NZMCA backs the regions with new Motorhome TV series celebrating growth of Motorhome tourism
New Zealand’s regions are getting much-needed support thanks to a new mainstream TV series backed by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association.
RV Explorers, a six-part series, debuts on Choice TV on Saturday, October 13 th and heads off the beaten track to discover what makes New Zealand the ideal place to experience the motorhoming lifestyle.
“New Zealand regions have many exciting attractions for our visitors to explore and I am glad that this programme will help support them, “said Minister of Tourism Kelvin Davis.
Fittingly for a programme that celebrates the regions, the show was launched at an event at the Kaikohe Pioneer Village last Friday (September 28 th). Guests included Snow Harrison, Northland identity and trustee of the Pou Herenga Tai Twin Coast Cycle Trail.
“It’s really fantastic that RV Explorers is shining the spotlight on the Twin Coast Cycleway. I really believe that it will increase motorhome tourism so people can experience the many attractions of the Far North,” said Mr Harrison.
The series is a joint production between two industry experts – Spot on Publications (publishers of The Motor Caravanner magazine and former owners of the Covi SuperShow) and Calcomm Productions (which has more than 20 years of TV production experience for Sky, TVNZ, TV3 and 60 Minutes). Executive Producer Brent Gillies says the NZMCA-backed programme aims to promote the motorhoming lifestyle, and encourage people off the beaten track, to areas that don’t traditionally get time in the spotlight.
Domestic tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry that has been increasing steadily for a number of years. Combine that with the fact that motor caravanning is one of New Zealand’s fastest growing recreational activities and it’s clear a resource such as RV Explorers is well overdue. The programme will appeal both to those who are new to the activity, as well as those who have been travelling for years.
It’s the latest step in the NZMCA’s successful off-the-beaten-track strategy, which led the way five years ago in ensuring that New Zealand’s provincial regions got a fair share of the tourism bonanza. Regions outside the traditional tourism hotspots featuring in the six episodes making up the first series are: Kaikoura, Whanganui, Whangarei, Coromandel, Tararua and the Far North.
Each episode follows the adventures of Anne Marie and Jonathon, a new motorhoming couple trying out a different vehicle, experiencing what each area has to offer, and swapping stories with other motorhomers they meet along the way.
“It’s about showing off regional New Zealand and exploring the motorhoming lifestyle,” says NZMCA CEO Bruce Lochore. “There’s guidance for those who are new to the lifestyle, and ideas on new places to visit for existing motorhomers. It’s also shining the spotlight on those regions that are fantastic destinations, but don’t necessarily get the publicity of the main tourism centres.”
Viewers can expect everything from being wowed by the natural wonder of the Far North’s Wairere Boulders, to quad biking in Kaikoura, exploring the Bridge to Nowhere in the far reaches of the Whanganui River, and luxuriating in the warmth of the Coromandel’s Lost Springs.
“We’re encouraging Kiwis to get off the beaten track to see more of what our amazing country has to offer”, says Mr Lochore.
RV Explorers, Choice TV, Saturday 1.30pm, from October 13
For more information contact Brent Gillies 021 776 866