There’s no better time of year than winter for some motorhome lovers and would wouldn’t love that pale sunshine, those frosty mornings and the cold, fresh air! Well, actually, there are more than a few of us who would much prefer to wake up to a gorgeous summer’s day and if you’re one of those, you’ll have to look to the Southern Hemisphere at this time of year. As such, Australia and New Zealand have always been popular travel destinations for motorhome owners, but what’s the reality of motorhome Travel in Australia and New Zealand?
Motorhome Travel in Australia and New Zealand
Flights and Motorhome Hire
Obviously there’s no way you’re able to drive your motorhome to Australia or New Zealand and so you’ll be relying on picking up flights and making your way to the hire centre. If you’re booking flights, make sure to check out the lesser known airports: Brisbane can be a lot cheaper to fly to than Sydney, but it’s only a half-day away on the road.
Once you arrive, you should make sure your hire company is prepared to offer what you paid for. Check out all the facilities before you sign and make sure you’re all set with your motorhome insurance before driving away.
Camping Down Under
There’s a real culture of camping in both Australia and New Zealand and, as such, you should have no problem finding campsites for not too much money all over the country. If, however, you prefer to camp wild, this is generally acceptable in both New Zealand and Australia but there are areas (such as national parks) where you need a permit. It’s good practice to check with the local authority before stopping off.
Equally, both Australia and New Zealand present dangers to campers that you wouldn’t expect in the UK. Never light an open fire in a dry or wooded area and don’t expect to be allowed to collect wood from the bush; it’s illegal in most places. Be vigilant, also, for wildlife: dangerous snakes and spiders are common.
Watch for Hidden Costs
While in general you can live cheaply down under, there are some hidden costs which you wouldn’t expect. Fuel is very expensive and even in an economical motorhome you can quickly rack up costs. There are some tolls on major roads, too, so have some cash handy.
Alongside this, food shopping can be a bit of a minefield. Local produce is usually good value, but don’t expect to find your UK brands cheaply! Equally, eating out and coffee stops can quickly rack up – you can easily pay around $5 (AUD, around £3) for a coffee in cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
If you can find a cheap flight, your trip down under can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and some of the greatest natural wonders of the world are to be found down under so make sure you take your camera!