NZToday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 by robyn-rnrpublishing.co

Vol.

RV Reviews…

NZTODAY RV Lifestyle | SEPT-OCT 2020 |

UK Tribute F70 MH 2-berth motorhome

Bürstner TD745 Motorhome

Keystone Cougar 5th-wheel Caravan

Heartland Journeys Walk & Cycle Trails Road Trips Reviews

VOL. 6 SEPT-OCT 2020

CYCLE CLUTHA • INVERCARGILL • RIVER AVON • BLACKBALL-JACKSON BAY • TURANGI TROUT • CYCLE KINLOCH • NORTHLAND • EKETĀHUNA • EELS • HEMP • 1958 CLASSIC CV • SOUTH AUSTRALIA • COUGAR 5THW • TRIBUTE F70 • RNR5 • RENO ROSIE • BÜRSTNER LYSEO 745

Lifestyle

Going Green with Hemp Fly-fishing in Turangi Longfin Eels Captivate

Walk & cycle Great Lake Trail Kinloch Loop & Clutha Gold Trail 2

travel

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12 46

Clutha Gold Trail Section two – a caravan trip and a gentle cycle ride between Roxburgh and Millers Flat with Gary Patterson Great Lake Trail extension – Gary does the new loop trail based out of Kinloch

RV Profiles & Maintenance 75 91 97 102 105 110

Classic caravan – 1958 14-foot Liteweight Kiwi caravan restored Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel – BOP RV UK Auto-Trail F70 Ford – two-berth motorhome Nationwide RV RnR5 – check out our new RV Lifestyle motorhome Rosie Renovation – 1998 Rosie motorhome paint job EU Bürstner Lyseo Harmony Line TD 745 – from Smart RV

Regular – Competitions – Marketplace 85 114 118 121 126

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VOLUME 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Walk and cycle trails

RV PETS

RocknRobyn Chronicles – diary of the RV Lifestyle team Southland – Allan checks out Invercargill, a classic Kombi collection and more Canterbury – Christchurch’s Avon River revitalises the city, Kathy takes a look West Coast – Meg does a road trip from Blackball to Jackson Bay Northland – Sheryl’s Level 1 trip away – tips and must-do activities up North Central Plateau – check out the art of fly fishing with Tom in Turangi Wairarapa – Allan goes to Eketāhuna and Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre Wairarapa – meet Matt Paku and the native longfin eels he champions Growing Green – Kathy looks at the practical uses and benefits of growing hemp Australia – Motorhoming in South Australia – Belinda takes us over the ditch

7 19 27 33 52 41 57 64 67 81

CONTENTS

Road trips – Destinations – Lifestyle

EDITOR’S LETTER TO READERS ISSN 2703-2477 (Print) ISSN 2703-2485 (Online)

NZToday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020 www.rvlifestyle.co.nz EDITOR Robyn Dallimore, editor@rvmagazine.co.nz ADVERTISING MANAGER Bruce Mountain, bruce@rvmagazine.co.nz 021 657 090, Auckland Office 09 238 2261 SUB-EDITING & PROOFING Thiers Halliwell, Allan Walton DESIGN Cameron Leggett CONTRIBUTORS Robyn Dallimore, Sheryl Bainbridge, Allan Dick, Kathy Catton, Tom Clarke, Meg Fulford, Don Jessen, Jane Dove Juneau, Belinda Mason, Gary Patterson COVER SHOTS Gary Patterson on the Kinloch trail OBC: Supplied BOP RV SUBSCRIPTIONS & ADMINISTRATION Subscriptions Manager Laura Atkinson subs@rnrpublishing.co.nz Phone enquiries: 06 306 6041 Mon to Fri – Office hours 10am to 3pm SUBSCRIPTION RATES One year $49.95 (6 issues) Australia/Pacific $90 (6 issues) Rest of World $150 (6 issues) Full online website access $25 1 year RV-NZTODAY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY RnR Publishing Limited PO Box 220 Martinborough, Wairarapa 5711 Main office Ph: 06 306 6030 Auckland Sales office: 09 238 2261 Mail: PO Box 220, Martinborough 28 Oxford Street, Martinborough, 5711 PUBLISHERS Bruce Mountain, bruce@rnrpublishing.co.nz Robyn Dallimore, robyn@rnrpublishing.co.nz PRINTING OVATO DISTRIBUTION Gordon and Gotch NOTICE TO ADVERTISERS RnR Publishing Ltd uses due care and diligence in the preparation of this magazine, but is not responsible or liable for any mistakes, misprints, omissions or typographical errors. RnR Publishing Ltd prints advertisements provided to the publisher, but gives no warranty and makes no representation to the truth, accuracy or sufficiency of any description, photograph or statement. RnR Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for any loss that may be suffered by any person who relies either wholly or in part upon any description, photograph or statement contained herein. Advertisers are advised that all advertising must conform to the ASA Codes of New Zealand Advertising; full details and codes book available from asa. co.nz. RnR Publishing Ltd reserves the right to refuse any advertisement for any reason. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher or editor. All material gathered in creating RV-NZTODAY Lifestyle magazine is copyright 2020 RnR Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved in all media. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the publisher. Please check our website www.RnRPublishing.co.nz for a full Terms and Conditions of advertising schedule.

Lockdown, digital growth, President elected

ooking out of my window today, I see a typical Auckland day – sunny and calm, then windy and rainy, to and fro it goes. Temperatures are warm though, and from all accounts the Met office says we are in for a dry, mild spring, which doesn’t bode well for the Auckland water situation. We have a backup water tank on our property in Martinborough, only 1000 litres but handy for the garden and spa in dry times. Maybe time for subsidised scheme to assist home-owners to install water tanks for back-up in times of drought, just a thought. We have all gone from lockdown to Level 1, back up to Level 2 for many, and Level 3 for those ‘lucky’ enough to live in the main metropolis of Auckland. Spending figures during the Level 1 weeks were by all accounts excellent, and many businesses we spoke to were doing better business than over Christmas holidays, traditionally their biggest sales time. A bit stressful to get back into a Level 3 life, but we have supported it – none of us want to be like Melbourne, Europe, the UK or the States. We have worked hard on this issue to bring you lots of reading and inspiring content to take your mind off more serious concerns. Instead of watching Covid-19 updates at 1pm daily, you can pick up a magazine, relax somewhere with your feet up and take your brain on a break – much better for you. The upcoming NZMCA Motorhome Caravan Outdoor show was to be held in September, but that date has been pushed out to October 9–11 and there is an option to change that further depending on prevalent levels at the time – Mystery Creek has some flexibility – keep an eye on the NZMCA or our Facebook page for updates or further date changes. Digital interactivity. With all this lockdown business we have been working to enhance the overall experience for our readers. You will see that in some of the reviews and stories there is an image of a phone indicating an opportunity to scan a QR code (QR code readers are simple to download on your smartphone) which will take you to extra video content relating to that story. We are also giving all our paid subscribers free digital page-turner reading of the magazine – with each edition you will be sent an EDM email with a link to click on to read that issue of the magazine. This is additional to your physical magazine subscription, which will continue to be delivered to your post box. Please note; you must have supplied your email address for this to occur. If you haven’t received an email with this link by September 10, check your spam folder, then email subs@rnrpublishing.co.nz to register your email to your Customer ID number. This is not the same as a subscription to online digital content – that is where you get a password and user name to access all the content and archives of our website. First woman President. A congratulatory shout-out to Sharron King, who has been appointed as the new President of the NZMCA. Anyone who has attended an AGM rally around the country, or visited an NZMCA stand at a motorhome show has likely met Sharron

and husband, Chris. We met the couple at our first NZMCA AGM rally in Christchurch in 2012, and we also met outgoing President Bruce Stanger and wife Heather at this same rally. As event organisers they collectively tucked us under their wings and made our first rally so much fun, we have attended nearly every one since. We have had a lot to do with both the couples at numerous events over the years, and acknowledge and thank Bruce and Heather for their amazing service to the association. They have supported its growth, its members, modernisation and the recent Covid-19 situation admirably. We look forward to working further with Sharon and the rest of the NZMCA members in the future. We look forward to seeing our regular readers on the road, and meeting new people to the RV Lifestyle, by all accounts the RV Industry is in a major boom in sales. In 2009 the NZMCA membership was 39614, but this year it has hit the 100,000 mark. With the current pandemic situation, closed borders etc, I imagine this will grow another 10,000 members in record time. Take care on the road, enjoy our stunning home. We are so blessed to have been born here, or perhaps you have been able to come and make this country your home – how lucky are we, this team of five million. Safe journeys. Robyn Dallimore Bruce Mountain (aka the Rock) Caspar RV Lifestyle Pet

New NZMCA president Sharron King on the left, husband Chris King to her right. On the right outgoing President Bruce Stanger, and wife Heather. Taken at Ngāwī in 2013 on an RV road trip back from the Covi Motorhome show in Auckland. Heading home to Christchurch, with a stop over in Martinborough with us. The couples have been friends for many years as members of the Canterbury branch of the NZMCA. Our best wishes and thanks to them all, a President is nothing without his First Lady or her First Gentleman in partnership at their sides, and Heather and Chris are definitely as committed to the association as Bruce and Sharron are. NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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ROCKNROBYN CHRONICLES

Winter road trips

It has been a busy few months; out of lockdown, free to roam at will around the country, and now back in a lockdown of sorts, banging away at the computers working in Pukekohe – we should have stayed in Martinborough lol. Diary of publishers Robyn Dallimore & Bruce Mountain

uly saw us heading off to Tauranga to catch up with RV industry players again, checking out the fabulous Cougar fifthwheeler as featured later in these pages. Unfortunately rain followed us, so our trip was a short one. Tauranga is one of those places that makes you think ‘which way will we go’ – Paeroa-Karangahape Gorge through Katikati to Tauranga, or down the expressway; negotiate Hamilton and head over the Kaimais from there, or through Matamata and over the Kaimais? We often avoid Katikati way now, as the traffic can be a nightmare getting into Tauranga, but going back the other way to Auckland is acceptable.

We went the Matamata way, did our business over a couple of days, then headed back via Katikati to catch up with Caspar’s little buddy Louie, then we stopped again in Paeroa – what a cute little antique shopping town. The St Johns charity shop really impressed me, first by luring me in with what at first glance looked like a bondage shop display – where is my head at? It got me in the door, and it was obvious inside that one of their volunteers had clearly worked in high-end fashion retail. The goods for sale were displayed as though they were in a Parnell shop – just so engaging, intriguing and a pleasure to look through. So much so that I had to pass

on my thoughts to the ladies working behind the counter. Back on the road and home. This was a trip in the car not the motorhome. The next week we went to meet Nick Baker from Star Insurance – Camper Care Insurance - at the signwriters’, as the latest RocknRobyn 5 had been graphic wrapped and was ready to pick up, Star Insurance are sponsors of the RnR5 motorhome. I write about this vehicle separately in the RV section of this magazine. We got home and immediately started packing the van up – Martinborough here we come, time to go home for a bit. We decided to drop in and see some friends down country. The drive was fantastic, not weather-wise as there was some rain and gloom, but the pleasure of driving an automatic, 2013 motorhome with cruise control and being able to go 100kph when we wanted to was great. A stop in Piopio for a coffee and stretch, then in Urenui to visit Don, down to Inglewood to visit Chris and a final push to get home that night – a big road trip.

1. Wintery winds at the Whakatane look out 2. Antiques and prams abound in the main street 3. Displayed in the St John charity shop in Paeroa, had to pop in for a look around NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

We loved being back in the village, catching up with the usual regulars out for breakfast in the morning or a beer in the evening. We did a radical clean out of our storage unit in the back section, used the incinerator for three days solid burning 15 years of old accounts, paperwork and more, took big trips to the dump then sorted, cleaned and sorted some more. Great to feel the load lighten off our shoulders, so much stuff, whew! In between the work we took time to zip down to Lake Ferry, and of course out to Ngāwī to stay a couple of nights on the beach front. A few other people were there as well, and Caspar had a ball as he met about five other little white dogs to play with, and others to boot. Talking with dog owners Rod, Joy, Charlie, Raewyn and Jared, they all loved being at Ngāwī. The locals in the fishing club bar had treated them well, but they were packing up their motorhomes and heading off that day. We also met Vicky Davey and her partner John, travelling in a cute little Benimar motorhome. They too had enjoyed meeting the locals over a few days and boasted about the crayfish they had just cooked up – you’ve got to love the south coast here, pāua, crayfish and blue cod are to be had, you just have to go out and get them. We then had to unpack our personals out of the motorhome and hand it over to Allan Dick for 10 days. He drove up from Ōamaru, took

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

the Interislander ferry over, and was ready to hit the road to explore the Wairarapa, Cape Palliser, then up to the East Cape and more. We visited friends around the region, went to see Matt Paku (we sent Allan Dick to visit him as well – his story is in these pages), stayed out on a friends’ farm for a visit and generally got back into the Wairarapa-Marty groove. Allan delivered the motorhome back, slightly the worse for wear to be fair, but that’s what insurance is for, right, and it was home to Ōamaru for him and back to Auckland for us – another mission day-trip, stopping once at Waiouru for walkies and home. Other motorhome reviews have kept us busy around the region, and of course we managed a couple of trips into the city Viaduct area for walkies. One weekend we even managed to walk around Princess Wharf to check the views across to Devonport. We walked all around Fort Street (I was looking for a strip bar or similar to take a photo of Caspar so I could caption it “papa said there were pussies in here!” but couldn’t find one – damn that would have been funny.) A walk through Britomart was lovely, then we found the new shopping precinct. Little Queen Street they call part of it, lots of highclass shopping in here, and dogs are allowed as it is based on a bit of a street theme. We met friends there and enjoyed the environment so much we took Caspar back to the vehicle, and we all went upstairs to the third-floor food hall for an early dinner. What a fabulous area this is, so much like an area in Melbourne city or similar. Lots of vegan-specific little places for Brucie, all manner of foods on offer, a large bar area, and then if you look carefully and notice the signs about other food options you enter another area where the restaurants have a little more space than a food hall, lounge seats in a windowed area overlooking the harbour, a quirky cocktail Mexican food bar around the corner – all sorts going on but this area has

the views – again so grown up – as good as anywhere in the world for sure. More work on the magazine, and generally enjoying being at Level 1 life – the virus was something out there in the world, and we were in a little bubble of our own for a while here in New Zealand. We had family stay for a few weeks, Rosie got renovated (read her story in our RV section), and we also got work done on our RnR 4, our Mitsubishi Canter. A couple of years back Bruce ripped up the old carpet and vinyl and he put down new flooring himself. Good job on the carpet, despite leaving some spots of vinyl glue that dirt stuck to and marked. Even so, it looked pretty good. The vinyl was a big mistake though. We chose a light colour that we thought would keep the interior light and bright, but it turned out to be something of a nightmare. Installing the vinyl was a lot of effort and we still didn’t get the corners and edges quite right, things like that. So with the affordable

4. Parked up on a friend’s farm for the night visiting 5. The motorhome got a lot of attention in town 6. We forgot to pack cups so breakfast coffee was in bowls - Caspar was most intrigued by this 7. Bulldozers, steep beach and crayfish boats classic Ngāwī 8. Lake Onoke or Lake Ferry, this family out for a brisk walk in the rain 9. Silo marina in Auckland’s Viaduct, always interesting to see what boats are moored in here

repair rates at Wendekreisen we decided to get the floor redone. The floor was moving a little underfoot as well, as you might expect at 15 years old, so ‘fix it’ please was ordered. Hardest part here was choosing a new vinyl. Dieter from Wendekreisen recommended a flooring place on Dominion Road that they use, so we went there and got samples and picked one. When it came to ordering it they couldn’t get that pattern but supplied one very close. Cost $1400 for the actual vinyl and professional layer to fit it. Dieter and the team stripped the floor and made it sound again ready for the vinyl layer. I can tell you picking her up and seeing the new flooring was better than any retail shopping I could imagine, the floor looks so great, sound as a bell – and already I can see it will take the foot prints, dirt and mess and hide them brilliantly, I just wish we had thought to ask for a couple of off-cuts for mats. Then we lent the motorhome out to Mike King and his family – if anyone deserves a few nights away in an RV it is this family. They headed off in RnR4, hitting Tauranga and the Rotorua region for five days. When they got back we had booked the vehicle in for new batteries as the existing ones were coming up to 6–7 years old and we were getting only a day or two power maximum instead of five days’ power that we had at the start, so we figured their time was up. We knew for sure, two days before getting

the new ones fitted, when they went completely dead after a frosty night. We had booked into Graham Crispe Auto Electrical, he is a Battery Town agent in Pukekohe. We had ordered specific sized Ah batteries, but there were problems when the guys looked at the battery space available – the engine battery is under the step and the second battery is fitted under the kitchen drawers along with the inverter. Unfortunately this meant that size did matter, damn! What the team recommended was the Remco RM12–105LC. They are 12V, 105Ah at C20. A key point is that they will provide 1400 cycles at 50 per cent depth of discharge, thanks

to the addition of carbon film to the negative plates. With our space issue, the under-drawer battery had to be mounted on its side. These batteries can be mounted on their sides as the electrolyte (in normal batteries this is a fluid/ liquid) is absorbed into a material known as Absorbent Glass Mat (hence this class of battery being known as AGM). With this latest technology battery and our REDARC power management system, we should be tickety-boo for a few more years now. Each battery cost $589 and they weigh 27kg each – a vital component to the battery equation – weight.

10. New vinyl professionally layed, love it so much 11. One new battery under the step 12. The second battery under the drawers in kitchen area with the inverter NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

The second weekend in August saw us pack up RnR5, our new motorhome, and off we went to Whakatāne. My big brother Pete hit the 70-year milestone so family and friends met up to break the bread and share a drink to celebrate. Got to be grateful he made it as one of our brothers passed at 60 years. Two of the friends we visited during the trips I talk about here were both just out of hospital from major heart events, and Chris was readmitted with complications not long after we saw him. We do need to celebrate every day, week, month and year that we – you, me, brothers, sisters, friends – are still breathing, walking and talking – none of us know when that will end. Enjoyed staying on the farm for a night with my niece Sarah, her partner, Chris, and their kids. Caspar got taken for a horse ride lol. We stayed our second night right in Whakatāne in the freedom camping designated parking,

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

just an easy 500-metre walk to the restaurant, and 100 metres to the foreshore walk that lines the estuary waterway. Dropped into the White Island Rendezvous motel for breakfast both days – other family were staying there – and we were tempted to take the boat trip out to Whale Island for the nature experience, but that would have meant dumping the family lunch event, so we put that on the list for next time. When we got home, essentially we received the Level 3 lockdown news, but not much worry for us as it was time to put our heads down and arses up to get this edition to the printers – unfortunately this magazine and deadlines were marching forward. The NZMCA Motorhome Caravan and Leisure show was to be held at Mystery Creek in September, but has been moved to October 9-11. The RV industry is raring to go, and tourism operators are coming from all over

the regions to showcase their areas as well – it will be a ripper of a show. This is the best venue hands down with so much space for RV parking, so visitors can stay over for 2–4 days if they want to. We will be there, and so will Caspar. Keep an eye on our Facebook page of updates in case this date changes again – after all, anything can happen Level-wise right? We look forward to seeing readers there if you can make it.

13. Walking along the foreshore of the estuary, birds in the water caught the eye of Caspar 14-15. Ōhope Pier area, café on the water, boats and foreshore walk 16. We saw a sign and followed it, quite a drive, but this is the look-out at the top of the hill on the way over to Ōhope Beach

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WALK & CYCLE TRAILS

Clutha Gold Trail (SECTION 2)

45.5777° S, 169.3200° E

Profile

A GREAT RIDE Cartographer and trail designer Gary Patterson has mapped his way around the globe from subantarctic islands to back-country bike trails on every continent. He returned home for an epic adventure, riding all 22 NZ Cycle Trails Great Rides to make a mobile app. The Great Rides App is the only mobile app for the trails, and can be freely downloaded from the app stores. Follow his travels to inspire, plan and to help you on your own journey.

A Great Ride

The Golden Days of Summer A caravan trip with a gentle cycle ride between Roxburgh and Millers Flat Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson or as credited

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

or us, summer down in the far south only lasted a fortnight. While others around the country were facing droughts with their lawns becoming dustbowls, at the bottom of the country we were still mowing our lush green lawns and dealing with flooding. The high-pressure weather systems that seemed to overstay their welcome up north pushed wet weather systems along our southern flanks. So when our late ‘summer’ finally gave us some more settled weather, we, the Waka Wagoneers (it’s a name a few of us who live around Lake Wakatipu and enjoy camping together have coined for ourselves) sounded the bugle and charged our way into Otago’s interior. Our caravan leads out. It is Friday afternoon as we drive down a hot road with our little Anglo Imp caravan in tow. We pass Lakes Wakatipu, Dunstan and Roxburgh and park up at a much smaller pond known as Pinders, ironically located below the Umbrella Range. With an ideal camp spot found and caravan stays down, crackers and cheese come out as we wait in the sun for the other Wagoneers to join us. Next to arrive is our Imp twin, complete

with kayaks and bikes, before the others of our party join us – all with bicycles and kayaks on board. What a find – this recreational reserve is literally a goldmine, but also a golden spot for campers. This scenic oasis is also popular with Teviot Valley locals who enjoy it for a weekend BBQ and swim. Pinders Pond’s dark waters are warm, being only a few hundred metres long and a hundred across. This is in contrast to its cooler cousin – the Clutha River – which rushes by in a swirling chill just metres away. The 30-metre deep pit that forms the pond is the result of gold-mining sluicing more than a hundred years ago; water from Lake Onslow far above was used to hydraulically sluice the gold-bearing gravels here. The venture lasted a few years fluctuating constantly between sinking or swimming, but eventually sank and the pond filled with groundwater, and now swimmers bob in its tepid waters. The evening is peaceful; the quiet broken only by rhythmic music strummed by some talented younger campers, the chatter of older motorhome folk, and our middle-aged clan talking late into the evening, not wanting to leave the welcome balmy evening air.

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Morning delivers a layer of low cloud halfway down the Umbrellas, although it is thin enough to see the outcrops high on the tops of the range. Our start is slow and we gather for breakfast before getting our bike gear together. The campsite is in a prime position on the trail, and as we sit eating breakfast beside our caravans we can hear the crunch of tyres on gravel a couple of metres away as several cyclists pedal past making the most of their day. We have another coffee.

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Eventually, our group is ready to ride. We head off downstream beside the swift river current which I suspect is flowing along faster than our gentle pedalling propels us. The Clutha River is not only the swiftest river in the country, but also carries the greatest volume of water and is the second longest. After travelling 330 kilometres, the river discharges 300 cubic metres of water per second into the Pacific Ocean – an Olympic-sized swimming pool of water every four seconds! Our group spreads

out into clusters of couples, chatting and cycling as we catch up with each other after several months since our last ‘waka wagoneering’ trip at the start of spring. Occasionally we all meet up to wait for others and enjoy trailside fruit treats. One of these spots is particularly fruitful as we all park up beside a plum tree with branches dripping in yellow ripe fruit hanging over the track. This is my sort of foraging! I do not even have to hop off my seat to enjoy this bounty. We pick a couple of extra plums each for the journey and continue on our way. Further downstream, with juices still dripping from the corners of our mouths, we start to pass buildings and reach the outskirts of Millers Flat. Millers Flat is a pleasant village on the opposite bank of the Clutha River from the highway and connected by a historic blue bridge. We all park up next to the tiny museum in the 100-year-old bakery building. This is where history and yeast come to life in the town formally known as Oven Hill. We expect just a collection of local relics and black-and-white photos inside; however, the museum has two parts. Beyond the stone wall covered with pictures of gold dredges and steam trains is a working bakery. We are drawn in by the smell and warmth emanating from the hot oven in this rear room. This

3 1. Summertime at the pond 2. Evening drinks with the Anglos 3. Summer harvest by the trail 4. Millers Flat Bakery Museum is a treat 5. The longest baker’s peel I have ever seen 6. The oven cranking and ready to go

place is authentic, heritage hangs here. On our left are large loaves of dough proving on trays, the centre wall has a cranking-hot wood-fired oven, while hanging overhead is a long oar. This is no place for paddling, and on closer inspection the implement turns out to be the longest oven paddle I have ever seen. This shovel-shaped device is called a ‘baker’s peel’ – derived from the French word ‘pelle’ or shovel. This one is several metres long … so that’s one super deep oven. We peer through the small holes of the oven door; its roaring furnace emits a deep orange glow and dry hot air. This place is fascinating and we revel in every new detail we discover. The museum’s historian talks to us about the way the bakery is still in use occasionally and tonight’s bread

is for a large tour group coming to visit. With tummies rumbling from the smell of fresh bread, we head next door for lunch at Fagan’s café and store – this store is even older than the bakery. The original building was constructed decades earlier. They also have artefacts from the old store days displayed out the back of the café which is worth exploring. After a lunch that ticked all the boxes, we head back to our campsite and on the way make a small detour to see the Teviot stone woolshed ruins. We ride across the farmland until we see parts of the stone walls rising out of the green pasture on private land. It would have been a massive structure in the 1870s, and at 137 x 47 metres it is the largest stone ruins in New Zealand. By now it is mid-afternoon, the

day has warmed up and feels very summery. We arrive back at camp and change into our swimwear for a dip in the pond – the water is unbelievably warm. Normally I can only last seconds in our southern lakes but here I float about for ages with the others, enjoying the sensation of summer as it washes over me, before retiring to the shore for a refreshing drink and nibbles. Inevitably the topic of eels comes up, and after some speculation on the presence of eels in the pond, one of our group produces an eel trap … evidently this is essential holidaying equipment for some. As evening falls the trap is set and the campsite ambience is perfect – a couple of dozen vehicles parked up together for the night – a peaceful C OT TAG E S Pinders Pond.

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Relax after a day on the trail in a quiet peaceful surrounding

Clutha Gold C OT TAG E S

w w w. c l u t h a g o l d c o t t a g e s . c o . n z Relax after a day on the trail in a quiet peaceful surrounding

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The next morning dawns warm and bright and we wander down to the pond edge to check the eel trap. A smallish eel has been lured in overnight by the smell of raw meat. After some oohs and aahs from our small group, and final confirmation that there are indeed eels in our swimming pool, the eel is released and we return to our morning preparations. Today we decide to split up for activities. Some drive the gravel road up to the tops and to Lake Onslow to spend the morning kayaking, fishing and exploring. Others ride along the trail towards Roxburgh Dam to forage for trailside apricots, while another remains at camp to read and walk in solitude. It is mid-afternoon and we are loving the summer heat. In the late afternoon, we regroup, swim with our new friend Neil the Eel, and sit around to share our day’s varied adventures. As the weekend draws to a close it becomes increasingly difficult to find the motivation to leave Pinders Pond. For me, it seems that if we leave here, we would be leaving our preciously short summer, the only summer weekend we have had all ‘summer’. After procrastinating as long as possible, we decide to enjoy another evening in this special spot and depart early in the morning to make it back in time for work. So we spend another balmy warm evening chatting with friends under a starry sky. It is sweet. Monday morning, before sun up, our party

breaks camp and the cavalcade trundles west from Pinders Pond to return home totally refreshed. The extra night makes it feel as though we have been away a week. The time we’ve spent, just minutes from the town of Roxburgh, was like a true summer retreat. It was our short break in our short summer. Now, as we hunker down at home during the Covid-19 threat, there’s fresh snow on the tops, rain on the lake and we reflect gratefully on our one summer getaway and make plans to return to this truly golden spot.

7. Riding along the trail beside the Clutha River 8. The Teviot stone woolshed ruins are massive 9. Relaxing after riding beside Pinders Pond

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Southland › Invercargill 46°24’33.4”S 168°22’48.5”E

TRAVEL

KOMBIS, PIES AND MORE

Allan Dick visits the southernmost city in the world, discovers a horde of Volkswagens and does a little tiki-touring. Story + Photos Allan Dick

2 NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

oc O’Donnell loves Volkswagens. And in particular she loves that icon of the Flower Power–hippy era, the Volkswagen Kombi, or Microbus if you are American. Joc (pronounced Joss as it is short for Jocelyn) and her husband Scott O’Donnell preside over the enormous, Invercargill-based conglomerate HWR, which has interests in the transport, petroleum, concrete, contracting, quarrying and environmental industries. To use a cliché, HWR operates below the radar and most people of Auckland, for example, wouldn’t be aware of the group, let alone its size, nor the impact it has on their daily lives. The company has 48 brands, operates in six sectors of the market, employs 2500 staff, and has a weekly turnover of several million dollars. ‘The Richardson family was well-involved in the Southland building industry. Bill Richardson took over half of the family business at the age of 19, having had to step into the role when his father fell ill, and over the next seven decades built a mighty empire. But such was his Southland modesty it was an

empire that was almost impossible to detect from the outside. Under his leadership HWR operated from a modest, single-level building in Invercargill that was devoid of any signage — you had to know what you were looking for if you wanted to visit. The Richardson family home was right next door to the head office, and that’s an indicator of the values that Bill had. Bill and wife Shona’s son Harold was in line to take over as head of the company, but he sadly died in a road crash in the central North Island. Bill’s sudden death in 2005 suddenly put the spotlight on Joc. Some time before, Joc – along with her sweetheart Scott O’Donnell – had been in the U.K as part of an extended O.E. They had taken time off working in London to tour Europe and had bought a kitted-out campervan for both transport and accommodation. It was a Volkswagen Kombi. In Europe they decided to marry and the Kombi was sold to pay for the engagement ring. And that explains why Joc today has this great affection for these boxy, German vans. Following Harold’s death, Joc and Scott

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headed back to Invercargill – “It was something we hadn’t planned on,” says the tall and elegant Joc. “But following the death of my brother, we felt it was the best option to be closer to our families. Under new management, the company continued to grow and expand and now has a considerable portfolio of properties along with trucking, concrete, quarrying, petroleum and contracting interests. While the group remains steadfast to the somewhat homespun ideals of Bill Richardson, head office now has signage, and the company has a far higher profile. During his time driving the company towards greater diversification, Bill Richardson had quietly started collecting trucks. Some people collect stamps, others baseball caps; Bill Richardson loved trucks. And having the money, he started collecting them – quietly and without making any fuss about it. He scoured Southland and then further afield, and at the time of his death the collection had become vast – and colourful. But he didn’t just collect them; he also had them painstakingly restored.

At which point I must tell you about the most spectacular vehicle in the collection – it is a streamlined American Dodge Airflow petrol tanker from the forties and is extraordinarily rare. It is big, red and stunning. Sound a bit passé to you? Not when you see it. This was almost a private collection – the emphasis here is on ‘almost’. Word spread of this fabulous collection of trucks, and

although he never opened the doors to the public on a regular basis, if you phoned and asked, you were given access and a tour by the custodian. A decade or more ago, I heard about ‘the Bill Richardson truck collection’ and was told it was worth a visit. So, I made the phone call, asked, and I got the tour – as part of a story I was writing on Southland for this magazine. First job was locating head office, and once that was done I presented myself and was directed to the first of a series of large and adjacent warehouses. Trucks were not ‘my thing’ – until that visit. It was impossible not to be spellbound by the enormous variety and colour of the spectacle – even though there was no real attempt to display them in a museum-like atmosphere. And it was mid-winter and cold. I went away very impressed. Much changed when Joc and Scott arrived on the scene. Scott very much occupied himself with getting to grips with the business while Joc started thinking laterally. “I love Invercargill, but I was aware that we really had no major tourist attraction. Scott and I looked at Dad’s collection of trucks and decided to expand it and house it in a proper environment. We set about creating the Bill

B2B RV LTD Back 2 Basics B2B RV was established five years ago with Peter doing Pre Purchase Inspections and mobile repairs from home. This proved popular, and he started taking in jobs that could be done in the back yard as well as also looking after his 6-month-old grandson full time. Next came the Diesel Heaters. After a fairly long search, Belief branded heaters were selected as the best option available from China. These heaters quickly proved to be very successful and reliable, and a 5kw

Diesel Combi Air/ Water Unit

unit was added to the initial 2kw Heater range. All heaters are held in stock in NZ, and we carry a full range of spare parts in our store. 2019 bought the diesel-fired Combi unit into the range with a combined 6kw air heater and 10-litre water heater. 2020 saw the manufacturers rebrand to JP Heating.

Richardson Transport World.” A new and purpose-designed art deco building was added, fronting onto the main road into Invercargill from the north. The building included a café along with a suite of offices. Joc took charge of creating the atmosphere, and inside the new complex her quite exquisite taste and attention to detail is apparent everywhere. The toilets alone are worth the trip to Invercargill and the price of admission. But even with Bill’s truck collection now displayed properly and housed in a building finished with fascinating detail, Joc and Scott weren’t finished.

1. Back and front — VW Beetles in a row 2. So many Volkwagens and all in one place 3-4. Perhaps the most famous use for the VW Kombi – as a picnic wagon! 5. The famous VW badge 6. More than a barn find — Kombis past saving as part of the impressive display 7. Rare and stylish VW Karmann Ghia coupé 8. VW pool table. It won’t go very fast, but it will use no petrol!

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He soon outgrew the yard so 18 months ago Peter moved the business into our premises at 236D Main South Road, Hornby. This proved to be a prudent move, as the work soon

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Realising that trucks alone might not represent the tourism magnet they were hoping for, they bought an entire collection of classic Ford cars plus some others they thought would add to the flavour of the place. But, as they say on the TV adverts, wait, there’s more. And as well as the cars and the trucks, Joc added collectables – petrol pumps, pedal cars and then a collection of wearable art. Bill Richardson Transport World has been a smash hit since the day it opened its doors, but the O’Donnells were still not finished. A large and world-class collection of motorcycles came up for sale in Nelson, either complete or individually, and as Invercargill was the home of the inveterate motorcycle speed demon Burt Munro, the whole collection was purchased and is now housed in a building on Tay Street in the Invercargill CBD – again with a quite superb café included. It is Classic Motorcycle Mecca and even if you are only half interested in motorcycles, these are works of art. Because of their work in the contracting world, the group also created a playground for heavy machinery called Dig This Invercargill (the only heavy machinery playground in New Zealand),. You would think that would be enough, but Scott, a highly enthusiastic and capable racing driver, felt there was one more building block to be added. In the sixties and seventies, an engineer

from the small Southland town of Drummond, carved out a niche for himself, by designing and building a series of 18 racing cars that started out as little more than backyard specials, but ended up challenging the best in the world. His name was George Begg, and if ever there was a Son of Southland, George was he. A big man who dressed in woolly jerseys, could be gruff, and said Gorrrre and worrrk and Burrrt, Scott and Joc decided he also needed to be suitably honoured. Again, with Joc steering the design ship, a special place was created in the basement of the building housing Classic Motorcycle Mecca. This would be called the ‘George Begg Bunker’ where a collection of his cars is on display along with panels outlining the career of this little-sung Southlander. It was for the opening of the ‘Bunker’ that I went to Invercargill on the first of two journeys that resulted in this story. It was while I was there that I learnt of Joc’s love for the Volkswagen Kombi and the story behind that affection. Joc said her next project was to pull together a collection of Volkswagens including as many variations of the Kombi theme that she possibly could. Then lockdown got in the way, but once we were free to move about again, the covers came off the ‘Volkswagen Display’ and I was once again on the road to Invercargill. I have learnt stuff about Volkswagens – and

12 NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Kombis in particular – that I never knew. Central to the display was to have been the ‘ultimate’ Kombi, the bee’s knees, the creme-dela-creme of Kombis – a 23-window, barn-door model. If you have one of these, (a) you are serious about Kombis and (b) you have money, because they fetch very high prices. Joc had tracked one down in the USA, but Covid-19 meant it has been delayed getting here and so the Volkswagen Display is currently without it. For the uninitiated – and that includes me – the ‘23 windows’ counts all of the windows in the vehicle, including the small skylights in the roof, and ‘barn door’ relates to the size of the hatch at the rear giving access to the engine. This single model had a larger than usual engine hatch. Hence ‘barn door’. So, now you know. As well as all of the above, Joc and Scott also converted a group of pensioner units adjacent to the complex and family home and turned them into luxury accommodation called The Lodges at Transport World. But the involvement of Scott, Joc and HWR in the future of Invercargill doesn’t end with Bill Richardson Transport World, Dig This, Classic Motorcycle Mecca, the George Begg Bunker, The Lodges, nor the ongoing work of the group itself. Scott has been the driving force in a major redevelopment programme, the likes of which has possibly never happened in New Zealand

before. Scott has overseen the creation of a consortium involving HWR and the Invercargill City Council in a $165 million scheme to level an entire inner-city block and replace it with a series of brand-new complexes, giving Invercargill a gleaming new heart. This company is called Invercargill Central Limited. This is a project of breathtaking scope, and the events of the first half of this year have caused some anxious moments and some delays, but the demolition of the old existing buildings was well underway on my last visit, with construction about to begin and key tenants signed on. The commercial and retail heart of Invercargill was originally in Tay and Dee Streets, but over the years there’s been a greater focus on ‘inner’ streets – Esk, Don, Spey and Yarrow. This new development will refocus retail in Invercargill. Not everyone wants it, some residents think it’s a step too far and don’t want the Council involved for fear it will impact on rates. But

there is no doubting the vote of confidence in Invercargill that is behind this move. Living so many years in Dunedin and making regular visits to Invercargill for motor racing at Teretonga, I know the place quite well. Southland is unique and Invercargill equally so. Central to life in Invercargill in past decades was the decision many years ago to move from a dry city to one where liquor is controlled by a public trust – and the Invercargill Licensing Trust (ILT) is now as much a part and parcel of Invercargill life as the 24-hour day is. In many (most?) other trust areas, the power of the trusts has been diluted by allowing supermarkets to sell wine and beer and having independent liquor outlets. But not in Invercargill. To a first-time visitor, it seems odd not being able to buy a bottle of wine with a lettuce or with the weekend roast, and instead having to go and find a liquor store, the ILT pours millions of dollars back into the community each year. Parallel to Invercargill Central Limited, the ILT is also busy constructing a major new hotel in the city centre, so there are major works underway here. Of course, straddling all of this has been Covid-19 and, in more recent news, the pending closure of the nearby Tiwai Point aluminium smelter. But Invercargill is made of stern stuff and Southland is an agriculture powerhouse with nearby Edendale being home to the biggest dairy factory in New Zealand – if not the world. The other factor that has kept Invercargill alive and moving in recent years has been

that most famous of imports – Mayor Tim, who arrived looking for work at the smelter and stayed, becoming New Zealand’s longestserving mayor in the process. For me, for many, many years, Invercargill was about the motor racing at Teretonga, and I agree with Joc O’Donnell that there was no real tourist attraction other than a museum on the way to Bluff and Stewart Island where you could see famous Henry the Tuatara up close, but that museum has been closed for a long time because of earthquake issues. So there is no doubting the worth of the projects overseen by Joc O’Donnell on behalf of the HWR. Bill Richardson, looking down from the cab of his Mack in the sky, may be bemused by seeing his name on buildings, but I am sure he would be proud.

9-10. One of Invercargill’s most famous sons — bronze of Burt Munro and his Indian motorcycle on free display at E. Hayes and Sons, hardware store 11. Some of the old buildings, some of them iconic, that have been levelled to make way for a new city block in Invercargill. The site will be ringed with panels, many of them almost works of art 12. The end of SH1 – and everyone’s on their ‘devices’! 13. A kid on a skateboard zooms past Invercargill’s most photographed building – the water tower 14. Bronze statue of a Tuatara outside the Invercargill museum — which has long been closed 15. Rotten Row at Green Point on the road to Bluff

More than meets

the eye!

www.southlandnz.com

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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Meet the Kombi’s big brother – the all-new Volkswagen Grand California A night under the stars. An unforgettable summer weekend festival with friends. A Kiwi bach, ski chalet and return ticket, all in one. Meet the iconic Volkswagen Kombi’s bigger brother, the all-new Grand California. Arriving on New Zealand shores this spring, the Grand California is Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ latest addition to its proud story of building freedom on four wheels. Featuring a comfortable, spacious interior and cutting-edge technology, the Grand California motorhome expands upon previous generations of carefree camper van adventure. Based on the award-winning Crafter platform, the Grand California embodies the advanced safety and assistance features that come with a world class European brand. With 360 degree parking sensors to monitor your surroundings, Front Assist, Lane Keeping and Adaptive Cruise control all as standard, you can be sure that this new kid on the block will pack a statement. With more Kiwis than ever set to hit the road this summer, exploring ‘your own backyard’ will be made easy by this newcomer. Kevin Richards, General Manager of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles says, “If

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River Avon › Christchurch › Canterbury 43.5321° S, 172.6396° E

TRAVEL

RESTORING THE SOUL

Looking across the river to the City Promenade (Ōtākaro Limited)

More than 10 years have passed since the devastating Canterbury earthquakes. And still, the Ōtākaro/Avon River flows through the city of Christchurch to the Pacific Ocean. Many organisations are working to revitalise Christchurch’s Avon River ‘red zone’ from a place of trauma to a multi-purpose river-park corridor. Kathy Catton investigates the state of restoration and uncovers the beautiful hope for the river that runs from city to sea. Story Kathy Catton Photos Kathy Catton or as credited

“

When you lose your home, it’s incredibly traumatic.” These are the words of Evan Smith, Christchurch resident and spokesperson for the Avon-Ōtākaro Network (AvON), who along with over 5000 other homeowners was forced to abandon his home in the residential ‘red zone’ following the 2010/11 earthquakes. This 11km stretch of vacant land ribbons its way from the central business district of Christchurch, along the banks of the Ōtākaro/Avon River, to the sea. Understandably, the residents feel a very close connection to this land and this river. The Council-led ‘Share an Idea’ initiative in 2011 led to thousands of entries with a clear consensus for a natural restoration project (among many other city-wide projects). A regeneration planning process for the Ōtākaro/ Avon River Corridor was undertaken by Regenerate Christchurch in 2017/18. The thrust of this consultative regeneration plan was to provide a visitor experience while at the same time restoring the indigenous natural habitat and taking care of the recreational needs of the

community. These needs for walking, jogging and cycling were highlighted during the Covid19 lockdown, with hundreds of residents enjoying the wide-open green space. Now more than ever, we have a new appreciation for our parks and public recreation spaces. With ownership of the 602-hectare former red-zone area due to transfer from the Crown to Christchurch City Council in the coming two years, the Council recognises it needs to do all it can to get the initial stages of the regeneration plan underway as soon as possible. “One of our first priorities is starting the development of the Green Spine, which will follow the river from Barbadoes Street to the Bexley suburb,” said Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, in a recent media statement. “The Green Spine will include large areas of ecological restoration and wetlands, walking paths, nature trails, cycleways, riverside landings and community spaces such as picnic spots and barbecue areas.” This sounds grand and wholesome but is

still several years away from being realised (although work is underway this year). Luckily, development activity along the central Avon River Precinct has already been well underway for many years in the city, led by Ōtākaro Limited’s Project Director, Shaun Jarmai. “The earthquakes have provided us with an opportunity for Christchurch to face the river,” says Shaun. “We want to provide wellness and respite to residents and visitors to Christchurch. We want to provide connectivity, so that visitors and locals can get on their bikes or walk along the riverbank from the hospital to the Margaret Mahy playground [the Southern Hemisphere’s largest children’s playground].” To draw people into this vision, Ōtākaro Limited have worked with Ngāi Tahu and Matapopore Charitable Trust to create 13 weaving patterns or mats of welcome (ngā whāriki manaaki), telling the stories of this place. The river supported extensive wetlands and mahinga kai (food and resource gathering place) in the Christchurch region. NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

This has been a key value for the recovery of Christchurch. Positioned near the river, each whāriki (mat) is an arrangement of natural stone pavers of varying shades and colours. In sequence, they reference the whakamanuhiri process of welcome for all people visiting Christchurch. Also, they support the guiding principle of the rebuild for Ngāi Tahu: Kia atawhai ki te iwi, care for your people.

A key feature of the Avon River Precinct regeneration is the City Promenade (opened November 2018), which extends two kilometres through the heart of the Precinct on the eastern side of the river, replacing Oxford Terrace. It provides space to entertain and bring people together. The western side of the river has become a green space with walking and cycling paths. People can feed the eels from the steps (“no bread, only meat please,” urges Shaun) and

read the poetry carved into the steps. “People have so much connectivity to this place,” says Shaun. “The day we opened Victoria Square, a man came up to me in tears; he was so touched by what we had created for the people of Christchurch.” It’s moments like these that continue to build the heart of the city and connect us to each other. Tourists and locals alike can now easily access and connect with the river. For an international city, this is a prominent feature and one that has been honoured in Christchurch. Evan Smith from AvON echoes this sentiment of social connectivity and ecological honouring. The group promotes the establishment of a broad, continuous, natural corridor of indigenous habitat as appropriate to the historic ecology and its catchment, including Te Ihutai/Estuary, with specific regard to enhancing water quality

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and indigenous biodiversity. Seeing itself as playing a brokering role in arranging multiple projects, the organisation works in collaboration with public bodies, philanthropists and private investors. “Top of mind for us right now are pedestrian paths and cycleways from CBD to coast, as both a recreational and tourism asset,” says Evan. “We also want to create land- and water-based recreational facilities and amenities for the health, well-being and further 5 development of the community.” Te Ara Ōtākaro/Avon River Trail is one such development. Known as a ‘transitional’ riverside trail, it is designed to be suitable for recreation on foot or bike with high levels of accessibility. “This 11km trail is a great way to improve the overall community health and well-being in the east of the city,” says Evan. The trail project was initiated by AvON, and led by Christchurch City Council, with the support of the Ministry of Social Development and Regenerate Christchurch. “It’s opened up a large area for individuals and families to explore,” says Evan. “There has also been extensive native planting by the river

on Anzac Drive reserve, by Travis Road. That was five years ago, and already the trees are over head-height.” It’s a long-term game, and by focusing on the big picture, the Network can start to see the total effect of their efforts. “This work now is for our grandchildren rather than for ourselves,” states Evan. “Yes, it provides some healing and therapy for many of the individuals that work in these community groups to work in the regeneration of the river, but it’s the fact that we are looking after the land for future generations that becomes the overriding inspiration.”

6 1. Plenty of opportunities to bike along the river, so close to the city (Ōtākaro Limited) 2. Visitor information about the river and its significance 3. Opportunities for kayaking along the river 4. Feeding the eels in the river (Ōtākaro Limited) 5. Plenty of eatery options along the river 6. Beautiful stretches of river as the river flows eastwards

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Brendan Anstiss, General Manager Strategy and Transformation at the Council, agrees with Evan, saying that the Council has approximately $200m worth of physical regeneration works planned for the next 10 years, and more will be required over the long term. “This will be a generational activity,” says Brendan. “The potential is incredibly exciting and we need to make sure we are taking small steps all the time towards this. The Council also can’t and shouldn’t do this on its own – this is a place for the community to own, and so the Council works closely with

many existing and newly formed groups.” “Meet in the Middle, Matariki in the Zone, Christchurch marathon and River of Flowers are all annual highlights in the river’s calendar,” says Evan. “These are all invitations for people to connect to the lifeblood of the city.” Without a doubt, the people and organisations working on the river have created a living memorial to those who lost their lives and homes in the earthquakes. But it’s a place to look forward. Just as the river continues to flow, it moves despite any trauma or pain. As John Muir, environmental activist, once said,

“Rivers flow not past, but through us; tingling, vibrating, exciting every cell and fibre in our bodies, making them sing and glide.” Christchurch has an incredible asset. A legacy from our earthquake experience and an opportunity to face our future. 7. A beautiful spot so close to the city (Ōtākaro Limited) 8. A great evening venue for entertainment or entertaining (Ōtākaro Limited)

SO, WHAT CAN VISITORS TO THE RIVER EXPECT? Bring your bike and enjoy a gentle ride along the 11km Te Ara Ōtākaro/Avon River Trail. It starts on the corner of Barbadoes Street and Cambridge Terrace and finishes at Pages Road. Allow about 2.5 hours one way. The trail is shared use for walking and biking and is a mix of shingle, normal roads and closed roads, unrepaired since the earthquakes. Look out for the storyboards that tell the story of how the environment and community have been affected by the earthquakes. Also, keep an eye on social media for grassroots activities and events that may be happening along the river. Explore the 2km City Promenade, through the heart of the city – either on foot, with the opportunity to savour the flavours in the numerous eateries, or by bike – on the western side of the river. Take the kids to the Margaret Mahy playground and delight in the serene flowing river, while your children scream with joy on the curly-whirly slides.

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We were both off work, both restless following lockdown and Billie’s Falcon had a full tank of gas. With a perfect weather window that stretched the entire West Coast, there was certainly scope to blow off some cobwebs. So we packed a change of clothes, and set off from Blackball, course due south. Story + Photos Meg Fulford

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

umara Junction, 25 kilometres south of Greymouth, marks the beginning of the Glacier Highway. We swing west but don’t get far before we pull into Needful Things, a quirky treasure trove of retro, its entrance marked by a blue Morris Minor. Inside, the store is brimming a cornucopia of antiques, books, clothing and curios. With no EFTPOS available, I hand over five dollars for a 1975 pressing of Fred Dagg’s Greatest Hits, and then scrounge another $10 for a small Crown Lynn swan. Owner/operator Jackie Hill is a great conversationalist, a native of Lancashire and generous to a fault. Back in the Falcon we sweep down to the Serpentine bend where the Tasman Sea greets us with its opaque swells. The beach here marks the starting line of the annual Coast-to-Coast race, with the competitors running, kayaking and cycling to Christchurch’s Sumner beach. Personally, I’m more likely to look for jade or

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

pounamu, and that can be found here among the greywacke beach pebbles. The more common green stone here though is the softer serpentine, which lends its name to the creek and beach. The straights from Serpentine give us a grand view down to Aoraki/Mt Cook, the alps resplendent in a dusting of winter snow. The coprosma treeline to our left is like a long, groomed mound – every leaf that dares peek above the others blown off by the prevailing winds, trunks fixed in aeolian positions. We turn off left after Waimea Creek to Awatuna and sneak up the side road to Stafford. A goldrush settlement, in its heyday Stafford had a population of around 5000, with 37 hotels and 17 stores. Billie hadn’t heard of Stafford or its historic cemetery so I thought a quick peek would be in order. Today, a narrow road meanders through a smattering of buildings, one of which is the Stafford Literary Institute dating from 1870, finial pointing resolutely to

the sky. The cemetery, found up Scandinavian Street, has recently had a lot of restoration work put into its grounds by some local families and the Hokitika Lions Club. The headstones tell the hard life of early West Coast settlers – with accidents and illness, few made it to old age. There is a rusted iron coffin lying on the grass as a macabre curiosity. A helicopter buzzing overhead brings us back to the present, and we wander through the large groaning gates to the Falcon. If we were to turn left at the bottom of the road, we would find a pleasant camping spot a few minutes away at Goldsborough and a walk at Tunnel Terrace … but we’ll save that for summer. Returning to State Highway 6 over the delightfully named Flowery Creek, we continue south over the Arahura River, sacred waters of Ngāti Waewae, who collect their venerated pounamu from its rapids. Hokitika draws us in with its wide streets and easy atmosphere. We find a coffee before we take a look at Sunset Point on Gibson Quay. There is a large ship perched here, a memorial to the many seafarers and vessels lost in the treacherous waters, and from it you can look north up the coastline to the driftwood sculptures that appear every year for the iconic Wildfoods Festival. Behind lies the Hokitika River, once a busy thoroughfare as ships berthed, traders unloaded, and fortune-seekers first set foot on the West Coast. Now it’s more popular with whitebaiters and photographers, its currents framed by the mighty Southern Alps. Twenty minutes south of Hokitika is Ross, another goldrush town, fed by the State Highway 6 artery. The local population of 300 is serviced by a school and police station plus the iconic and historic Empire Hotel. There is a poppet-head at the corner of Bold and St James Streets, a structure employed above

mineshafts to support pulleys and winches, several examples of which are found coastwide. Behind it is the De Bakker cottage, its interior full of original period furnishing and curios. The clock above the coal range set off clanging and chiming a welcome as we entered the kitchen, then continued its tick-tick-tick. I can’t imagine how these cottages fit the large families of the late 1800s – no insulation, cramped and dark, but still housing a dozen people! Next door, the gaol house tells the story of law enforcement in a mining township, with stocks out the front for photo opportunities. The Ross Goldfields Information and Heritage Centre here offers goldpanning. The Ross Beach Top Ten Holiday Park lies among flax plantings snug against the sea, with private sheltered sites, accommodation pods and a communal kitchen. The grounds include a safe swimming beach right on their doorstep and I’m reliably told that snapper are being caught off here too. At the office we are warmly greeted by Hayley, whose husband is the local policeman, and she tells us that we just missed the Westland Mayor, Bruce Smith. Smith is passionate ambassador for the West Coast and has a presence on Facebook as The Coasters Club, travelling through the region interviewing local characters and showcasing

attractions – apparently his plan today. We thought that sounded splendid and decided to chase the Mayor south. The winter sunshine is intoxicating as the road takes us over the Mikonui River and into Ferguson’s Bush. This is rimu country and they tower over the highway in a majestic avenue, moss and epiphytes clinging to their trunks – high-rise populations in the podocarp forest. Interestingly enough, this area is devoid of the 4 beech so common at either end of the West Coast, the ‘Beech Gap’ running from the Taramakau River to Knight’s Point just before Haast. Glacial action gouged out the beech millions of years ago and the podocarps created their own kingdom in the damp coastal climate. We exit the forested avenue to our first glimpse of Lake Ianthe. (It’s eye-AN-thee with a soft TH.) I did a little reading about the origins of the moniker and there is some division over whether it has its roots in old hermit ‘Ian’ who lived in the bush nearby or a beautiful Greek nymph. I’m leaning towards the nymph today as the lake surface is like polished obsidian, with reflections of sky and hills bouncing off it.

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1. Stafford Literary Institute stands watch over the Stafford Loop Road, now in its 150th year 2. Jackie Hill of Needful Things – open on sunny days and always with a sunny smile 3. The De Bakker Cottage and poppethead in Ross. This cottage was originally located further along St James Street but was moved to its present position in 1978. The cherry trees of Ross are splendid in spring blossom 4. Lake Ianthe. Camping is allowed here, with facilities including toilets, tap water and boat ramp

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Peer a little deeper and tendrils of oxygen weeds wave seductively in the tannin-stained waters. I expect to see an eel, a trout or maybe a mermaid but the weed keeps its secrets close. The reflecting mirror is broken as a man wades into the shallows and drifts out to the centre, his head bobbing in the ripples. DOC lists this as being a safe swimming lake so I guess he doesn’t have to fret about the taniwha. Camping is allowed here, and facilities include toilets, running tap water, boat ramp and jetty.

Back on the road we enter Harihari and stop at the mosaic garden to admire the colourful tiles, laid as a community beautification project about eight years ago. The mosaics are part of the Guy Menzies Memorial Park, commemorating his historic solo flight across the Tasman from Australia in January 1931. Humorously, his landing was rougher than anticipated as what he assumed to be a grassy paddock was actually La Fontaine swamp and his plane ended up on its nose in the

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flax. Incredulous locals didn’t believe he had arrived from Australia until he produced a pie bag from Sydney Airport. Further along, on Wanganui Flat Road, the Thomson Home-kill Butchery is tucked away to the right in a large modern shed where Lynley and Neville Thomson produce their meat cuts and smallgoods. Neville was a logger in South Westland until the scrapping of the Forestry Accord in the 1990s when he returned to his first trade as a butcher. Their bacon and sausages have been winning some big awards across New Zealand. Lynley tells us that we just missed the Mayor who had popped in for sausages, what a surprise! Continuing south we cross the Poerua River and begin the climb of Mt Hercules. I worked in the glacier area in 2003 and Mt Hercules was referred to by some Irish workmates as

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and joins us at the tables for a chat about his day and quick cider. As it turns out, we were right behind him at Ianthe as well. He heads off home to Hokitika, and a kea swoops past as the day draws in and the mountain tops turn pink above the glacier. It was getting on, so Billie and I return to the Falcon and head over the Fox hills to the next glacier town. Tuesday night was a quiet affair in Fox Glacier but we found some lights on at The White Pub, and they let us in (despite being closed, as we found out afterwards) where we booked a room. Fox Glacier township is a friendly place, with a permanent population around 300. When I’m here, I find Café Neve has superb pizza, and a walk around Lake Mathieson makes for an easy stroll with dramatic mountain views. The access road to the Fox Glacier was wiped out in a cyclone but the HeliServices Scenic Flight company

are offering some sharp package deals with flights, meals and accommodation, so I’d recommend keeping some money aside for the experience they offer. Back in our room, the doors opened onto the famous White Pub balcony and we enjoyed a late-night snack under the southern stars. Morning in glacier country is always a revelation, the early light setting the steep ridges into sharp relief as they plunge to the waterways carving through them. The sharp air wakes the brain faster than any caffeine. The Falcon continues its flight south. Bruce Bay was awash with sunshine and sea spray as we pulled in beside a number of motorhomes making use of the free seaside camping. The sea has been kept at bay by large boulders of granite quarried at Paringa, a spectacular quantity of mica embedded through the rock shedding pearly flakes through the parking area and winking in the sun.

5. The Lost Hut, a surprise find a little off the beaten track in the Whataroa Valley 6. Albert at Fern Grove Souvenirs was a delightful host 7. Falcon Pilot Billie with Mayor Bruce Smith, ‘Gypsy Dyers’ Lou Wilkins and Sean Woods and traveller James

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“the Crazy Hills”, with its snaking roads and hairpin bends. The Crazy Hills are somewhat tamer now as several weather bombs reamed out gullies, forcing road realignments, and NZTA have widened some parts, but it is still a road that demands full attention. We turn left after the Whataroa River bridge, to the recreation area. Most fortuitously, in the carpark area a sign points to a toilet facility. This bathroom has a real indoor-outdoor flow, with tree ferns overhanging the handbasin and a view to the river and old bridge abutments. Poking around, I followed a track through the bush to ‘The Lost Hut’. A lone kettle hung in the corrugated iron chimney, and a tree fern grew through one of the beds. Enquiries reveal this was actually occupied by an old goldminer for many years but has been disused for some time, now a relic in the scrub. It was also here that the notorious West Coast sandflies made their first appearance, with accompanying slaps and expletives. Billie makes the Falcon sail through Whataroa, past Lakes Wahapo and Mapourika, and on to Franz Josef township. We drive around the back streets and ask some local chaps at a picnic table where to get a bite. They agree unanimously that we should find the ‘Snakebite’ and point us back to the main road. Sure enough there’s the Snakebite, situated conveniently next to Fern Grove Gifts and Souvenirs, where a friendly pup introduced himself as ‘Albert’ and escorted us around the store. I bought some treats for my daughter, and wandered next door to Snakebite Brewery as the smells emanating from their kitchen were enticing. At Snakebite Brewery, the menu is packed with Asian street food and Kiwi fare, and they stock a load of craft brews to accompany it all. It was a hard choice but I opted for pork-belly dim sums and a berry cider. The outside tables made for sociable dining, and we struck up a conversation with Lou and Sean, a couple were travelling around in their colourful bus as the ‘Gypsy Dyers’. They were still buzzing after a scenic heli-flight over the glacier, shared with none other than the elusive Mayor Bruce Smith. They point out an approaching vehicle with the Mayor at the wheel, and he obligingly pulls over

I found a couple of smaller mica rocks here to take home and then set off down the beach, hunting futilely for some greenstone. A kākā swooped and called through the rimu canopy and a creek trickled over the beach, sparkling with the clarity of a diamond. More lakes follow from here, including Paringa and Moeraki but it was still early morning and the valley roads wound through chilly shadows. We pondered grabbing a coffee at the Paringa Salmon Farm – an excellent stop, with plenty of fresh and smoked salmon options on offer – but our taste buds were watering for a burger brunch in Haast. Crossing the 737m-long Haast bridge felt like entering another world as the valley spread out to the vista of the Haast River and the famous Red Hills. Do stop at the Haast Visitor Centre, it is probably one of the best laid out and informative i-SITEs in the country, with informative displays covering history, geology and ecology. There’s also plenty of information regarding nearby walking tracks, tramping areas and hunting opportunities. Swinging in at the Hard Antler on Marks Rd our phones crackled back to life as reception returned after many miles. When the cell tower was installed here in 2018 there was an uproar from locals, not keen to lose their unique lifestyle. Jill and Casey at the Hard Antler are relaxed and friendly with typical laid-back ‘Coastitudes’ – I asked what the Pilsner flavours were like and the reply was “ummm BEER flavours? I just know it tastes good!” Ok then, we had better try it. The walls of this establishment are lined with

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trophy heads – antlers hang off the wooden beams, and massive gnarled stumps hold slabs of native timber as leaners. Another wall showcases ‘Local Legends’ – hunters and fishermen with their prize catches, a boulder of polished serpentine at the base. I order the blue-cod burger, and it is divine. Fresh sweet cod in a light crunchy batter, with a slaw-filled bun and fries, complemented perfectly by my ‘beer flavours’ Pilsner. A perfect lunch. Looking at the time, we probably really should begin the trek back home but … it would be a waste of sunshine to not visit Jackson Bay a mere 40-minute drive southwest. Check the signposts at the turnoff to see if The Craypot is open – a tempting caravan of kai moana by the Jackson Bay wharf, but it is seasonal. The forest overhang after Hannah’s Clearing has Billie in raptures at “so many shades of green”. The road through here is a rattly, rolling thumper so watch your suspension. Also keep an eye on the creek names throughout the region, ‘The Wind Bag’, ‘Frolic Brook’ and ‘Duffers Creek’ for example – lively and humorous. We stop at the Arawhata River and take in the breathtaking scene, wide river braids stretching to the alps, sleek fat waters pass lazily below, blue skies arching overhead. Arawhata Bill, the better-known title of William O’Leary, made the river synonymous with himself and South Westland hardiness. Working as a ferryman on the Waiatoto river for many years, he resigned that position in 1928 to prospect the Arawhata and search for a long-lost ruby mine in the Red Hills. Stories of a seaboot filled with gold and hidden in the area by a

French sea captain kept him roaming with his faithful horse Dolly. Arawhata Bill’s place in South Westland lore was sealed with Denis Glover’s eponymous poem. The furthest road south on the West Coast takes you to the settlement that is Jackson Bay. Today it is bathed in sun – a glistening jewel, a treasured bounty. For early settlers, when the weather set in, it was a bleak, lonely prison. A government scheme sent 400 settlers to this ‘special settlement’ in 1875, many of them natives of Poland. However, an extremely wet year was followed by another, wetter year. By 1879, the settlement had collapsed, crops rotted, the families went, dispersed by the rainfall, isolation and lack of infrastructure destroying morale and health. Reading accounts of their trials and the harrowing descriptions of miserable mud and incessant rain, it is hard to believe that it’s the same bay we stand in today. The pioneer cemetery lies in a gloomy pall under a canopy of dripping lichens, supplejack vines and native fuchsia, the inscription at its entrance dismally proclaiming “To the memory of the early pioneers, who lay at rest here or in some other lonely grave.” The bush has reclaimed most of the sites, the last few marked by rocks, rusted iron and a mossy wooden cross. In the bay itself, another grave stands by the slipway, arum lilies flourishing within its iron arms, it marks the passing of a sailor claimed by pneumonia. These interments and inscriptions convey the deep misery felt by those who first ventured here and contrast strongly with the scene before us. Sea-polished glass interspersed with strands of Neptune’s Necklace litter the beach. A couple of contractors are working on the wharf, preparing it for a $500k upgrade. Some other visitors have lines in the water, trying their luck for a groper or spotty dog. Shoals of minnows flitter under the boards and around the piles. The Southern Alps trundle off into the distant north and a lone fishing boat bobs at its buoy. Jackson Bay. Perfect. 10. Lake Mapourika, gleaming like an oil slick in the dusk

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TROUT CENTRE TEACHES YOUNGSTERS THE ART OF FLY FISHING Nestled in a beautiful bush setting on the Central Plateau, the Tongariro National Trout Centre provides a unique look into the world of trout and our native fishes, and plays an important part in raising awareness of the importance of freshwater conservation and the need for a sustainable fishery resource. Story Tom Clarke Photos Tom Clarke or as credited

The aquarium where some 20 varieties of native and introduced fish can be seen NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

he rapidly growing mid-North Island towns of Taupō and Turangi are well known for many things, including their stunning mountain scenery, beautiful rivers and lakes, and the wide variety of action attractions they offer, but topping the list for many – visitors and locals alike – is their world-renowned freshwater trout fishing. And for everyone – fishing enthusiast or not – the Tongariro National Trout Centre at Turangi provides a fascinating insight into the world of the region’s fish and their lifecycles. The Centre is located on State Highway One four kilometres south of Turangi and is a joint venture between the Department of Conservation and the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society. It is appropriately located on the banks of the Tongariro River, the major tributary of Lake Taupō and one of the world’s finest trout fishing rivers with a world-wide

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

reputation for the size, number and strength of its trout and the challenges they present to anglers. It also provides a unique opportunity for young people to experience and learn some of the skills of fly fishing. The Tongariro National Trout Centre began life in 1927 as a hatchery, using the ready supply of wild fish stocks in Lake Taupō to support acclimatisation societies throughout the country by providing hatchery-raised ova and fry for release in their areas. Lake Taupō doesn’t need to be restocked with trout – it now has a self-sustaining wild population – and although the centre no longer raises fish on a large scale, it does have the capacity to do so in the event of a major natural catastrophe that might lead to the need to restock fisheries. To day it is r un by D ep ar t ment of Conservation staff and volunteers from the

Society with the objective of encouraging the next generation of anglers and at the same time educating the public on freshwater ecology and conservation. More than 16,000 people pass through the centre every year. It is located just off SH1 in the midst of a native bush reserve between the Tongariro River and the spring-fed Waihukahuka Stream, and according to Bevin Severinsen, the Society’s CEO, it’s a popular stopover for the thousands of motorhomers that pass by on the highway each year, with its carpark sometimes resembling peak time on Auckland’s motorways. “We’re featured on the GPS system of some rental companies, so when travellers get near us, their GPS systems alert them to our presence, and many do stop,” he says. “It’s a great place for tourists to see and learn about trout and our native fish, to enjoy and learn about our unique New Zealand bush environment, and to learn about our wildlife conservation – such as the whio ducks in our special whio creche. “In the summertime, it’s a great place to just enjoy the beauty and peaceful quiet of the bush setting, and in the wintertime when it’s freezing cold and the mountain (Mt Ruapehu) is closed because of the weather, this is a popular place to stop off and spend a few hours.” The centre offers a fascinating look at New Zealand’s wildlife and environment, with special emphasis on fish and fishing, and especially on encouraging the next generation of anglers. Central to its operation is the hatchery, run by the Department of Conservation, where trout are raised for the nearby childrens’ fishing pond, while some 3000 school-aged children (annually) on organised school visits catch their first trout. Under the skilled and watchful

eye of volunteer-anglers from the Society, the children are taught how to cast a fly rod and land their catch, which is then gutted and smoked for them to take home. During the school term the fishing pond is usually surrounded by children aged between 5 and 16 from all over the North Island – and sometimes even further afield – each having been issued with a special licence and being guided by a volunteer angler. Sadly though, thanks to a piece of special legislation it’s only youngsters who can participate – if you’re over the age of 18, you can’t join in the fun.

(Trout that survive the predations of the younger fishers are distributed where possible between other child fishing programmes in the lower North Island, or in managed fisheries by the Fish and Game Council.) It’s not only organised school trips that can take part in the fishing. The Centre also runs special Kid’s Fishing events daily during the school holidays. Bookings are not necessary, and the children get a licence, an instructor and have their catch smoked for them, for an all-inclusive price of $45. Society volunteers also run special fishing

1. One happy schoolboy with his trout landed from the childrens’ fishing pool. Finn Dunbar (8) from Taupō Primary School was thrilled with his catch and according to his mother, Danielle, he baked it in the oven for the family dinner that night. Danielle says Finn can’t wait to go back and have another go 2. Tongariro National Trout Centre chief executive, Bevin Severinsen, with the special container in which is packed the beautifully honey-smoked trout caught in the childrens’ fishing pond 3. The Tongariro River is one of the world’s finest trout fishing rivers with a world-wide reputation for the size, number and strength of its trout and the challenges they present to anglers 4. The childrens’ fishing pool at the Tongariro Trout Centre. Annually, some 3000 school-aged children visit the pond on organised school visits to catch their first trout, under the skilled and watchful eye of volunteer-anglers from the Society

days for individual children, at $10 per child with $5 extra for filleting and smoking the catch. Bookings are essential for these and can be made through the website (www.troutcentre. com/events). These fishing experiences are proving very popular with city kids – Bevin Severinsen says a large number of the children taking part are from Auckland or Wellington.

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Next to the hatchery is the freshwater aquarium where some 20 varieties of native and introduced fish and crustacea can be seen, and then there’s the museum, which has a collection of items demonstrating the history of fly fishing as a sport and the introduction of trout to New Zealand. A major attraction at the centre is the renowned whio (blue duck) creche which is in full swing during the late summer and early autumn. It’s a unique opportunity to get up close to the juvenile ducks as they are prepared for life in the wild as self-sufficient adults. They are raised from eggs collected in the wild and released back into the same river systems. Tours of the centre are offered daily and include wild whio on the Tongariro River, the whio creche (during the season), underwater viewing areas where you can watch wild trout in the water, the hatchery, the aquarium where the collection of indigenous freshwater fish can be seen – many of which are now threatened

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Lake Taupō itself offers a huge range of attractions for motorhomers and is worth visiting for the views of the lake and surrounding mountains alone, not to mention its fishing and countless other attractions such as the wonderful Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Health Spa, with their peaceful and relaxing hot pools. According to Wikipedia, Lake Taupō has a surface area of 616 square kilometres – roughly the size of Singapore – and is the largest lake in Australasia, holding some 60 cubic kilometres (around 14 cubic miles) of water. Its average depth is 110 metres, and the deepest point is 186 metres. It is said to hold enough water to cover the entire North Island to a depth of half a metre. The lake is the caldera of the Taupō volcano, which has been active for 300,000 years. The formation of the lake itself followed a super volcano eruption about 26,500 years ago, which science tells us is the largest-known eruption of the past 70,000 years. That resulted in the ejection of some 1170 cubic kilometres of material which caused the collapse of several hundred kilometres of surrounding land and formed the basin that became the lake. Another eruption in 20,000 BCE covered the Chatham Islands (more than 800km away) with a layer of ash 12cm thick. Taupō volcano has erupted 28 times since the time of that super volcano, with the latest eruption occurring in 181 CE. That one is considered to have been the most violent in recent history, but it was only a fraction of the magnitude of many previous eruptions. There are ample stopover options available at Taupō and Turangi. One of the most popular is Five Mile Bay, a lakeside DOC freedom camping area just south of Taupō and there is a spacious and popular MCA Park at nearby Taupō Airport. There are many other very attractive options which can be found on the MCA Travel App and other similar sites.

with extinction – and the freshwater stream where you can enjoy watching prodigious schools of trout in their natural crystal clear mountain spring water. Bevin says these tours are really popular with older people, and with trout fishing enthusiasts, and can be booked via the website or telephone (06 386 8085). The Tongariro National Trout Centre Society puts a lot of emphasis on encouraging the next generation of anglers and supports specialised education programmes on freshwater ecology and the lifecycle of the river environment to suit the needs of individual classes and schools. DOC senior ranger supervisor Pete Shepherd, who is closely involved with the centre, says Genesis Energy is a large funder of the centre and its educational activities through its association with the Whio Forever project. “We have about 2500 to 3000 children from some 60 schools a year coming to the centre through the Taupō For Tomorrow school education programme that is funded through

Genesis Energy, and that equates to about 80 to 90 school visits per year,” he says. “The children do a number of activities while they’re visiting the district – rafting, climbing, walks, the skifields – and there are a number of places around here that take school camps so they can do overnight stays.” 5. The main entrance to the Tongariro National Trout Centre, a wonderful attraction just off SH1, four kilometres south of the Turangi township. It has become something of a mecca for motorhomers with an interest in trout and fly fishing, as well as those interested in the fish and bird life and the flora of the Central Plateau 6. A sight that will whet the appetite of all trout fishers and those who enjoy the delightful treat of eating wild trout – just a sample of the selfsustaining wild population of trout in the sundappled, spring-fed Waihuka Stream 7. DOC senior ranger supervisor Pete Shepherd inside the hatchery

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Waikato › Great Lake Trails – Section 2 › Lake Taupō -38.659392, 175.913262

A Great Ride

Kinloch’s Lakeside Loop

A new trail connection on the Great Lake Trails has recently opened, so Gary visits near the end of the construction phase of the new loop track. Story Gary Patterson Photos Gary Patterson or as credited

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

am quite fond of Kinloch, a pretty village on the edge of Lake Taupō. In Gaelic the settlement’s name means ‘loch end’, and it has a familiar feel to that of Kingston, my lakeside hometown in the deep south. Both villages are at one end of a large lake, nestled in a small forest-lined bay, and populated by just a few permanent residents. (In the south, we also have a Kinloch, a small hamlet just down the road from Paradise at the northern end of Lake Wakatipu.) However, while similar there are differences too: whereas in Kingston we have a steam train, the only train of steam I see on my drive from Taupō to the northern Kinloch are the white puffs of vapour that rise from geothermal pipes. In the south the descent to our lake is dominated by the construction of residential housing for new commuters who will soon travel to Queenstown; in contrast, the descent to Lake Taupō at Kinloch passes a grand resort for holidaymakers, complete with a modern castle-like structure overlooking the loch. So whether it is Kingston’s flyer or Kinloch’s castle … each town is unique and ideally located beside a Great Ride of the New Zealand Cycle Trail. This is the third time I have visited Kinloch, and each time I endeavoured to map new trails for the Great Rides App. On previous visits I had my bike, but today I will start on what the Scots call ‘Shanks-naig’ or as we say Shanks’s pony – aka my mighty legs. The purpose of this cartography trip is to explore a new section of trail. It forms a loop by leaving the lakeshore and climbing out of the crater before skirting along the foreshore to return to the water at the lake’s end. Armed with my GPS units, cameras and lunch I leave Kinloch behind and plod my way west. The first part of the trail is on the established track constructed a few years back. This track traverses the lakeside and zigs down to cross minor creeks before zagging back to the lake. The forest here is a lush green with a low canopy that offers few glimpses of the shoreline on my left side or to Kinloch behind. Within a few minutes I reach the junction of the Otaketake trail and the fresh prints of excavator tracks draw me in. This trail is two way and dual purpose and I start to climb, lost in my thoughts, knowing this incomplete trail should be deserted and I am unlikely to be surprised by any downhill speedsters.

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The trail climbs steadily, rising above the lake and the Otaketake Stream that it follows. I am enjoying the opportunity to walk as opposed to my usual mode of riding. The slower pace offers more time to notice the vegetation changing as it becomes more dense and dark, and also to take my time on the twists and turns as the gradient grows. Without notice, at the end of one of these tight twists is a viewpoint. Here I take a breather, sit on a rock and take in the view from the lookout. It’s a fine day, perfect to rest and revel in the scenery. To the east is the edge of Kinloch, straight south is the expanse of Lake Taupō with a backdrop of mountains of the Central Plateau, while westward is a blanket of forest that drapes over the nearby Timber Trail of the Pureora Forest Park. I sit and gaze as clouds and time pass by. Eventually, I prise myself off the sunny rock on which I had started taking root, and continue along the trail which is gentler now and heads further inland. As I climb up the winding track I ponder whether one can head ‘more inland’ when just kilometres from the centre of the North Island. Can one travel ‘inland’ if one’s already inland? My thoughts change as I negotiate a traverse above a precipice on the edge of the stream’s ravine. As I am thinking to myself that I would not like to be a trail builder on this steep rock face, a friendly dog interrupts my thoughts with the vigorous waving of its tail. Beyond this cheerful working dog’s tail, I see a guy on a chainsaw, another using a power barrow and just beyond a mini-excavator lying idle.

2. Cutting through the new trail 3. The orange earth worksite with views to Kinloch 4. A stunning walk along the forest track 5. A break from a ride at Kawakawa Bay

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I head over to the guy on the chainsaw and wave to gain his attention. Flicking up his visor he greets me with a strong handshake. By the feel of his leathery, callused hand I suspect he has wrestled with this trail for some time now. It’s morning tea and I bear gifts of bakery goodies – for the team of two and a half. We chat while chowing down on custard- and tan squares. Yum! It seems that Phil, the chainsaw and excavator operator, is an old hand at trail building. This team and others have been up here for months now and are just a couple of days away from connecting

up the two sections of trail. From where we sit they have some of the best views of any Kiwi worksite. They tell me that guided by flagging tape, they craft tens of metres of the trail a day, trimming the scrub, excavating a benched track and then using the power barrow to pack gravel where needed. With the morning’s break over I am guided through the undergrowth for a mere 100 metres or so to reach the existing formed trail. Here I say my goodbyes to these literal trailblazers and continue along their fresh workings. The track continues to climb as it hooks into

side creeks before returning to the sunny front faces. Soon I reach a minor road and then a carpark that I am familiar with from my last mapping adventure by bike. Here I am met by my faithful shuttle driver – my wife – with my trusty bike on the back of the car. Leaving Shanks’s pony behind, I am once again on flying wheels. From memory the ride from here on the existing trail is all downhill to the lake. Turns out it is – Sweet! This part of the loop is fast and flowing, and on the previous trip I took care to control my speed, not only to not be a hazard to other users but also to ensure the data collection from my GPS units could keep up, accurately recording every second I rode. Having already captured this data, today I can let loose – I ride to enjoy. This part of the trail is a blast, chopping in and out of farmland, through a small tunnel and then entering virgin rainforest. I have no time to listen out for the namesakes when I navigate the hairpin corner of Morepork Gully but I do stop at the bridge over Deep Gorge and peer down into the dark narrow slot. Gee, that is some deep creek all right! This gloomy gap brings back memories of navigating around the limestone shafts we found while undertaking track survey work on the Paparoa Track. A few minutes pass and the track gradient

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eases, and I can hear the lapping waters of Kawakawa Bay spilling onto its gravelly shores. I stop briefly to take photos of the shelter for the Great Rides App before returning to the bike and starting the ascent over the headland. The climb is steadily steep as it follows a gut before a switchback up the hillside to a prominent rock. The rock has another fabulous outlook. Beside me is a craggy headland that is popular with climbers. Below and to the west the hue of forest green is broken only by the blue waters of the lake. The lake is both placid and peaceful. In this tranquil setting, it is hard to imagine the volcanic violence that once occurred here. Incomprehensible is the day of destruction caused by a pyroclastic flow 200 metres tall. Two hundred metres TALL … It doesn’t bear thinking about! The most recent eruption 1800 years ago (thank goodness!) was the world’s largest in the past five millennia – the flow reached 80km/hour – and it’s believed that this was prior to human settlement in New Zealand, so fortunately no one was wandering around here thinking about getting dinner on

when this cataclysm occurred. I have never seen any massive geological events unfold before me; however, my mind boggles at the thought of trying to outpace a massive wave of superheated magma. Yikes! A few pedal strokes after leaving the lookout sees me quickly reach the saddle. From there it is a short descent down a rough, wide track – the lake views are just a blur. I pass a few walkers, wheelers and weekend warriors. The latter are a group with all the gears who run up this hill at nearly the pace of my descent! Soon the trail levels out and scoops into side creeks before popping out again near the lake. Onwards I ride to reach the shoreline at one end of Whangamata Bay, the beautiful beach with lines of poplars that welcome me back into Kinloch. After returning home to the southern lakes, a few weeks pass before I hear that the Otaketake Loop is now complete. There is no big ceremony, just the satisfaction of a job well done, with trail builders and riders having smiles as big as Kinloch’s sweeping bay. Kinloch seems the

perfect base for this intermediate cross-country ride, offering a few decent climbs, plenty of viewpoints, and forest riding at its best. This section of the Great Lake Trails offers a good taster that entices riders to go on further and explore the other two more-remote sections. For those who want more wilderness, then the Timber Trail is just a short distance westward. For those who want a more casual ride, then Taupō Trails shoots past the Aratiatia Rapids, Huka Falls and the town’s foreshore. For the avid rider the numerous trails of the Craters Mountain Bike Park is a must. There seems to be a cluster of cycling possibilities in this land far inland … and as a rider, there seems to be a lot to love about #LoveTaupō.

6. Having a break at the lookout overlooking Lake Taupō

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A GREAT RIDE

STATISTICS

Cartographer and trail designer Gary Patterson has mapped his way around the globe from subantarctic islands to back-country bike trails on every continent. He returned home for an epic adventure, riding all 22 NZ Cycle Trails Great Rides to make a mobile app. The Great Rides App is the only mobile app for the trails, and can be freely downloaded from the app stores. Follow his travels to inspire, plan and to help you on your own journey.

36km loop, Intermediate (Grade 3) Official Links: www.biketaupo.org.nz Facebook: www.facebook.com/BikeTaupo Great Rides App: App Store – www.itunes.apple.com/us/app/great-rides/id1181203029?mt=8 Play Store – www.play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mytoursapp.android.app906

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

TRAVEL

Far North › Northland 34°59’48.3”S 173°28’03.3”E

POINTS NORTH Recent happenings in upper Northland

Story Sheryl Bainbridge Photos Sheryl Bainbridge or as credited

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

1-2. Local art makes the Taipa Bridge unique

hat a contrast! Some months after one of our more severe droughts, Northland was hit by torrential rain – up to 200ml in some places and reputed to be a once-in-500year event. Our thoughts are with those who have experienced damage to property, stock and vehicles, and with the emergency and clean-up crews who demonstrated once again that they truly are indispensable. Because, of course, we’ve just experienced Covid-19, where our essential workers proved to be just that. Once Level 1 arrived we were straight out the door, along with many other enthusiastic travellers. I’ve never seen so many RVs on the road at one time, and while most were fine, my husband did make the comment that while he

hoped people were enjoying their travels, he wished some of them would enjoy them a little bit faster. So look in your rear-vision mirrors people, and if you’ve got a long line of traffic behind you, please pull over to let them pass. We weren’t quite sure what we’d experience in terms of open businesses and activities post-Covid, so decided to stay in Northland for our first trip. As it was, we were pleasantly surprised. Anyway here’s a run-down of some of Northland’s points of interest for the first half of the year.

TAIPA BRIDGE

Finally, after more than a century of one-way traffic and several confrontations when neither party wanted to give way, vehicles can now

cross the Taipa river in both directions at the same time. During the opening ceremony for the new bridge on December 2, Associate Transport Minister Shane Jones congratulated all involved in bringing the project to fruition and recalled jumping from the old bridge himself in his younger days. Designed to look like a waka and incorporating a pou to recognise Mamaru, Kupe’s vessel that landed at the mouth of the Taipa River, the bridge embodies local culture and art while significantly improving traffic flow on that part of SH10. Feedback from drivers and the frequent users of the combined footpath/cycleway has been generally positive, with visitors pointing out that the bridge would look stunning if it was lit up at night.

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AND HE’S BACK – ALL SHOOK UP AT TAUPŌ BAY On January 2 entertainer Andy Stankovich treated an appreciative crowd to his fifth consecutive performance at Taupō Bay. Andy uses his voice to pay tribute to the King (Elvis) and his singing of the old standards on the green, together with raffles and an anonymous donation, raised $2829.80 – a great amount from a small community in support of the local St John Ambulance. My second attendance and relaxing in the evening sun listening to great music in a stunning seaside location was a marvellous start to the new decade. Hope to see you again next year Andy!

ADDING COLOUR TO LIVES

“Oh wow! Your house makes us happy” is just one of the comments that Brigid Sinclair receives from neighbourhood children who walk past her Whangārei home. Sociologist/ Community Choir director/Artist Brigid uses painting and music to connect and de-stress community members who may be feeling isolated by the computer age. “Colour attracts people and a bit of frivolity can bring joy,” explains Brigid, whose house exterior has arguably the most original paint job in town. More recently she’s turned her attention to setting up and decorating the local Pātaka Kai. She is thrilled with the way residents, including children have come together to help create this colourful addition 6 to the neighbourhood.

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Pātaka Kai is a community-run, free-food street pantry. The principle behind it is that you bring what you can and take what you need – no strings. “For example, some families continually struggle to make ends meet; another person may have put off buying food one week to pay a vet bill,” says Brigid, “and on the other hand keen gardeners may want to donate if they have more vegetables than they can eat.” Brigid loved the whole Pātaka Kai concept, as did the local shop owner, whose wife also helped to paint the wall behind the Pātaka. “We used test pots of paint, provided by local individuals and businesses, and people of all ages came along to help paint. You don’t have to be an artist to be able to paint and be creative. Sometimes you just need some help to have a go,” Brigid said. The pantry’s working well so far. ‘Food rescue’ is a big part of the concept, and Brigid hopes it will become a place where neighbours connect more and more with each other. “The health of a society can be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. Let’s make sure no one goes hungry,” she concludes.

BISHOP POMPALLIER

Jean-Baptiste Pompallier, the first Roman Catholic bishop of New Zealand, arrived here in 1838. He established several Catholic mission stations, most notably the building that is known as Pompallier House in Russell, where he set up a tannery and printing facility to enable prayer books written in Māori to be produced. Pompallier was highly regarded in the Hokianga, and in 2001 his remains were returned to New Zealand and reinterred in St Mary’s Church at Motuti. It’s less well known that he was involved in setting up a mission station at Waitaruke on the Whangaroa Harbour, or that there’s a shrine to him in a beautiful hillside position overlooking the water.

RANGIKAPITI PĀ

From the top of Rangikapiti Pā there’s a breathtaking 360-degree outlook over Doubtless Bay, the Mangōnui Harbour and further inland. It’s about a 40-minute round trip walk from the carpark along tracks through mature kānuka and other natives. Friends of Rangikapiti Trust

members have been developing the tracks as well as planting diverse native species, trapping and clearing. Much work is done in the area of education with local children and youth. Chairman John Haines says the Trust’s aim is to bring back bird life including the reintroduction of locally extinct species. Already there is evidence, recently confirmed by Kiwi North, that at least one kiwi has made the bush its home, and kererū are often seen as well as tūī, riroriro (grey warblers) and pīwakawaka (fantail).

THE LIZARDS OF LEIGH

Geckos and skinks are all lizards, and there are many varieties of both at the family-run Reptile Park, New Zealand’s only reptile zoo at Leigh, situated north of Matakana. Ranging from the very small to bigger species that include Monitor lizards, a couple of varieties of Eastern dragon and some iguana, the lizards are masters of disguise and it takes a while to ‘get your eye in’ and spot them camouflaged among the rocks, grass and branches in their houses. Tortoises, tarantula, and our own tuatara add interest, as do a couple of somnolent American alligators. We expected to take half an hour or so spotting lizards but ended up spending about two hours peering in terrariums.

MANGAWHAI CLIFFTOP WALK

There are about 700 steps – 200-plus at the south end and more than 400 coming down to the shore again, but expansive coastal views out to the Hen and Chicken Islands make this 5km loop walk a great experience. Walking along the sandy beach from Mangawhai Heads up to a well-marked clifftop track through native bush, down all those steps, through a natural archway formation, over rounded stones, past fascinating rock formations and back to the sandy beach again takes about five hours. It’s hard to hurry over the stony part of the beach, and walkers need to be aware that the hike is tide dependent. The walk starts and ends beside the local surf club. 3. Looking from Rangikapiti Pā towards Coopers Beach in the north/west 4. Entertainer Andy Stankovich at Taupō Bay 5. … and the crowd went wild! 6. Brigid Sinclair’s uniquely decorated house 7. Shrine to Bishop Pompallier overlooks Whangaroa Harbour 8. Never smile at a … well it’s an alligator actually 9. Underneath the arch on the beach section of Mangawhai Clifftop Walk

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Manual Dishes - TV's - Automatic Dishes NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Eketāhuna › Wairarapa -40.645517, 175.703383

TRAVEL

MEETING MANUKURA

Allan Dick explores Eketāhuna and meets a rare white kiwi at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre Story + Photos Allan Dick

ou want the name of a place that’s as far in the middle of nowhere as you can get? In the rest of the world you say Timbuktu (in the lower reaches of the Sahara Desert); in New Zealand you say Eketāhuna – officially located in the lower reaches of the Tararua District, but usually associated with the Northern end of the Wairarapa. Eketāhuna’s reputation as being in the sticks, or at the end of the earth isn’t exactly correct. In fact, it’s handily enough located on State Highway 2 about midway between Masterton to the south (38km) and Pahiatua to the north (30km). Māori named the place Eketāhuna which translates as ‘we could paddle our waka no further up the river because there was a sandbank there and the water became too shallow’ – that is the long and descriptive translation; it translates directly as ‘land on the sandbank’ and the river in question is the little-heard-of-outside-thetown Makakahi River. It’s a small river compared to say the Waikato or the Clutha, but it’s narrow, dark and pretty, and where it runs through Eketāhuna it has steep sides and almost seems like a partly buried artery. The local camping ground – an ‘award winner’ I am told – is on the banks of the Makakahi and is a very attractive place. I was going to stay there one of the nights I was in the region, but the area had seen a lot of rain, the grass was saturated, and all of the hard areas were taken with other campervans, so it was a no-stay for me. Pity as it is a very pretty place. I can’t find any reference to Māori having a

settlement here, but European settlers came from Scandinavia – as they did in so many other towns and areas in this region. They came to clear bush, create farms, milk cows, shear sheep and to leave a legacy, including an original town name of Mellenskov. But that proved too alien for some, so it was nicknamed Jackyville and then equally quickly became Eketāhuna. And that’s the way it has stayed. Today, it’s home for about 440 people. The last figure was 441 in 2013, down a smidgen from 456 in 2006, and it’s safe to assume that in the seven years since the last figure was published the population has drifted a little lower. A tour of the streets of Eketāhuna doesn’t take long, and it quickly shows that there have been no large, modern spectacular homes built by retiring

farmers or wealthy businessmen come to town. In fact, it would seem to be accurate to say that Eketāhuna reflects the ongoing death of smalltown New Zealand. A look at the very wide main street would seem to confirm that; there are probably more empty shops and commercial buildings than those that are still alive. One of the dead shops that has intrigued me on my visits to Eketāhuna had a double-glass frontage and one of those glassed-in display islands in the middle of a very wide entranceway. 1. The Anzac bridge south of Eketāhuna was designed and built in 1922 2. The commercial heart of Eketāhuna – the Four Square and bottle shop NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

It’s been closed for a long, long time, and I was told later that it used to be the local drapery shop – one of the key retail shops in colonial New Zealand. But there is a Four Square supermarket with attached liquor outlet, a real pub (not a tavern), a coffee shop, a fully fledged café, a quirky secondhand shop, a very upmarket furnisher’s, an information centre, a petrol station – and an adult sex shop. A what?! Yes, ‘Tabu’ gleams proudly, with arguably the nicest frontage on Main Street, with an ‘Open’ flag boldly outside and next to the information centre. I had to ask … In I bowled and found the proprietors – man and woman – sitting in chairs behind the counter waiting for customers. Instead, they get me asking questions. They seemed … well, perfectly normal and nice and the shop was bright, gleaming and well laid out. I asked what would seem to be pretty predictable questions: had they faced any hostility (“no”), what brought them here (“low rent”), were customers local or visitors (“mainly visitors”

3. Kiwis are everywhere in Eketāhuna 4. The Eketāhuna War Memorial – with a very rare plaque

they thought), but I avoided bad jokes about blow up sheep. In fact, I probably shouldn’t have said that here … Nobody I spoke to seems in the slightest bit concerned or offended that an ‘adult shop’ had come to town and I understand they did a roaring trade during lockdown. Now, all of the above may sound as though Eketāhuna really is the back of beyond and a bit of a hick town. But it’s not. Far from it. Eketāhuna is not a sad joke, and this is the second story I have written about the place. The first was about 15 years ago when I learnt that the townsfolk saved the service station – and then the supermarket. This was a time when service stations were falling like flies in a storm of Pyrethrum, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to plan an intercity journey because you weren’t sure if the expected service station was still open or not. In Eketāhuna’s case the town’s service station burnt down and there was no intention of rebuilding. So a second fire was lit – this time under the town’s spirit – and in two nights they raised $220,000 to build a new petrol station which became a community-owned asset. Then the town was threatened with the closure of the local supermarket. Again the community spirit was set ablaze, and a cooperative was formed to buy and run it. So successful were both the service station and the supermarket that, four or five years ago, they were bought

by Tanmay Patel, who originated from India. How did the town feel about that? And how does the town feel about that today? “It’s absolutely fine,” say the people I ask. “Everyone got paid out and the supermarket and the service station are still open to the community, Tanmay is very much at the heart of the Eketāhuna community.” All of the above was a good enough reason for me to want to come back and take a second look at Eketāhuna – a small town faced with almost total closure of its retail infrastructure, but with enough faith in its own future to put a stake in the ground and say no. But there is another reason: the ‘Boss’, Robyn, editor of this journal, says she gets more requests to ‘do a story’ on Eketāhuna than for any other town. “There’s something going on there Dick,” she tells me. “Go and find out.” So, I spend three days in and around Eketāhuna during the 10 days in total I spend in the NZToday RV Lifestyle campervan exploring the lower south-east quarter of the North Island. There’s no mayor of Eketāhuna, so who do you speak to who can give you an overview of the place? The owner of the supermarket, liquor store and service station would be good, but he’s busy, so I go to the information centre and ask. A lovely, friendly lady refers me to Margaret Parsons who “started this place – the information centre”. Margaret’s not at home, so I have to resort to a phone call later. She’s a lively 81-year-old who was born in the town and lived all her life there. “When I left college I worked in the milk bar, then had 10 years in a stock and station office and then in one of the three drapery shops we had in the town.” And she’s still busy – she’s off “into town” at the end of our phone conversation and that night there’s to be a “town meeting” – something that’s held once a month attracting about a dozen folk who act as a de facto town board I guess. Margaret tells me they decided to open the information centre after growing concerns about the future of Eketāhuna, and they called

Model Railway & Model Shop

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

ph 06 375 8536 or 020 4175 0942

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a public meeting and invited a specialist in small towns to come and speak. “He suggested that what we needed was a central place to dispense information: where do you find a plumber or a carpenter, is there a rugby club, what is there to see and do – that sort of thing. That was in 2005 I think and the centre was opened on the 27th of May 2006. We have 24 people on a roster to run the place.” Yep, Eketāhuna has a heart. When I did the first story on the town, my lasting memory was of the large, wooden, ‘Eketāhuna’ sign surrounded by flax bushes – today there is a very definite kiwi theme to the town signage after a make-over by the local council, and that’s a nod to the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre just 20 minutes south where kiwi are bred and reared. As striking as the kiwi signage is, the thing that attracts me the most is the war memorial that appears to have been updated at about the same time as the kiwi signage was installed. It all looks like someone cares. Having ticked off both the information centre and Tabu, the adult shop, I next enter the premises of Retro Republic, one of those fashionable kitsch shops selling old everything, and I meet this quite eccentric woman Joanne Skaife. I have just come from Tabu, so that’s my

first question … “Oh! Before I was here I was in Cuba Street in Wellington, so anything goes with me!” What’s she doing here? “I’ve not been here for long, but the rent in Cuba Street was really hurting. I live in Featherston so instead of looking over the hill at Wellington, I looked north up SH2 and found this place. It’s great. I commute from Featherston each day and the rent here is just fantastic!” Impossible not to like Joanne, but she’s hardly

your archetypal Eketahunaian. Next door is Maison a furnishing shop, where I meet Hannah Davis and her mother behind the counter, this place is an Aladdin’s cave full of classy and trendy treasures that wouldn’t be out of place in Ponsonby.

100%

G.A.S Eketahuna 53 Main Street, Eketahuna 4900 06 375 8444 Open 24/7 (after hour pay by our mobie app, GAS UP)

Shop Kind. Shop Local.

• • • • • • •

AA Smartfuel /membership card accepted Coffee & Food-to-go OnGas bottle fill & bottle swap GAS Gift Card, BP Fuelcard, Farmlands card and Moto card accepted MTA vouchers accepted NZ Courier Trailer hire GAS Eketahuna proudly sponsors Eketahuna Bowling Club and Eketahuna Hockey Club

EKETAHUNA

27 Main Street, Eketahuna

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Hannah is also lovely and she tells me the shop used to be her father’s veterinary surgery and shop. Hannah’s husband Matt is close by – Matt chefs at the café next door called ‘The Lazy Graze’. The family brought the café next door recently when it was put up for sale, feeling it complemented what they were doing at ‘Maison’. Again, as I walk through the front door, another Aladdin’s cave – the café is much bigger and busier than it looked from outside and the ambience and range of food wouldn’t be out of place in – dare I repeat myself – Ponsonby. It’s lunchtime and getting busy, so I do not tarry.

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

The day before, I had called in to the pub, the Eketāhuna Inn, and met a charming lady called Michelle. This day, after leaving Matt at The Lazy Graze, I call back into the pub hoping to find Michelle with her husband Podge. But only Podge is there, wearing a shirt so bright I need sunglasses. “Wow!!” I exclaim, needing two exclamation marks. “Ha,” he laughs. “I do favour bright shirts.” I have to say this looks like a very nice, very traditional country pub. It’s older, but immaculate with decent and affordable rooms and a fantastically large dining room. And the pie warmer in the bar has an appealing range of pies dressed in brown paper bags. “It looks quiet at the moment,” says Podge with anther laugh. “But this place goes off …” –which is pubspeak for ‘it gets very busy’. At 78 years of age, but looking 50 – the shirt helps – Podge (and Michelle) are old hands at country pubs. “We used to own the other pub,” he says, meaning the one a block further north but well closed, “and we had decided on retirement. But we came back to visit friends and they said this pub was for sale. At first we thought ‘yeah, nah’, but took a look and thought ‘why not?’ So here we are again.” I like Podge and Michelle. In fact, I haven’t met anyone in Eketāhuna I haven’t liked. But, time to hit the road. The night before, after failing to find room at the camping ground, I had pointed the nose of the (quite brilliant) campervan towards the magnificent, dark and brooding, snow-capped, Tararua Range which runs like a backbone

through the lower North Island and found a DOC camp. For our second night, however, it was going to be different. We were parking in the carpark at the Pukaha Mount Bruce. These days though it is called the Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre and is a joint venture between DOC and local iwi – Rangitāne o Wairarapa. The place is special, very special, and has been breeding native New Zealand wildlife since the 1960s, but in recent times it’s been switched up a gear or two. This is lovely. Calm, quiet, reassuring and a step back to the almost primeval time of Aotearoa before the arrival of human beings. Pūkaha is famous for its birdlife, its kiwi breeding programmes and its most famous resident Manukura, a white kiwi that was born at the centre. She is, in fact, the third white kiwi born here and her whiteness is due to a genetic trait – she is not albino. Among the new programmes being offered at Pūkaha is an overnight campervan stay in the carpark with an early morning guided walk through the park, listening to the magnificent birdsong and seeing a wide range of birds, and then seeing Manukura emerge from her hutch to start her day. Or night. Let me explain. Kiwi are nocturnal so her keepers at Pūkaha have reversed her clock. During our night-time her enclosure is flooded with light so she thinks it’s daytime and goes to sleep. During our daytime the white lights are off and very dim dark-red lights are switched on. And with that Manukura emerges, shakes the sleep from her eyes and goes about her busy day/night foraging and looking quite spectacular.

I pull the campervan into the carpark just before closing time and am greeted by the friendly staff who tell me they have left a toilet unlocked to save us using the one in my vehicle, then go off, locking the gates behind them, leaving me to the splendour – and peace – of this place. I said ‘thanks, but no thanks’ to the full guided walk in the morning, but just before opening time Alex Wall comes a rat-a-tat-tatting at the door. He’s the Marketing Manager and takes me for a walk to experience both the park and Manukura waking to face her ‘night’. This place is immaculate – well-groomed paths, fringed by the deep, dark green of native trees. Kererū (wood pigeons) flop noisily through the air sounding like Iroquois helicopters, and there are cheeky kākā and a whole range of birds. Alex shows me a ‘wētā hotel’ – a hollow section of a branch of tree that is hinged and can be opened to show a quite large wētā having an overnight stay. I used to get the shivers at the sight of a wētā, but today I would (almost) happily have one on the back of my hand. Then into the kiwi house to see Manukura and, on cue, there she is – a larger bird than I expected and remarkably white in the gloom. I try a photograph, but it doesn’t work. Manukura comes out as a pink blur … While the weta and Manukura and all the other birds, were fantastic they are only a part of the overall experience. Pukaha’s strapline is ‘rongo te mauri’ – feel life’s essence, and a visit amongst nature does exactly that, leaving me revitalised and refreshed. Overall, I am impressed. This – is a fantastic place – and after Alex heads off to a meeting, I head to the café for breakfast before getting back on the road. I have enjoyed Eketāhuna and Pūkaha, but I am leaving without seeing Middleton Railway, the model train exhibition established by Colin Fraser-Davies on the impossible-to-pronounce-looking Cwmglyn Farm. It’s Welsh of course and you get your tongue around it by saying Coom-Glin. It’s one of the largest model train layouts in New Zealand and a delight to see apparently, located up a side road between Pūkaha and Eketāhuna.. 5. The Eketāhuna Inn where you can find Podge and Michelle. This place, apparently, “goes off!” 6. Matt at The Lazy Graze and his menu 7. Podge and Michelle of the Eketāhuna Inn, formerly ran this pub 8. Hannah Davis runs flash furnishing shop Maison from her father’s former veterinary clinic 9. Alex – Allan Dick’s guide at Pūkaha 10. Podge the publican – and that shirt! 11-12. There’s a wide variety of native New Zealand wildlife at Pūkaha, but breeding kiwi is a main attraction, including the rare white kiwi over the years

New Zealand Wildlife at Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre New Zealand’s unique wildlife can be discovered at Pūkaha, 2 hours from Wellington or Napier on SH2.

Scan the QR to watch video

Campervan overnight stays + tours

Night Guided Tours

Wildlife Photography Workshop

Family Tours

Ranger for a Day

Nature Inspired Gift Shop

Kākā Café

Te Hīkoi o Pūkaha

Māori Cultural Tour

Plenty to do on State Highway 2 Wairarapa / Tararua, 2 hours North of Wellington Open daily, 9:00am – 6.00pm

pukaha.org.nz

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Apart from the layout, Colin also sells model trains and accessories, and his late wife, Biddy, made farmhouse cheese and was instrumental in getting a cheese festival established in Eketāhuna. Following her death in 2018, the dairy cows she milked were rehomed, but there is hope in the town to have another cheese festival in the future. I visit Cwmglyn Farm twice and try phoning, but there is nobody at home. Ah well, next time. I point the nose of the Fiat-based Bürstner motorhome south, heading for Masterton and Martinborough.

MORE INFO To find out more about staying at Pukaha in your campervan and the three tour packages on offer check out: www.pukaha.org.nz/campervan-tours/

13. No! It’s not real! Model giant wētā at a picnic area at Pūkaha

Kia ora! We are a family business based in Eketāhuna and we make beautiful handcrafted products. Eketahuna Handcrafts

Eketahuna Mellemskov Museum

The Eketahuna club meets once a month on every second Sunday and currently has both men and women of all ages. We welcome you to come and share in the fun!

A community run museum at 16 Bengston Street (around the corner from the pub) the Eketahuna / Mellemskov Museum is well worth a visit. Displays feature the Maori, Scandinavian and European heritage of the district. Entry by donation.

Eketahuna Lawn Mower Racing Club

open Sundays 2pm–4pm or by appointment contact Bridget 0211 468 984 or Denise 022 073 5715

President Alan Gray 027 437 1777 EketahunaSecretary Lawn Mower WarrenRacing SnowdenClub 021 894 068

Lawn Mower Racing www.eketahunahandcrafts.co.nz What started out as a few laughs and Eketahuna a bit of fun with a bunch of mowers in aClub paddock of Alan Gray’s property in Eketahuna to raise funds for the Arohanui Hospice in Palmerston North which then quickly resulted in the Eketahuna Lawn Mower Racing Club being officially established in November 2018.

Eketahuna Camping Ground Eketahuna One of Eketahuna and Tararua’s bestmembers kept secrets. Since then the club has grown considerably and currently has thirty with a Bowling Club similar number of mowers either on the track or under construction. • Gateway to the Tararuas • Set in 5 hectares of bush · On the banks of a good trout fishing river • Pleasant 10-15 minute walk to town centre • Camping & Accommodation - 2 cabins each sleeping up to 5 people, 16 pointsis• all Good kitchen, clean ablutionrelaxed block andstyle laundry • Extensive We believe the popularity of power our club about our friendly and our 12km south to the Bruceof National Wildlife which Centre • gives Fishing focus on helping charities byFacilities way of• fund raising at Mt some our events Golfing - Tramping - Hunting • Restful and peaceful, listen to the bird life

the added feel good factor that our members enjoy.

Stout Street,

The Eketahuna Sunday and currently has Bowls opening day club meets once a month on every secondEketahuna both men and women of all ages. ph. 027 747 2111 Thursday 24th September 2020 loreen@actrix.co.nz We welcome you to come and share in the fun.

22 Haswell Street, Eketahuna ph. 06 370 8470 eketahunabowlingclub@gmail.com

For further information contact:

e-mail:

Eketahuna Motor Camp

eketahunamuseum@gmail.com

EKETAHUNA GOLF CLUB

18 wonderful holes – play it today! The course is located end of Macara St. Club House is only open on weekends

EFTPOS facilities are available at the weekend. Cash is required for services at all other times

b.g.reichenbach@gmail.com ph. 06 375 8143

President Alan Gray 027 437 1777 Secretary Warren Snowden 021 894 068 Check us out on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/ekemowerracing/

Little Station, Big Sound!

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Studio line: 06 375 8080 admin@radioeketahuna.co.nz www.radioeketahuna.co.nz

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CONSERVATION

NZ Longfin Eel

NZ LONG FIN EEL Allan Dick meets a man dedicated to saving the endangered New Zealand longfin eel Story Allan Dick Photos Allan Dick and Bruce Mountain

att Paku is feeding his eels. Strictly speaking, they are not ‘his’ – they belong to the nation – but they live in a cool, clear stream that runs through his property. Matt’s wife Marilyn runs the family fish and chip shop and Matt feeds the eels scraps and left-overs from the shop. As Matt approaches the bridge over the stream with its adjacent concrete pad from which he feeds the creatures, there is not an eel to be seen, just the dark, flowing water. But within seconds of the first handful of scraps being thrown into the water, the eels appear – in their dozens – and within a minute there is a thrashing, writhing, lunging, mass of them – large, black creatures, some well over a

metre in length, some very much smaller, but they all have a common goal: to get as much as they can of the tucker that Matt’s tossing into the water. They slide over each other, many coming completely out of the water and onto the concrete pad on which Matt is standing. The area of the stream in which the eels are feeding is like the inside of an agitator washing machine – the moment is frantic with writhing, thrashing action. This is a daily event, the eels know it and are expecting it, while Matt smiles with satisfaction. Matt and his wife live on a lifestyle block on the eastern outskirts of Masterton, and he is the classic example of poacher turned gamekeeper. For most of his working life Matt has been a

commercial fisherman – pāua and eels. Pāua from the lower east coast of the North Island and eels from the inland areas of the same region. Matt is of Ngāti Kahungunu. But the New Zealand longfin eel has been overfished in a comparatively short time and some experts are saying it’s on the slippery slope to extinction – unless something is done about it. And Matt is doing something about it; he’s now committed to saving the species, and that includes educating us, the public – most of whom are blissfully unaware. Matt’s keen to show visitors ‘his’ eels and to talk about them, and there’s a book on the way, told from the viewpoint of a young girl, that will take the story to a young audience. Eels are not unique to New Zealand – they are

to be found in most countries – but what makes our eels unique is that our longfin variety is by far the biggest in the world. Some have been reported at over two metres in length and weighing more than 40kg, which makes them a formidable creature in anyone’s language. That size, coupled with the almost sinister and intimidating gaze from their baleful eyes has created a sense of mystery and occasional fear about them. During the 25 years I did radio talkback, if I was doing the night show at a time when people wanted to talk about other stuff besides politics, talking about eels was a guaranteed way to jam the phone lines. Eels might be treated with 2 caution and fear by many of us, but there is also a fascination about these creatures which can move across the land as well as live in the water. An eel can survive for days out of water providing there is some moisture to keep its skin damp. Apart from their appearance, eels have almost become creatures of lore because of this ability to live out of water but also because the fact, that like opossums, they can be incredibly difficult to kill. And they are great and merciless hunters – many of us have seen cute ducklings suddenly disappear, attacked from below and eaten by an eel. Or mature ducks with just one leg. It is this that made the eel such an almost ‘creepy’ but favourite subject on radio talkback, and over the years I heard many, many incredible stories about people’s experiences with eels. A North Otago farmer went to water his horse at one of the many ponds that dot the surface of the limestone country. As the horse lowered its nose into the water a giant eel attacked, latching on to the nose of the horse that reared back, pulling a two-metre monster out of the water. It refused to let go its grip on the horse’s nose until the farmer attacked it. And, in another North Otago incident, a young girl was attacked and bitten by a large eel in an incident that made the newspaper. Later, when I moved to Ōamaru, I spoke to the ‘girl’, now a grown woman. There was also a story from a listener about a large eel coming out of the water and grabbing a small dog that was pulled below and drowned. A farmer told of taking an old horse to a remote area of his farm to shoot and butcher it for dog tucker. After the job was done, he rolled the innards down a gully where they landed on the heavy mud of a semi-dried-up

Scan QR code to watch the video on our channel… NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Digital editons click this phone to watch

creek. As he was about to leave he saw a movement and two huge eels emerged from the mud and began tucking in. And those are just the few calls I remember. People are fascinated by eels. Eels are fish and they have scales, although they are very small and difficult to see so the eel’s skin seems more leathery than that of a regular fish. New Zealand has two varieties of eel, the Longfin and the short fin, a description that refers to the length of fin on the top of the body. There are other differences too. The short fin is found in lowland waters nearer the coast, seems to cope with pollution, and is not under threat. The Longfin generally lives inland, needs clean water, and is under great stress due to overfishing. At one stage eels were our largest fin-fish export but can now only be fished under a quota system. And they have always been a vital part of the food chain for Māori. At the end of their lives – usually 20 to 30 years but sometimes up to 80 or even 100 years of age – the adults leave New Zealand and head for the deep ocean trenches around Tonga where they breed and die. The just-born babies make their way to New Zealand, at first by drifting on ocean currents, but as they grow into transparent baby eels (like whitebait) they learn to swim. When they head into New Zealand rivers from the ocean they are called elvers, and with incredible determination they make their way inland overcoming all sorts of obstacles. Some have been known to scale high concrete dams. Once at home in the dark waters of inland lakes, streams and rivers, they lead solitary,

mysterious lives, usually hiding and coming out at night to feed – unless there is a manprovided source like that of Matt and others like him. Matt is not alone in his passion for eels. I have met several other people around New Zealand who have hordes of ‘pet’ eels – just like Matt. Two years ago I met Peter Coburn and the eels at the end of his garden near Westport. On this trip when I met Matt, I also saw eels at the ‘Wop Wop Wetlands’ in Norsewood and should have seen monsters at Mount Bruce, but they were camera shy that morning. In the Nelson/Golden Bay area there are plenty of ‘tame eels’ to be fed and patted. When mature and ready to breed, off they go, back to the Tongan deep-water trenches. But some can’t make it and become landlocked and continue to grow. At the height of eel fishing in the sixties and seventies, monsters over two metres in length and ‘as thick as a man’s thigh’ were common, but overfishing has culled those. But even an eel a metre long is an impressive sight – particularly when there are scores of them writhing and fighting for food. I used to be intimidated and a bit scared by eels – it was the size of the big ones, their fearlessness and that stare they have. But as I have learnt more about them, I have come to understand they are beautiful, intelligent creatures that need to be saved. 1. Matt Paku feeding fish to the eels in his backyard, he often hosts groups who share his love of the native species 2. Unlike regular ‘fish’, eels are quite happy out of water, providing they are kept moist NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

9-11 October

RV Travel - 215 x 297.indd 1

12/08/2020 10:40:59 am

Hemp revolution › Christchurch

LIFESTYLE

NO EGO IN THIS ECO

In the wake of the upcoming cannabis referendum, hemp is getting a lot of attention right now. And rightly so. Despite the controversy over legality due to its psychoactive cousin, hemp has many practical uses and benefits to society. And ‘The Brothers Green’ are out to share these benefits with all New Zealanders. Story Kathy Catton Photos The Brothers Green

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

1. The Brothers Green team 2. The Hempy Bars launched in New Zealand in 2019 throughout New World supermarkets 3. Hemp seed oil is a top selling product for The Brothers Green 4. The Brothers Green: (from left to right) Brad Lake, Michael Burnett and Brendon McIntosh 5. Hemp seeds newly harvested

hat happens when a restless pharmacist meets a compassionate banker? Add to the mix an agribusiness supply-chain manager turned yoga instructor, and you have three ‘brothers’ who have a passion for making a difference to the health of New Zealanders, through the power of hemp. Their journey started back in 2009, with Christchurch-based pharmacist Brendon McIntosh, seeing his student friends spending large amounts of money on health supplements. He started getting curious about a cheaper, better option. “I went to Melbourne in 2016 to study nutritional and environmental medicine and started looking at the benefits of a plant-based diet,” says Brendon. “I was looking into pea protein from Europe, when a student medic friend said to look at hemp. At first, I was like, ‘No way! I don’t want to be associated with marijuana.’” However after a bit of research, Brendon quickly discovered that there is a big difference between hemp and marijuana. Both hemp

and marijuana are derived from the same plant species, Cannabis. However, the key difference is that hemp contains exponentially less tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the resinous compound that gives marijuana its psychoactive effect – than marijuana. It also holds higher concentrations of cannabidiol (CBD), which mitigates the psychoactive effects. By definition, hemp plants generally contain no more than 0.3 per cent of THC, compared to the 5–20 per cent of THC found in marijuana. “I started looking at the amino acid profile, the fatty acids and the micronutrients, and I

was delighted with what I found,” says Brendon. “But at that time, it was illegal for human consumption, so I started up an Instagram profile selling dog biscuits made of hemp protein.” This online profile caught the eye of Brad Lake, who at the time was working as a rural business banker and whose heart went out to dairy farmers, entrenched in traditional farming practices but steeped in debt. He saw them enduring droughts and constraints on their water supply, and stricter and stricter regimes being forced on them. “I was looking for ways to support these farmers that would lead to a more sustainable option for them. At the time, I had undergone shoulder surgery following a rugby injury, and I was dissatisfied with my recovery. I became interested in a wholefoods diet and started looking at how food can be our medicine,” says Brad. “It was a light-bulb moment for me. Previously my nickname was ‘Boozer’ in the rugby team, and now I was looking at changing my entire diet and lifestyle. It was a bit of a pivotal time for me!”

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

It was after further plant-based research and chatting with Brendon about hemp that the two began to see the synergy. In 2018, they launched Kōaka (meaning hemp in Māori), a line of skincare products that included hemp-seedoil moisturiser, healing balm, and lip healer. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they won a Food Starter competition run by Foodstuffs in 2019 and this launched them immediately into the public eye. Thanks to a law change in November 2018, hemp seeds in New Zealand are now treated as ‘any other edible seed’, with the Misuse of Drugs (Industrial Hemp) Regulations 2006 and the Food Regulations 2015 amended to allow the sale of hemp seed as food. This was excellent news for the local hemp industry, which has argued for decades that the production of hemp seed foods would stimulate regional economies, create jobs and generate NZ$10–20 million of export revenue within three to five years (according to Food Safety Minister Damien O’Connor, 2019). The lads’ Food Starter competition prize was for their vegan, gluten-free, hemp-seed-protein snack bar to be ranged across 44 South Island New World stores. Fast forward to 2020, and the Hempy Bars are now available nationwide

in New World, Pak ‘N’ Save and a handful of Four Square stores. Supermarket chains in China and the US are also placing orders by the pallet-load. Michael Burnett, the third ‘brother’, joined the team late in 2019 and shares the same passion for revolutionising New Zealand’s agricultural sector. Michael had been on a similar journey of discovery with hemp, having travelled South and Central America, learning yoga and various wellness practices. After being involved in both the plastic packaging and the dairy industries in Canterbury and becoming disillusioned with the profit-driven corporate world, he sees hemp as a vehicle through which truly sustainable change can be brought into

New Zealand agribusiness. “Farmers faced with added financial and compliance pressures have been struggling to improve viability, and I can’t see any other large-scale land-use opportunities like hemp,” enthuses Michael. “It’s a growing market that is sustainable and matches our 100% Pure NZ brand. Farmers are facing intense pressure from both regulation and the urban population, and here is a crop that can address many of these issues. There is no question of its economic and ecological benefits over existing intensive systems. Hemp is the most nutrient-dense seed on the planet. It’s a sustainable option that could become the backbone of our agricultural economy.” And the options for hemp are endless. Currently, only two per cent of the hemp plant (the seeds) can be used for human consumption. That leaves a lot of scope for future uses of the fibre, the leaves and the stalks. In an effort to practice what they preach, The Brothers Green are now in the business of hemp growing and processing, so that their supply chain is fully integrated. This adds further transparency to their processes and ensures that what they produce comes from high quality, raw ingredients.

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

“What also keeps me going is the fact that we are putting 10 per cent of our profits into our own health education programme,” says Brendon. “We want to be able to give people a programme and a methodology for health that works. If people take responsibility for their health, things will get better, and we can start to take responsibility for caring for our planet.” Believing that hemp’s ‘dark ages’ are almost in the past, The Brothers Green are awaiting the 2020 New Zealand cannabis referendum with positivity, noting the far-reaching implications the legalisation would have on the future of hemp in New Zealand, and the world. “If the legislation passes, it will enable us to use the plant for its endless uses, including CBD, fibre (building and textiles), root (healing and medicine), and leaves (food and medicine),” says Michael. “The pandemic of obesity, mental health and other chronic diseases in our country can be met with natural remedies from this plant which we will only fully realise once the government eases restrictions on us.” Colorado, in the US, seems to be a useful case study comparison for the brothers. With

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF HEMP?

a similar state population to New Zealand’s total population and a similar climate and economy, the ‘brothers’ are delighted to read of the economic benefits that have been realised in Colorado. More than US$302 million marijuana tax revenue was earnt in 2019, approximately 20,000 jobs were created, and interestingly, teen cannabis usage has been in decline. While they wait for the results, Brendon, Brad and Michael continue to develop new products, support farmers with alternatives and educate the public on the wonders of hemp.

• It grows like a weed. Because the plant grows with limited water and human intervention, it makes an affordable and low-maintenance primary fibre source. • It’s packed with nutrients. Both hemp seeds and hemp oil are high in protein, and polyunsaturated fatty acids like omega-3s and 6s, which support the normal functioning of our bodily systems. • It’s environmentally friendly. It requires little or no pesticide to cultivate and produces almost no waste, as hemp by-products can be put to use. • It could help to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. More research is still required, but hemp oil could be a promising option for the future of biofuel. • It has a high potential value. Hemp is considered by many to be the ultimate cash crop, as it is an efficient organic source of fibre, food and oil. 6. Vegan organic chocolate, made with hemp seed is also part of the range of products available from The Brothers Green 7. A green field of hemp growing between other, thirstier, crops, Canterbury

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ew Zealand is home to some of the best freshwater fishing in the whole world. Every year thousands of anglers from across the globe beat a path to New Zealand to experience our fantastic fishery. However, many Kiwis are unaware of the amazing freshwater fishing on offer right on their own doorstep, driving over our rivers and alongside our lakes without realising the great fishing that is on offer right next to them. As we travel locally this year, sharing our tourist dollar with fellow Kiwis and exploring this great country, it’s time to explore a little deeper by giving freshwater fishing a go. Ever since the first fishing licence was sold in Dunedin in 1874, Kiwis have been enjoying the spoils of a world-renowned fishery. The only thing you need to do to go fishing in New Zealand is buy a licence, which helps support and maintain this fishery for future generations of Kiwis. There are not many places in the world where you can drive alongside a waterway, pull up, grab your rod and reel and go experience our

great outdoors and land yourself a wild trout or salmon for the plate - all whilst taking in our jaw dropping scenery. The Fish & Game website fishandgame.org. nz provides you with a shortcut to angling success with loads of information on where to fish and how to fish. Our pages are packed full of advice on how to get started with what gear to use and where to go to, or more advanced tips to elevate your angling experience. Our YouTube channel and Facebook pages also have loads of info for those that may not have picked up a rod and reel for a few years, or for those that are new to the sport that will help make that first cast more successful. Fish & Game staff have spent many years making it easy for anglers to achieve fishing success by negotiating access points and putting information signs around fishing hotspots the length and breadth of the country.

Finding these spots has now become even easier with the addition of Fish & Game Angler Access points into the Campermate and NZ Motor Caravan Association apps, which go live in September. Using either of these apps will unleash a world of opportunity for you and your family and remember, you may be surprised by how close some of the spots are to you. There are great f ishing opportunities close to our urban areas, so it’s often not necessary to mount a major expedition in order to have the chance to fish. Success is easier than you think; our lakes and rivers hold healthy populations of fish and when you are travelling around what better way to get a wild free-range meal for the plate than by a bit of relaxing fishing. Our website and YouTube channel also have links to show you how to prepare and cook your catch but a quick google search will unleash a world of culinary delight as you can do a lot more than just smoke a fish. There are plenty of outdoor retailers that can help you get a cheap rod and reel set up if you don’t have any gear. They are also a place where you can buy a licence and the staff there generally include passionate anglers and can give you one-on-one advice for local hotspots and techniques. Spin fishing techniques can be easily picked up, lures are cheap and in many cases lures that have been around for years like the black and gold toby, silver wedge or the veltic type will more than do the business for any angler, no matter what their skill level. Get amongst it, it is not hard and who knows you might get hooked. www.fishandgame.org.nz NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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PROFILE Classic Restoration

Fitting modern comforts to a vintage caravan Classic caravan aficionado Don and Marilyn restore and upgrade a 14-foot 1958 Liteweight Kiwi caravan with today’s must-have comforts. Words + Photos Don & Marilyn Jessen

was brought up in a caravanning family, going on my first caravan holiday at four months old in 1950. My parents owned Liteweight caravans so caravan holidays were regular every year. Over the decades, these caravans grew more sophisticated in both their storage solutions and their fitments, including conveniences such as hot and cold water, fridges, radios, showers and toilets. Many of

these fittings were powered by basic 12-volt systems and 240-volt systems. Since the start of the new century, caravans have become even more sophisticated with much better appliances through improved technology along with some great storage solutions. In 2006 we restored a 1956 Liteweight Kiwi 12-foot caravan that my dad had built. It really was like stepping back in time. Cold water only,

1. Daisy Mai the 14-foot 1958 Liteweight Kiwi caravan, originally featured in issue RV 74, Don and Marilyn have taken Daisy to motorhome shows around the country 2. Overhead locker storage, wood dividers ensure no movement of items in travel

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

a built-in safe, one 240-volt light, two plugs on the end of the overhead, and two 12-volt lights. Over time we added two more 240-volt plugs, replaced the safe with two under-bench electric fridges, added a valve radio and fitted out the overhead cupboard with racks for our crockery – and we used it for the next 10 years. When we purchased a 14-foot 1958 Liteweight Kiwi in 2016 to restore, we spent a lot of time sitting in the caravan discussing what we hoped to achieve with it before starting the restoration. We wanted to fit a full bathroom for a start, so the layout had to be designed around that aspect. We decided to retain the caravan’s vintage look with an art deco slant, but also wanted to maximise storage with a place for everything and everything in its place. We also had to make provision for fitting things such as a modern retro radio, television and heater. This meant we had to think in advance of the wiring required and spaces for these items. We planned to fit a modern 12-volt fridge so solar power also had to be considered. A flexible solar panel was fitted to the roof connected to a regulator in the overhead cupboard and an under-bunk deep-cycle battery. The face of the fridge was painted to match the caravan’s décor. We increased the depth of the sink bench by building a custom

replica of the original. Retaining the original red cracked-ice Formica bench top meant we had a gap at the back. We purchased an old red cracked-ice dining table and cut it up to create a custom-built crockery storage bin, accessed from the top at the rear of the sink bench. We have found this particular bin to be absolutely great and so practical. We also created a shallow cutlery drawer under our dinette table with a general-purpose drawer behind it. A full-length overhead cupboard was custom made with the centre fitted out with racks specific to our crockery and glass items. One end locker (fondly known as the library cupboard) is used for book storage, and the other end (known as the bathroom cupboard) is used for storing towels and tea towels. A forward door overhead, houses portable roll-up flyscreens. A general-purpose front shelf was fitted, and it carries the stereo speakers and a clock. The rear of the caravan behind the exterior door is taken up with a large original wardrobe and the bathroom. The front of the wardrobe door is fitted with a big mirror, and on the back of the door we have mounted a 12-volt/240-volt smart TV. With the door open we have perfect TV viewing from both sides of the dinette, and also when it’s converted to a double bed. We have also

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mounted a 1950s-style American retro car radio in the face of the wardrobe by the door. It looks original but is equipped with USB and Bluetooth. The wardrobe is wide enough and deep enough to store two retro deckchairs and an outdoor awning table, as well as our hanging clothes. It also has storage bins fitted on both sides, and a top shelf that handles all our bedding. To the rear of the wardrobe and extending to the back of the caravan is the bathroom.

There is full standing room for a shower (shower rose yet to be fitted), and a portable toilet tucks away under the vanity unit. We wanted to retain a full sleeping bunk across the rear of the caravan, but with an internal width of just 1800mm it was going to present some difficulties. We overcame this by having a custom-built retro-styled washbasin made by a local potter to position on top of the vanity bench. A suitably period tap was sourced. This created a space between the vanity top and

the storage spot for the toilet. In this space we created a bunk area that you could slot your feet into, very much like a quarter berth in a yacht, which gave us a full single berth across the rear. A central drawer was fitted under the bunk, with a gas heater to one side and a space for a water-heating system on the other side. The plan is to fit an under-bunk gas Califont that vents to the outside of the van. Above the rear bunk is a vanity storage cupboard and a display shelf that shows our small collection of diecast retro car and caravan models. Between the sink bench and rear bunk, we fitted the original large four-drawer lowboy that originally sat behind the wardrobe. This is amply big enough to take all our clothes. The final piece of the puzzle was to convert all our internal lights to LED, with the idea of having much more efficient lighting. All the lights are 12-volt except for one original jelly-mould light that was converted to 240 volt and is also fitted with an LED bulb.

3-4. Front travel locker offers exterior storage, gas bottle, greywater tank and room for lots more 5-6. The crockery bin at the rear of the sink bench 7. Rear quarter berth

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8-9. TV mounted on wardrobe door plus storage in wardrobe 10-11. Stylish Formica table with its curves, and the cutlery drawer that pulls out 12. Bathroom area with formica vanity top, lovely flower bowl, porta potti toilet tucks away underneath, full shower behind

With the inside sorted we still found that we needed storage for the gas bottle, awning poles, pegs, awning, power lead and our portable greywater tank along with all the other odds and sods one tends to carry, so I designed and built a retro travel locker that sits on the drawbar to house all these items. What we have ended up with is a beautiful period vintage caravan that is extremely practical for the two of us with all the modern conveniences and the storage of a much more modern caravan carefully hidden from casual view. For a 14-foot (4.25m) x 6-foot (1.8m) space we have a huge amount of storage space on board. We leave the caravan set up to go and only need to throw food and clothes in, before taking off. With this article we hope to give the hundreds of people currently restoring retro caravans a new slant on what they can do to create their own magical space, with plenty of storage and all the mod cons they might desire.

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REWARDS WONDER 23/06/2020 1:59:18 PM

Eyre Peninsula › South Australia -34.722597, 135.859691

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GALLIVANTING AROUND THE EYRE PENINSULA Story + Photos Belinda Mason

Eyre Peninsula Coastline

s the founder of one of Australia’s most successful motorhome hire and tour companies, I’m often asked to share the secret of our success. Of course, there are many reasons, but one of the biggest is very simple: we know, because we go! Our research trips are key to our promise of a perfect travel experience for our customers. I’m Belinda from Gallivanting Oz and I’d love you to come along and share one of our latest adventures as we explore the magnificent Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. As our plane circles down into Adelaide on a typically clear and balmy autumn evening, we are greeted by the twinkling city lights and the wonderful tingle of anticipation for the week of adventure ahead. Although we’ve been lucky enough to spend lots of time exploring all corners of Australia, that tingle is still always there. Little did we know at the time, it would be our last trip anywhere for a wee while, with the Covid-19 lockdown hitting us shortly afterwards! It’s good to be back; we love Adelaide! This small, wonderfully multicultural city always feels distinctly different to other cities in Australia, and it loves to do things its own way. Centred around picturesque parkland, Adelaide has pretty beaches on one side, the lush and arty Adelaide Hills on the other, and is a short drive to some of Australia’s best wine country! It’s a very easy place to fall in

love with. To squeeze in as much as possible, we have opted to spend our first night in the city to enjoy Adelaide’s vibrant but relaxed atmosphere … not to mention a nice glass of Barossa red and dinner at Shobosho, the Asian barbecue restaurant which has been causing quite a buzz of late! (PS: note for fellow foodies out there, it stood up to the hype!) Refreshed and rejuvenated after a good night’s sleep and an Adelaide-style brekkie (think fluffy freshly baked croissants and very good coffee) we make our way to the depot to pick up our home-away-from-home for the next seven days. One of the real bonuses of Adelaide is that nowhere is too far from anywhere, so it’s quick and easy to get from the airport to the city, or the city to your motorhome depot, the depot to the beach, the beach to the vineyards … you get the picture! From Adelaide, there are more choices of great motorhome-holiday routes than you can shake a stick at; from the famous Barossa Valley and Clare Valley wine regions, the dusty red outback and the underground opal town of Coober Pedy or the magnificent ancient rocky landscapes of the Flinders Ranges, to a longer trip across the iconic Nullarbor Plain. This time, we’re driving straight to the Eyre Peninsula to allow maximum time for checking out the epic coastline, beaches, wildlife, and most importantly, the OYSTERS! From Adelaide it’s a 3.5-hour drive through

green wine country and pretty bushland to the head of the Spencer Gulf and the small city of Port Augusta, which most people consider the start of their Eyre Peninsula journey. Continuing to the southwest, we follow the stunning coastline around to the city of Whyalla, famous for steel and … giant cuttlefish! From May to August, tens of thousands of these brightly coloured creatures, some as large as a medium-sized dog, amass in a small section of rocky reef near Whyalla to mate. We resolve to return for a cuttlefish-focused holiday soon, and proceed to the friendly visitor information centre to pick up Eyre Peninsula maps and guides, then carry on to the excellent Maritime Museum, which includes a fascinating tour through the HMAS Whyalla warship. We are also lucky enough to see the resident dolphins at the marina! As we drive, we notice signs for oysters in rather unexpected places: backyards, service stations, corner stores. Not sure what to expect, but anxious to begin our oystereating odyssey, we pull up at a little house just outside of Cowell. A jovial weatherworn chap appears and surprises us not only with the freshest of oysters that he shucks in front of us, but the roadside lesson that goes with it; our new friend explains that the oysters from this side of the Eyre Peninsula taste completely different to the western side, due to the different tidal patterns and water. NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

His side being better, of course! We’re excited to find out for ourselves. We’d been eagerly anticipating Cowell, with its beautiful harbour and reputation as one of South Australia’s best fishing destinations … but the fact it sits on the world’s largest deposit of black jade comes as a surprise! Before hitting the bait shop, we drop into the Cowell Jade Motel to peruse their jade display, and depart sporting lovely new earrings! We chat to some locals who tell us that the King George whiting is on the bite and they are getting good catches, so we decide to try our luck at Cowell Jetty with our little collapsible rod. Any luck you ask? Friends, after we parked up our motorhome at little Tumby Bay Caravan Park later that day and sat looking out over the water, sundowner in hand and our freshly caught mulloway sizzling deliciously on the stove, that holiday feeling was real. The warm colours of evening are already

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

fringing the sky as we arrive in town, so Tumby Bay’s famous street art (the focus of their annual festival) is put on hold until the morning, when compelling faces, underwater scenes and colourful wildflowers greet us from the walls of the public buildings, shops and even the school … and the calibre of the art blows us away! The pièce de résistance is the joyful mural of two boys jumping from the Tumby Bay jetty, painted on the silos on the outskirts of town, and we appreciate the motorhome parking zone too! It’s another perfect day in paradise. The dramatic coastline around the Eyre Peninsula leaves us breathless with its jaw-dropping cliffs and sapphire water sparkling beneath the blue sunny skies. After a magical morning of exploring and beachcombing our way south, we arrive at the southern tip of the Eyre Peninsula, and from the Winter Hill Lookout we enjoy a bird’s-eye view of our

next destination, Port Lincoln, plus a glorious sweeping panorama of Boston Bay. Port Lincoln’s foreshore is lined with coffee establishments, boutiques and galleries, with the bustling town centre sitting one street back, featuring all the usual supermarkets, shops and services. But there’s something unusual about this city and the people. In a world where friendliness is getting harder to find, this is a wonderful exception! At every turn we experience big smiles, local advice and genuine interest in where we are from and going. One friendly local informs us that Port Lincoln is situated on one of the largest protected natural harbours in the world (three times the size of the Sydney Harbour!) and advises we visit the Port Lincoln Marina, often missed by visitors. Best tip ever! We grab some fresh local fish ‘n’ chips and wander the vast marina, wide-eyed at the huge array of fishing trawlers, tuna and lobster boats – which really puts into perspective this is the largest commercial fishing fleet in the southern hemisphere! The Eyre Peninsula is often called South Australia’s aquatic playground, and this is the point where the pure white beaches and shallow turquoise waters gracing the covers of the tourist brochures begin. There’s a mix of stunning sheltered and surf beaches surrounding Port Lincoln, plus visitors can swim with sea lions

(another one for our fast-growing wish list!), experience sharks in the wild, or venture south to explore the secluded and exquisite Port Lincoln National Park. To mix things up a little, we also head inland to visit a couple of wineries and Glen-Forest Wildlife Park, which offers a unique combo of wine tasting and a huge array of furry native residents! Our next destination is Coffin Bay, world renowned for its sweet, juicy oysters … and we’re excited! As we drive over the final hill, we are greeted with stunning views of the idyllic little town which is surrounded by national parks and overlooks the pristine waters and oyster leases. The magnificent Coffin Bay National Park nearby is a must-do and we soak up the glorious views over the islands and ocean beyond, layered in shades of aqua and blue where waters wash over a rock shelf that extends out from the shoreline. We take a short coastal hike through pretty bushland, enjoying the local landscape, vegetation and prolific wildlife. The birdlife is particularly noteworthy here and our binoculars get quite the workout! We have booked on an oyster-tasting tour that afternoon and have great fun wading out through the clear, pristine waters of Coffin Bay to see how the oysters grow, then shucking and devouring them straight out of the water – yum! Afterwards, while overlooking the bay we enjoy a glass of bubbles before strolling back to our motorhome at the nearby waterfront caravan park. Pure bliss. Continuing north, we explore tiny coastal towns, like Ellison and Port Kenny, stopping here and there to throw in a line or take a stroll along the gorgeous surf beaches. The uninterrupted coastal vistas from these nearperfect vantage points blow us away with superb views of the outlying islands. Venus Bay is one of those spots where you just can’t resist pulling up your motorhome and taking a

load off! We enjoy a picnic lunch with a perfect view, followed by an exhilarating clifftop walk with the local birdlife keeping us company. In this spectacular part of the world, every turn in the road brings another beautiful beach or panoramic coastal vista! We take a slight detour to admire Murphy’s Haystacks, the wonky haystack-like pillars and huge boulders of ancient pink granite rock that sit right in the middle of a wheat field that you can enter for a gold coin donation. In true Eyre Peninsula style, the farmer stops for a chat with us, telling us his mother was a Murphy, before he proceeds to share some fascinating history of the area. Our spot for the night is just outside the picturesque town of Streaky Bay, so we swing the motorhome into town to pick up some delicious freshly caught seafood from the fishing boats – it’ll be thrown on the BBQ later. As she wraps up our fish, the cheerful lady tells us that we must drop by the Streaky Bay Tourist Centre & Roadhouse to see the replica of a giant five-metre long great white shark, the biggest ever caught off Streaky Bay! Later, as we relax by the sparkling pool at camp, enjoying the stunning coastal views and looking forward to our world-class seafood feast ahead, we congratulate ourselves on a most excellent motorhome holiday! The next day we point our motorhome back

towards Adelaide, taking the ‘quick way’ which cuts straight across the top of the peninsula though the golden expanses of farmland, and look forward to one last pitstop in the Barossa Valley. But that’s a story for another day … Our visit to the Eyre Peninsula has left us with so many fond memories of the stunning and varied scenery, friendly locals, fishing, seafood and beautiful sunrises. If you’d love to experience it too, the Gallivanting Oz team would love to help you create a motorhome adventure of your own!

1. A delicious plateful of oysters 2. Proud prows at Port Lincoln 3. A heron stands tall as it takes in the seascape 4. Dolphins having fun in the sea at Whyalla 5. Palm-lined road at Seppeltsfield, Barossa 6. Murphy’s Haystacks

www.gallivantingoz.com.au

South Australia Tourism information

www.southaustralia.co.nz

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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Allan Dick TODAY

Cold Comfort

S Reminiscences from NZTODAY founder Allan Dick Words + Photos Allan Dick

1. Ice on the inside of the Nissan gives an indication of how cold it was! 2. The writer’s Nissan — icebound — and in the shadows!

ometime last year when I was tiki-touring around the back roads of the Mackenzie Country, it was getting dark and I was looking for somewhere to set up camp for the night. I stumbled across a perfect place. It was a large, dead-flat expanse of grassland, right on the edge of Lake Pūkākī and totally private. The negatives were that there was a vertical drop of about 10 metres to the lake, and it required a short four-wheel-drive trip in. The bonus was the view. I was looking directly at Aoraki/Mount Cook – so close it almost filled the viewfinder of my camera. I wasn’t the first person to have visited, because scattered about were pieces of timber, some parts of a shingle roof and some framework. To me it looked like someone had been in here with a gypsy-style house truck and pulled it to pieces. The place stuck in my mind as one of the most idyllic places I have ever overnighted at. ‘Sensational’ is an overworked term, but it’s the only word I can think of to describe this place. This year, in mid-May, the weather boffins

went into overdrive telling us about a huge high that was upon us, stretching from Australia and over all of New Zealand, bringing with it fine but very cold weather. It was one of the biggest highs on record. I once had a conversation with a woman who ‘wintered over’ looking after homes in the Northern Hemisphere, and she told some remarkable stories of cabins in the forests north of the Arctic Circle. Since then I have had the idea of ‘wintering over’ myself somewhere, like in the Nevis Valley where it can get very, very cold in a New Zealand winter.

2 NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

3. The million dollar view — chosen as a location for The Lord of the Rings 4. A selfie — the writer looking cheery enough despite no dinner, no breakfast, no coffee and a minus 10 to 15 degrees night 5. Sailor’s Cutting at Lake Benmore on the way to PūkākĪ and no sign of the cold weather ahead

So when the weather experts were getting excited about this record high and talking of temperatures in the minus 10 to 15 bracket, this ‘secret’ place on the shores of Lake Pūkākī came to mind. So I packed up the Nissan and off I went, eventually bouncing and bucking my way over the short 300-metre drive in, and the place was exactly as I remembered it. The view was still breathtaking (alternative to ‘spectacular’ but equally overused) and there were still parts of the old gypsy house bus there. Nothing had changed. It was nearing 5.00pm and already starting to get cold, so I made up my bed as quickly as I could – airbed, foil-backed insulation sheet, heavy rug, a down sleeping bag, another cheaper sleeping bag on top, two travel rugs and it was ready. By now the sun was behind Mount Cook and Aoraki was framed in a golden pink halo from the setting sun. I togged up. Beanie on

my head, scarf around my throat, gloves and my heavy jacket. I sat in my big, comfy camp chair, beer in hand and watched the pink around Aoraki grow darker, and then the sky turned deep purple and the stars started to twinkle. Eventually the sky was black – and that’s when I noticed just how cold it was. I had actually brought my large fluffy dressing gown from home just in case I needed an extra rug on my bed, so I struggled into that as well in an effort to keep warm. I looked like the Michelin Man – almost as wide as I was tall! I also exchanged the Allbirds (shoes) on my feet for my gumboots. I opened a second beer and fired up the gas burner to boil water for some pasta. There was plenty of flame, but the water refused to boil. I waited and watched, and waited and watched. Eventually the small gas canister just ran out and my water was barely warm. My pasta, instead of being ‘al dente’, was going to be ‘al crunchie’.

Still, the bonuses outweighed the negatives. I was somewhere that nobody else was, with a view that people would pay millions to share. But I was hungry. My second can of beer was consumed. Pasta – and coffee – was now off the menu. But enterprising lad that I am, I had a packet of chocolate biscuits and a bottle of red wine. So dinner became half-a-dozen chocolate biscuits and a single glass of Wolf Blass Yellow Label Shiraz which, being served correctly at ‘room temperature’ meant it almost had chunks of ice floating in it. I had forgotten my camping headlamp in my haste to pack and get away, so had to use the torch on my phone as I took a short walk to stretch my legs before retiring under my pile of bedding. It was only 7.45pm, but man it was cold, and the grass I manfully strode through was already crunchy and crackling. I think the last time I went to bed before 8.00pm was when I was eight years of age,

but this time I was so cold I had to get under the rugs and into my down sleeping bag, still dressed and with my Beanie pulled down to my nose. I slept well, but woke a couple of times, opened a door, looked outside, saw the Milky Way and a couple of zillion other stars twinkling away and I thought God was in his heaven and all was well with the world. Then went back to sleep. Daylight revealed two things: there was a solid coating of ice on the inside of all the windows, and I had parked in the wrong place – I was parked in the shadow of a hill and it wasn’t going to get the sun until about 9.30am. I could have moved the Nissan into the sun, but it was easier, and warmer, to stay curled up, beanie down and just wait. Even when the sun streamed in from out of a pure blue sky, it took another half an hour for the ice to melt on the inside – and even then, it needed help from the vehicle heater. Starting the vehicle was an act of faith in itself, and it was with a level of trepidation I turned the key, not knowing what I would do if it didn’t start. But it sprang into life at first turn. Relief.

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Eventually the vehicle was defrosted enough for me to pack up and head back to civilisation. I took some photographs for the record, and with fingers that were aching from the cold I steered my way back over the rough track and onto the gravel road. I wanted coffee, but instead of heading back to Ōmarama I headed on to Tekapo, and to my surprise the town was abustle, carparks were full, and cafés were overflowing. New Zealanders were out after lockdown, taking their country back from the international tourists. So it was back to Ōmarama for coffee and some ‘comfort food’ while I mulled over my next step. I had intended spending two nights out under the stars, so to speak, with night two as far up the Ahuriri Valley into the Southern Alps as I could get the Nissan – which is some distance if you are prepared for some slow offroad going. But the warmth of the café and the food softened my resolve and instead of going straight ahead in Ōmarama into the Lindis, I turned left and went down the Waitaki Valley to Ōamaru and home. People thought I was mad. I never doubted it for a moment. Temperatures were down somewhere between minus 10 and minus 15 and I don’t think I have ever been so cold. What exacerbated the challenge was that my water wouldn’t boil. People more experienced with cold camping than I, said I should have known – what you do is get some water that’s

‘blood warm’, sit your gas canister in it and it will have plenty of heat in the flame. I didn’t know that. And the mystery of the gypsy house truck wreckage was solved when I showed someone my photograph of Mount Cook from the camp site. “Oh, that’s where they filmed such and such a segment of The Lord Of The Rings.” I had spent the night on a movie set! Since we moved out of lockdown I have had only limited driving around the country, but what I have seen is surprising. The number of people ‘on holiday’ has raised my eyebrows. Some were international visitors who were trapped here by border closure but with fat enough bank balances to be able to afford to stay here until whenever they can get back home. However there have also been a remarkable number of New Zealanders out to reclaim their country. I wouldn’t have been so surprised had I seen so many people doing this later in the year, but to see them enjoying the depths of a South Island winter showed me that, for many, our holiday values have changed. At one time, everything a New Zealander wanted for a holiday could be found on the Australian Gold Coast, or Bali, but these days we seem to appreciate that if you dress for the occasion, winter can be just as much a holiday as sand, sun and surf. The big difference now though is that there is space to breathe and enjoy our scenic spots.

Although I experienced a busy time at Tekapo, it wasn’t that bursting-at-the-seams scenario we had before C-19. And this is the way it’s going to be for a long time. I doubt if we will ever again achieve the high levels of international tourism that threatened to destroy our way of life. New Zealand wasn’t alone in suffering from tourism over-kill; cheap air fares meant virtually every country in the world had the same issues. But C-19 stopped the vast majority of international flights dead in their tracks. Aircraft have been mothballed, broken up, switched from transporting passengers to freight, and some airlines have gone broke. When international flights take off again they will be fewer than before, and far, far more expensive as the edge of competition will have gone. All of which means, my trip to Europe 15 months ago, is likely to have been my last, but I can now spend more time doing what I really love – and that is, getting into every nook and cranny of Aotearoa New Zealand, the land I love.

6. Old Roadworker’s hut at the roadside near Tekapo is left open for travellers and is well used — and respected 7. Inside old Roadworkers hut with signage and graffitti

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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The award-winning IVECO Daily is the ideal platform for a wide selection of motorhome bodies and offers a number of market-leading qualities such as an 8-speed full automatic transmission that provides seamless power delivery and super fast gear changes for effortless driving. Coupled to this transmission is a choice of two powerful yet fuel efficient turbo diesel engines, available with 170 hp or a segment-leading 205 hp, providing superior power for motorhome applications. The Daily also benefits from smooth riding, rear airbag suspension available as an option, and a 3500 kg braked towing capacity providing extra versatility to tow a boat, motorcycle or a small 4x4. On the safety front, the Daily features front and rear disc brakes with ABS and four airbags (driver, passenger and curtain side). IVECO’s ‘ESP 9’ safety program is also standard which includes Electronic Brake Force Distribution, Electronic Stability Program, Anti Slip Regulator and a host of additional driver aids. IVECO’s generous 40,000km / 1 years service intervals also keep Daily owners on the road longer and minimise running costs a minimum. And in the unlikely event that owners need help on the road, IVECO also offers complementary 24/7 Roadside Assistance for the cab chassis warranty period (3yr/200,000 km, whichever comes first), when combined with the motorhome manufacturer’s own roadside program. To discover why New Zealand’s leading motorhome brands trust the IVECO Daily visit www.iveco.co.nz

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*Terms and Conditions apply. For 3 year warranty and Roadside Assistance program refer to the IVECO Warranty Statement of Terms and Conditions & IVECO Roadside Assistance Terms and Conditions (excludes Government and Fleet Buyers). Visit www.iveco.co.nz for full details. Overseas model shown. Refer to your local motorhome manufacturer for further details as actual specifications and options may differ.

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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KEYSTONE Cougar Fifth-Wheel

REVIEW

From the stairs looking over the living area, slide-out area out, massage chairs ready to go watching the big 40” 12V TV. Large open floor space, 4-seater dinette, and the full-width kitchen bench – wow so much space

Cougar captures the attention Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain

or us a trip to Tauranga usually involves dropping in to see various colleagues in the RV industry to catch up on new products and innovations. In early August Tow-vehicle options (prior to Level for fifth wheelers 3) we rang Nick Blair at BOP RV Jacqui Madelin featured fifthin Katikati. Nick wheels and tow vehicles In RV Lifestyle 26 – still relevant and his father today, read here. John have, for nearly 10 years, specialised in the importation of the Keystone Cougar fifth-wheel RV s f ro m t h e manufacturer in

Goshen, Indiana, USA. A few of those years just casually before establishing BOP RV Ltd in 2013. They are now the New Zealand agents for Grand Design RV and Keystone Cougar RV brands. Initially importing around 8–10 units a year, today they are selling up to 40 units a year, with models mixed across the whole range, from the smaller 7.9 metre Cougar 3500kg WOF-sized unit to the 10.5 metre Cougar on a COF at 4860kg. Many regular visitors to Auckland and Mystery Creek motorhome shows over the last eight years will recognise Nick and John and the fifth-wheel RVs they sell. They will of course be at the NZMCA Motorhome Caravan & Leisure show at Mystery Creek in Hamilton, due to take place from September 18–20 but as we go to print those dates may be delayed till

later in the year depending on the prevalent Covid-19 Level – keep abreast of any changes on our Facebook page. Nick and John’s business was formerly situated on the main Katikati to Tauranga Road, but their workshop and RV yard is now on their property in the hills behind Katikati, and you need to make an appointment to see them there. What a beautiful spot to visit it was too, with stunning views over the hills to the water, some doggie company for Caspar, and a surprising number of fifth-wheelers plus a 2020 Imagine 9700mm caravan still being unpacked and set up from shipping, but it wasn’t ready for us that day. We caught up with Nick initially then went over to look at a Cougar fifth-wheel unit that was nearly ready to be collected by its owner. NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Official model name is the Keystone Cougar 23MLS fifth-wheel. Its total length is 7.9 metres, though you carry 20 per cent of that over the back of your vehicle with the hitch connection. Read more information about tow vehicles and how the hitch works in the links box below. It feels like a very substantial unit when you

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

stand beside it or walk around the nose and along the sides looking at the two slide-outs. Underneath there are sturdy stays all around with wood bases, and I later find out this is one of the new features – a four-point auto self-levelling system. Park up, get out and place the wooden pieces below the stays, push the button and down they come to automatically level the vehicle – nice. Lots of external storage with a full-width space (entry from both sides) under the living-area storage This area is even heated, as is all the pipework and floors in the living and storage areas. Services and in-house technology are housed in this area as well, Battery and related services are separate in a front nose storage pod. The entry steps and door, on the right rear (driver’s) side, are substantial as well. After stepping inside, the space ahead and to the right of you takes your breath away. Wow, this is some living space that’s for sure. The full-width kitchen bench is fitted with twin stainless steel sinks, a chef ’s head faucet to play with and has a downright sexy under-bench. A full-sized four-burner hob with separate grill/ oven, overhead microwave, rangehood, lots

of under-bench storage as well as overhead. Again, wow, you can’t argue with the size of what is on offer here, and there’s a big fridge with separate freezer set into the slide-out wall to the right – what more do you need. Oh I know, a nice massage to end the day. Well you could have knocked me over with a feather when Nick said this model had upgraded automatic, LED-lit, reclining, heated, massage theatre chairs, positioned perfectly in the slide-out looking directly at the 40” Smart TV above the dinette. Both the Rock and I sat back in these for a heated massage of our buttocks, so unexpected. The dinette area converts to a bed for guests. Nick showed me the iN-Command® Pro Series Gen. 3 with Global Connect system, using his phone to control heating, lights, power, TV, all sorts from within and afar if both devices are hooked into Wi-Fi at the same time. So much smart technology appearing in RVs now; it is expanding our RV living experience that is for sure. Stepping up into a mini hallway the sliding door reveals a bathroom, with good-sized vanity, and big shower unit with glass sliding

doors. It is almost like a shub with a seat and built-in shelves. There is a near-full-height storage cupboard in the right corner with shelves within. The pedestal toilet has electric flush and is on a big black tank, so made for freedom camping. The bedroom at the rear is spacious for what is essentially a caravan. The island bed has cupboard storage on each side and above, and USB charging and power on both sides of the bedhead as well. The three-door mirrored wardrobe will make many jealous – check out the pull-out draw boxes below – I’ve had less wardrobe space in some houses over the years. This is the second area that is in a slide-out to achieve the fabulous storage, and access to it along this side of the bed. One large window in this room, all the fittings are in the wall for

TV and other connections. The living space in a fifth-wheel RV just can’t be argued with, especially one with slide-outs to expand space. The space is still perfectly useable when not extended, say for shorter journeys, but when you’re parked up for a few days, or living for weeks, months or even years on the road, these units offer real mini-apartment-sized living with domestic features and spaces to feel at home with. At first the internal colourings and pelmet fabrics were a little standard ‘American’ styled, but that has changed significantly as you will see in these photos. Purchasers can choose their model and decide on the options they want. In this case those chosen included the theatre seats as well as wiring suitable for the use of Lithium batteries – supply and installation of actual

batteries and solar equipment is handled in New Zealand post-arrival, while essential wiring up of systems, setting up for aerials (Wi-Fi in this case) are all set for the customer to upgrade at their will by the team at BOP RV. Something like choosing Lithium is important, because the power management systems, chargers, etc. all need to be compatible from the source, something to remember in all cases. These units are not for the casual user; they are for those who go and stay away, sometimes for months at a time. They’re also popular for those building new houses and living on-site, or when adding additional living to their property, or moving onto a section and establishing a new way of living on the land. You can achieve that comfortably in this unit, and it is easier to tow than a similar sized caravan.

1. Big 240L domestic-sized fridge with separate freezer, 3-way auto, of course, set into the slide-out living area 2. What a fabulous long kitchen bench, plenty of under-bench drawer storage, overhead cupboards as well 3. New iN-Command Generation 3W/Global Connect control system gives owners total control over power, slide-outs, awnings, HVAC and more, from a convenient master control panel, as well as from an enabled smartphone application like this one Nick was using to demonstrate on this model 4. Decent set of entry steps – the MorRyde® Solid Step™; you feel quite comfortable ascending into the RV, the Friction-hinge entry door with euro latch is a decent size as well, with the upgraded 660mm-wide habitation door, with fly screen of course 5. Unbelievable – both chairs recline, heat up and massage the sitter at the push of a button, so comfy 6. The Cougar 23MLS looks like a big unit, which it is on the inside, but the actual towing length is reduced because you are using the hitch not tow-bar method. Height is about the same as some big six-berth motorhomes 7. Decent length awning on the side, note the LED lights under the awning and running lights in the nose cone. Electric auto-levelling at the touch of a button 8. Victron energy solar controller and battery management systems for the Lithium house battery NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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If you step over the 3500kg mark you will get even more living space and it will seriously change how you view your mobile home living options if you’re one of these types of people. Food for thought perhaps. Check out the links boxes to go to BOP RV website, or to read other relevant content listed here, video content from the viewing, and see Nick and John on site if you attend the Hamilton Mystery Creek show.

Scan QR code to watch the video on our channel… NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Digital editons click this phone to watch

9. What a fantastic wardrobe, pull-out drawer boxes for storage, three cupboards with mirrored doors – this is the second slide-out area, creates a lot of storage in this area 10. Queen-sized bed, plenty of walk-around space, storage both sides, USB and power both sides, LED lighting, big window for outside view, what a great bedroom space 11. Bathroom, great sized vanity to the left, toilet opposite, storage above and below the vanity, and tall storage cupboard in the corner. Shower box area is large at 762x1270mm, sliding doors with seat and shelving. Pedestal electric flush toilet with 115L black tank

USA manufacturer Keystone | Owner Thor Industries The Keystone Company has been producing fifth-wheel RVs since 1996. Thor Industries bought Keystone in 2001, and the Keystone brand is the largest manufacturer of fifth-wheelers in North America. Thor Industries are based in Elkhart, Indiana, and own Airstream, Heartland RV, Jayco Inc, Thor Motor Coach, Venture RV, Redwood RV, Starcraft RV, KZ RV, Keystone RV, Highland Ridge RV, Entegra Coach, DRV Luxury Suites, Crossroads RV, Cruiser RV, and the Erwin Hymer Group in Germany, previously the biggest RV manufacturer in Europe. Thor Industries are the biggest RV manufacturer in the world, with $7.86 billion in revenue in 2019. Thor Industries have been in business for over 40 years, and has 25 years RV manufacturing experience. They take the RV market seriously, and have award-winning reputations for RV manufacturing worldwide.

Construction • Double insulated laminated rear wall – Cougar uses this combined rolled fibreglass and a second layer of styrene insulation in their design, giving the best insulation for the RV in their opinion. The slide-out floors are also insulated with Astro-Foil a product that has air pockets for insulation aimed at keeping warm air in and cold air out. Even the Gooseneck and bulkhead divider is insulated fibreglass, and a foam gasket sealed pin box moderates the upper deck temperature. The whole underbelly and the floor is sealed with Coroplast, has a layer of Astro-Foil insulation beneath the fibreglass insulation above the tanks. There is even a heat duct running adjacent to the water lines, to spread heat around the tanks, waterlines and gate valves to keep them from freezing. Though if water did freeze, the specialised PEX plumbing figures and fittings can expand up to three times their diameter. No wonder you see these sorts of fifth-wheelers in the Alaskan gold and jade mining industry; they are certainly built to handle extreme temperatures. • Astro-foil-insulated slide floors and underbelly • Reflective foil-insulated painted fibreglass front cap with HitchVision™ and LED lights. • Heat-deflecting white, laminated sidewalls with 5-sided aluminium superstructure • 95mm walkable roof decking, with ladder access on the rear • Forced-air heated and enclosed underbelly • 12V heat pads on holding tanks, heated and enclosed dump valves, heated and enclosed convenience centre, dual attic vents for ventilationpolystyrene. • Acrylic capped ABS side skirts and rear bumper, high impact GRP scratch-resistant sidewalls. Double-glazed acrylic windows with fitted blinds and fly screens.

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Tech Specs 2020 Keystone Cougar 23MLS $115,000 4-berth model Dimensions (mm) • L 7900, H 3400, Internal height 2000 average. Tow length Ute + Cougar = 12 metres, slideouts measure - living 2500mm long x 900mm deep wardrobe slide is 1300mm long x 400mm deep • GVM 3499kg, tare 3160kg, payload 339kg, hitch weight 605kg Features and technology • Power awning, iN-Command® Pro Series Gen. 3 with Global Connect, Standard level up Ground Control 3.0 electric 4-point auto self-levelling system, Theatre seat IPO tri-fold heated-massage and LED lights, Foil-wrapped seamless galley and lavatory counter tops Trailer All EXCLUSIVE brand • EXCLUSIVE Road Armor™ pin box – rubberised torsion compound absorbs motion and vibration caused by road shock; the Road Armor™ suspension also equalises axle load to dampen shock and vibration. 90° plus MaxTurn Technology™ frame and hitch design for greater manoeuvrability. Hitch Vision for faster and easier hook-up. Self-adjusting brakes, reversing lights and wired up ready for customers camera preference. 2” accessory hitch receiver with 300lb capacity • Slide-outs – one in bedroom for wardrobe expansion, one in living area for seating and fridge both Tru-Fit Slide construction, a more durable slide room design that minimises functional motor and structural stress, resists leaking. Self-containment • Water: fresh 230L, grey 230L, electric flush, pedestal toilet with 115L black waste tank, separate shower, vanity in bathroom. • Kitchen: twin stainless steel sinks • 226L fridge-freezer • 22L gas/electric water heater 12,000 BTU rapid recovery • Heating: 35,000 BTU gas furnace and 15,000 BTU air conditioner – with in-floor heat ducting, • 12V heat pads, racetrack A/C ducting • Furion range and 22” oven with glass cooktop cover, 4-burner gas hob • Pre-wired 4G LTE and Wi-Fi prep – Cougar OTG solar/inverter prep

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UK TRIBUTE F70 MH 2-berth motorhome REVIEW

Tribute for two When visiting Nationwide RV in Drury recently to look at the Auto-Trail Tribute Compact 680 campervan, it was hard to not be distracted by all the models on display from this UK Auto-Trail manufacturer.

Scan QR code to watch the video on our channel… NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Digital editons click this phone to watch

Words + Photos Robyn Dallimore

o give you a brief history, the UK-based manufacturer Auto-Trail Company started manufacturing motorhomes in 1982, after many years as a motor-caravan repair business. In 1984 they had a distributor established with Brownhills, a small retailer at the time but now one of the country’s biggest retailers. The ‘Navajo’ model with its squared Luton body and two-tone coloured exterior established the Auto-Trail motorhome brand in the UK. Design changes, new models and ranges over the next

25 years have seen Auto-Trail become one of the biggest UK motorhome manufacturers. Nationwide RV is the New Zealand distributor for the Autotrail Range. The Tribute was introduced in 2015, aimed at purchasers looking for an entry-level new motorhome to start their RV lifestyle, and there’s a range of models that go up in quality, style, fixtures and fittings as the budget increases; models like the Imala, Tracker, Apache and Frontier. This is a similar way to that of Toyota with a Corolla

model car in the lower price range, a Toyota RAV4 for other needs and budget, and then Toyota Lexus luxury top-of-the–line models, covering all budget price points. We whipped this two-berth Tribute F70 away down to the beach for a quick drive. So easy with the Ford Transit manual gearbox, which also comes in a 6-speed auto option. It drove really well, although the start stop technology, which you can turn off at the push of a button, is not for me but does have a practical purpose. When you halt at traffic lights and stop, the motor stops, put your foot on accelerator, it starts again and you move off. This is all about fuel efficiency. As well as that, there are lots of the latest technology in this 2020 model, including control paddles on the steering wheel for radio and phone system, monitored by the Zenec Xzent 9.5” LCD display touch-screen head unit. All systems go into this unit – radio, rear view camera, Bluetooth, phone and even motorhome-specific satellite navigation. 2. The front cab area with storage pods in the front dash, Zenec Xzent 9.5” LCD display touchscreen head unit, drink holders on both sides. Steering wheel with cruise control, head unit control paddles, easy view heating controls and manual gear stick NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

2. The kitchen area has a compact L-shaped bench, three-burner gas hob and the round stainless steel sink – both with glass lids for preparation space. An under-bench combined gas oven/grill, and undersink storage cupboard with slide-out utility draw inside 3. Habitation entry door is on the left behind the passenger for kerb-side entry. Side wall lounge seating with plenty of room for the removable table to go in – the only internal step is the small one into the cab. Cab Captain’s seats that swivel and adjust for personal comfort adding more entertainment seating 4. Bathroom with plenty of storage under the square vanity sink and above in open shelves and storage shelves behind the white door, goodsized mirror and full-height shower box to the right, with split folding acrylic doors 5. Two single beds in the rear, with a mattress squab in between. Simply pull out the slats and put in the extra mattress squab and this area will expand this to a large double bed. This does cover the step-up area, so pull out the small ladder from the under-bed storage cupboard and position for getting up onto the bed 6. Control panels above the fridge, the Whale underfloor and hot water system has it’s own control unit

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

The very important cup holders, one on each side, are easily accessible; storage pockets in the front dash and each side. Another vital accessory nowadays in the middle: a USB charging port below that easy to use, and access to heater controls. The cab seats have armrests and swivel to the rear for extra seating. The habitation entry door is on the passenger or kerb side of the vehicle, with an electric step on the outside. Stepping directly into the vehicle, the lounge area is to the left with a lounge seat along each wall through to the front cab area (there is a slight step into this cab area) and it has LED lighting inset for night-time as required. To the hard right of entry is the bathroom wall, opposite the kitchen and cooking space. Step past the kitchen to the rear bedroom area fitted with two permanent singles and header space between at the back. A step up at the bed base takes you high enough to get on the beds. This area can be expanded via pull-out slats and fitting the extra mattress squab to create one large bed area. This is then accessed via a small ladder kept in a cupboard. There’s an overhead locker for each bed head, two shelves in between these with LED strip lighting. LED spot reading lights each side. The windows are large enough to provide nice views from the bed. The kitchen area is compact; an L-shaped bench with round stainless steel sink with glass lid, and three-burner gas hob, also with glass lid – these offer extra prep space when not in use. Nice splashback behind, opening windows with screens and blinds, power plus under the overhead cupboards – not airline lockers, these have normal cupboard doors.

Below the bench is the cupboard with storage shelf and pull-out utility drawer inside it. Below the combined gas oven/grill is another storage space; 140L fridge with small freezer box inside beside this space, storage cupboard below it, monitors and heating controls above. The middle bathroom door opens to reveal an electric 12V flush-pedestal cassette toilet to the left, storage cupboard with shelves above, open shelves for more storage and a goodsized mirror over the square plastic sink unit.

Ford Transit chassis cab Built on the purpose-built 2020 Ford Transit skeletal chassis cab, designed by Ford to offer motorhome builders a lower chassis height of 100mm compared to previous standard frontwheel-drive models. This offers easier step-through access to the rear of the vehicle, plus it reduces the overall chassis weight by 200kg. Aimed at the GVM 3500kg market for delivery vehicles and motorhome manufacturers, the other variant is the wide-track rear axle, another innovation for stability and handling on the road. Read more about the Auto-Trail manufacturing journey here: www.auto-trail.co.uk/our-journey Cube Construction

Some shelving space around this unit, which is also useful, with more storage below the sink unit. A separate shower to the right, always nice when separate from the rest of the area. This shower has a bi-fold door that tucks back for entry, excellent LED lighting within, adjustable showerhead and fixed soap holder inside. Room enough to shower then step out and get dressed. A heating vent in this area is also great for warmth, drying towels and even a bit of washing now and then. The main living area is wide and spacious in this two-berth model. The wall loungers face each other leaving the centre space to be either clear, or to accommodate the removable table for dining and socialising, the odd game of cards perhaps. Lots of seating space here, and the front Captain’s cab seats swivel for extra seating as required. The TV wiring position is on the left of entry, backing on to the bathroom wall, so multiple people can view it when needed. A large roof vent with blinds and screens above add lots of light to this

space. If you wanted to take others with you, there are simple upgrade changes you can order to change the seating layout, by taking out one lounger and putting in two front-facing seats with factory-fitted seatbelts, and a dinette table. Above in the ceiling, an electric drop-down double bed can be ordered to easily make this a four-berth motorhome. On the outside there is full-width storage in the rear, with doors on both sides for access, storage for one 9kg gas bottle, toilet cassette access, fitted bike rack on the rear. What more do you need? This model and the four-berth upgrade are under the $150k mark, brand new models that might be just right for you. If not this one, I am sure the Auto-Trail brand will have a floor plan on different models through their extensive range that will tick all your boxes,. This particular F70 model is at the Drury Nationwide RV site right now. Check the website for other models or to contact a branch near you in Ashburton, New Plymouth, Silverdale or Drury for further information.

‘Cube’ construction involves building habitation units on airsuspended platforms separate to the chassis. This provides a structure that is rigid and can be lifted and fitted onto the chassis in one piece. All bonded composite wall and roof panels consist of a 35mm ‘Styrisol’ internal core, offering 12 per cent more thermal efficiency than standard expanded polystyrene. Acrylic capped ABS side skirts and rear bumper, high impact GRP scratch-resistant sidewalls. Double-glazed acrylic windows with fitted blinds and fly screens.

Tech Spec’s Auto-Trail Tribute F70 2-berth $142,900 this model with 170bhp motor. Standard 130bhp motor $139,000 • Ford Transit Euro 6D Chassis, 2000cc 97–126kW turbo-diesel engine with intercooler. Front-wheel drive, 6-speed manual gearbox, power-assisted steering, cruise control, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic brake force distribution (EBD). The F70 with the 130bhp motor, 6-speed Automatic, 4 berth with café lounge including the 2 extra forward facing shoulder belts and electric drop down bed is $145,875. Wide rear axle, 235/65x16 tyres. Dimensions (mm) • H 2880, L 7340, W 2350, Wheelbase 3950 • G VM 3500kg, Tare 3000kg, Payload 500kg, Gross train weight 4450kg Self-containment • 100Ah deep-cycle battery and a 100W solar panel on the roof • W HALE Gas 4.7kW under-floor heating and 2.85kW under-floor hot water system • Water: Fresh 100L, grey 80L • Gas bottle 1 x 9kg • Thetford 140L auto three-way fridge – internal freezer box • Gas oven/grill, 3-burner hob • Beds (mm) • Rear single beds 1890 x 670 • Combined rear estimated 1890 x 2000 • Optional drop-down cab ceiling bed size 1230 x 1930 Warranties • 2-year habitation warranty • 5-year body construction integrity warranty • 3-year mechanical • (T&C’s apply) NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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PROFILE 2013 BÜRSTNER Nexxo T687

New RnR 5!

It has been exciting to get into a new RocknRobyn vehicle (that we’re calling RnR5), with the support of Star Insurance and Bailey the Camper Care dog, who worked closely with Caspar on the project.

Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain

ou won’t miss us on the road – our new RV has been graphic wrapped all over and we are looking really good. • RnR 1 was our four-berth 2005 ex-Maui rental motorhome 6 months • RnR 2 TrailLite gave us a treat with a 1997 model for 6 months • RnR 3 Kea Dreamtime from RV Supercentre 6 months • RnR 4 2005 Mitsubishi Canter ex UCC rental – our first purchase in 2013 and current RV. This is our first fixed island bed to actually ‘live’ with as well travel with. It’s pretty comfortable, though you have to slightly push on the mattress to get around the sides of the bed for entry; a step up to the bed area each side; the wheel wells are pushed out on the edges and low profile, but still need to be stepped over on the sides.

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I don’t mind the step up here; you have space from putting your feet on the floor to move to the step so acceptable. Mini LED spotlights and reading lights in this area – looks pretty and nice atmosphere-wise but I am finding there is not actually enough real light when you need it. Sitting up in bed watching TV is fine when it is swivelled from the front dining area. Wardrobe on one side of the bed, cupboard with shelf storage on the other. I am impressed with the volume of the shelf storage – I can slide my small carry-on luggage bag right in there. I don’t have to unpack straightaway if it’s a quick trip away, and everything is tucked away. I could also lift the bed and put in storage under there, but this is easier. The front cab seats swivel to the dining area. There is one forward-facing dinette seat with fixed seat belts, and a second side bench seat on the right of the entry door, which is on the driver’s side of the vehicle. This is our first vehicle with the entry door on this side, and I have to tell you it is taking some adjusting to – I’m not going to lie about it. Even putting the electric step out when parked on the side of the road needs consideration, let alone stepping up and down into the vehicle. We are adjusting though – it just

needs practice when you are used to having left side entry. The dining table slides for manoeuvrability, has a second swivel table underneath to expand its use, and can be removed and placed in the exterior boot storage. Again, our first time using this type of sitting area extensively. It’s certainly more restricted than our Mitsubishi truck motorhome where the rear lounge area seated eight people at times; this is cramped and feels packed with five people in there. Watching TV is most accessible to people seated in the front cab seats as it is fixed to the wall behind the dinette seating, and the single sidewall seat. But the TV does unhook and can swivel to the rear area. There are two rail LED spotlights above the window here and one above the table (one is missing). We will need to invest in more of these removable lights as it is nowhere near good enough lighting for us oldies. The kitchen is compact with just a threeburner gas hob and sink-unit-sized bench, fridge underneath one side, and four drawers beside it. Two overhead locker storage shelves above. Lighting is dismal, and you need to aim the one spotlight from the dining table across to the kitchen to have any hope of seeing inside the overhead cupboards at night. Extra LED strip lighting is on our list for kitchen area, dining area and bedroom. The bathroom is really cool. It has lots of storage behind the toilet area, and the light switch is behind the toilet. Finding the light switch is something of a trademark in these models.

A vanity sink with shelf, under-sink storage cupboard and lots of mirrors to look at yourself as required. Initially you wonder where the shower is but soon work out to open a latch, move the wall to the right by swivelling it around and it covers the toilet area to reveal the shower fittings and fixtures, Simply pull the curtain across the door to keep the water flow in and you’re away laughing. Cool idea, we like it. Also like having a heater air vent in here and a clothesline to pull out, dries the room, airs the towels, dries shoes and can dry washing – awesome. Externally, the rear boot is great with plenty of room – so good to have the magazines, chairs and other crap in the boot not under the bed. It only opens on the driver’s side. The other side has the dedicated gas locker for two bottles, which is also great as the heating and hot water are both gas/electric. We’re used to diesel heating so don’t go through the gas bottle that quickly, but in this vehicle in winter you can hoe through it, in a very

quiet centrally heated cosy way – so quiet. The windows are all double-glazed acrylic so no moisture in the house, but when you remove the homemade insulation magnetic blinds, the cab windows are drenched in condensation. Certainly need to have a Karcher window vacuum on board, but in our case a windscreen towel is at the ready. Driving wise this is a dream baby, we can crank it up to 100km, not limited to 90km as in the over 3500kg Mitsi. Getting up and down hills is a dream, automatic gearbox is sweet as, and the rear-view camera fits the bill – well for Bruce it does, Allan Dick maybe not so much!! All I will say here is the camera is for traffic; don’t depend on it to see trees above you and ‘in you’ when you have backed into them, lol – oh dear, oh dear – newbie drivers to motorhomes, beware when backing up, and turning is a learnt, practised skill – length and height always in mind, look before you leap as well. For a seven-year-old vehicle, what has

impressed us is the robustness of the fixtures and fittings in the main. The overhead cupboards, doors, drawers, etc. still feel sturdy and secured. There are two stepups in the living area, one up to the dining area, the other around the bed area – both placed in okay positions for use – steps are certainly not on my list of must have in an RV so placement is important. Bedroom storage is good, kitchen storage and lighting is not to our requirements personally, and the front seating arrangement is just not our style though we are adapting. A quick step through from front cab to rear is a nice change from jumping in and out of the Mitsubishi, but it is a slight squeeze through the space, especially if Caspar’s seat is on the floor back there. Enjoying the change of style, loving the driveability of the vehicle, economy wise it is really great. We look forward to a lot more travel, and seeing readers around the country when we are in Level 1 again, look out for us.

Bürstner Nexxo T687 2013 model

5 1. Nick Baker from Star Insurance, with Bailey the Camper Care Insurance mascot - Bruce and Robyn picking up the vehicle after graphic wrapping 2. Standard Fiat cab for the day; does have cruise control, which is great, 2 x 12V charger ports so you can USB charge. Rear-view camera on the mirror, external mirrors electrically adjusted 3. LED mood lighting abounds throughout nice for atmosphere, big side windows offer great views, are double-

glazed with blinds and fly screens. The auto-satellite dish controller is above the wardrobe in this area 4. The bathroom has good storage behind the toilet, the lightswitch is behind the toilet as well. Vanity basin, mirror with side lights and above, storage underneath,, Clip on the left unclips 5. Looking good on the road, you won’t miss us

Fiat Ducato 2.3L multi-jet turbo diesel 97kW (130bhp) 6-speed AMT transmission GVM 3650kg, tare 2850kg, COF 2000kg tow rating Dimension (mm) Length 6890, width 2300, height 2750 Walls are typical vacuum composite with internal ply walls, polystyrene insulation and the outside layer is sheet aluminium – not GPR. The bumper and skirting mouldings are fibreglass, so easy for repairs. Bed size 1950mm wide Water fresh 120L grey 90L Fridge 104L manual 3-way Truma gas-electric heating 2 x 9kg gas bottle locker NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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RnR Rosie Renovation

RnR - Rosie’s make-over

Scan QR code to watch the video on our channel… NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Digital editons click this phone to watch

Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain (aka The Rock)

ockdown got everyone making lists; we must tidy this, paint that, plant gardens, bake or learn to cook – something. The Rock and I pondered painting the interior of Rosie (our 1998 Ford Transit four-berth ex-rental motorhome), but ordering a paint colour online was not going to work for me and with literally no tools, sandpaper or paint brushes on hand we wandered off to ponder tackling something else. But with lockdown ending and a family member arriving – who just happens to be a professional old-school painter who is just a tad OCD and finicky – a little project seemed in order, especially as he would be with us for a few weeks. It sounded simple to start with – oh, famous last words.

Rick started with sanding the internal wood work. Our Rosie is built like a brick outhouse, real wooden locker and cupboard units, so strong. The wallboard was slightly delaminated in some spots around the windows but careful sanding cleared this back to a stable surface. The cupboard doors, catches and hinges were taken off, bagged up and named for each unit so there were no mistakes putting them back up. With sanding complete, two coats of sealer undercoat and two coats of Resene oil-based enamel paint were applied. All white paint on the woodwork trim to make the cupboards pop. We don’t use a microwave in a motorhome. My thinking is that you have to plug in at a campground to use it, and as campgrounds usually have microwaves why waste precious

space in your RV? So we have fitted out Rosie’s microwave space with an insert container to hold cups, plates, glasses, bread boards, foldable storage bowls – all sorts fit in it and it can be taken to the camp kitchen filled with washing up if necessary. We chose to paint this the cupboard colour for contrast to the white framing. Under the sink we painted the internal top shelf and unit, the bottom underneath was just too hard so made do with a clean-up. On the top shelf we put a sliding wire basket to hold pots, fry-pan and those types of utensils – an easy pull-out to save bending over and looking into the back. The wardrobe was tidied, sanded and coated inside as well as outside, nice.

1. Rosie - just picked up from Marty’s Panel and Paint and looking gorgeous 2. Luton right wall showing the leak damage 3. Water travels when you have a leak, this delaminated board was dug out and then replaced later NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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The entrance area (with ladder on the wall) and the ceiling all got attention and paint treatment, all nice and easy to clean for years to come. The Luton was a little more involved. I did say Rick was a little OCD, so finding spots of soft wood in both front corners and in the wall under one window, he had to investigate. This ended up with us stripping the wall on one side and, with the help of a hose and some patience, tracking down the source of the water leak that caused the damage. The exterior top running light was replaced and resealed at the connection, and the window was resealed as well. Water travels and so did Rick, finding any spots where water had settled and caused softness. We got a couple of repair quotes for the

Stage 1 under the window

4. Finding the source of the leak, replacing the exterior light and resealing it 5. Cutting in around the windows, then a small roller to undercoat 6. The start of the Luton area 7. The Luton - water damage fixed, painted and ready to go 8. Event the wardrobe interior was scrapped down, prepped and painted

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interior, and we decided to take advantage of the affordable pricing at Wendekreisen Motorhomes, who have a charge-out rate for repair work that can’t be beaten – $60 per hour. Rosie was booked in, and a few weeks later we got her back after the window had been taken out to install a new internal wall panel, Luton front edges repaired, window refitted and resealed – all sorted for under $2000. We realised we could claim insurance through Camper Care for the water damage inside, but not for the repair as there is a limited provision in our policy for a claim, so that was helpful and they worked promptly with us to settle the claim. The Luton paint job took just a few days, again with oil-based paint. It does take much longer and the smell lingers longer, but the

shine durability and strength of the finish is a winner for me all day long. We elected to take the paint from the teal blue cupboards, mix it with a 50/50 high-gloss white to create a softer version of the colour for the Luton area. If we had done it full strength I think it would have become too dark over the area; this way it glows with softness. Curtain back in, new mattress squabs back up – a new LED light replacing the old fitting and this area is good to go. We are so happy with the finish. To be fair the Rock and I could have done it ourselves,,but it would have been a sand/scrape, she’ll-be-rightI’m-over-this job, let’s-just-do-this finish, so seeing our favourite RV glowing with a new face looking fabulous inside and the best she can look is just a joy, thanks to the slightly

Stage 2 under window, sanded and smoothed out then underdcoat

Stage 3 two undercoats - two top coats - perfect

OCD but so appreciated real painter, Rick, and the team at Wendekreisen. We are considering selling Rosie now as we have three motorhomes to park up, four cars, a boat and a trailer (not all ours), and finding a rental property in Auckland that has parking for more than two tiny smart cars is a challenge. We want to buy a house in Pukekohe, but are reluctant to release the property in Martinborough as it is a lovely spot to live, and life is up in the air. The private RV rental market is dead in the water, so letting one of our favourite motorhomes go is possibly on the cards. We paid $20K for her in 2018 and since

then we have spent essentially $28,000 on the interior and exterior with upgrades and repairs. Motoring wise we will have easily spent $10,000 on all sorts: cam belt, brake systems, wheel bearings, drive shaft seal – the list goes on. After every rental we had it serviced and checked. We have changed brakes shoes still with 3000km or more left on them (so renters had the best brakes available), and fitted new tyres all round. Costs are ridiculous really when you have to do up an older unit. Buying things like satellite dishes, diesel heating, fridges or stoves are one part of the purchase equation, but installing those is nearly the purchase price again.

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Work on Rosie since 2018 New habitation door 2019 New door – insurance replacement with ShareA-Camper renter accident – grazed side of motorhome, moved hinges on door so needed complete replacement. No cost to us. First repairs and roof vents 2018 2018 Marty’s Panel & Paint – repair scrapes in side of motorhome, rebuild step area, replace step, replaced all window seals, clean and reseal all exterior roof joints, replace roof vent with new rain-sensing electric two-way vent – $10k.

Oh what am I saying – these things cost regardless of the age of your vehicle – every RV needs its water tightness checked every year, and upgrading any fixture like stove/fridge/ electrical systems costs money, regardless of vehicle age. So a $20K purchase, two years later, has cost us $58K total to get things like freedomcamping power, comfortable sleeping and upgraded heating. Were they necessary? Maybe not, but we all seem to want this stuff, and

while we might have got a little carried away, maybe, the diesel heating is great, squabs and blinds make me happy and comfy, and I like watching TV whenever I want – for three days straight in crappy weather parked at a beach if necessary – without worrying about power. We love the layout in Rosie, compact at 5.5 metres, you can socialise in the rear, make up a comfy bed, or climb the ladder to the Luton for a comfortable sleep, complete with black-out curtains.

November 2018 Solar system and new batteries AA Solar upgraded the batteries and fitted a full solar system: Battery Charger TBB 1240 A-33 Port 230V Charger c/w temp sensor. 40A, Battery Monitor Votronic 12/24V LCD 100S programmable up to 100A, Battery switch unit – Votronic 100A 12V 2072 and 24V 12/24V isolating relay, Studer AJ Series 500–12 12V/230 VAC 400W continuous sine wave inverter, Batteries AGM C12V260 Ah, 522 x 240 x 218mm, 61kg each – two of them, MMPT Solar controller, eTracer 45 A BND 4415 MPPT 12–24VDC, 9–32V batt. 45A max, Solar panel – two Simax PV solar panels 280W each, size 1640 x 992 x 40mm, weigh 17.5kg. Total cost $6600.00 Uniden High Definition widescreen 19” LED TV built-in DVD, 12–24V DC – $500 July 2019 Interior squabs-curtains July 2019 we got Starfish Interiors to make new squab seating for the living and Luton areas, and new curtains and roman blinds for all the window and privacy spaces. Total cost $5864. Sept 2019 Auto satellite dish – second hand Initially AA Solar installed the AT 8022 OmniproUHF TV antenna, $120 from Uniden. This got damaged by a friend using the motorhome when he hit a tree and wiped it off! He replaced it with a refurbished Alden Onelight 65 auto satellite dish from Vantage RV, and they installed it in November 2019 – $1500

9. Original paintwork, acrylic flat finish, blue doors white trim 10. Lovely fresh finish, shiny and easy to clean. Microwave is gone - storage is in 11. Top cupboards, walls and ceilings all got a sand and repaint 12. Under-bench cupboards got the treatment, and we added in a slide-out basket for accessing pots etc easily

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Heating Diesel Heater install ACM. $1200 Eberspacher D2 (2.2kW) heater kit (RRP $2300) July 2020 Repaint interior Resene oil based enamel. The colour is half-opal on cupboard faces, quarter-opal in the Luton area. 12

Repair Luton and window panel area Wenderkreisen $2000

REVIEW

MAKE Model

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CAMPERVANS AND MOTORHOMES SALES, SERVICE AND REPAIRS

Words xx Photos xx

As a ‘New Zealand Made’ manufacturer and rental operator of campervans and motorhomes we have the experience, mechanics, technicians and machinery to competitively repair, service and upgrade any recreational vehicle in New Zealand. We only use New Zealand suppliers so you are directly supporting New Zealand manufacturing with all of its associated warranties. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

SOME PRICES FOR COMMON INSTALLATIONS ARE: • Ebersbacher D2 Diesel Heating System NZ$2600 including GST and installation • 280W MPPT Controlled Solar Installation NZ$1350 including GST and installation • 3m Fiamma F45 S Awning NZ$1475 including GST and installation SPECIAL BOOK ANY OF THE ABOVE AND QUOTE OFFER ‘NZTODAY’ TO RECEIVE $100 OFF Call 09-9486120 or email sales@wendekreisen.co.nz to book your vehicle Our manufacturing branch is located at Unit 1, 197 Montgomerie Road, Mangere, Auckland.

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• Mechanical repairs and servicing (including cambelt replacements, clutch kits, etc) • Minor panel repairs including composite repairs • Windscreen and window replacements • Furniture reconditioning such as drawer fronts and doors • Interior layout changes • Appliance repairs and replacements (fridges, water pumps, etc) • Installation, upgrades and replacement of fresh or waste tanks ADDITIONALLY, WE ARE ABLE TO SUPPLY AND INSTALL THE FOLLOWING:

• Front cab touchscreen multimedia systems and reversing cameras • Heat exchange and LPG hot-water systems • LPG and Diesel heating systems • Additional house batteries and upgrades to switch panels • MPPT controlled solar installation • Additional lighting, USB ports and 12V power supplies • TV, digital aerial and satellite systems • Awnings, bike racks and tow-bars • Roof racks with roof tents (to Cars or Utes)

WWW.CAMPERVANSALES.CO.NZ

REVIEW BÜRSTNER Lyseo TD Harmony Line 745 motorhome

Double drop-down delights

We have been in the Airport Oaks a few times in recent weeks, so stopping by to see the team at SmartRV and check out what they have on the sales yard fitted in nicely. Words Robyn Dallimore Photos Bruce Mountain

ales at SmartRV have been pumping, as with most of the RV dealers around the country. There is no doubt owning a caravan, motorhome or RV of some type is the goal of many across the country. We checked out a couple of models, then got the keys for a test drive of this four-berth motorhome with a nifty rear lounge area that I wanted to check out further, and see how the sleeping berths worked. Driving the Fiat Ducato was easy with the 2020 9-speed auto gearbox; the motor does have the Eco Start pack with Stop-Start, which is a little disconcerting when you stop and the engine appears to die before you accelerate then away you go again. We have driven a few vehicles with this feature lately so we’re becoming more familiar with how they work. The Fiat uses a lower, wide-track rear axle chassis. This provides improved road handling abilities, but almost more importantly the positioning of the wheel arches changes as well. This provides design opportunities for double

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NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

floors with storage insulation for services, in-floor storage pods, one-level house flooring and removes the need for internal step-ups into areas. Essentially, more floor space to work with. The Bürstner brand is manufactured in Germany under the Erwin HYMER Group, who in turn are owned by the largest RV manufacturer in the world Thor Industries. SmartRV are the exclusive importers of the brand into New Zealand. The habitation entry door is on the right, set back behind the driver’s door. An electric step takes you through the extra-wide 700mm door to an internal step and up into the vehicle. There is a handy grab handle on the left of the entrance. This area has storage pocket shelves, lights for areas in the vehicle, a TV space in the living area, with the monitors and iNet Truma system above. To the right is a front-facing dinette bench seat with seat-belts, fully adjustable, with two-leaf table in front. The quality front cab Captains seats swivel to the rear for more

seating options. A large picture window over the table area, big roof vent 500 x 700mm for light and ventilation in the front roof, three smaller vents throughout the living spaces and one in the bathroom. All fitted with blinds and fly-screens, as are the double-glazed acrylic windows. Looking to the ceiling we have stylised roof panels with inset LED lighting. Push a button and the electric ceiling bed drops down over the dining area for a large secondary bed area. This can be accessed by a small ladder that lives in the floor storage pod. Making the bed is reasonable as you can access it from the front cab as well as the kitchen side. To the left of entry on the right side is the

bathroom, passage to the bedroom, opposite is the kitchen with L-shaped bench space, threeburner gas cooker with oven below. Storage above and below, drawers under the sink unit. New design bench top over the sink swivels open. Next we have the 145L fridge unit. The rear of this vehicle is great – a sliding door provides privacy. It has a two-seater lounge on the back wall, wardrobes and shelf stands on both sides with room to throw some extra camp chairs around for extra visitors if you want, or put the visitors’ kids down there, and the adults in the front perhaps. Two large windows on each side offer great viewing outside. At night, again with the push of a button another good-sized bed drops down

from the ceiling. So convenient, and such a great use of space it can’t be denied. The bathroom is a really well set up dry bathroom, with a full-sized separate shower on the right with built-in storage shelves, adjustable shower fittings and with folding doors. The pedestal toilet is on the right, vanity sink has a storage shelf, cupboard underneath with a slit in the door – the toilet paper lives and is dispensed from here. The light switch for the room is under the top cupboard shelf, not the easiest to spot first off. Storage cupboard above, nice mirror and well-lit mirrored area. The heating systems in the vehicle are efficient with convector heaters on the exterior walls, that heat the air as well as the walls and furniture.

1. Storage in the doors middle and top, fitted privacy blinds for the windows and windscreen 2. Second berth in the cab ceiling, electric drop down bed. Inset: ladder for second bed in cab 3. Adjustable, swivel Captain chairs colour matched covering with armrests 4. From the rear lounge forward to see the electric ceiling bed over the front living area lowered. Ladder for access. 5. Stepping into the vehicle the lounge-dining area, swivel Captains chairs, and good-sized window. Plenty of LED lighting options as well 6. Compact L-shaped kitchen, overhead locker storage, LED strip lighting above and around cupboards and spotlights below 7. New design – fitted swivel bench top that covers the sink NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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Tech Spec’s

Essentially, warm air is pushed around the walls cre at ing an air sp ace barrier against the cold air and windows. Even the cupboard interiors have warm air flow. Heating, both air and water, is quiet with low energy consumption by all accounts. A great unit to check out, and having the rear lounge option is a popular one here in New Zealand – we do 11 love to kick back and look 10 out at the views from the rear. Electric ceiling beds are the greatest addition to an RV in my opinion – a fixed bedroom is such a waste of space (depending on the length of your vehicle) – and the German’s styling certainly tucks them up and away, while still offering at least 1.810 metre height at its lowest point, over two metres at its highest. This model is a mid-range vehicle offering two distinct living areas, comfortable travel and lifestyle for four people no problem, or spacious apartment living on wheels for two.

8. The rear lounge is different, a two-seater couch in the middle rear, adjustable and foldable table in front. Wardrobes and bench tops both sides 9. The electric ceiling bed drops down to the perfect height for easy access both sides 10. Pedestal cassette toilet with 12V electric flush, lots of storage 11. Full shower on the right, with lighting, vent, built-in storage for soaps and shampoos 12. Exterior graphics offer style on the exterior, a near full-length awning is great, habitation door is on the right driver side, electric entry step 13. We picked up the Bürstner Harmony Line Lyseo TD 745 at SmartRV in Auckland for a quick road test

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2020 Bürstner Lyseo TD Harmony Line 745 $169,900 • Cab Chassis • 2020 Fiat Ducato 2.3L 4-cyclinder turbo Euro 6 Diesel • 103kW 6-speed (AMT) gearbox, ABS, ESP incl. Traction Control, Hill Holder and Traction Plus and Eco Pack engine start-stop function. 16” alloy wheels Dimensions (mm) • Length 7640, Width 2300, Height 2990 • Internal height 2050 maximum, 1810 minimum under ceiling bed • Weight 4250, GVM 3140kg, Tare Payload 1110kg COF • Braked towing capacity 2000kg Living and self-containment • Water fresh 120L grey 90L • Dometic 145L 3-way auto fridge with removable freezer box • 3-burner gas hob, combined oven/grill • Separate shower, Thetford pedestal 12V electric toilet, 19L cassette • Front ceiling bed 2000 x 1250mm, rear ceiling 1900 x 1500mm • Cold foam mattresses Services • 230V mains, 2 x 95Ah AGM deep-cycle 12V house batteries, 150W solar panel, 1000W inverter • Digital control panel CP plus, iNet Box controls heating and air con. 2 x 9kg gas bottles, Truma Combi 4E gas/electric heating and 10L hot water system Exterior • Thule Omnistor roll out awning with LED-lights 4500m • Single reversing camera • Warranty (T&Cs apply) • Warranty D Chassis and Habitation two years • Warranty D Water Tightness 10 years

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

Scan QR code to watch the video on our channel… NZTODAY RV Lifestyle Digital editons click this phone to watch

Bring the outdoors inside An elegant interior and rugged nature live in peaceful harmony in the all new Lyseo TD 745 Harmony Line. Enjoy everything nature has to offer from the comfort of your living room with its large scenic rear windows. When the day is done, an easily accessible island bed drops down with effortless touch.

View the new Lyseo TD745 Harmony Line at our sales centres in Auckland and Christchurch or visit smartrv.co.nz.

Exclusively distributed in New Zealand by

11 Pavilion Drive, Airport Oaks, Auckland | 3 Export Ave, Harewood, Christchurch | 0800 0007 627 | sales@smartrv.co.nz | smartrv.co.nz

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The growing popularity of motorhomes and caravans in New Zealand has also seen a rise in the number of devices and conveniences connecting to the power supply which can quickly drain the batteries or even overload them. To help manage the demand, battery technology company Projecta has now extended its INTELLI-RV range of RV and Caravan power management systems to include a second Bluetooth compatible model, known as the PM300-BT, which is now available in New Zealand. For more information head to www.Projecta.co.nz

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Levin

RV CENTRE TIMES

September 2020

0800 RV CENTRE

3 Oxford St, Levin

ALL NEW PIAZZA IS HERE!

inter is over and with our thoughts now turning to Summer Holidays and Weekend getaways the timing could not be better for our latest offering from the Royal Flair range of Caravans to arrive. Not for the shy & retiring types! Our newest 21’ Piazza Model has a layout that we have not seen before. With 2 facing couches at the back of the caravan, a North/South

drop-down bed that sits neatly between them when lowered as well as a large screen TV hidden in its own cupboard, this new layout really works. Its Green! Did I mention its Green? I mean, really Green! The team here at Levin RV Centre just love the colour, so much so that we have ordered an identical one to be used as our Company demonstrator for the coming season, so keep an eye out for the boys and their

families at a caravan park or beach near you this Summer, and don’t be shy to come over and say hello and have a look through. With our first 12 Months selling the Royal Flair range having been a bumper year (we achieved 150% of budgeted sales for the year) our passion for this luxury caravan brand just keeps building. We now have a range of Caravans (both) on the road and in

stock that include numerous Piazza models, Designer & Family Flair models, the range topping Van-Royce not to mention several purpose built “Off-Road” models (think AussieMate & Raptor). And don’t forget, Levin RV Centre doesn’t just sell the Royal Flair range of luxury caravans, we are also the Lower North Island sub-agent for the upcoming 2021 range of stunning Pilote motorhomes.

VISIT ROYALFLAIR.COM.AU, WHERE YOU WILL FIND THEIR UPDATED WEBPAGE, CLICK ON THE PIAZZA RANGE LINK AND WATCH THE WALK-THROUGH VIDEO OF WHAT WE BELIEVE WILL VERY QUICKLY BECOME OUR TOP SELLING MODEL

Starting from the P600c 3 berth models to the range topping Le-Voyager we have something to suit most Campervanner’s needs. And remember we are always looking to buy, trade and sell On-Behalf good quality late model Caravans and Motorhomes so call in or phone us to discuss your next

Motorhome or Caravan. Finally, don’t forget to call in to our site at the up-coming “Mystery Creek” show and meet the Levin RV Centre team. Brian, Varee and Don (Billy will be manning the yard back in Levin). With orders placed for our new Summer stock we are sure to have something to interest you.

FACTORY FITTED ACCESSORIES At Levin RV Centre we have decided to draw a line in the sand and supply our Royal Flair models with the highest level of specification we can. With fully galvanised chassis, honeycombed insulated flooring, air-Conditioning, washing machines, slide-out Weber BBQ´s, diesel heaters, roll-out awnings, additional water tanks TV´s, auto satellite dish and solar panels being fitted to our stock models our customers will get the most out of their new Royal Flair Caravans.

If you’re thinking about moving your current motorhome or caravan on, then you should talk to us here at Levin RV Centre about our ‘On Behalf ’ sales service. We can prepare your Van or Motorhome for sale, take care of the marketing, offer finance and warranty options to any prospective buyers while you sit back and wait for the cash to appear in your bank account. Selling your valued asset couldn’t be easier! Pick up the phone and call Billy on 021 909 932 to find out more.

WE BUY & SELL QUALITY NEW AND USED RV’S AND CARAVANS

0800 RV CENTRE (0800 782 36873) Sales Manager Billy Gist 021 909 932 or Brian Anderson 027 821 0053 or Email: sales@levinrv.co.nz 3 Oxford St, Levin | Sales Yard Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8.30am – 5.00pm Closed public holidays

Levinrv.co.nz

Levin Rv Centre

BIGGER STORE AT MOUNT MAUNGANUI! Your favourite store has increased in size by 50% and this means a bigger range of RV products and accessories on offer. Still the same friendly and knowledgeable staff to advise you on what is best for your motorhome or caravan. Come and see us at 12 Kereiti Street, Mt Maunganui!

Club Price

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Solar Panel 150W High efficiency polycrystalline, quality cells 34554

Toilet Freshup Kit Freshen up your old cassette toilet

Terms and conditions apply. Prices correct at time of print, may be subject to change. Offers valid until 26th October 2020 or while stocks last. Club pricing exclusive to Burnsco Club Members only (free to join if not already a member).

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Experience the Difference. MOTORHOME CENTRE Book online at farmerautovillage.co.nz or call Henry Clarke - 0800 443 338

We’ve got your next Motorhome service covered. › Dedicated motorhome team ready to help. › 10% discount on all parts and labour when servicing, exclusive to association members with ID. › All brands are welcome, plus we’re an authorised Fiat & Volkswagen agent.

We’ve moved!

Find us at 19 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui

New 2020 Fiat Ducato Featuring 9 speed auto

unique slimline designed body panel with integrated motorhome door Luxury 2 berth Motorhomes. (no slider) Come in and view our proven,

6m and 6.4m flexible layouts.

www.tranztecrv.co.nz PLEASE PHONE TO ARRANGE A VISIT ...

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NZTRV Win Tickets, PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711 Email: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz Will be drawn 7 days prior to the event.

SPRING FLING – CENTRAL HAWKE’S BAY

When: Sept–Oct 2020 Where: Central Hawke’s Bay W: www.thespringfling.nz This year’s Spring Fling is a wonderful showcase of the region with gorgeous events at our historic homesteads, stunning coastal walks, boutique markets and the iconic Taniwha Daffodil display.

DAVE DOBBYN

NZMCA MOTORHOME CARAVAN & LEISURE SHOW

When: September 18–20 WIN TICKETS Where: Mystery Creek, Hamilton W: www.nzmotorhomeshow.co.nz For lovers of the great Kiwi outdoors, get ready for a bigger show featuring all your favourite brands when they return to Hamilton in September

MARTINBOROUGH ROUND THE VINES

When: Saturday, Sept 12 Where: Spark Arena, Auckland W: www.eccles.co.nz Dave Dobbyn and full band, with the addition of a horn section, will take the stage to play through a selection of homegrown anthems and rarities.

When: Saturday, Oct 17 Where: The Square, Martinborough W: www.roundthevines.org.nz Our beautiful course covers 10km or 21km walking or running, passing through quiet country roads and otherwise inaccessible vineyards.

TOTALLY HORSES TAUPŌ

NELSON ARTS FESTIVAL

When: September 12–13 Where: National Equestrian Centre, 114 Rapids Rd, Taupō W: www.totallyhorsetaupo.weebly.com Totally Horses Taupō is a unique opportunity to shop, learn and play in one of New Zealand’s great tourist centres. Visitors will be able to browse retailers all gathered in one spot.

When: October 16–26 Where: Nelson W: www.nelsonartsfestival.co.nz

CARTERTON DAFFODIL DAY

WESTPORT WHITEBAIT FESTIVAL

When: Sunday, Sept 13 Where: Carterton W: www.cartertondaffodilday Located in the heart of the Wairarapa, Carterton’s popular festival offers an abundance of activities ranging from the famous daffodil picking at Middlerun, markets along High and Holloway Streets, the Big Wai Art sale in the events centre, Daffodil Express Steam Train rides, horse and carriage rides.

KAIKŌURA HOP

When: September 16–20 Where: Kaikōura W: www.kaikourahop.co.nz The premier South Island car show: cars, cruising, car show, entertainment, food and fun.

PUKEKOHE PARK – BOYS DAY OUT

When: Saturday, Sept 19 Where: Pukekohe Park W: www.pukekohepark.co.nz Gather your boys together for a day of thoroughbred action and craft-beer tasting with quality food to match. Entertainment provided by one of the best MCs in the country.

Nelson Arts Festival is one of NZ’s longest-running regional festivals with a fantastic mix of theatre, music, dance, circus, visual arts and talk – it’s the perfect way to get the most out of our smart little city!

When: Saturday, Oct 24 Where: Westport and Karamea W: www.westcoast.co.nz Labour Weekend 2020, Westport comes to life with a weekend of events celebrating the community’s connection to whitebait!

GOLD N NOTES HOEDOWN

When: November 13–15 Where: Cromwell Racecourse W: www.cromwell.org.nz Country music lovers should prepare for hoarse voices, sore feet and late nights – one of the biggest events on the country music calendar.

CANTERBURY FOLK FESTIVAL

When: November 13–16 Where: 143 Darnley Rd, Waipara W: www.canterburyfolkfestival.org.nz From folk to blues, bluegrass to the world and everything in between we’re sure that this iconic folk music event will put a smile on your face.

BDO LAKE TAUPŌ CYCLE CHALLENGE When: Saturday, Nov 14 Where: Taupō W: www.cyclechallenge.com

One of the country’s largest sports participation events is again looking forward to welcoming around 5000 riders and over 8000 supporters to the Taupō region.

Upcoming EVENT GUIDE TOAST MARTINBOROUGH

When: Sunday, Nov 15 When: Martinborough W: www.toastmartinborough.co.nz Toast is a unique one-day multi-site event, with vineyard sites participating and offering wonderful wine, food and music choices throughout the day. When you get here, all you need to do is select your food, wine and music choices, hop on a shuttle (or walk) and enjoy the day.

TAIHAPE RIDERS RIVER TO RIVER 2020

When: Saturday, Nov 21 Where: Taihape Town Hall, 90 Hautapu St, Taihape W: www.eventfinda.co.nz/2020/taihape-ridersriver-to-river-2020-fundraiser/rangitikei It’s on again! YOU are invited to spend a fantastic day riding some amazing backroads in the Rangitikei region.

AROHA CRUISE IN

When: October 3 Where: Te Aroha, Waikato W: www.cruisein.co.nz By 9am the main streets of Te Aroha will be lined with hot rods, classic cars, motorbikes, retro caravans and interesting vehicles. VIP Entry was so successful last year so it’s back again – $45 gets you a custom-designed T-shirt, entry to the VIP parking area, and VIP ONLY entrance. VIP spots are available only online now and with limited spaces you need to get in quick. Standard vehicle display entry is $10 online or $15 per car on the day. Parking starts at 7.30am and public entry is by gold coin donation.

BEACH HOP 2020

When: November 25-29 Where: Whangamata, Coromandel W: www.beachhop.co.nz Postponed from earlier this year, Repco Beach Hop Rock’n’Roll Festival 2020 marks this special event’s 20th anniversary. With car shows and grand parade, live music, scenic motoring runs and much much more, Whangamata will be the place to be and be seen.

NELSON MOTORHOME SHOW

When: November 28–29 Where: Tāhunanui Beach Holiday Park, Nelson W: www.nelsonmotorhomeshow.co.nz The Rotary Motorhome Show is a must-attend show held every year. The event is the major fundraiser for local charities, organised by ROTARY. NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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Contact our knowledgable, friendly staff 09 427 8247 - info@vantagerv.nz

Services we provide

12/24 Volt Fridges for Solar Applications

For more detailed information visit our website: www.vantagerv.nz Or drop in for a measure and quote: at 7 Peters Way, Silverdale, Auckland.

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BUILT BY KIWI’S FOR KIWI’S 2020 is proving to be an extremely busy year with record sales and our factory running at capacity. Now would be a great time to visit one of our wonderful dealers to check out what separates us from the rest.

BUILT TOUGH FOR NEW ZEALAND CONDITIONS Come and check out our latest and greatest production, available to view at these great dealers

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Endeavour NZ Itinerary Specialists

ndeavour NZ Itinerary Specialists are a privately owned New Zealand professional travel itinerary specialist company for holidays in New Zealand. They create the finest holiday itineraries for you, with the most professional care and dedication. Stunning landscapes, world renowned Kiwi hospitality all driven with the same passion to deliver the absolute best for you. Whilst in New Zealand, they are your hosts for the entire duration of your New Zealand experience. Endeavour are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week during your travels. They have

your back when you need an advocate and are passionate about providing the most personalised attention to your holiday package. Endeavour cater for customised short stay or long stay holidays throughout New Zealand. They have handpicked all their accommodation and activity contacts to ensure you will be well catered and looked after at each point and destination. See their website for more details, itineraries, information and ways to contact them www.endeavournzitineraryspecialists.co.nz

Remco Lead Carbon batteries

f you’re looking for the best cycle performance in lead-acid battery technology, you should check out Battery Town’s new Remco Lead Carbon batteries. How much of a battery’s total ampere hours (Ah) you use, and how often you do this, hugely affects how long the battery will last for. Lead-acid batteries do not like to be cycled below 50% of their ampere hour capacity – for a 120Ah battery, it is best not to use more than 60Ah’s. Time spent at low discharge levels causes sulphation and affects the longevity of the battery.“The Remco Lead Carbon range has carbon added to the negative plate – this

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Kiwi-made innovation from Kathy and Trev O’Neill in Waihi, handcrafted in the shed, a perfect compact table to take one wine bottle and two wine glasses, with its own carry bag. • 35cm diameter, stands 40cm high • Ideal for: Camping – Motorhomes – Beach – Concerts – Gifts • Carry bag included – $48-plus freight

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greatly limits this sulphation allowing Lead Carbon to be cycled happily down to 30% of total capacity. Batteries marketed currently offer between 600–700 cycles when cycled to 50% depth of discharge. The Remco Lead Carbon range at 50% offers 1400 cycles. That is more than twice the life at a fraction of the additional cost – great values in anyone’s book. Remco Lead Carbon – available for purchase and also install at Battery Towns nationwide.” www.batterytown.co.nz 0800 566 667

NZMCA members elect first female President

istory has been made with the election of longstanding member, Sharron King, as the NZMCA’s first female President in its 65-year history. After more than 9 years as President – Bruce Stanger says he wishes Sharron King and the Board all the best. Without the demands of the presidency to contend with, Bruce says he and his wife Heather are looking forward to having more time to get out and enjoy life in their bus, Cloud 9. Read full details on Facebook. NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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Walkabout - News - Products WALKABOUT

MyCoolman™ Extend Range

he MyCoolman™ range of top-load fridge/freezers has been extended with the addition of four new products. An entry level thermo-electric 9-litre cooler/warmer kicks off a revised range that also includes new 30-litre and 85-litre sizes of compressor-driven fridge/freezers. The fourth new product is a smart lithium power pack, rated to provide up 18 hours of power without a recharge. This unit is fitted with strong magnets allowing it to be held firmly in place on any MyCoolman fridge/freezer during use. Priced at $475 (incl GST) the MyCoolman™ Portable Power Pack allows for even more freedom. Part of the Truma family of products, the MyCoolman™ range has been designed in Germany and Australia for rugged outdoor life in all conditions. Distributed in New Zealand by RV and Marine Supplies in Hamilton

Projecta Boosts RV/Caravan Power Management

he growing popularity of motorhomes and caravans in New Zealand has also seen a rise in the number of devices and conveniences connecting to the power supply … which can quickly drain the batteries or even overload them. To help manage the demand, battery Technology Company Projecta has now extended its INTELLI-RV range of RV and Caravan power management systems to include a second Bluetooth compatible model, known as the PM300-BT. The Bluetooth feature allows users to control and monitor key electronics from the comfort and ease of their smart phone using the official app. Like the PM400, the lower cost PM300-BT comes with a remote LCD screen that offers information on battery/solar charging (volts, amps, SOC, time remaining), up to four water tank level inputs with pump control, a load switch and night/silent mode for quiet operation. The main wiring unit features 14 fused outputs for wiring up 12V appliances and lighting. WAGO terminals for easy installation, plus a host of protection features, and sensors to ensure easy, safe operation and monitoring of electrical systems. The all-in-one power management solution offers 30A (12V) fivestage charging, 35A power supply, 30A MPPT solar charging and 100A DC VSR. “As more technology is introduced to motorhomes and caravans, people want to be able to monitor and manage their various systems to ensure they are working optimally,” says Tim Paterson, National Sales Manager for

Projecta has widened its INTELLI-RV range of motorhome and caravan power management systems to help owners monitor and manage power use.

Griffiths Equipment, which distributes Projecta products in New Zealand. IDC25/45 Charge Link Projecta has also released a new IDC ‘Charge Link’ that allows users of INTELLI-RV power management systems (excluding the PM100 model) to install its popular IDC25 and IDC45 DC chargers in parallel and achieve full compatibility and communication between the two systems. A broad range of batteries including GEL, AGM, Wet, Calcium and Lithium can be effectively managed using Projecta’s IDC25 and IDC45 chargers. New Accessories Projecta has also added several sensors and extra-length cables to the range of INTELLI-RV

accessories in order to provide more versatile options for installation. The new accessories cater to installers working with larger vehicles and include a 200mm Water Sensor with 7.5m of cable, a Battery Sensor with 10m of cable, plus 10m and 15m cables for the remote LED and LCD displays that feature in the PM200, PM300, PM300-BT and PM400. T h e s e P r o j e c t a I N T E L L I - RV a n d Caravanning power management systems and their accessories are now available from leading automotive outlets throughout New Zealand. For further information contact Griffiths Equipment Limited New Zealand (09) 525 4575 NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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hen was the last time the cooling system in your trusty motorhome was treated to a comprehensive check and service? With summer just around the corner, now is the ideal time to pop into your local ADRAD radiator agent and have your cooling system checked or serviced to ensure your vehicle stays cool while you are out and about. Don’t get caught out on your next trip; avoid any chance of overheating by booking a cooling system service now! With a nationwide network of specialists and seven warehouses across the country, ADRAD radiator agents are recognised by the trade as New Zealand’s only network of specialised and experienced radiator repairers and generally offer a same-day radiator service – anywhere in New Zealand. As well as providing comprehensive cooling system checks, ADRAD radiator agents are also suppliers of the highest quality aftermarket cooling parts, specialising in heat-exchange products for all types of cars, from family sedans to treasured vintage and classic sports cars. They can also provide radiators for motorcycles, motorhomes, trucks, construction equipment, agriculture, power generation as well as for mining and rail applications. Vehicle owners through to large fleet operators need their vehicles and equipment looked after by skilled radiator repairers using quality parts – and that’s exactly what ADRAD radiator agents are all about. They stand by their quality handmade products, many of which are manufactured by skilled craftsmen right here in New Zealand – and this also allows for the production of bespoke products. ADRAD radiator agents hold themselves

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The first step to diagnosing a cooling system issue is to undertake pressure and flow tests to assess the condition of radiators for internal blockage and component condition.

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A radiator recore is normally required when the condition of the existing radiator core is worn, damaged or deemed to be unsatisfactory. Many different specifications are available from ADRAD’s radiator servicing agents to suit your purpose and ensure maximum cooling efficiency. ADRAD radiator agents can even offer high-performance cores for vintage models as a superior cooling alternative.

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Through their nationwide network, ADRAD stock a wide range of aftermarket radiators for all types of vehicles. When vehicles need a new radiator, motorists may be unsure of whether to buy an aftermarket radiator instead of one from the original manufacturer (OEM). ADRAD radiator agents believe that “Better Construction Equals Better Performance” and therefore any radiator or allied radiator part supplied by their radiator agents is covered by a nationwide warranty. ADRAD’s personal guarantee is to only source and supply top quality radiators from their suppliers. The ADRAD nationwide network of radiator agents pride themselves on offering quality parts, excellent same-day radiator services. You can “trust a specialist”. www.0800radiators.co.nz

‘Just enjoy the view – while the engine cools down’

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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RV ROAD BOOKS ONE COPY TO BE WON

ONE COPY TO BE WON

Out There: Scape Public Art 1998–2018 Dr Warren Feeney RRP $79.95 SCAPE Public Art Trust It’s been 20 years, 20 extraordinary, exciting, mind-expanding years, since SCAPE Public Art began to revolutionise the open spaces of Ōtautahi Christchurch – and public arts practice in Aotearoa New Zealand. ONE COPY TO BE WON

Taking the Lead: How Jacinda Ardern Wowed the World David Hill, Phoebe Morris $25 Penguin Nobody is too young to start changing the world. When Jacinda was little, she wanted to be a clown. But when she saw schoolmates who didn’t have lunch, or even shoes, she knew she had to do something. Some kids laughed at her for wanting to help people so much, or said she couldn’t do it. But that didn’t stop Jacinda.

Flying High: The Photography of Lloyd Homer

Garage Project: The Art of Beer Pete Gillespie, Jos Ruffell RRP $42 Penguin A one-of-a-kind book celebrating the art, the creativity and – of course – the craft of the world’s most experimental brewery, New Zealand’s own garage project.

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Simon Nathan RRP $45 Geoscience Society of NZ Lloyd Homer is one of the leading photographers of New Zealand’s natural environment. Working for the Geological Survey (now GNS Science) for over 35 years, he was on hand to record the impact of events such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and landslides. ONE COPY TO BE WON

The Kiwi: Endangered New Zealand Icon Matt Elliott RRP $39.99 Imagination Press

TR & Mack The Hopeful Black Dog Mike King & Tommy Wilson RRP $10 By writing this book we are hoping to change the way the world deals with bullies. Our current strategy is reactive by dealing with the behaviour, rather than proactive by asking “what drives the behaviour?” Why do bullies bully? Bullying is a learnt behaviour and behind every little bully in school there is almost always a bigger bully in that kid’s life showing them that this is what love looks like …

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We have Kiwibank, Kiwi Stamps, KiwiRail and the Kiwi Bacon Company. We are told to ‘Be a tidy Kiwi’. The national lottery was Golden Kiwi and we have Instant Kiwi scratch-and-win cards. Even the RNZAF has a kiwi in its logo, so what is it about the bird we love so much? Matt Elliottt decided to find out …

The Hero from Nithdale Station Dick Tripp RRP $17.99 Wild Side Publishing This is the true story of a man with high moral standards, legendary fitness, personal discipline, and leadership qualities. The book also takes you into the heart of the battles with the Japanese in the Solomon Islands in World War II.

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The Body Lies Jo Baker RRP $35 Penguin

Fly-Fishing in New Zealand: Everything you NEED to know

What if you realised the subject your student is studying is you? When a young writer accepts a job at a university in the remote countryside, it’s meant to be a fresh start, away from the big city and the scene of a violent assault she’s desperate to forget.

Derek Grzelewski RRP $39.99 Bateman Books

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As a professional fly-fishing guide, Derek Grzelewski shares his expert knowledge and decades of experience learnt from some of New Zealand’s best anglers and guides. All the essential skills needed to improve your fly-fishing ability.

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Life on Volcanoes

Alice-Miranda in the Outback Jacqueline Harvey RRP $21 Penguin Alice-Miranda and her friends are off to the Australian outback! They’re going to help an old family friend who’s found himself short staffed during cattle mustering season.

Tulia Thompson, Tze Ming Mok, Courtney Sina Meredith, Ruth Larsen, Tui Gordon RRP $25 Beatnik Sex, money, pain. Mortal danger. Ballet fees. Selected for their wit and style, five critically acclaimed New Zealand essayists were given carte blanche for this collection; they all chose to write on subjects usually discussed only in private.

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The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life’s Direction and Purpose Oprah Winfrey RRP $27.99 Macmillan Oprah shares what she sees as a guide for activating your deepest vision of yourself, offering the framework for creating not just a life of success, but one of significance.

Katipo Joe Brian Falkner RRP $18.99 Scholastic

Twelve-year-old Joe is living in pre-World War II Berlin, with his British father and New Zealand mother, attending school and witnessing the excitement of his friends who are enthusiastically joining the Hitler Youth Movement. Joe feels uncomfortable with the growing mistreatment of local Jews. After the arrest of his father as a spy, he is forced to escape from Berlin with his mother. A few days after arriving in London, Joe is

One copy of each title to be won, email the book title as subject to: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz or post to: NZTRV Vol 6 Books PO Box 220 Martinborough 5711 with your full details, go in the draw to win. Closes 30 October 2020 Enter online here

NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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ROAD KAI

Book Credit Recipes extracted from Stuck Together by Sarah TuckOzich, Released for sales from 19 October, published by From the Kitchen RRP: $65

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with Road Kai We have one copy to be won. Tell us the in the subject line Road Kai and the volume number of this issue. In the email tell us which recipe you like best, give us your details, be in the draw to win. To enter, post or email: Road Kai 6, PO Box 220 Martinborough 5711 E: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz Entry closes October 30, 2020

Scan QR code to enter online

Salty sea dogs Makes 6 fish

Kūmara sesame noodle salad Serves 8

3 medium orange kūmara peeled, roughly chopped into 3–4cm pieces 1 red pepper, roughly chopped 2 red onions, halved, cut into wedges 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp honey 1 tbsp soy sauce 270g organic soba noodles, cooked, drained ½ cup chopped roasted peanuts, reserve 2 tbsp to garnish 1 1/3 cups picked coriander leaves, reserve 1/3 cup to garnish 1 tbsp black sesame seeds A colourful salad perfect match with the ginger teriyaki salmon recipe also in the cookbook Preheat the oven to 180°C and put the kūmara red pepper and red onion in a roasting dish. Whisk together the oils, honey and soy sauce in a jug and drizzle over the vegetables. Roast, turning once during cooking, for 18–20 minutes until the vegetables are cooked through. Cool to room temperature. Toss the roast vegetables with the cooked soba noodles, peanuts and coriander, and serve sprinkled with reserved nuts, coriander, and sesame seeds. Can be prepared up to 3 hours before serving, reserving the garnish until ready to serve.

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2 /3 cup plain flour 2 cups panko breadcrumbs 2 eggs, whisked 850g firm white fish, cut into roughly 12cm x 4cm pieces ¼ cup high smoke point cooking oil (such as rice bran oil) Tartare-style mayo 1 ½ cups good-quality mayonnaise (I use Best Foods) finely grated zest of 1 lemon 1 /8 tsp cayenne pepper 3 large gherkins, finely chopped 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley 2 tbsp chopped capers 1 tsp mild American mustard

Slaw 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil 2 tsp cider vinegar 1 tbsp good-quality mayonnaise (I use Best Foods) 1 tsp sugar Sea salt and freshly ground pepper ¼ large cabbage (or ½ an iceberg lettuce), thinly sliced ½ red onion, thinly sliced 1 fennel bulb, halved, thinly sliced 2 radishes, thinly sliced To serve 6 hot-dog rolls, split halfway through 1 cup watercress or rocket For the fish, mix the flour and panko crumbs in a shallow dish. Put the eggs in a second shallow dish. Dip the fish pieces into the egg, then coat well in the crumb mixture. Lay in a single layer on a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 2 hours in advance. For the tartare-style mayo, mix all the ingredients together and keep in a sealed container in the fridge. This can be prepared the day before. For the slaw, whisk the oil, vinegar, mayonnaise, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add the shredded vegetables and toss to combine. Preheat the oven to 180°C and put in the rolls to warm for 2–3 minutes. Heat half of the cooking oil in a large frying pan and cook the fish in batches (add the remaining oil for the second batch) over a medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes each side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels while heating the rolls. Either invite guests to construct their own, or plate up the ‘dogs’. Spoon 2 tablespoons of mayo onto each roll, top with fish and slaw. Top with a little more mayo to serve.

MARKET PLACE

Contact us to advertise: FREE to subscribers or $25 casual advertisers per issue. Supply maximum 35 words, phone, price and contact email, plus one photo 1mb in size. CHECK THE FOR SALE SECTION ONLINE W:website: RVLIFESTYLE.CO.NZ Post to: RV For Sale, PO Box 220 Martinborough, 5711 or Email:OUT Subs@rvmagazine.co.nz – You can also load your For Sale on our rvlifestye.co.nz/for Sales

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Contact us to advertise: FREE to subscribers or $25 casual advertisers per issue. Supply maximum 35 words, phone, price and contact email, plus one photo 1mb in size. Post to: RV For Sale, PO Box 220 Martinborough, 5711 or Email: Subs@rvmagazine.co.nz

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RV PETS To watch videos of Caspar’s adventures visit his facebook page or watch on youtube Caspar’s capers

par

’s C a p

Road trips galore

e are stuck at home again and working, with the vehicles all parked up, woof woof a bit sad. For a while there, we were away so much I didn’t know where I would be sleeping next. I got that winter haircut I talked about last issue. So nice it was too, and good to be able to wear my cute little winter coats outside again. The new motorhome was packed with my car seat, food and water, and da mama and papa put in lots of clothes, blankets and stuff – yip yip yippy we are going away. Soon I got the word, “Come on Caspie we are going home, in you get.”

We headed off and drove for hours, with a couple of stops along the way for walkies and food. After what seemed arf arf forever, mama said “we are in Marty, Caspie, nearly home.” I perked up looking out the windows and suddenly realised where we were, home – my real home – yip yippy yippy yip. We drove up the driveway and I couldn’t wait to jump out and get to the fence. I went crazy running around the place for a while, then I sniffed Pete and I was inside tearing around the house, checking that everything was the same – yes, there was my chair by the window, ready for me to sit in and watch everyone walk by – so woof woofy great to be home. We stayed home so long, lots of walkies up town, eating out for breakfast and me sniffing out and meeting all sorts of my old mates, so

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great. We went for a drive and stayed at Ngāwī. We have been there lots of times, and I had a blast with the other doggie mates staying in their motorhomes. Mama took lots of video. You can watch it through the links Cam will put on my page at the end. Great place to run around, local doggies and visitors too, big beach and boats to see, and sometimes we went further along the dirt road to see the big seals – and baby seals too sometimes but not this time. Then the motorhome disappeared when another man Allan took it away. That was okay coz mama and papa did lots of work in the office anyway. We went to Masterton and caught up with my mate Paua and his dad Matt Paku. They fed the eels in the stream, and Matt told mama about the eels taking the cat for a ride into the middle of the water, but

she scratched them and got away. I took one look over the edge at them attacking the fish scraps and thought – arf arf ruff yip bow wow no – I am staying clear of them. Soon the motorhome came back, and mama and papa packed our gear and it was time to head off. I always hate leaving Uncle Pete coz he is so awesome. I don’t mind when I get to stay at home with him when mama and papa have gone away for weeks. It is great to be allowed to bark and run up and down the fence – it is my territory, my back yard and I talk to every single dog that comes by if I want, not like the home in Auckland. On the big drive home we had a few stops, but missioned it in one day. Papa was talking about

how great it was to drive this new motorhome – he said it was going much faster than our older one – but I like the other motorhome though, coz it has a seat for me in the middle in the front where I can see easy and can help papa drive around the corners when he needs it. In this one I have to sit in my car seat, belted in with not much to see – not happy. A few busy work days, and a big long walk in the Viaduct. We went around a big wharf to the end, where I could see the boats across the other side, then we walked into the city more and I was allowed to go into the new shopping precinct – well that’s what mama called it. Mama and papa were really surprised doggies were allowed in there, I wasn’t the only one.

There were really fancy shops, and I went on an escalator for the first time. But then I got put in the car and they went back, I smelt the food when they returned, grrrr I missed out. On another working day, I was allowed to go to Pōkeno where I met lots of people and their doggies at Zion Motorhomes. All the doggies I met were RV travellers as well, and I wondered if I will meet them again somewhere around the country – probably says mama. Mama and papa took a cool new motorhome away for a drive to take photos for the magazine. Another weekend we went for a trip down to Whakatāne mama said. We stayed on a farm overnight with Sarah and her kids and doggies.

1. Interesting walkies in Whakatāne 2. Bed in the motorhome is pretty cosy 3. Nice to have lunch at the Martinborough

Hotel again 4-5. This is a stony beach at Ngawi, lots of smells and funny bull-dozers 6. What a great time with these guys, all my size and colour - so much fun. Jaspar had an operation so got growled for jumping, Murphy was fun, I didn’t catch the other one’s name 7. Waiouru - trip back to Auckland in the car, not as comfortable as the motorhome 8. I do liked meeting Raumati Lee and Tiarere Paris, they gave me lots of pats NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

135

Letter to Caspar

I was a little intimidated at first meeting these new mates but it was okay – at least until the next day when they decided to have a bit of a fight between them. Thank goodness papa picked me up quick smart and whisked me away, coz I could have been mincemeat between those two big boys. I got to ride on Josephine’s little horse too. It was crazy being put on there. I had a bit of a mutter to the horse arf arf woof, and it scraped its foot in reply and stayed still. Not something I want to encourage, but tick that off my list – ride a horse. I got lots of walkies around Whakatāne, nice places to go, lots to explore and sniff, and of course tasty food to be had. On the way back home we stopped at Mac’s place in Tauranga. Little Finn is walking now so I got lots of attention from him, and Mac and I hung out around the garden when I got tired of being

pulled and prodded. The last few weeks have been boring, mama and papa back on their computers, mama spending lots of time in the motorhome working – staying away from Charli she tells me – I know what she means; the constant nanny, nanny, nanny can be distracting. I go with her sometimes, and while mama taps I sit on my cushion in the back seat and nap. She gave me the prod today and set me up to get this column done, time to get this puppy to bed she said. Puppy? What puppy, where is it woof woof?? There is a motorhome show coming up in October, and I will be going again this year – the Mystery Creek venue is good like that. I hope lots of my friends will come and see me coz I get so many pats and loves at the shows. Oh wait – will they be allowed to pat me now, will mama let them – I will have to ask – all this talk about being safe, and people in the street not allowed to pat me in recent months, I don’t know what will happen. Take care, woof woofy arf arf to you all.

10. At Pōkeno checking out the motorhomes, so many other doggies there to 11. Always great to catch up with Louie in Katikati

Where’s Caspar’s

oof woof to you Casper, I’ve got my paws crossed to win the Interislander Ferry Voucher so we can visit the mainland! I have filled in my competition entry attached (Answer: Page 39) and a photo of me in my motorhome. Don’t think this is going to be my permanent seat! My mum and dad just took possession of a lovely motorhome yesterday and arrived home to find your magazine and competition waiting in the letter box. They are very very excited to set up their new little house and get on the road, with me of course! Mum loves reading all the great stories in your magazine and, of course, what Casper is up to, usually with me keeping her knees warm. Love from Charlie the Cavoodle… and Heather (Mum) and Peter Restall (Dad)

Print Search

To enter online scan the QR

Caspar’s paw print is on page number

Find Caspar’s paw print in a story in this magazine, post or email what page it is on and go in the draw to win a $250 INTERISLANDER FERRY VOUCHER Entries end Oct 30 2020

136

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Subject Line: Caspar Vol 6 Post to: PO Box 220, Martinborough 5711 or email: subs@rvmagazine.co.nz or enter online: www.rvlifestyle.co.nz/paw NZtoday RV Lifestyle Vol 6 Sept-Oct 2020

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