nevis in two-wheel-drive It was also the scene of New Zealand’s house’. cars before, but it’s safer and easier with a biggest bank robbery. In 1983 two men – Graeme Stewart, a Nevis enthusiast, wasn’t 4WD. But Ken was right – this trip was an Alastair Barr and Gibson Grace – robbed the at home but his property is always open absolute breeze. BNZ bank of $107,000. for a display of sheds and memorabilia he’d gathered up from around the valley. Garston, at the foot of the mountain “on Grace was murdered to keep him silent the other side” is the town that’s furthest and Barr – and another man – was charged But change may be coming. Plans to dam away from the sea anywhere in New Zealand with both the murder and the bank robbery. the river and flood some of the valley for a so I was informed by Audrey’s Mother as we Today, the bank is a café. power station were thwarted by protest from descended the hill into the town. fisherfolk some years ago, but the new owners Surprisingly the Southland Council allows of Ben Nevis station have built a lodge and On the way, the old ski lodge was almost freedom camping for vehicles without toilets have established an adventure project that submerged in cars and tents. “What’s going in the precinct around the railway station. At includes mountain buggies. on here?” we asked. one stage tents were also allowed but it all got a bit out of hand, so tents were banned, but We found an area by the river and, quite It was a 60-hour mountain running race! cars and vans allowed – along with certified alone, had a fantastic night – again star and The things some people do for fun. campervans of course. satellite watching. In fact, it was so good we spent two nights there! Garston is lovely. The pub appeared to be But now the international tourist trade closed, but the café in the shiny Airstream has ended, the place was barely occupied. I The road through the Upper Nevis can caravan was busy, so we moved on to counted only four vehicles parked there while be difficult, particularly after rain and with Lumsden. Audrey’s Mother went over the road to the so many river crossings. But Ken Adie said Four Square for more ice. they’d “done it up” and it was negotiable by Lumsden. Once a busy railhead – something that is well remembered in an This region of northern and western historic precinct around the old station –now 15 16 64 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022 17
18 19 Southland is oddly beautiful. Sweeping 20 13. The track into the Nevis Valley mountains on one side – and the dark, that project was stopped by protest. However, 14. A ‘recent’ miner’s hut in the Nevis brooding mass of Fiordland on the other a dominating feature of the landscape here are 15. A work of art. A mobile home in – laced together by quality farmland. And the power lines from Manapouri that march Bannockburn based on a TK Bedford truck good fishing. There’s also the Around the to the Tiwai Point smelter. 16. Suspension bridge on the road to Lake Mountains Cycle Trail that begins at Walter Monowai Peak Station and ends at Kingston. Monowai is accessed by a good gravel road 17. The historic Clifden suspension bridge through beautiful landscapes. But on arrival has many a tale to tell It’s sparsely populated region with a few the car parks were chocka with utes and 18. Nevis residents – Ken and Anne Adie with scattered towns. empty boat trailers. their neighbour Paul Hampton. The Adies are Nevis royalty That night was at Mavora Lakes – surely So, we headed back out and took the long 19. Old house in the Nevis showing distinctive one of the most idyllic places in New drive into Lake Hauroko – New Zealand’s stonework. Audrey grins for the camera Zealand. It’s a 37km drive in on mostly deepest lake – I understand you could sink 20. HQ for a 60-hour running race just out of gravel roads but the sheer beauty of the place Auckland’s Sky Tower in it. It’s ringed by the Nevis! is breathtaking – beech forest, tranquil lakes forest and, again, a place of exquisite beauty. and mountain peaks. But the car parks here were also It’s a DOC camp with toilets and running overflowing with utes and empty boat trailers! water everywhere. Next morning, we took the run from Mavora Lakes down the huge Von Valley to Walter Peak Station on the shores of Lake Wakatipu opposite Queenstown – but we were a world away. Once again, because of the lack of international tourists, we were virtually alone. The Von Valley is part of the Around the Mountains Trail and shelters and toilets are provided at a couple of places. Coming out to civilisation and just back on the tar seal I picked up a puncture on the left rear tyre and tried for a new tyre in our next stop, Te Anau, but none was available. So we carried on with no spare and fingers crossed. Te Anau was busy, and we drove to Lake Monowai and then Lake Hauroko. Monowai was raised for a power scheme and there were plans to raise Manapouri, but 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 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. MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 65With 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.
21 Yet there was no sign of boats out on the lake. girl, with my widower Grandfather Fordyce. 22 However, there is a DOC camping/picnic He was a coal miner so moved the family to Invercargill was sweltering and after New Zealand for work. area at the midway point, and we headed back checking out the massive, entire city block to it. There was only one other vehicle there. After pretending I thought I knew which redevelopment, we scarpered east for Fortrose cottage the family had once settled in, we were and onto the Catlins. Next morning, instead of continuing south back on the road. to Tuatapere and along the South Coast to Invercargill, we headed inland to Ohai and Winton was yet another ice-stop and a Nightcaps, then Winton and Invercargill. quick visit to the grave of Minnie Dean, the only woman to be executed in New Zealand. This is limestone and coal country. There She murdered children. A “Baby Farmer” was a cement works at Orawia once, today they called her. coal is still produced in smallish quantities at both Ohai and Nightcaps. Winton is a prosperous looking town with a really good feel about it. I stayed there one These towns have all seen better days. night and found a takeaway bar that did There is a connection –my mother came crumbed sweetbreads. I bought a bagful. from Scotland to Ohai in 1924 as a 13-year-old 21. The breathtaking Von Valley runs from the Mavora Lakes to Lake Wakatipu 22. A robin got friendly at Mavora Lakes 23. View up Lake Wakatipu from the Von Valley Road near Walter Peak Station The coolest cafe around with real home made food. 24 London Street, 23 Hampden MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 67
24 Fortrose is on the estuary of the Mataura sign that said, ‘Weir’s Beach’ and investigated Tourism hasn’t really spoiled the Catlins at River and is a very pleasant place on a day – it turned out to be a sandy beach on Haldane all and despite the loss of the hillbilly image like this was. We drove up to the bluff on Bay with a freedom camping spot, toilet and it remains unspoiled. the northern side of the estuary and lost our running water. breaths with the views. I gave a couple of seconds thought to A year or so back locals wanted the place driving along the beach to the small village This southeast corner of the South Island closed as most nights it was overflowing of cribs on the Tautuku Peninsula, but we was once a rough and tumble place with with ‘door sliders’ and tents as backpacker- needed to get back to Ōamaru and pressed a hillbilly feel to it. But tourism, dramatic type tourists with accents learned, through on through bustling Owaka – and ‘bustling’ improvements to the roads, amalgamation a phone app that it was free. Today though, is a word once you would never have used of smaller farms into larger ones and an with those tourists gone, we shared the place for Owaka – sleepy (and perhaps backwards) appreciation of the beauty have transformed with just two other vehicles. was more apt. the place. This was our final night and, in the morning, Back onto SH1 at Balclutha and at Lake We toured down the side roads to Waipapa took a quick detour to Curio Bay where I Waihola we headed over the hill to Taieri and Slope Points before thinking about where showed Audrey’s Mother the cliff where John Mouth and then up the magnificent coast to stay that night. Beckenridge and his stepson disappeared road to my old stamping ground of Brighton. several years ago in what’s thought to have On the road to Slope Point – the been a staged incident. On the way we passed the home of actress southernmost tip of the South Island – I saw a Rebecca Gibney who has relocated here. 25 24. A boat comes in at Lake Hauroko — New 26 Zealand’s deepest lake 25. Ohai has seen better days. Once it was where the writer’s mother called home 26. Nightcaps still has a modern 4 Square store and a working pub — but also some old empty shops 68 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
27 28 27. Headstone on the This drive – Waihola, Taieri Mouth 29 grave of murderess Minnie Dean in the Winton Brighton, Dunedin is full of nostalgia for me. cemetery. For years there Back home in Ōamaru, late afternoon was nothing here 28. Lighthouse at we reflected. Audrey’s Mother thought Waipapa Point – scene Manorburn was fantastic, but the Nevis was of New Zealand’s worst her favourite spot. Little black curly Audrey– civilian maritime disaster who had spent most of the trip in the back, 29. Beautiful Taieri Mouth her head out the window biting the air – with some of the fishing also thought the Nevis was special but was fleet disappointed there were no bunnies to chase. DOES YOUR CARAVAN OR I enjoyed the entire trip – even lying on MOTORHOME LEAK? melting tar seal to get the jack under the Nissan after the puncture. YOU NEED OUR LIQUID RUBBER WATERPROOF SEALANT Put it on your Bucket List. SIMPLY PAINT OR ROLL IT ON AND WALK AWAY 1Alit,vrae4ilpa&abil1les0in From selected Mitre 10 outlets or for further information visit our website www.liquidrubber.co.nz Email [email protected] MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 69
FROOODAREDCIPKESAI COOK BOOK Speedy Lamb Salad TO BE WON Serves 4 DINNER EXPRESS 300 g lamb backstrap George Georgievski 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for rubbing Macmillan Publishers $29.99 RRP 1 tablespoon salt flakes 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Scan QR code below or email 1 iceberg lettuce Subject line Road Kai to 1 Lebanese cucumber, halved lengthways, deseeded and sliced into [email protected] half moons 200 g mini roma tomatoes, halved Give us your full contact details 1 yellow capsicum, sliced and which recipe shown here 50 g (½ cup) soft goat’s cheese, cut into cubes 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar you will try first. 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze 1 teaspoon dried oregano Entries close 30 APRIL 2022 Let’s start with the lamb. Rub olive oil over the lamb backstrap and season with the salt to enter online and pepper. Heat a large frying pan over medium–high heat, add the lamb and sear it for 3 minutes each side for medium–rare, or until cooked to your liking. Transfer the WINNER lamb to a plate, cover with foil and let it rest – it will continue to cook through and the ROAD KAI juices will help marinate the meat. Now the salad part. Break up the lettuce as rustic VOL 13 or as neatly as you like. Drop it in a large bowl and add the cucumber, tomato and N Stevens capsicum. Carefully drop in the goat’s cheese – it’s a little difficult to handle as it’s so Rangiora soft, but it’s way worth it. For the dressing, grab a clean jar and add the oil, both types of balsamic and the dried oregano. Screw the lid on and give it a good shake, then pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Slice the lamb into 1–2 cm wide strips and place it on a chopping board to serve, so your peeps can help themselves. Place in the centre of the table with the salad and watch it disappear right before your eyes. But wait, there’s more! The lamb backstrap is the secret to this recipe so I don’t recommend swapping it out. If you’re really lamb averse, you could use boneless chicken thighs at a pinch and adjust the cooking time. I’ve gone a bit fancy here and topped the lamb with some oven-roasted rosemary sprigs and whole cloves of garlic. MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 71
Cheat’s Ricotta Sticky Fingers & Feta Burek Sesame Chicken Serves 4 Serves 4 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 supermarket whole roast chicken 375 g packet of frozen filo pastry, just thawed 4 x 90 g packets of 2-minute noodles 250 g smooth ricotta 70 g (1 cup) broccoli florets 200 g feta 70 g (1 cup) snow peas, trimmed 1 spring onion, chopped sesame seeds, to serve You can cook the burek in an air fryer or the oven. If cooking in the oven, preheat it to 190 C. Grab a 30 cm round baking dish or something similar – you can even STICKY SESAME SAUCE use a cake tin. 175 g (½ cup) honey Using a pastry brush, lightly grease the dish with a little of the oil, then drop in 3 tablespoons soy sauce two sheets of filo. Brush the pastry with oil and lay another two sheets on top. 1 tablespoon lime juice Spread half the ricotta all over the filo. The filo is fragile but don’t stress if you 50 g ( cup) sesame seeds tear it, it’s all good. Crumble half the feta over the ricotta and add another two sheets of filo. Now stay with me for this next part: gently scrunch and bunch up First things first, remove the chicken from the bag and divide it into eight pieces. parts of the filo to the give it some height. We want to create air pockets and fill To make the sticky sesame sauce, place the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk the dish. Brush the top of the scrunched filo with a little more oil and top with over medium–low heat until warmed through. We only want the ingredients to another sheet, but leave it flat, tucking in the edges around the scrunched filo. infuse, not boil like lava. Add the balance of the ricotta and feta, then add a final two sheets of filo to Cook your noodles according to the packet instructions, then drain and set aside. cover it all and brush generously with the balance of the vegetable oil. Bake the Put your kettle on to boil. Pop the broccoli and snow peas in a heatproof bowl burek in the oven for 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp. If using an air fryer, and cover with the boiling water. Let them sit for 90 seconds, then drain well. cook at 180 C for 15 minutes. Slice it up and watch it disappear. Divide the noodles among four bowls and top each bowl with two pieces of chicken. Add the blanched veggies and spring onion and spoon half the sauce But wait, there’s more! over the top. Sprinkle some sesame seeds over the chicken. Pop the rest of the Fillings are a matter of taste and preference. Burek is also often filled with mince sauce in small dipping bowls, so everyone can dip their chicken for even more and onion as well as ajvar (roasted red capsicum sauce), spinach or even pizza sticky, saucy goodness. You’re welcome. toppings. You can easily convert this to a dessert burek: simply combine 2–3 grated apples, 3 tablespoons of brown sugar and a little ground cinnamon. Handy hints You’re very welcome. If you add chilli to the sauce it takes on a completely different taste. It’s not for everyone but damn it’s so good. You can use low-sodium soy sauce or even sweet soy sauce; it’s all about personal preference. The sticky sesame sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week, so keep any leftovers for more delicious dipping later in the week. Easy, flexible loan terms for new, used, and custom-built RVs. For personal service call JD on 021 564 799 or apply online at SpartanFinance.co.nz JD Rayner 72 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
BOOK GIVEAWAYS to enter online WBOOIKNREBVIEOWSOKS ONE COPY OF EACH TITLE TO BE WON! The Wheels To enter email the book title as subject to: [email protected] or post to: on the Truck NZTRV Vol 15 Books, PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711 with your full details, and go in the draw to win. Closes 30 Apr 2022 Topp Twins & Jenny Cooper RRP $21.99 Change Sings: A Scholastic Children’s Anthem Another country classic to add to the Topp Twins/Jenny Cooper collection, Amanda Gorman & Loren Long and this one’s a feelin’ good bumper RRP $24.99 of a ride! Two keen anglers (bearing Penguin a strong resemblance to a certain In this stirring, much-anticipated picture pair of Dames) vroom, screech, and book by presidential inaugural poet and beep their way down the road. Join activist Amanda Gorman, anything is the ride for some wheel-spinning fun! possible when our voices join together. As a young girl leads a cast of characters on a musical journey, they learn that they have the power to make changes – big or small – in the world, in their communities, and in most importantly, in themselves. The Heron’s Cry Take Risks Retro and Vintage Boats: Kiwi Portraits Ann Cleeves John Marsden Don Jessen RRP $34.99 RRP $39.99 RRP $39.99 Pan Macmillan Pan Macmillan Bateman Books North Devon is enjoying a rare hot Life is a thrilling adventure. Retro and Vintage Boats is a picturesque reminder of an elegant time past, summer with tourists flocking to its Our children get only rare glimpses of when beauty, form and style ruled. They are the beautiful classic car or coastline. Detective Matthew Venn is the possibilities. stunning hot rod of the lakes and sea, and they are becoming increasingly called out to a rural crime scene at the To roam, to dare, to fail … these are the sought after by Kiwi boaties. Within these pages author Don Jessen presents home of a group of artists. What he rights of children. a highly covetable selection of these beautiful boats, and their stories. finds is an elaborately staged murder – John Marsden, the award-winning, Dr Nigel Yeo has been fatally stabbed. bestselling author of the Tomorrow BOOK WINNERS VOL 13 His daughter Eve is a glassblower, and series, has spent his life educating kids the murder weapon is a shard of one of and teenagers. He is passionate about The Little Yellow Digger Saves Christmas her broken vases. the need to prepare them in all ways for A Eveleigh, Te Puke Dr Yeo seems an unlikely murder victim. the demands of adulthood. New Zealand A Painted Journey He’s a good man, a public servant, As the founder and principal of two P Robinson, Thames beloved by his daughter. Matthew is schools – Candlebark and Alice Miller 24 Hours in the Bush unnerved, though, to find that she is a – John has put his theories to the test T Hawken, Westport close friend of Jonathan, his husband. and seen the empowering results of his Stressless Then another body is found – killed in methods. P Geddes, Hamilton a similar way. Matthew finds himself Take Risks is the compelling memoir What Happened To You? treading carefully through the lies that of a revered author and educator, and D Collinson, Invercargill fester at the heart of his community a forthright discussion on teaching, Blood on Vines and a case that is dangerously close to parenting and society as a whole. J Wilkins, Kaiapoi home … The Top Secret Intergalactic Notes of Buttons NcGinty H Apouri, Gisborne 1-Minute Gardener A Wilkinson, Dunedin MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 73
Beyond the Stethoscope Allegra in Three Parts Wild Seas to Greenland Lucy Mayes Suzanne Daniel Rebecca Hayter RRP $34.99 RRP $34.99 RRP $39.95 Heart Works Press Pan Macmillan Oceanspirit Publishing A profound insight into the state of our health care Eleven-year-old Allegra shuttles between her system, the wellbeing of patients and that of their grandmothers who live next door to one another but In a rare combination of writing and sailing skills, doctors. First hand stories of doctors on themes couldn’t be more different. Matilde works all hours and including the power of the therapeutic relationship; instils discipline, duty and restraint. She insists that multiple-award winning yachting journalist Rebecca compassion; preventative care; the doctors’ own Allegra focus on her studies to become a doctor. wellbeing journey; and mind-body plus other holistic Meanwhile free-spirited Joy is full of colour, possibility Hayter joined Ross Field, winner of the 1994 Whitbread understandings of health and healing. Our health and emotion, storing all her tears in little glass bottles. care system is sick. We live in an era of factory style She is riding the second wave of the women’s movement Round the World Yacht Race, on a quest to sail the medicine, spiralling costs, complex and chronic in the company of her penny tortoise, Simone de conditions, and doctors at the heart of it under pressure Beauvoir, encouraging Ally to explore broad horizons and Northwest Passage. as never before. Witnessing worrying burnout in her live her ‘true essence’. doctor husband, Lucy Mayes went on a quest to find out And then there’s Rick who lives in a flat out the back and Wild Seas to Greenland has wide appeal for DIY experts, what is really going on behind the scenes in medicine. finds distraction in gambling and solace in surfing. He’s trying to be a good father to Al Pal, while grieving the real-life and armchair adventurers, and even those who woman who links them all but whose absence tears them apart. enjoy a bit of soul-searching will love this romp through Allegra is left to orbit these three worlds wishing they loved her a little less and liked each other a lot more. Until ice-chilled waters. one day the unspoken tragedy that’s created this division explodes within the person they all cherish most. The 143-Storey Treehouse The CSIRO Gut Care Guide Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton Dr Cuong D Tran and Megan Rebuli RRP $17.99 RRP $39.99 Pan Macmillan Pan Macmillan We know that the gut – in particular, our gut microbiome We’ve added thirteen new levels to our Treehouse (it used to be – plays a crucial role in our wellbeing, helping to maintain 130 storeys, but it keeps on growing!) including a word-o-matic the health of our immune system, brain and metabolism. (it knows every word in the whole world!); a recycling depot; a Also included are go-to lists of good fibre choices for your wrecking ball; a deep, dark cave with a real live, fire-breathing pantry, fridge and freezer; simple tips and sample meal dragon; a complaining room; a spooky graveyard (where it’s plans; and 60 delicious fibre-fuelled recipes, including always midnight, even in the middle of the day); and a camping banana nut granola, crispy chilli eggs, golden fish tacos ground where you can have a nice, relaxing camping holiday. and sumac chicken with tahini yoghurt – all designed to deliver a range of different fibres and nutrients to boost your gut health. 74 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
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SUBSCRIPTION & ENTRY FORM $49.95 1 YEAR - 6 ISSUES + 6 DIGITAL EDITIONS FREE! NEW SUBSCRIBER RENEWAL MEMBER NO. GIFT SUBSCRIPTION SEND ME SPECIAL EDITIONS NAME PH MOBILE EMAIL I agree to accept RV Express digital newsletter and emails from RnR Publishing Ltd. No information will be shared with any third party for any purpose. ADDRESS POSTCODE ONLY $49.95 FOR NZMCA NUMBER IF APPLICABLE: 6 ISSUES + 6 DIGITAL TYPE OF VEHICLE: MOTORHOME CAMPER VAN BUS 5TH WHEELER EDITIONS FREE! CARAVAN OTHER AGE: NEW USED www.rnrpublishing.co.nz/win-a-wicked-wheels-e-bike YOUR AGE GROUP: BABY BOOMER 1946 - 1964 GEN X 1965-1976 MILLENNIALS 1976-1995 ENTER ONLINE GEN Z 1996-2015 SCAN THE QR CODE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE SPECIAL EDITION TITLES AVAILABLE NOW WICKEDWHEELS ONLINE 2022 SPECIAL EDITION WALK CYCLE TRAIL $19.95 ENTRY FORM NORTH ISLAND SOUTH ISLAND ROAD TRIP MAGAZINES $14.95 EACH www.rnrpublishing.co.nz/win-a-wicked-wheels-e-bike SUBSCRIPTION RATES NZ ONE YEAR - 6 ISSUES POSTED + 6 DIGITAL $49.95 NZ ONE YEAR FOR ME + GIFT $99.90 AUST/PACIFIC ONE YEAR $90 THE REST OF THE WORLD $150 PAYMENT TOTAL AMOUNT $ VISA MASTER CARD NAME ON CARD CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRY DATE SIGNATURE POST THIS FORM TO Wicked Wheels, P O Box 220, Martinborough, 5711, New Zealand or email: [email protected] (Contact by email for bank account details) or call the Subscription Hotline 06 306 6041 Monday to Friday 10am to 3pm or do it online: www.rnrpublishing.co.nz or scan the QR CODE > Terms and conditions 1. The prizes are as stated and are not redeemable for cash 2. Prizes will be drawn in order of value, if applicable 3. All entries must be received by 30 April 2022. Winners will be notified by phone, fax, email or letter and winners names will be published by Vol 17 July-Aug 2022 4. Entry is open to New Zealand residential addresses only, this is a Subscriber and readers promotion in RV-NZTL Vol 15 and excludes overseas and digital subscribers 5. Supplying an email address gives permission for RnR Publishing Ltd to contact that person by email via EDM 6. All readers and subscriber entries become the property of RnR Publishing Limited and may be used for further promotional purposes by RnR Publishing Ltd or Dometic NZ 7. Entry to the draw is deemed acceptance of these terms and conditions 8. The promoter is RnR Publishing Ltd, 28 Oxford Street, Martinborough in conjunction with Dometic NZ 9. The decision of the judge is final and no correspondence will be entered into. READERS ENTRY FORM - BE IN TO WIN NAME EMAIL PH ADDRESS POSTCODE I OWN AN RV YES NO Post to: RVNZT Sub, P O Box 220, Martinborough, 5711, New Zealand or email: [email protected] or enter online www.rnrpublishing.co.nz/win-a-wicked-wheels-e-bike
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Experience ADVERTORIAL nexecwelalednvecnetaunrde!a At RV Mega, we combine an extensive range do. They’re passionate motorhomes and caravans, ready to take you of RVs and RV accessories with decades about RVs and work on your next adventure. of installation and repair experience to hard to provide effi- provide a one-stop-shop for all our customers. cient and high-quality “RV Mega customers are an adventurous assistance,” explains Richard. bunch, we enjoy working with them while Locally owned and operated in the sunny The RV Mega workshop is something we they prepare for an exciting adventure, and Bay of Plenty since 1982, we know a thing are proud of – modern and fully equipped, we love it when they pop in afterwards for a or two about the importance of lifestyle. We our workshop team can install anything debrief on their expeditions!” says Richard. believe our purpose is for you to live your from a flat battery to solar panels and can dream, escape into the adventure and expe- undertake minor and major accident repairs. With the incredible scenic spots that rience the world of New Zealand. Of course, our workshop is approved for New Zealand has on offer, it is a no-brainer insurance work too. that you would want to see the sights and Our owner, Richard, is passionate about Our scheduled maintenance program appreciate the experiences in a stylish and this purpose. Richard’s decade-long obses- helps prevent costly water leaks and other comfortable RV! sion with motorhomes and caravans common issues that can leave you unable to escalated in 2020, when he decided to refocus travel when you want to - making sure you From fishing in the sandy bays of North- his career to reflect his passion and became can stay on the road is our priority. land, delighting in the culture and history of the new owner/operator of RV Mega. On the retail side, we take pride in having Wellington, to driving the coastal roads of the largest RV shop in New Zealand. Stock- the upper South Island and the almost-un- “My background is in supermarket man- ing over 5,000 parts and accessories with touched beauty of the deep south… what agement, both in New Zealand and the full manufacturers’ warranties, you can find better way to see it all? United Kingdom”, explains Richard. what you need our Mount Maunganui shop or online at www.rvmega.co.nz. Searching If you are thinking about purchasing a “From working in that industry, cus- for something a little different? With local new or pre-loved RV, but you have hesita- tomer service and customer satisfaction and international supply contacts we will do tions or need more information to make that was engrained in me – that’s why it’s at the our best to help you find the parts you need. decision, feel free to pop into our Hewletts forefront of everything we do at RV Mega.” We also stock some of the biggest RV Rd, Mount Maunganui showroom – or give brands around the world, new and pre-loved. us a call – and have a chat to our team. You Richard’s dedication to excellence across With new vehicle brands like Bailey, Adria might just find that, when it comes to fun the business is shared by our experienced, and Pilote, as well as well-maintained used and adventure, the best is yet to happen! 35-strong team. Within our consider- vehicles, our yard is packed with beautiful able 24-bay workshop, our team of skilled Future-focused, we are committed to technicians provide superior service; from innovating and continuing to provide luxury installations to repairs and fitouts, we ensure RV offerings to our customers. Stay tuned that all your RV-related needs are met to a to see what is coming to RV Mega VERY high standard. soon! “Our team truly are experts at what they MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 81
PROFILE CUB FRONTIER Camper trailer THWEAVTICDHEO CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION Youtube channel: NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Cub Campers fast set-up impressesWordsRobynMountainPhotosBruceMountain 1 Caravans and camp trailers are popular in Australia, with over 90 manufacturers located 1. Danny King from D&E Outdoors finishing the camper 2 around the country. For many years the camp setup by securing the clips and Velcro that hold the tent trailer has been especially popular, and it is no down 2. Plenty of storage in this 1400mm long pantry and wonder as there are hundreds, if not thousands storage drawer, a Dometic fridge box plugs in next door, and of kilometres between large cities. Australia is across the way the Frontier slide-out gas cooker and sink huge at 7.692 million km2 – with 60 per cent of unit with prep table is great 3. Exterior storage area for grey the nation’s roading being gravel, 574,660km at water, wheel-away container and items 4. I like the stippled last count of rough, often corrugated, red dirt finish to the stainless steel benches, won’t show the marks roads; another reason why big four-wheel drive and scratches of time so much. The gas hob cooker has and SUV vehicles are the biggest selling domestic wind-heat shields on the side and the glass lid behind vehicles. You need appropriate capabilities to drive the roads if you leave the city, and if towing 82 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022 a trailer or caravan, the ability to get on-and off- road safely. Established in 1968, Cub Campers are the longest-running manufacturer of camper trailers in Australia and are quite the experts in the market after 50 years, with in excess of 20,000 camper trailers built to date. Manufacturing is based in North Rocks, Sydney. D&E Outdoors in Ashburton handle the distributorship for Cub Campers’ trailers here in New Zealand. We examined their range as displayed at the motorhome show in Christ- church in 2021, so when visiting Ashburton later that year we took the opportunity to check out a demonstration of the quick and easy set-up these camper trailers offer. They are available in many sizes, starting from 3730mm length and 1700mm width for those looking for a com- pact tow trailer, to this model viewed, the Cub Frontier Camper, at 5510mm total length and 1980mm width. The range includes even larger
3 45 67 89 models with more features, so something to make installation easy for one person as well. It 5. Projecta IC2510 (240V) battery charger and meet many needs. took under five minutes for Ashley and Danny monitors, 1x100Ah AGM deep-cycle battery to get the unit set-up, the kitchen drawer unit 6. The body is steel and aluminium baked enamel. Ashley from D&E Outdoors in Ashburton pulled out and the long pantry drawer and 17-inch alloy wheels, 285–65 Goodyear Duratrac tyres met with us and drove to the park towing the fridge unit positioned, before dropping the 7. Dometic CFX3 95L double fridge/freezer box Cub Frontier Camper unit, but I got caught up steps for me to jump in for a closer look. They 8. Steel stone-guard, ALKO off-road Ball coupling. talking to Danny King from D&E and nearly didn’t have the awning with the camper this Galvanised RHS 100x50x3mm chassis and drawbar missed the setting up. Set-up is easy. Simply time, but told me it is around a 15-minute job 9. Spacious dining/living area, great views and good unhitch from the vehicle in the desired position, to set it up, so you’ll be sitting down reaching access in and out. Lots of LED lighting around as well unclip six clasps on the sides, use the Ezy-Wind for a cool drink in no time. silent winch to pull the lid up, over and down, in a unique forward-folding design that sees There is a lot to love in the combination of the unit stay within its existing total length of simplicity when going bush or anywhere off- 5100mm. There is no running around putting grid and still being able to have some luxuries up poles, or climbing inside to lift/secure/put with you – chiller for the food and drink, sink up supports; the internal tent and pole struc- and cooker to make great food, comfortable, ture lifts and pulls tight as it is wound up. Two safe, waterproof bed to sleep in, room for friends gas struts push the rear of the tent into place, as well, LED lighting and enough water and and clever design angles the bed-head section battery power for a few days. If you think you tight, but it doesn’t need more support poles. need more than that there are upgrade pack- Wind down the stays, secure the canvas tent ages offering an extra 80L water tank to add to with Velcro and clips around the exterior and the standard 100L fresh tank fitted, or an extra that’s about it. The awning has smart features to 100Ah battery to go with the one provided. MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 83
10 11 TECH SPECS Solar fittings are pre-installed so you can have of people and how long you are away off- 2021 Cub Frontier Camper four-berth camp a mobile solar mat on board to connect up road, and things like solar/batteries/water trailer starting from $58,995 For the new to while out there. You can also upgrade any and access to toilets and showers. Brilliant upgraded 2022 model (2021 model shown, model with a Truma hot-water system, that for many of the DOC camps in our stunning see website for new 2022 specifications) would tie into the kitchen as well as the exter- parks around the country – most of these have Chassis nal hot/cold shower hook up available, and toilets at least, some with showers and other • Independent coil spring suspension, twin have a heater installed in some models. facilities. shock absorbers, 12-inch electric brakes, Having midge-proof fly screens on the win- Talking with Danny or Ashley via phone, ALKO off-road Ball coupling. Galvanised RHS dows, with exterior awnings for shade and air online or in person will help you define what 100x50x3mm chassis and drawbar. Steel and flow is so typically Aussie, and so perfect for type of camper trailer might work best for you, aluminium baked enamel body panels. 17″ many parts of New Zealand, especially the bearing in mind your tow vehicle and what alloy wheels, 285–65 Goodyear Duratrac tyres. West Coast and other midge-crazy spots like your usage will be. This and the all-important • S lide-out double entry step, galvanised steel Mavora Lakes. budget will help you choose one of these units stone-guard, rear mounted spare wheel if a simple upgrade from tenting is your next Dimensions and weights It’s certainly a step up from toting a tent step. For those keen to be off-road, off-grid • GVM 1750kg, tare 1283kg, tow ball 149kg while taking all your belongings in the vehi- and accessing wild bush camp adventures, • T otal length 5510mm, width 1940mm, closed cle with you. You will still need to store things these may suit your RV Lifestyle needs. height 1600mm in the tow vehicle depending on the number • Trailer box size (L/W/H) 3680/1950/1550mm • Tent size (L/W) 3680/1950mm 10. The mattress is a pocket spring quality mattress, and a good size at (L/W/D) 2100x1600x135mm 11. Stepping Living into the camper, the bed folds out to the left, stays and awning poles work automatically, no fiddly putting-up goes • E xtra-long 1400mm Smev stainless steel slide- on here. Second double berth is the seating area, hydraulic table drops to make up a large bed area when required out kitchen, mains pressure in kitchen, three- burner gas cooktop, stainless steel sink, 12V power. Stainless steel slide-out for Dometic CFX3 dual compartment fridge-freezer box on AC/DC/solar. Slide-out pantry storage drawer. • 1 00L fitted fresh-water tank with 12V pump and hand pump on drawbar, roll-away grey water container. 2 x 4kg gas bottles, Power • 1 x 100Ah AGM deep-cycle battery, Projecta IC2510 (240V) 12V DCDC battery charger and monitor, Narva 12V internal and external outlets, 2 x USB sockets, Fusion stereo Tent • H andmade tent of Wax Converters Australian- made canvas. Roll-up side wall, rear wall canvas with window, window awnings-bed DS & front, sewn-in canvas window flaps and midge-proof fly screens. • Pocket spring mattress 2100x1600x135mm • S trip lights (Merit Plug) 1.2 & 3.7 metre. Ezy-Wind silent winch system, aluminium awning poles 84 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
LIGHTWEIGHT OFFROAD GO ANYWHERE CAMPER TRAILERS RIVERS, RIDGES OR ROADS – IT’S UP TO YOU! Cub Campers are easy to own, easy to AUSTRALIAN MADE tow, easy to set-up and easy to store. 5 YEAR WARRANTY ON CANVAS There’s no better time to get lost in the NZ landscape, and no better way to do it. 03 307 9557 MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 85 www.dne.co.nz
Action Manufacturing has gone from strength to strength since the early days of Ci Munro in Ōtorohanga. Today, our Kiwi team stands strong - with 230 skilled staff dedicated to developing the best mobile experiences specifically tailored for New Zealand. Action has learnt a thing or two over the last 70 years. But we believe championing New Zealand Manufacturing makes all the difference. We know that keeping it all local gives us 100% control over quality, by being right in the action, listening and learning to the evolving needs of our customers, we can deliver better vehicles with greater durability, value and enjoyment. It’s why we are trusted to build the KEA, Maui and Britz motorhomes which have travelled millions of kilometres on New Zealand’s roads. We have also developed our own line of motorhomes explicitly tailored for you. So why don’t you get your hands on a Motorhome built by New Zealand’s very own quality vehicle specialiser – Visit actionmotorhomes.co.nz or talk to the knowledgeable team at RV Super Center.
Are you tripping over surf boards in your campervan, not sure how to transport them? view looking backwards, and therefore it’s not transporting your boards just remove the possible to keep an eye on the boards through brackets and store them inside your van. the mirror too. The brackets are made of stainless steel, THE HARDWARE and will not deteriorate due to salt water contamination. Our standard brackets are made to fit onto the side of the Fiat Ducato, VW Crafter, or a The lower part of the bracket is padded and Mercedes Sprinter panel van. covered with a rubber sleeve to protect the boards. We are constantly making new adaptors THE PROBLEM for different vehicle types and models, such as gutter brackets for the older vehicles and Due to the high roof of a campervan, you need our recently developed brackets that fit on the a ladder to tie the boards on the roof, who side of the modern box type motorhome. carries a ladder in a camper or motorhome? THE BENEFITS THE SOLUTION The advantage of the side-mount brackets Transport the surfboards on the side of the is that you can keep the roof clear for solar van. Due to the high roof of the van, the surf- panels and the satellite dish. boards are mounted above the side mirrors and therefore cause no obstruction to the Loading and unloading the boards is very easy at roughly head height. The brackets can be removed and refitted without the need for a ladder, so if you are VRV110 830Hx475Wx505D VRV146 Your One Stop Accessories and Repair Shop 1100Hx590Wx550D We offer a wide range of services such as: Super efficient VRV175 Call Laurie or Satellite dish installations 12 or 24 volt 1270Hx590Wx575D Brett on Solar Installations compressor fridges Fridge installations available in 4 sizes 09 427 8247 Gas works DC electric works VRV250 AC electric works Lithium Ion Phosphate Batteries 1425Hx590Wx575D Plumbing works with Bluetooth connection to Certification work a smart phone, available Battery diagnostics in 100 and 200 Amp/Hr Customization work Airbag suspension work US vehicle conversions ALKO axle rebuilds Insurance work We have a wide range of Touch sensitive reading lights with USB ports Automatic and manual satellite dishes touch sensitive 7 Peters Way Silverdale Auckland 09 427 8247 dimable LED lights www.vantagerv.co.nz
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Home-build Bus conversion LIFESTYLE Regular reader Richard Longley is Darwinian evolution converting a 2012 Nissan Civilian of campervans ex-kindergarten bus, 6200mm B efore looking at my project to convert a long, 1920mm wide. This issue 2012 Nissan Civilian bus into a camper, Hiace van and created our first camper, its we introduce Richard, his love here’s a bit of background as to how I came layout roughly based on an old VW Kombi. for campervans and home-build to this project. I call it my Darwinian evolution Over the next six or seven years, we travelled conversions and the start of of the camper van! In 1997, I was living in over 100,000km around Europe in it. the project ahead, which will be southern France and we had an 18-month- shared with RV Lifestyle readers old baby. We travelled a lot and soon realised In 1999, we bought a building section in to completion. that a normal car was not the best solution for southern Portugal – a mere 1650km drive nappy changing, feeding, naps and playing. from our French home. Say it quickly and Words + Photos Richard Longley So, we bought an empty six-year-old Toyota it’s only a day-and-a-half ’s drive – in reality, 27 hours’ driving at a quick trot. Our route First Hiace pictured 2001 traversed the centre of Spain, where summer temperatures often get above 40°C. Not only was our Hiace van dark blue, it had no A/C, and we got very, very hot – we could practi- cally feel our heads boiling. The Toyota was a valiant home on the road, but our son was the only one of us able to stand up in it and it became increasingly cramped. So, in about 2005, we converted a two-year- old, white, Renault Master minibus into a second camper – and this one did have an A/C, was wider and we could, just, stand up in it. We moved to New Zealand in 2010 and began renovating the house we bought in Auckland. I missed the convenience of having a van for carrying building materials, so bought a very old Toyota Townace that had been crudely converted into a camper, and stripped it. When it was no longer needed to carry building stuff around, I transformed it into a much neater camper. I made units for it that could be quickly removed to get back the empty van, thus making it a very versa- tile vehicle. The idea was good, but the van was really too old, so I sold it and bought a 2007 Nissan Vanette with low kilometrage. MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 89
Purchased in 1997, our first Hiace for the family I used the same design idea and, as a van, 2010 – First Hiace for the family it was also very useful, but as a camper it was cramped. In early 2015, frustrated by forever putting up with cramped camping quarters, I bought a huge Ford Transit, but a niggling shoulder injury meant no conver- sion ever happened, so on 31st Dec 2015 it was ‘goodbye’ to the Transit and ‘hello’ to an already converted 1996 Toyota Hiace Jumbo. However, the conversion had been done in Japan and it could not get a NZ self-contain- ment certificate. The bed was punishingly hard and, to add insult to injury after a bad night, it was also difficult to get out of. Still, it was good for three years, after which, ever in search of solutions, I bought, converted and sold two other Hiace Jumbos, each with an improved internal design and with SC certificates. At the moment, I have an ex-rental 2010 Fiat Ducato camper to enable me to carry on camping, but the layout and some other 2005 – Renault Master 90 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
2010 – Our first Townace purchase in Auckland 2005 – We purchased a 2003 Renault Master and converted it aspects are not quite right (no opening rear Our commercially made, two-berth Ducato 2011 – Move to a 2007 Nissan Vanette windows, poor storage …). So, with 25 years’ camper uses 2000mm of its precious inte- months to get a passenger seat with seat belt experience and nine camper vans under my rior length for seating for eight people and fitted and signed off. Eight months after belt, I started looking for my ideal vehicle makes a bed so big one could fit almost as paying the deposit, the bus arrived in Ham- to make number 10 – my last two-berth many in it! ilton and so, finally, its journey to conversion camper. (At 66, perhaps it would be good to begins. The question: will it be a 10 out of 10 spend more time enjoying the camper and After looking at all options available, for this one? less time with saw and spanner in hand!) I I decided upon a (newly imported from wanted the vehicle to be small enough for Japan) 2012 Nissan Civilian (6.2m long, the easy parking but big (and tall) enough to smallest of its type) ex-kindergarten bus, be comfortable. Width was also import- costing about $30,000. It has lowish kilo- ant, so as to be able to sleep transversely. metrage, an automatic gearbox, all the side If one can sleep across the back, then the windows open, there are twin, opening, rear design only has to have 1400mm for seats. doors, and a 1920mm width. Perfect? Not quite. The compromise? It’s not feasible to keep the A/C. Due to com- pliance and all the over-the-top regulations, it has taken several Japanese made camper 2020 – The last Hiace conversion MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 91
VanLab ADVERTORIAL V anLab was established in 2019 to fill a or unfinished pine, VanLab supply $7950 for a large van finished in birch. niche for affordable, good-looking camper a range of five different kit designs, VanLab can include a range of add-ons that conversion kitsets for DIY Kiwi campers. which with small modifications, They’re perfect for people who want the enabling them to fit 20 different make the van more camper-friendly. The satisfaction of building their own camper, vehicles thus far. plumbing kit includes a sink, hand-pump but who wish to avoid the usual hassles and faucet and fresh and grey-water tanks. A house missteps. Within a couple of days of receiving The process is simple: do a 3D scan battery can be added to power lights, a fridge, your kit, you can be parked up at the beach, in of the inside of a van, use CAD to an inverter and USB chargers. And of course the mountains or beside your favourite river. maximise space while designing the the inclusion of a portable toilet means that, most-functional kit, then use a CNC under current regulations, VanLab owners Manufactured in either pre-finished birch machine to cut the finished product. can freedom-camp. All parts are numbered and cut in such VanLab kitsets are an easy and affordable way a manner that they can only fit one way. to open up options for quick getaways, or if you This means that the kits can be installed prefer, to launch an endless nomadic lifestyle. successfully by even the greenest of DIYers! If you’re keen to start your next camping The smaller kits suit vehicles such as the adventure, then head to www.vanlab.co.nz for Nissan NV200, while the next step up in more information. size is for the ever-popular people movers such as the Alphard, Elgrand and LDV G10. The medium kits are the biggest sellers, fitting the likes of the ever-reliable Toyota Hiace, Mazda Bongo and Nissan NV350. The largest range covers the LDV V80 and Hiace 5th Gen van. Prices for the basic kit range from $2250 for a small van finished in pine, through to UNLOCK www.vanlab.co.nz NEW ZEALAND FLATPACK VAN CONVERSION KITS With kitsets for New Zealand’s most popular vans, we’ll supply you with everything you need to transform your van into a campervan. Experience the best New Zealand travel, with a campervan built by you!
ADVERTORIAL Time to upgrade your RV lifestyle - choose the power of Lion Energy Energy Store Limited are the exclusive distributors in Australasia for Lion Energy products. O ur first and most powerful battery has just landed and is already being fitted in caravans and 5th wheels, but can also power your tiny house or boat. INTRODUCING: LION ENERGY UT1300 $1,899 • A powerful Lithium (LiFePO4) battery Get 10% off with code: NZTODAY • Capacity: 12.8V / 105Ah /1,344Wh Buy online at www.energystore.co.nz • Output: 150A continuous / 900A Peak • Cycles: 3,500+ at 100% Depth of Discharge (DOD) • Warranty: Limited Lifetime • Charge Retention: Up to 2 Years • Only 10.4 kg • Prismatic Cell LiFePO4: Lithium Iron Phosphate • S eries / Parallel: 12V, 24V, 36V, 48V / 105Ah, 210Ah, 315Ah, 420Ah • Water Resistant: IP65 • Certification: FCC, UL 1642, RoHS, CE Ph 021 458 260 www.energystore.co.nz Why choose Select Caravans? Every model comes complete with: • 570W solar • 1600W Victron Inverter • 105Ah Lithium battery (Lion Energy UT1300) • Huge cargo capacity • Private master bedroom • Full kitchen & large pantry CARAVANS 26DBH 26RK Over 20 models to choose from, including 5th Wheels. Visit our website for our full range. www.selectcaravans.co.nz Kumeu, Auckland. Contact David on 021 458 260 or email [email protected]
GET READY FOR A LIFE OF NEW DISCOVERIES 2022 Piazza Series 2022 Family Flair Series 2022 Trend Low Profile 2022 Trend A-Class 2022 Pulse GT Low Profile 2022 Pulse GT A-Class PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW 0800 RV CENTRE (0800 782 36873) WE BUY & SELL QUALITY NEW & USED RV’S & CARAVANS Sales Manager Billy Gist 021 909 932 Brian Anderson 027 821 0053 Email: [email protected] 336 Oxford St, Levin | Sales Yard Hours: 8.30am till 5pm Monday to Saturday, closed on Sundays and Public holidays www.levinrv.co.nz Levin Rv Centre
ADVERTORIAL Levin RV Centre has now moved to our new site We are based in our new dealership at 336 Oxford Street, just a little further up the road from our old digs here in Levin I f you’re a local, or you are just passing through town from time to time you will probably coffee lounge area. Our vehicle grooming is We have already sold an 18´6˝ Designer know it as the old ‘Courtesy Ford’ dealership. now handled by Vicki Anderson, who came Series and have another one on order. We The site underwent a 3-month refurbishment to us with a background in motor vehicle and have the 14´ Razor XT model for those who tailored to the needs of our expanding Caravan truck detailing. She is a great addition to the want to get out beyond the tarmac but do and Motorhome dealership prior to our taking team, ensuring our vehicles are all spick and not need our Raptor toy hauling beauty. over, and we love it. span. By the time you are reading this, our We also have a 17´ Family Flair and a 19´ latest recruit, Dane Brown, will have joined Designer Series on their way. Of course, we With the ongoing expansion of the the Levin RV Centre team. He will be tasked will still be stocking the innovative Piazza business, we sell secondhand caravans and with carrying out checks on our new and used (front deck) models and what has rapidly motorhomes and are now the New Zealand stock as well as helping to ready them for sale become our best seller, the all-conquering distributor for the Royal Flair luxury and on our busy yard. 18´ Aussiemate off-road caravan. adventure caravan range. We also now have the Lower North Island agency for Dethleffs Our Royal Flair caravan sales have Having become the lower north Island motorhomes and operate all of this from a site had exceptional growth over the past agent for Dethleffs Motorhomes we are excited we are all proud to call home. 18 months and we still have build/ to see our range of new stock arriving here handover slots available for later this mid-September. With a range covering the We still stock and sell a good range of year. Please contact us if you are planning Trend and Pulse GT models in both P-Class secondhand products (caravans, campers and to take a new caravan away over the and A-Class, we should have something for motorhomes) and we are currently working coming summer season. This year we are everyone. Not forgetting the range-topping on an exciting new product range that we committed to stocking some of the smaller Esprit A-Class, those are coming for this hope to be able to tell you more about in our sized caravans in the Royal Flair range. summer too. next ad, watch this space. Now let’s tell you a little bit about our expanding team here at Levin RV. Our director, Brian Anderson has had an involvement with the caravan/RV industry for some 30+ years now and has overall responsibility for the day to day running of the business. His wife Varee assists in the administrative side of the business. Our sales manager, Billy Gist heads up the sales and marketing departments and is now joined by Josh Anderson and Elise Anderson. With a mechanical industry background Josh has been a great addition to the team helping with all things technical and is now moving into a more ‘Sales’ based role within the company. Elise comes to us with a strong background in administration and accounts and is the person who greets all our returning clients in the reception/ MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 95
PROFILE TrailLite Industry Update Elddis range joins TrailLite ranks Words Robyn Mountain comfortable knowing Elddis will be in good 1 hands with the TrailLite team”, explains Mike. and caravans, and the price-to-value ratio T he new year started off with a big change for of these products fitted within our portfolio well-known RV industry players Mike Irvine “Collectively, we have every confidence in requirements”. and Barry Avery of the RV Leisure Centre TrailLite’s ability to take this product to new in Nelson – they have sold the New Zealand heights with the enthusiasm and profession- Like TrailLite, Elddis started as a caravan distributorship for the UK-manufactured Elddis alism they display in their existing operations. manufacturer some six decades ago and ever motorhomes and caravans to well-known Their aftersales service and facilities will only since has grown their range and increased manufacturer TrailLite in Paerātā Auckland. enhance support coverage for current Elddis their expertise, quality and construction customers and new ones alike.” methodology across all the products they RV Leisure in Nelson has been associated manufacture. with Elddis UK for the last 10 years as the “To move on wasn’t an easy decision for NZ distributor of the range, a company they us. However, the news was received well by “We wanted a brand that complemented describe as “leading the pack” when it comes Elddis, who are delighted to have TrailLite our expanding NZ-built and international to UK caravan and motorhome manufactur- join their dealer network as the sole distribu- range of motorhomes and caravans. It had ing with a stunning range, tasteful décor and tor and retailer of Elddis product here in New to be something with a solid commitment to good backup for parts and support. Zealand”, explains Mike Irvine, RV Leisure. quality and a range, that fitted in well with the TrailLite family. It’s essential that when RV Leisure could think of no one better Speaking with TrailLite Managing Director we commit to a new brand under the TrailLite to promote and support this brand into Adam Newman, he explains, “the extensive umbrella, we believe in the company’s design the future. TrailLite was the obvious choice range including motorhomes, campervans and construction ethos and that we can fully in their eyes. “As we move on, we are very integrate it into our commitment to the whole TrailLite customer experience.” Caravans have been an integral part of TrailLite’s history, and the launch of a new 2022 100 caravan model rekindled the pas- sion. This new model comes out of the factory as highly spec’d as their motorhomes, with all the bells and whistles expected from a Trail- Lite build. With that came the need to find an 2 1. Barry Avery (L) Mike Irvine (R) RV Leisure 96 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022 Centre in Nelson – are happy to hand the NZ distributorship for the UK-manufactured Elddis brand of caravans and motorhomes on to TrailLite 2. TrailLite on the yard other models
Elddis Autoquest CV20 45 3. Elddis Autoquest CV60 campervan, swivel cab 4. Elddis Autoquest seats, great kitchen, love the rear bed with storage- 150 front lounge shelf wall unit, big open back doors. Of course you can area, seats hidden get the two singles or big queen in the CV20 model in here 5. Elddis Autoquest 6 196 this dinette converts to double 3 be the sole distributor and retailer of these berth, ceiling bed products in NZ”, says Adam. above, and the large international caravan brand that supported rear lounge converts the company’s ‘something for everyone The UK Elddis brand joins the other inter- for two more ethos’, with lighter weights, an array of floor national-manufactured brands that now sit 6. This Elddis plans, and the latest in quality and technol- under the TrailLite umbrella. New Zealand Autoquest 196 is a ogy aimed at a range of price points to meet models are on the latest Fiat Ducato wide- six-berth model a wide market. See the track series-8 chassis cab, front-wheel drive READ THE prototype review in the Fiat MultiJet 3 Euro 6D 120kW with 9-speed Elddis Autoquest 196 PROTOTYPE review box. “Acquiring auto transmission, and all the modern driver the Elddis brand allows comfort technology we expect today. With Minimum 70L fresh water up to 100L model REVIEW the Autoquest two-berth campervan starting dependent, Thetford pedestal toilet with 12V CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION at $149,995, a four-berth Coachbuilt starts at electric flush, Eco Camel Orbit water-saving $168,995 and $169,995 for a six-berth model, Helos shower head. us to completely own the then a higher spec’d Encore range offers both whole end-to-end expe- two- and four-berth floor plans starting at The Elddis caravans also offer a great range rience for our customers $194,995. Common features between all the starting with the single-axle Elddis Xplore 304 and we’re proud to now motorhome models include the Thetford caravan, a compact 5540mm long, 1100kg combo grill oven, with four-burner gas hob, GVM and starting at $59,995. This model XPLORE 304 800W microwave, 180W solar with controller, is a surprising four-berth with a cool bunk 1 x 120Ah battery, gas-electric heating and set up. The range progresses up the budget- hot water, Whake or Alde model dependent. ary and size scale; the Avante and Affinity range are single axle, 1500kg to 1700kg GVM four-berth offering payloads to 420kg, lengths vary from 6680mm to 7400mm and pricing from $76,995 to $83,995. From there the offerings change up to the twin-axle Crusader Storm four-berth. At 7960mm long and 2300mm wide, GVM 2000kg and a 401kg payload this model offers a lot of living space from $99,995 – top of the range is the Buccaneer Cruiser twin-axle four-berth. 78 9 10 7. Elddis bathroom layouts vary slightly – this is a common theme though with shower: toilet combo space 8. Elddis Xplore 304 caravan bunk bed set up, rear bathroom 9. Elddis Xplore 304 caravan second dining area converts to sleeping berths 10. Elddis Xplore 304 caravan, this is a compact single axle model at 5540mm length, price from $59,995 and is a bunk bed model MAR-APR 2022 Vol 15 97
Buccaneer Cruiser exterior image top of the range is the Buccaneer Cruiser twin-axle four-berth. It boasts 8188mm length, extra wide at 2420mm, GVM 2250kg with a payload of 470kg. It boasts 8188mm length, extra wide at This brand fits into the current stock aimed models many customers are happy to wait 2420mm, GVM 2250kg with a payload of at meeting the needs of customers with bud- for as long as it takes for their custom-styled 470kg. Something for everyone it would getary constraints, and ticking the boxes for motorhome to be built for them. The 300 Series appear. We look forward to checking these those that have no constraints – they usually starts at $259,500 on the 5500kg to 7500kg out when stock arrives in NZ. aim their sights at the TrailLite-manufactured Volkswagen Crafter cab chassis, rear-wheel 11 motorhome products. drive with dual wheels. Layouts include island 12 The other imported brands under TrailLite bed, single bed and rear lounge with electric 13 14 distributorship include the Benimar motor- ceiling bed options, large living, kitchen and 15 home range from Spain, with multiple floor bathroom spaces. The 500 Series steps it up to plans and lengths, priced from $179,000 to the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter dual-wheel RWD $200,000. chassis starting from $276,533. Finally the Of the models on the sales yard when I vis- top-of-the-line 700 Series on the Iveco Daily ited in February 2022 the Benimar dual-wheel RWD chassis ranging Mileo really caught my attention READ THE from 8200 to 9100mm in length and with its double, electric, hidden ITALIAN starting at $311,872. All the TrailLite ceiling beds – readers will know I STUNNER models are built for six days mini- do love the space saving of a hidden REVIEW mum self-containment, so big water, CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION ceiling bed. Based on the latest Fiat big solar, big batteries, big space for Ducato or Ford Transit front-wheel- living comfortably all abound across drive chassis. this proudly-built-in-Paerātā, New Next to this Benimar was the Zealand range. Italian-built Fusion by McLouis TrailLite is a long-lasting RV motorhomes. These models sit in & WATCH manufacturer, with a well-earned the $172,000+ bracket and are on THE VIDEO reputation for quality and top cus- CLICK IN DIGITAL EDITION the popular front-wheel-drive Fiat tomer service. The company has Ducato chassis. I will review one of managed to morph and change these models in an upcoming issue. remaining relevant and staying at A step up again from the UK, the top of the RV Industry here in the AutoSleeper range starts from New Zealand. Back in 2009 when I $189,000, again on the Mercedes-Benz cab started as editor for this magazine, the concept chassis for the rear-wheel-drive market and of TrailLite being a significant distributor of offering bigger living floor plans. imported motorhomes and caravans from the Next door we saw the Italian-built Mobil- UK and Europe would have been unthought vetta KYacht motorhome, see the link box of... It speaks to good management that the to read a 2021 model review. Prices for family-owned and -run company learnt to these luxury liners start at $229,000, model adapt, embrace the ‘if you can’t beat them, dependent. join them, and have the best international RV All these overseas models are in the Trail- brands ourselves’ both in manufacturing and Lite stable, and warranties and servicing are imported RV products. taken care of through the TrailLite service network nationwide. I also took a peek at a couple of the luxu- ry-built TrailLite motorhomes. These are the 11. Benimar Mileo 282 is 7390mm long, GVM 3650kg starts 16 from $193,000 12. This Benimar Mileo 282 tickled my fancy. This front cab electric drop down bed, plus the one over the u-shaped rear lounge is brilliant use of floor space 13. Benimar Mileo very nice bathroom space 14. The rear lounge is spacious, add in a table as needed, plenty of storage, and push a button for the second large bed to come down from the ceiling 15. There is no doubt this model oozes luxury and styling with its finishes 16. TrailLite-built motorhomes on the IVECO rear-wheel-drive dual-wheel chassis 5995kg to 7200kg GVM options and up to a length of 9100mm for the Oakura 766X from $377,501 98 Vol 15 MAR-APR 2022
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