Motorhome, Caravan and Leisure Show

Billed as “Big Show, Big Brands and Big Dreams”,  the show certainly delivered.  Chock full of both well known brands, plus some we had never heard of, there was plenty to look at, inspect, and pass judgement on.  There was even a private sale area for pre-loved vans.

Queuing for our entry tickets was the first challenge, with the crowds of campers on site joined by the day visitors.  But eventually we reached the head of the queue, paid our money over and walked through the gates.  The Camec stand was very popular and we entered their tent to see what was on offer – and of course, ended up buying something.  A wind-break for our awning, as it turned out, plus some Loo Green, always need plenty of that, and then we drew out a lucky number and won a extendable mop as well.  The lovely ladies at the stand offered to store our purchases for us until we had viewed the show, so we didn’t have to carry the big bag around with us all day.

 

The large indoor area was full of gleaming motorhomes and caravans

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All the big names from overseas were there.  Jayco, Winnebago, Dethleff, Elddis and others.  I always rather fancied a Winnebago and told my son years ago that when he made his fortune he could buy us one, but we are still waiting.

Winnebago and Dethleff

But we can’t really go past our home grown Leisureline vans, and spent some time checking out the new ones.  And talking to prospective customers, telling them they really couldn’t do better than a Leisureline.  You can tell that we are really pleased with ours.

The Leisureline Stand

And then we saw something completely different, a tiny little “tear-drop” shaped Road Chief with a pull out kitchen at the rear.  This comes with two awnings which really expands the floor space, plus a toilet tent.  Cute – but not quite us, I don’t think.

Road Chief caravan

Not all vans are white – how about a bright red one?

There were electric bikes on offer, boats and rubber boats, even cars.  Camping furniture, backing cameras, whatever you were looking for, you could probably find.  We stopped and had a chat with the editors of RV Travel Lifestyle and NZ Today, which we subscribe to, and told then how much we enjoy their magazines.

After all that walking around we made our way to the “Seat and Eat Zone” to buy some lunch, and more importantly, find somewhere to sit down.  This area was incredibly crowded, but it was lunch time, after all.  Eventually we made our minds up what to purchase, found four empty seats, and ate our lunch with Geoff and Eileen.  I really wanted a coffee but couldn’t face waiting in the long queue behind 20 people or so, so gave that idea up and had one later on back in our van.

Seat and Eat area

More news from the show tomorrow……….