Woof-woof, friends! It’s been quite the woof-tastic journey these past few months; filled with toothy troubles, Easter escapades and some exciting encounters along the way. Let me bark you through it! Well, arf-arf it was a tiresome tooth time – my head has been sore and I have been up a lot during the night, moving from spot to spot trying to get comfortable, but I couldn’t tell Mama and Papa I had a problem. A regular vet check-up for vaccine shots on my birthday in early March had the vet looking inside my mouth – instead of my butt glands which have often been a problem for me arf-arf!. I ..read more

Meeting ‘Bubblegum’, a 1972 Zephyr caravan, was a true inspiration! Helen and Kevin Ngakai from Raglan have been coming to Beach Hop since the first caravan show and told us that “there were only eight caravans on display down by the wharf back then. The following year there were 27 caravans, and since then, wow, hasn’t it grown!” “Bubblegum wasn’t too bad when we got her,” said Helen. “Not much was needed really. I wallpapered the interior, and last Christmas learnt crocheting to make the bunting for our caravan then made the curtains and duvet covers. Kevin stripped all the paint off the out ..read more

North of New Plymouth, on a bend in the highway where the road leaves the west coast and heads inland, is the small settlement of Awakino. It is nestled beneath the hills on the bank of the Awakino River, where the river turns a right angle and runs parallel to the ocean due to barrier of sand dunes that forms a narrow spit leading to the river mouth. The tidal estuary created by the sandbar provides the ideal habitat for water birds such as spoonbills, pied shags and oystercatchers. Awakino was once an overnight stop for drovers moving cattle or travellers heading along the coast, and it stil ..read more

During the summer holidays, the population in the Far North can easily quadruple as visitors and part-time residents flock to beaches, baches and B&Bs with recreation and relaxation in mind. It’s also a popular time for events and activities that add to the holiday atmosphere. To read this and other articles requires purchase of the relevant physical or digital magazine. Click here to go to our order page. Thank you ..read more

It has been a brilliant start to the 2024 summer holidays weatherwise, no complaints here, even though the South Wairarapa is in a drought. The hills are brown with long grass waving in the northerly winds; by comparison the vineyards are vibrant green and the small hanging grapes are looking fantastic. The nets are starting to go on and I expect to hear bird scaring cannons any day now. To read this and other articles requires purchase of the relevant physical or digital magazine. Click here to go to our order page. Thank you.   ..read more

Following what for many of us is the hectic pre-Christmas rush, the festive season is typically seen as a time for relaxation and indulgence while savouring moments with family. For most it commences with the excitement of unwrapping gifts beneath the tree before gathering around the table to relish a festive feast, and perhaps enjoying a tranquil afternoon nap to recover from the abundance of both food and excitement. Alternatively, for those brimming with energy, the festivities may include a spirited game of backyard cricket or simply the thrill of trying out new toys. While our family has ..read more

Clear blue skies and acres of lush pasture stretching away to a mountain backdrop. Sounds ideal, right? But a look at the roadside where a recent torrential rainstorm has pushed the tarseal right off the road and up against nearby fences tells a different story. It’s hard to believe that there was once a community here. All that was there at the time of our visit in 2020 was an old railway shed and a memorial area. To read this and other articles requires purchase of the relevant physical or digital magazine. Click here to go to our order page. Thank you.   ..read more

All Kiwi travellers in every RV should by rights have boats onboard with them. A small rubber dinghy, a pair of kayaks, perhaps. It stands to reason, for New Zealand is endowed with as many fine waterways to explore as scenic roads in mountains and forests. Exploring takes on new dimensions with adventures afloat. And no better place to exemplify this than the upper reaches of the massive Kaipara Harbour on the west coast of Te Ika a Māui, our North Island. To read this and other articles requires purchase of the relevant physical or digital magazine. Click here to go to our order page. Than ..read more

Autumn has arrived with March coming around all too fast, and planning for the Covi SuperShow over 15–17 March is underway by much of the RV Industry. Nick Blair from Kaimai RV is pleased to have secured the distributorship for the Winnebago American-built caravans, or travel trailers as they’re known in the USA, and he will have examples on display at the show. In total 12 different floor plans over 3 models (Minnie, Voyage, Access) will be available in New Zealand. Some readers will recognise Nick as he and his father John formerly owned BOP RV and were the New Zealand distributors for ..read more

January 2024 saw Walkabout Sales – Ci Motorhomes in Auckland celebrating 25 years in business, so we stopped in to congratulate owners Shane and Noelene Smale on this milestone and to catch up on their latest news. Some changes have taken place in the business since 2020. Pre-Covid time Walkabout Motorhome Rentals was well-established and had thrived for 20 years in the New Zealand RV rental sphere. During Covid’s time of uncertainty, all the rental stock was snapped up by clients and Shane and Noelene made the permanent deCision to exit the rental market and concentrate solely on the oth ..read more