Motorhomes and caravans making a serious comeback in New Zealand
Tuesday 23 December 2014, 2:10PM
By enthuse
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After being off the radar holidaying in motorhomes and caravans is making a serious comeback in New Zealand according to organisers Country’s leading Motorhome Caravan & Outdoor expo.
Forty years ago caravans were as much a part of the New Zealand lifestyle as fish and chips and jandals, but over time went out of vogue which wasn’t helped when the Government introduced a sales tax on boats and caravans in the early 1980s that caused several caravan manufactures to close their doors.
But according to David Culpan, General Manager of Spot On Exhibitions which runs the Covi Motorhome Caravan & Outdoor SuperShow, holidays in caravans and motorhomes is definitely on the rise again.
He says there are a number of factors generating the good growth pointing out that holiday homes are becoming more costly and camping grounds by the beach are becoming much harder to access.
“It is difficult to get a quintessential kiwi summer holiday by the beach now so Kiwi’s are turning to the freedom of motorhomes and caravans, and it’s not just baby boomers but an increasing number of families too.”
Culpan says the growth is reflected in the marketplace where caravan and motorhome sales are on the rise being driven by convenience and being able to choose where they can go and how long they can stay in any given place.
“They can go ‘off the grid’ or stay in camping grounds and caravan and motorhomes have all the modern luxuries now with satellite TV, toilets, full ovens and fridges – all the comforts of home.”
Culpan says the Covi SuperShow has seen a big increase in the number of people coming to the show to purchase motorhomes and caravans.
“We are really seeing an increasing number of families coming in and purchasing. They are trying to find ways to give their kids some of the experiences they had when they were growing up.”
Shaun Newman, General Manager of leading New Zealand motorhome manufacturer Traillite agrees, saying he has seen strong growth across the market from both families looking to spend some quality time together and baby boomers enjoying their retirement exploring all corners of New Zealand.
Culpan also said the Covi SuperShow has had to add a large marquee to cater for extra exhibitor space for the March show being held at Auckland’s ASB Showgrounds which will see over 500 square metres of additional space being added to the show’s 15,000 square metres of space already booked by exhibitors.
“The motorhome and caravan industry and exhibitors have to cater for the extra interest too – it’s been way ahead of what we expected. We’re almost completely sold out so things are looking very good for a great show in March.”
The show - being held between the 13th and 15th of March next year – is also going to have the largest outdoor display area in the events five year history and organisers were especially happy it is the only show in New Zealand that will see all of New Zealand’s the major motorhome and caravan brands on display.
The Covi SuperShow attracts thousands of visitors keen to find out about the latest products and innovations, meet with the industry’s experts and enjoy a taste of what the exciting lifestyle offers. Over 140 exhibitors, including leading brands KEA, Motek, United, Trail-Lite and Jayco will be showcasing their latest models and product innovations next year.