23Travel DigesT, February 2012

CaMPervaNCarriage by

With summer well and truly here, it’s time to hit the road and explore our beautiful country. And what better way to do that than in a campervan, combining bothtransport and accommodation

in one easy vehicle. SARAH WEEKS discovers some great holiday spots in a Britz

During the Rugby World Cup, campervans were the accommodation of choice for visitors and it’s easy to see why! The dual

cab Renegade is brand new to the Britz range and is the first of its kind in the fleet. Now the kids can sit up front with the adults, bringing the entire family together while delivering comfortable travelling! If you’re a large group or family of up to six, this is the perfect campervan for you. Unlike other campervan models, the Renegade allows everyone to sit up front in the cabin – there’s even twin seven-inch DVD screens to entertain the kids in the back seat and a 14 litre refrigerator to ensure easy access to snacks and cold drinks on the road. This family-friendly campervan allows everyone to share every moment of your holiday, not just when you arrive at your destination – there’s also two reversing cameras to help keep the little ones safe.

Depending on where you’re starting your Britz adventure, you can choose from four easy locations to pick up – Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch or Queenstown. Both the Auckland and Christchurch branches have recently been refurbished inside with lounge

waiting areas, refreshments and even showers, making this a great start or finish to your trip. Their friendly staff will take you through your campervan, inside and out to ensure you have all the knowledge you need before setting off on your adventure – you can even watch a helpful video guide.

The Renegade campervan sleeps up to six people – four adults and two children or two adults and four children – comfortably. It has three double beds, including the super king over-cab bed that transforms into twin singles. Shifting all passenger seats to the cab allows more room in the campervan for a larger

kitchen, lounge and dining space.The new-style Renegade campervan was

custom-made to Britz’s own specifications after company research showed customers wanted more quality time together on family holidays. A true home-away-from-home for families, other features of the Renegade include a TV and DVD player, stereo with both internal and external speakers, a microwave, four-burner gas stove and all cutlery, crockery and cookware plus its own shower and toilet and an electric awning.

Britz has also teamed up with hire company, Natural High, to provide bikes as an optional

The dual cab Renegade is brand new to the Britz range and is the

first of its kind in the fleet.

24 25February 2012, Travel DigesT Travel DigesT, February 2012

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CAMPERVAN TIPS:l Ensure your water tank is filled each day so you don’t run out and empty waste water when leaving each holiday park.

l Aim to arrive at your holiday park as early as possible during the daylight hours so you avoid having to hook up power at night when there is limited lighting available.

l Don’t forget to wind down your TV antenna and skylight before embarking on your journey – something easily forgotten when moving to the next holiday park.

l Check-in online to save time at the branch office when picking up your motorhome.

l Remember that campervans are wider than cars so keep an eye on rear-view mirrors and rear video cameras and take extra caution when driving around bends.

motel units, campsites and 26 powered sites. Located within an easy ten-minute walk from Coromandel town centre, this holiday park is perfectly situated to access all local attractions and sights. Kids will revel in the chance to burn some energy in the swimming pool and play area with pool, trampoline and playground or challenge family or friends to a game of pool or air hockey in the large games room. Other on-site facilities include Wi-Fi internet bike and go-cart hire and the staff are super friendly and welcoming!

While you’re staying in Coromandel, be sure to check out Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, New Zealand’s only narrow-gauge mountain railway along with a working pottery and wild life sanctuary. Owner, developer, conservationist, engineer and artist Barry Brickell began laying a track in 1975 shortly after he established his pottery workshop. The one-hour return trip on their innovatively designed trains takes you through replanted native kauri forest and several large viaducts as it climbs up to the mountain-top terminus. Once you reach the

Eyefull Tower, you will enjoy stunning panoramic views out over the island-studded Hauraki Gulf with the forested valley and mountains behind.

No visit to the Coromandel Peninsula is complete without soaking in a hot pool you have created with your own hands – at the world-renowned Hot Water Beach on the east coast. Underground, natural hot springs filter up through the sand between the high and low water tidal reaches. The new Hot Water Beach Top 10 Holiday Park is conveniently located near this stunning geothermal attraction. Surrounded by native bush and spacious landscaped sites, this holiday park is perfectly suitable for large families or groups travelling together. They have all weather sites designed for campervans / motorhomes. They also have a range of cabins to suit all needs and a great range of new luxurious and comfortable villa units. Their range of facilities include a BBQ area, internet kiosk, kayak hire, laundry, pedal go-cart hire, playground, restaurant/cafe, on-site shop, tour booking desk, trampoline and TV room with SKY.

CAMPERVAN

extra when securing a Britz campervan or car. Natural High has been pedaling adventures since 1996 and is one of the country’s premier bike hire and cycle touring companies. This new adventure option allows an even more amazing experience on your self-drive holiday. Once you reach your destination, you’re able to get even closer to nature and avoid those inner city parking problems with your very own pedal power! Choose from their hybrid model, great for country trails and town riding or the mountain bike for some serious off road riding. All the essentials you need, from helmets to pumps, are included in your hire and the bikes will be securely transported in Britz’s customised bike racks that are fitted to the back of the vehicle upon hire. You can also hire a picnic table and chairs to enjoy dining in the great outdoors.

All Britz campervans come complete with a complimentary Tourism Radio unit – the perfect companion for any tourist wanting to discover more about the places they’re visiting. Using the latest GPS technology, this automated personal tour

The Renegade campervan sleeps up to six people – four adults and two children or two adults and four children.

SpecialSguide will share the secrets of the surrounding scenery as you travel. You’ll learn about the local area you’re travelling through, prominent landmarks, scenic highlights and attractions as you approach them, there’s even a selection of easy listening driving music to keep you entertained in between points of interest.

Britz has also recently added the Navigator to their fleet – a new four-berth camper loaded with great features. A unique design, two double beds, full bathroom, spacious kitchen and dinette area facilities and an LCD TV with DVD player provide a home away from home feel, making it the perfect camper for the family who wants to get out and explore our backyard. Designed and built by New Zealand manufacturing company Ci Munro, the Navigator is the third new Britz campervan to join the New Zealand fleet in 12 months, helping to support the increasing demand for this brand.

Where To sTayBritz are partners with Top 10 Holiday Parks who have, for over 25 years, set the standard for New Zealand holiday parks (camping grounds / motor camps) with over 50 to choose from. All their holiday parks offer fully integrated accommodation options, from park motels and self contained units through to cabins, tent and powered sites (caravans, motorhomes, campervans) and are in unique park-like settings offering you breathing space with children’s play facilities, BBQ and safe indoor and outdoor recreational areas. Their helpful staff can also answer any little questions you have about the vehicle whilst you are there.

A recent addition to the family, Coromandel Top 10 Holiday Park offers a range of accommodation options to suit all needs and budgets, from basic cabins to self-contained