{"id":1646,"date":"2017-03-21T07:22:48","date_gmt":"2017-03-20T18:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/travellingk.com\/?p=1646"},"modified":"2017-12-30T04:09:46","modified_gmt":"2017-12-30T04:09:46","slug":"motorhome-caravan-outdoor-supershow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/travellingk.com\/motorhome-caravan-outdoor-supershow\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring the Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Supershow"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Last weekend I went to the Covi Motorhome, Caravan & Outdoor Supershow<\/a> at the ASB Showground, Greenlane, Auckland. Quite a mouthful!<\/p>\n

I\u2019d gone the previous year and was interested to see how I found it after becoming a caravan owner \u2013 now that I understand a little more about caravans.<\/p>\n

This year was busier and bigger! It has grown dramatically in the last year. The carpark was full and spilling into extra parking across the road.<\/p>\n

It was split into an inside and outside area. The inside seemed to be the big expensive brands, NZ Motorhome & Caravan Association (NZMCA), the accessory stores and NZ tourism destinations. Outside had a few of the quirkier brands, vintage caravans, a container house MORE motorhomes and caravans plus secondhand motorhomes and caravans.<\/p>\n

People were exploring inside all the motorhomes and caravans \u2013 sometimes lining up, waiting for a chance to squeeze inside – these vehicles are usually designed for 4 people! New models were being tested for kiwi interest.<\/p>\n

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Seminars<\/h3>\n

There were seminars happening through-out the day.<\/p>\n

I made it to a seminar by Mandy Davis from TrailLite<\/a>, talking about what to consider before purchasing. I liked how she focused on freedom camping and self-containment. Mandy talked about how much water, waste space, general storage, gas, battery capacity, solar panels and fridge space you need for staying out of town for a week. It made me wish I could afford a mammoth motorhome with all the fancy additions! She pointed out a few issues people have come across, like can you fit in the tiny shower? And is there enough seating area for your marriage to survive New Zealand wet weather? Is the bed actually comfortable? Plenty to consider.<\/p>\n

Next year, I\u2019d like to see more of the seminars, particularly traveling around Australia. That\u2019s on the one day wish-list.<\/p>\n

What I learnt<\/h3>\n

I met Bruce Stanger,\u00a0President\u00a0at NZMCA<\/a> and bombarded him with questions. The one thing I\u2019ve found with owning the caravan is how hard it is to find out how to look after my vehicle. My instruction manual is painful to read and doesn\u2019t answer my questions. I\u2019ve now learnt there are Advisers in the NZMCA I can contact with my many, many questions.<\/p>\n

The overall theme from people were about the community you gain from owning a motorhome or caravan. From sharing the experience with other\u00a0travellers.<\/p>\n

There was a strong push with\u00a0self-containment and looking after our\u00a0environment. About how lucky we are to freedom camp and have access to\u00a0Doc campsites, NZMCA sites and plenty of national parks.<\/p>\n

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Some of the interesting exhibits<\/h3>\n

I looked in plenty of expensive motorhomes that cost $150k+. But have realised my personal interest is\u00a0in the more alternative, affordable options. The designs that are\u00a0easier to tow or the perfect introduction to caravanning.<\/p>\n

I managed to find a couple of teardrop caravans at the show. I had seen teardrop caravans advertised on Facebook and was keen to see them for myself. Both could be towed by a normal 1800cc car and were apparently easier to drive compared to a traditional bulky caravan.<\/p>\n

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