Motorhome Travel

"Noctourism" – travel built around the night sky rather than the daytime – is gaining some attention overseas. Around the world, travellers are flying long-haul and booking out lodges just to stand under a properly dark sky for one night.

You don't have to go anywhere. New Zealand is one of the best places on Earth to see the night sky in all its glory, and if you own a motorhome, you already have everything you need to get there on an average Tuesday. This country is home to several certified Dark Sky places: reserves, sanctuaries, and townships officially recognised by DarkSky International for exceptionally low light pollution, usually thanks to shielded street lighting and strict outdoor lighting rules.

The South Island also sits close enough to the auroral zone that the Aurora Australis is a realistic sight in winter – no polar expedition required, just a decent weekend away.

That said, there are some things to plan for first. In this blog, we'll cover six accessible, legal spots to view the night sky from your motorhome, plus everything else you need to know about freedom camping and winter travel before you go.

Fuel pump prices are a hot topic at the moment, and for Kiwi motorhome owners planning their next getaway, keeping travel costs predictable is top of mind. When you own your own rig, you want the freedom to hit the road spontaneously without worrying about what the trip is going to cost you in fuel.

This guide looks at how to keep your touring cost-effective, given the current fuel climate. The good news is that hitting the road still makes great financial sense – but a few smart adjustments can make a big difference.

We'll look at how different vehicle designs stack up on fuel economy, what those numbers mean for your wallet on a typical trip, and the practical habits savvy motorhomers can use to keep their running costs down.

After a long drive in the summer heat, there’s arguably nothing worse than arriving at your freedom camping spot to find a fridge stocked with warm beer. 

One of the greatest joys of living the motorhome lifestyle is the convenience of having everything you need at hand — including a couple of cold ones to relax at your destination.

In this fun blog, we offer advice on preparing and optimising your fridge for travel. We also discuss how to prevent your beer from getting warm and manage power to keep your fridge working well. Plus, we look at keeping your fridge cold when freedom camping off-grid.

Off-roading in New Zealand can mean anything from extreme off-the-beaten track adventuring for hunting and fishing expeditions to simply going down a wild and winding coastal track to catch a wave — or fish — at a remote beach. Peta Stavelli of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine looks at the hows and whys of remote RV travel.

Elizabeth and Hans Van Der Linden purchased a brand new 2023 HYMER MLT 580 RWD from Wilderness in September 2023. In this owner story, Hans explains how everything’s going with the couple’s exciting new ride — and talks about what it feels like behind the wheel of a rear wheel drive motorhome.

Of all the advantages that come with owning a motorhome, packing up and heading for the path unknown is right up there. Catherine Milford of Motorhomes, Caravans & Destinations magazine looks at what to buy for effortless off-road travels.

Thinking about buying a motorhome and travelling to parts of New Zealand you always dreamed about? Hear from Bürstner and HYMER owners that have been there and are doing just that.

We talk with seven couples, partners and singles that have made the leap to a motorhome lifestyle. Find out why they bought their chosen models and where they absolutely love to travel.

I love driving. My happy place is on the road, music up as I take in the sights of this beautiful country. So when Wilderness asked me if I would like to trial one of their vehicles on a roadie, I was packing before you could say ‘motorhome’.

Wilderness has teamed up with Campable, an innovative new concept that matches motorhome travellers with private hosts around the country.

The Campable app, launched in April, provides motorhomers with authentic and unique New Zealand camping experiences.