Mini camping show

There was a small local show on this weekend promoting new caravans and campervans.  Not that we are really in the market at the moment, but it is always nice to see what is on offer.  Six of us keen campers arrived to see what took our fancy.  First up we looked through two new caravans from Southern Star.  We particularly liked the fact that all windows are double glazed, and have the three part window treatment of insect screens, pull down blinds and curtains.  These window features have long been standard on English and European caravans, we understand, but have only recently started to be built in New Zealand caravans.  Southern Star caravans are an upmarket version of our own Leisureline caravan, and manufactured in the same factory.  The owner of the company was in attendance at the show, and was very helpful when Robin approached him about a problem we were experiencing with our water heater.  A trip to the factory to sort it out will be arranged shortly.   

Our group in front of the Southern Star display

The flags were fluttering in the breeze along the street in front of the campervans. There were displays from both Pacific Horizon and U.C.C. manufacturers.  We checked them all out, comparing this layout to that.   Sleeping arrangements varied considerably.  One offered a fixed double bed, in some you would have to clamber up to the overhead Luton, others had pull out double beds, or the option of making up singles.  As to be expected, the larger the campervan, the higher was the price. 

New campervans on show

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association had a stand at the show to promote both the NZMCA and the Wellington area group.  They are also very keen to pass on the message of “clean green camping”, advocating correct and proper waste water and rubbish disposal.  We belong to both  the Heretaunga Caravan Club as well as NZMCA – so we have a foot in both camps.

NZMCA stand manned by members of the Wellington group

NZMCA banner

On our way home we called in to Ngati Toa Domain.  Parts of the domain are available for occasional freedom camping, and the outlook over the estuary is delightful.  Water fowl were swimming, fishermen were trying their luck with rods, and boats were buzzing around.  It would be a very pretty place to stop for the night, and there was a large American Pace Arrow campervan doing just that.  There are a few rules to meet, such as having self containment, and no tents or awnings allowed.

   Ngati Toa Domain