We traveled around the South Island of New Zealand by bus and thoroughly enjoyed it but we wanted to find out what it was like traveling by motorhome and what better place to explore than the rolling green hills in the North Island. Although there was only two of us it was decided that a 6 berth motorhome would be best. Our reasoning was that it would give us lots of space and have a shower and toilet on board. It turned out that at for the time of year we chose to go it was also, unbelievably, the cheapest option. At a base price of $(NZ)70.00 a day that turned into $(NZ)114.00 a day with all the options it represented great value.

All travelers are of course given a tour around the motorhome and have all the necessities explained to them, but on the day we picked it up the lady was very flustered and some bits were left out, as we were to find out later. Panic was induced on one occasion because we misunderstood how the power options worked and driving along we suddenly found that nothing on the dashboard worked, no lights, no indicators, nothing; but we worked it all out eventually.

As a driver I am used to a small automatic sedan so driving a 6 speed manual diesel truck with misplaced control sticks was daunting at first, but at least I didn't fluff the engine. Not until the middle of the first roundabout that is, bringing traffic to a standstill in the process. On the road the van was fairly easy to drive, just go a little slower than usual and pulling over to let other traffic past when possible seemed to be the right thing to do.

You need to park a little differently of course as the motorhome is twice as long as a normal car. Really all it means that you park a little farther away from the shop, or in a backstreet, or just out of town. There's no reverse parking or angle parking - that's way too hard for beginners.

The six berther proved very roomy for two people and with the rear dining area folded down and converted into a larger than normal double bed the overhead bed area was used for storage. Two suitcases were unpacked and all clothes stored in the more than adequate cupboards so everything was shipshape in very short order. We still had a dining table setup for four people so all in all it was a comfortable experience.

We chose not to use the on board shower but to use the facilities in the parks where we stayed. These facilities were never more than $NZ30.00 per night and some of them were 5 star. The on board toilet was used only for number ones but was adequate for further needs if required. Cooking was by gas but we found that it was better to use the barbecues at the parks. Setting up on arrival at the parks was easy - take out the power cord, plug it in and that's it. Oh, and the step. Don't put the step down too early and then want to move. This activates a very aggravating alarm and if, like us, you don't work out what has happened for a while, can be very embarrassing.

All in all, motorhoming is a great experience and every single day is an adventure.

Article supplied by Ezine Platinum Author Bob Lord

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