If there ever was a time for Kiwi travellers to embrace adventure and hit the open road, it is right now.
Motorhome and campervan holidays are more popular than ever, and it’s easy to see why as what you get is a fun, flexible and easy getaway, suitable for all ages.
While New Zealand’s international borders remain closed, Kiwis now have a golden opportunity to discover iconic locations they’ve always wanted to explore.
Post-lockdown and heading into summer, the freedom and escape a motorhome holiday provides is irresistibly enticing.
It’s as easy as booking a campervan from Apollo, deciding on a destination, and hitting the open road. You don’t need a special licence – a standard driver’s licence enables you to hire even a large six-berth motorhome.
Apollo country manager Andrew de Lautour says taking an iconic Kiwi holiday around New Zealand is extremely appealing, and motorhomes take a holiday like this to the next level.
"During 2020 we’ve seen an increase in first time campers. People who have thought about it before but now have the opportunity to actually do it."
"It’s a great option for a family, and is a flexible way to travel. Also everything’s already there for you, like the cutlery and crockery. Plus you can easily take surfboards, boogie boards and bikes in the vehicle. Plus you have plenty of storage lockers inside."
"And at the moment with no overseas tourists volume on the roads is light, and there have been some great deals on offer," he says.
Andrew says there are many beautiful, scenic trips to take in New Zealand, but he highlights two of his personal favourites from both islands.
- North Island - travelling around the Coromandel. Great camping grounds and places for self-contained vehicles, plus beautiful beaches and scenery.
- South Island - the MacKenzie region. In summer and winter you can experience lakes, walks, and national parks.
Despite no international travellers Apollo has been extremely busy in the school holidays, and has welcomed the large numbers of Kiwis getting out and about to explore their own country. For the July and October school holidays they saw a spike in campers.
Andrew says it’s been great to see so many first time campers. "We experienced high demand straight after lockdown, as I think many people felt cooped up and this was something fun for them to do. People saw campervans as a way to escape."
The ApolloConnect app makes it so easy to plan your perfect holiday online, making it so easy to search and book campgrounds in the regions you want to visit. You’ll see photographs of the holiday parks and their facilities as well as activities available in the surrounding towns.
To get your holiday started sooner, Apollo recommends you watch a video on the ApolloConnect app about your vehicle prior to pick up for a rundown of how to use the mirrors and cameras, and how to perform the easy pack up pack down process. You’ll learn how to transform eating areas to sleeping, and other nifty things like using the onboard shower and toilet, if you’ve chosen a self-contained option. For peace of mind, there’s roadside assistance too. If you do encounter difficulties, help is only a phone call away.
Travelling in a self-contained campervan is ideal during this difficult time. It gives you the comfort of having a home away from home that you know is safe and COVID-free, and the flexibility and freedom to avoid crowds of people.
Also if another lockdown happens Apollo offers flexible terms and conditions. For all new bookings, if you are forced to cancel your holiday due to government enforced COVID-19 border closures or restrictions, Apollo will waive all fees and provide a refund for any money paid.
You can pick up an Apollo campervan or motorhome close to Auckland and Christchurch airports. After this there are no limitations and you can do one-way trips, cross the Cook Strait or drop off and pick up from the same location.
Ready for a road trip? If you’re looking for fun, adventure and freedom - it’s easy as to book with Apollo.
Here is some key information-
● You just need a standard driver licence
● A number of self-contained vehicle options are available so you can travel with the comforts of home and get away from crowds at good value
● ApolloConnect app makes it easy to search and book campgrounds and watch how to videos + roadside assistance for peace of mind
● Apollo has rental branches in Auckland and Christchurch
Don’t delay, start your journey now, book now by clicking here
This article was created for Apollo Campervans
