Motorhome Industry

Freedom camping is one of the most peaceful experiences you can have while owning a recreational vehicle. But if you want to camp away from commercial campgrounds, your motorhome almost always needs to be a certified self-contained vehicle.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about certified self-containment, including the current standard and most recent amendments to the regulations. We also look at the different types of self-contained certification, how to get your motorhome certified and share some maintenance tips and checks to help your RV stay compliant.

As you pull into a beachside freedom camping site for the evening you notice the battery on your mobile device is almost drained. Thankfully your recreational vehicle has an inverter onboard which can draw power from your motorhome’s 12 volt (V) battery storage — reviving your phone.

In this blog, we discuss what an inverter is, different types of inverters and how to match one to your motorhoming needs. We also look at how many watts (W) you’ll likely require and how to prevent battery damage when using your inverter.

Since its inception in the mid-2000s, German motorhome brand Carado have built a reputation for RVs that combine great value with practical design.

Streamlined production and a focus on making a small selection of models to the highest possible standards means Carado have become one of the most successful motorhome brands in Europe.

The past two years have spurred scores of new words, phrases and expressions. One of these terms that gets disproportionate coverage is supply chain issues.

The New Zealand government has made a commitment to playing our part in reducing the impact of climate change by significantly reducing CO2 emissions. One of their initiatives is to reduce vehicle emissions by incentivising the importation of low emission vehicles.

As a nation, New Zealanders are blessed with an abundance of natural beauty on our doorstep just waiting to be explored. Kiwi families have taken camping holidays in New Zealand’s idyllic landscapes for decades — many having grown up spending the summer tenting or caravanning at popular locations.

Important Information for Owners of European Motorhomes

Stories in the media about an inspection requirement change from NZTA | Waka Kotahi have caused considerable concern for many motorhomes owners. A few motorhome and horse truck owners have had issues when taking their vehicle for a regular compliance inspection. The inspector has asked for proof that the vehicle is compliant with the cab modification rule and these owners have been unable to present the necessary proof - so the certificate of fitness (CoF) was not renewed.

The closure of New Zealand’s borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 has precipitated a huge upheaval in the market. Since New Zealanders haven’t been able to indulge their love of international travel, they have taken to touring their own backyard in record numbers. Many Kiwis have decided to put the money they had intended to spend on international travel into the purchase of a new motorhome. This has caused unprecedented demand and put the industry under considerable stress.

Motorhome owners and would-be owners converged on the ASB Showgrounds in Auckland for the 2021 Covi Supershow this past weekend. The Supershow, an annual event held in March, is billed as New Zealand’s biggest motorhome show. Enthusiasts from all over the North Island and some from further afield gathered in Auckland to view the latest and greatest in recreational vehicles.

There's only a few days to go until Covi Motorhome Caravan and Outdoor SuperShow 2021! We can't wait to catch up with you there and help you find your dream motorhome.

This year the Covi SuperShow will be held from 19 - 21 March at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane. There will be a vast range of motorhomes, campervans and caravans and accessories on display. There's also fantastic prizes to be won and seminars to attend on topics like buying a motorhome and motorhoming in Australia.

At the SmartRV booth (251), we'll be displaying 11 of our most popular motorhomes for you to explore from premium German brands Carado and Bürstner. Our friendly team is there to help guide you on a great option that suits your lifestyle and budget.

We're also offering attendees an exclusive 10% off all motorhome rental bookings through our sister company Wilderness Motorhomes if they book by 31 March 2021. We have no restrictions on trip length and pick up from your choice of Auckland or Christchurch. Drop by our booth to claim your code!

Bürstner’s Lyseo Harmony Line picked up another win at the 2020 German Innovation Awards - fitting recognition for a motorhome manufacturer whose innovation has led the pack for decades.

Exceptional quality and comfort meet adventure in the new HYMER 4x4, available from Wilderness.