Covi Motorhome Show 2025

March 17, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

The best way to describe this year’s Covi Motorhome Show? Quiet but interesting.

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It was an interesting show with some exciting new things to see. The trend towards smaller motorhomes continues, but the big rigs were still out in force, many with new tricks up their sleeves.

A couple of notable new entrants caught my eye:

The Frankia K Peak, a 6 metre motorhome on a Mercedes base
The Sunlight Adventure also 6 metres, built on a Fiat base

Click on the Gallery below for the Frankia K Peak

Frankia K Peak

Click on the Gallery below for the Sunlight Adventure

Dethleffs Sunlight Adventure

Fiona was working, so I arrived midday Thursday, while she planned to join me Friday after work in the car. It was great catching up with some old friends from Waikato NZMCA, who were handling parking duties at Ellerslie Racecourse.

This year, there was also a Zion Motorhomes parking area on a nice flat asphalt section, so I slipped in there easily. Later in the afternoon, a 4:30 ish Happy Hour kicked off behind one of the motorhomes—always a fun way to wind down!

Show Day

On Friday morning, I hopped on the free show bus to the showgrounds and started cruising the stands. A few highlights:

The new Swift Basecamp just under 6 metres but still a 4-berth with all the usual add-ons, including a TV aerial. Small but perfectly formed!
Stopping by the NZMCA stand for the annual team photo, a must-do tradition!

Click on the Gallery below for the Swift Basecamp

Swift Basecamp

A lot of the usual accessory vendors weren’t there this year, which was a shame. I always enjoy checking out all the handy bits and bobs.

Fantastic Parking Effort

With all the changes happening at Ellerslie Racecourse, the parking team did an incredible job fitting hundreds of motorhomes and caravans into some tricky spots between trees and in tight spaces, all while keeping it neat and organized.

Click on the Gallery below for Parking Images

Looking across to the Dethleffs Parking area.

Fiona arrived Friday night, so we took advantage of having the car and treated ourselves to a Japanese dinner—yum!

A Fun Weekend

Catching up with motorhome friends is always a highlight, and despite the quieter show, it was still a great weekend.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story…

Click on the Gallery below

The Food Stalls did well.

RV Super Centre

The UCC stand

Our happy hour in the Dethleffs carpark

Our parking in front of the grandstand.

Waikato

2025 Dethleffs Get Together in Cambridge

March 11, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

Cambridge has become another favourite place and with the Raceway providing such amazing facilities for an event like this. It makes it really easy to organise.

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Having a separate area to park, the Restaurant and normally a Burger shop along with the excellent Waikato River Bike Trails along the river means you can’t really go wrong 🙂

This was to be my last Rally as chief bottle washer, so it had to be a good one.

Peter and Judy’s Esprit with us behind. The two oldies!

We arrived just after midday to find Peter and Judy and Joss and Ben had already made themselves comfortable. They had left some room for us right next door 🙂

Peter and Judy’s Motorhome is a 2013 Dethleffs Esprit Low profile which was imported privately from the UK. It has the same 3 litre Iveco motor and associated running gear that we have in Rafe so it goes really well 🙂

It wasn’t long after that before everybody started arriving. Over the course of two days, we ended up with 21 Vehicles. We had quite a few more who were going to come but the over booked diary got in the way 🙂

It wasn’t long before the 4pm happy hour rolled around and with the wind whistling in the driveway, our usual spot under a big tree would have been unpleasant so we all setup up in a big area between two Motorhomes.

Click on the Gallery below for an Enlarged Slideshow

On the bikes – pic by Liz Tahana

Downtown Cambrideg

In the Restaurant

The Taem photo

The bike riders

Ben with his van behind at Happy Hour

some of the cars on their way to Frankton

Fiona and I had missed provisioning Rafe as we were depending on the Burger Bar, but it was closed so the only thing to do was join Peter and Judy and others for tea in Restaurant went down well as it was Steak night 🙂

The next morning was when we normally do the bike ride, and I hadn’t really organised anything, but I got our reasonably early to find many were setting up their bikes.

Liz volunteered to take the reins and lead everyone safely down the Waikato River to Tamahere and back with a stop for a cuppa on the way. Fantastic.

While they were busy doing that Fiona and I walked into downtown Cambridge with Peter and Judy for lunch and a look a general look around. 12000 steps odd! And about 3k’s round trip, good for the weight loss program 🙂

We had a few hours after that to catch up with everyone and swap notes on our vehicles.

Happy hour came around again along with the team photo and it was nice to be able to introduce the Richard to everyone.

Richard is keen to arrange the next event in the Wairarapa so we’re really looking forward to that. Richard has lots of experience in organising things and people so I sure next year’s event will be one not to miss!

Click on the Gallery below to see enlarged Happy Hour photos.

Happy hour Saturday

Ben with his van behind at Happy Hour

Happy Hour on Saturday

After the happy hour and photo, we all headed to the restaurant and had a great night there. Great food, great service and good company, what more could you want 🙂

In the morning, we were greeted with the arrivals of some Hot Rods and Motorbikes who briefly met in the carpark then headed off towards Frankton while we were saying goodbye to everyone before we headed for home.

The bikes on Sunday morning setting off for Frankton

A fantastic weekend and it went really well.

Rafe’s tracker map to Cambridge Raceway – Armada GPS

Waikato

Paeroa Scottish Games

February 23, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Early in the morning in Te Aroha, Fiona woke up showing some interest in the Paeroa Scottish Games. With the event kicking off at 9 AM, 20 odd kilometers away, it was time to get moving!

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We quickly serviced Rafe, topping up the water and emptying the tanks, then hit the road to Paeroa.

Arriving at the racecourse rally site, we checked in before taking the car over to the Paeroa Domain, where the games were already in full swing.

We started by checking out the Clan stalls, where Fiona, being a proud McLeod, picked up some ribbon for her hat. With that sorted, we grabbed a cuppa and sat back, taking in the atmosphere.

The opening ceremony was next, and we made our way to the grandstand to watch the Clans march in behind a lone bagpiper, a truly stirring sight.

Lady K from Hamilton showing her Steampunk costume.

From there, I wandered over to the wood chopping competition, always an incredible display of strength and skill.

Then it was on to the rotunda, where the Hamilton Caledonian Pipe Band was warming up for the competition. There were several other bands as well, each one filling the air with that unmistakable Scottish sound.

With a long break in the program and Fiona needing to head back that afternoon, I decided to wrap things up too. I was running low on clean clothes, food, and general supplies, so it seemed like the right time.

Click on the Gallery below for an enlarged Slideshow

Lady K from Hamilton showing her Steampunk costume.

During the comptition with the judge.

Unfortunately, that meant missing the evening Tattoo, which was a bit of a shame, but we’ll be back next year, better prepared and ready for the full experience!

A fantastic event well organized and a great day out.

Rafe’s tracker map to Paeroa – Armada GPS

Waikato

Under the Mountain

February 18, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 2 Comments

With Fiona finishing up work, she was ready for a bit of adventure. She made the drive down from Auckland, and we planned to meet at the Te Aroha NZMCA park, our base for the visit.

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Te Aroha is a lovely little town with plenty to explore. After a well-earned cup of tea to shake off the drive, Fiona was keen for a trip to Matamata, one of our usual café spots, just an easy 20-odd kilometers away. A relaxed lunch, a good cuppa, and a wander through town made for a great start to our time together.

Back in Te Aroha, I was keen to check out the local museum, given my work with historic images. The Te Aroha Museum, housed in the town’s old bathhouse, is a fascinating place. The former spa rooms now hold a well-curated collection, and the museum’s video gives a great insight into the area’s history. It’s an easy stroll from the NZMCA park and definitely worth a visit.

Click on the Gallery below to Enlarge

The NZMCA park

Te Aroha Mountain behind

The main road bridge into Te Aroha

The Museum

There’s something special about walking into town across the old railway line, a reminder of Te Aroha’s past.

And with the NZMCA park now offering a double-sided dump station and fresh water, life on the road here is about as convenient as it gets!

Rafe’s tracker map to Te Aroha NZMCA – Armada GPS

Close to home, Waikato

Bliss on the Beach

February 13, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

When we first got our motorhome, Ray’s Rest quickly became one of our favorite freedom camping spots.

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It’s one of the few places in New Zealand where you can park right on the sand, looking out across the water with the Coromandel Peninsula offering some shelter.

A few years ago, this spot like many others saw an influx of largely overseas tourists misusing freedom camping areas. It wasn’t uncommon to wake up with a budget rental van parked just inches from your doorway. Thankfully, updated self-containment and freedom camping laws have put an end to that, making places like Ray’s Rest much more enjoyable again.

A drone being setup for fishing off the beach

Two weeks earlier, I’d been knocked out by Covid, so Fiona suggested I take the motorhome out for some fresh air while she worked, and she’d join me later. Brilliant idea! With the sun shining, I stocked up at Countdown Supermarket and hit the road.

When I arrived, there were plenty of parking spots, though they quickly filled as the day went on. It was great to catch up with several familiar faces, New Zealand really is a small place!

I spent the afternoon walking along the beach, soaking in the sunshine, and appreciating just how lucky we are to have places like this to stay. The weather was stunning, and an onshore breeze kept things comfortable—absolute perfection.

Rays Rest is famous for being a bird migration landing zone.

After two blissful days of sea air and sunshine, I packed up, already planning my next visit.

Ray’s Rest is still magic, and I’ll definitely be back for more 🙂

Rafe’s tracker map to Rays Rest – Armada GPS

Close to home

Matakana in the Sun

February 5, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

After leaving Dargaville, I made my way back towards Matakana, where Fiona was driving up from Devonport to meet me at a new POP (Park Over Property) called Willow Park. The drive into Matakana was a test of patience—traffic from the Warkworth motorway turnoff to Matakana took over an hour. Apparently, that’s par for the course. Thankfully, the destination was well worth the effort.

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Fiona had already arrived by the time I got to Willow Park. After parking up, we sat down with a cuppa and started planning our next moves.

First on our list was the famous Sculptureum just around the corner. The Matakana markets were also in full swing, so of course, we decided to check those out too.

Willow Park, located on Totaranui Road, is run by NZMCA member Gary Pallett. It’s situated on a gentle slope, but the 10 or so graveled sites are impressively level. The farm setting offers fantastic views, which you’ll see from the photos. There are showers available, though we stuck to using our own facilities.

Although the Sculptureum is within walking distance, we opted to drive down the hill. The place is massive, complete with a vineyard. The experience is split into four main sections, and they recommend allowing at least two hours to fully explore. There’s also a restaurant for lunch and plenty of parking.

We started in the indoor gallery, which was packed with fascinating and unusual art pieces. From there, we ventured into the Palm Garden, famous for its whimsical giant snails. The landscaping is immaculate, perfectly complementing the sculptures on display. (Check out the photos!)

Click on the Gallery below to see Enlarged Images

Fiona admiring a Pergoda

Amazing sculpture with Fiona.

The Snails

After a couple of hours in the sun, we retreated to the verandah for a much-needed coffee.

Across the road, the Matakana Country Park was buzzing with market activity. We moved the car to their carpark and wandered through the stalls for about an hour. Even near closing time, the place was still packed with people!

Before heading back to Willow Park, we stopped into Matakana itself to grab some supplies and have a quick look around. Unsurprisingly, it was still incredibly busy, so we didn’t linger too long.

It was a fantastic day out, with the Sculptureum being the highlight. The art and sculptures are absolutely stunning, and the entire experience is amazing. A great couple of nights away and not too far from home 🙂

Rafe’s tracker map to Matakana – Armada GPS

Northland

Stopping in at Dargaville

January 30, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 1 Comment

At the top of the Kaipara Harbour, Dargaville is one of those magic little towns and with the river on two sides, the NZMCA park here is one of the best. The park is literally a hop, skip and a jump to the township.

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Park on the right bank, town on the left.

I first visited years ago, not long after the park opened, and it has remained a favourite ever since. What makes this park so unique are the beautiful old historic buildings on-site. They were used to construct Shackleton’s boats for his Antarctic expeditions. It’s incredible that the NZMCA has been able to preserve and make use of them. The local NZMCA team has done a fantastic job restoring one of the buildings, even replacing the mezzanine floor that had seen better days. It’s looking amazing now!

Just over the bridge is the heart of Dargaville itself, an easy five-minute walk away.

Looking through the town, just 5 minutes walk away.

One of the highlights of this park is the seat overlooking the river at the far end of the property. Sitting there, gazing out at the water and the Dargaville Bridge in the distance, you can’t help but feel a sense of calm. It’s the perfect spot to zone out and soak it all in.

As you walk back from this magic perch, you’ll pass a transformed area that used to be bush and trees but is now a stunning garden. It’s a delight to wander through, complete with a dinghy and a weather monitor adding quirky charm to the space.

The Dargaville Museum, just a short drive up the road, is another must-see. It’s one of the best in the region, offering fascinating insights into local history. While you’re there, you’ll also find a conveniently located dump station.

Click on the link below for an Enlarged Slideshow

Great spot to Clear the head.

The local

From the road

Weather Monitor

The “Shackleton Buildings”

Dargaville is a fantastic little town, and it’s always a treat to come back and see how things have evolved. The upgrades to the NZMCA park are a bonus, but the town’s timeless charm remains its greatest draw.

Rafe’s tracker map to Dargaville – Armada GPS

Waikato

The Antique Capital and Kaiaua Adventure

January 26, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Heading towards Kaiaua for our final night away, we decided to pass through another favorite spot—Paeroa, often hailed as Antique Heaven! With its abundance of vintage shops and quirky finds, it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely stroll and hunt for treasures.

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We both enjoyed a wander through some of the charming antique stores. Fiona, of course, took a longer and more thorough look around while I kept my browsing short and sweet. After about an hour of soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere, we decided it was time to move on.

The drive to Kaiaua was pleasant, and upon arriving at the NZMCA park, we were relieved to find plenty of room. After settling in and opening the vents to let some air circulate through the truck, we couldn’t resist heading straight over to the pub next door.

The beer garden was the perfect spot on such a beautiful day. With a G&T in hand, we soaked up the relaxed atmosphere, enjoying the live music and the warm sunshine. Given my fair European complexion, the shade quickly became my best friend as we unwound in the early evening.

After a bit of a break back in the truck, accompanied by a much-needed cuppa, we made our way back to the pub for dinner. The meal was fantastic, the perfect way to end our day and, indeed, our holiday.

As we savored the evening, reflecting on our trip, it was clear that this was a fitting finale to a wonderful adventure. The combination of good food, great company, and superb weather made for an unforgettable last day.

Rafe’s tracker map to Kaiaua – Armada GPS

Coromandel 2025, Waikato

The Lure of the Trains

January 21, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com 3 Comments

Since I was a wee boy, I’ve always had a fascination with trains. That fascination only grew when it involved history—and now, motorhomes. There’s something about the old charm of locomotives and the stories they carry that pulls me in every time.

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After a relaxing stay at River Glen, we spent another night at a bustling Whitianga park and enjoyed a day exploring the town before heading off to the Waihi Beach NZMCA park. Unsurprisingly, it was also packed with holidaymakers making the most of the sunny weather.

One of the highlights of our stop at Waihi Beach was catching up with old family friends, Lee and Ian. We’ve known them for years, and it was wonderful to see them again. They were in great form, and it’s always a pleasure to reminisce and share stories over a cuppa. After a quiet, easy night at the park, we set off the next morning for something special, a visit to the Goldfields Railway Station in Waihi.

The Goldfields train is a real gem. You can also stay in your Motorhome there with Power and Toilets. It runs regularly from Waihi Station to Waikino, with a stop at the charming Station Cafe. We timed our arrival perfectly, getting there around 10 a.m., just in time to catch the train for a scenic ride to Waikino.

This wasn’t our first time on this lovely little train. Not long ago, we brought our grandsons, Ayden and Liam, along for the ride, and they had an absolute blast. They waved at all the passing cars, thrilled every time they got a friendly toot in return. It’s the kind of simple joy that makes experiences like this so memorable.

Once we arrived at Waikino, we headed straight to the Station Cafe for lunch. The food was fantastic, and the atmosphere made it even better. Sitting there, soaking in the history of the place and watching the trains come and go, it felt like stepping back in time.

Click on the Gallery below for an enlarged Slideshow

The Taniwha on the side of the line.

Waikino Station

All aboard

Traffic below

After our leisurely lunch, it was time to hop back on the train for the return journey to Waihi Station. The ride back was just as enjoyable, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks.

The Goldfields Railway folks have done a fantastic job over the years, not only maintaining the railway and its vintage charm but also streamlining the whole experience. From booking tickets to the overall park setup, everything was smooth and efficient. It’s great value for what you get—a slice of history, a scenic ride, and a memorable day out.

For me, this trip was a perfect blend of nostalgia and adventure. There’s something magical about trains that never seems to fade. Whether it’s the sound of the whistle, the steady chug of the engine, or the simple joy of waving at passing cars, it always brings out the kid in me. I’m already looking forward to our next railway adventure!

Rafe’s tracker map to Goldfield Railway – Armada GPS

Coromandel 2025, Waikato

A hot day in the river

January 16, 2025 Chris Miller - Buggeritweareoff.com

Hidden away just back from the Coroglen pub in Coromandel is a lovely little campground called River Glen.

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I first came here on my own a few years ago while Fiona was at work and although it was early in the winter, I virtually had the place to myself with only one or two others.

From our visit with my brother Tim just before Christmas to Hahei, one of the locals stressed to me how it was absolute chaos anywhere around the beaches area in the Christmas / New Year period.

The weather was stinking hot. It was the day before New Years Eve, and I was ready for a swim in the river! And it was busy, but I wouldn’t describe it as chaotic 🙂

The lovely lady checking me in couldn’t have been more helpful even though they were clearly very busy. Due to it being so busy, there were no powered sites left, but we were happy to give the new Lithium batteries a run for their money. We were directed to a big area on the other side of the campground and told to pick a spot.

The concept sounds great but there was no parking areas painted or marked out for safe parking, which at such a busy time, I thought was a bit risky as some were a bit too close together for my liking but there were no dramas.

We ended up with some amazing Neighbours who were from Wellington, just over the hill from where I went to school as a grasshopper 🙂

After arriving, Fiona and I headed off down to the river where others were enjoying the fresh water too. I thought it would be cold, but it was amazingly refreshing but without the bite.

After chatting with some of the others there, we headed back to the truck for a drink and got on with making the tea.

Gemma and Wayne currently run the campsite which was setup by Waynes parents some years ago. Wayne is a qualified builder and has built many of the buildings they have. It has a really rustic back packers feeling about it but also clean and tidy.

A lovely little spot to stay.

Rafe’s tracker map to River Glen – Armada GPS

Fiona & Chris, two empty nesters put their dreams of doing something different into reality… Now back in a house, they were living in their Motorhome, come along for the ride.

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Show Day

Fantastic Parking Effort

A Fun Weekend

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Fiona & Chris, two empty nesters put their dreams of doing something different into reality… Now back in a house, they were living in their Motorhome, come along for the ride.