This month’s motorhome review is our much-loved Fiat Ducato Pilote Pacific P740. The model is arguably, alongside the G740, the most popular Pilote motorhome we import to New Zealand.

It seems to be the perfect compromise in many aspects and the modern layout and design has proven to be most practical and popular with our customers.

"P740FC EXPRESSION

​Discover this low profile motorhome, a perfect harmony of comfort and practicality. Inside, enjoy a cleverly arranged space and modern equipment for unforgettable journeys. Embark on boundless adventures aboard, the ideal partner for your escapades."

​Each area is pleasant and separate. Its stylish details and quality fittings make this a perfect travel companion for short getaways or longer trips. With a 4 legal seats and optional berths in the lounge, it can carry up to 4 passengers.

​The large garage is low and can be loaded from both sides making it easy to bring your bikes or camping gear on the road.

​Click on the link, check out further details and get in touch if you have any questions. Matt and I are always happy to have a yarn...

With a young family, fine dining is a guilty pleasure I don't get to indulge in very often anymore. However, when Poppy and I returned to Blenheim 4 years ago we made a point of visiting most restaurants we haven't visited yet in the region and this months "Local Hotspot" Arbour was one of those places which stuck with us.

If you enjoy the finer things in life, Arbour is a great secluded restaurant to celebrate that special occasion or simply treat yourself to a nice meal showcasing seasonal produce of the region. For us travelling has always been connected to food and wine and good fine dining experiences somehow manage to connect you to a region on a different level.

"Located in Marlborough, New Zealand, Arbour is a sole chef experience with kind, welcoming service. When you dine at Arbour you simply relax and enjoy what Bradley is cooking. His ever-changing set menu showcases local producers, hunters, growers and fishers. You can choose your own beverages or let Liz venture into the cellar for you.

"We love that Arbour is surrounded by passionate people producing exceptional wine and food. We have access to world class ingredients for our diners’ right on our doorstep.” Bradley Hornby.

Business partners, Bradley Hornby and Liz Buttimore have each spent two decades in five-star hotels, resorts and award winning restaurants. They live here in Marlborough with their partners Michelle and Benji."

https://www.arbour.co.nz/about

News about the change in legislation regarding self-containment is currently a hot topic in the industry and many people are confused about it. Most RV owners are NZMCA members and would have seen some updates throughout recent times, others may not be aware of any changes to the system at all.

I understand that all vehicles self-contained before the 07th June 2024 are not impacted by the change until the vehicle has to be recertified.

Vehicles needing a self-containment certificate from the 07th June 2024 are impacted and we are currently unable to certify those for freedom camping purposes under the current legislation. The governing authorities have not completed the process yet. The industry is expecting a firm update towards the end of the year and are hopeful for a final solution soon.

However we are still able to certify all vehicles we sell under specific NZMCA regulations in the meantime. The current NZMCA self-containment certification allows you to camp on all NZMCA properties.

Any members affected by the above will only receive a blue window card. The blue sticker will not be sent out.

We as a team are confident that the issue is currently being resolved and we are looking forward to the new system once its in place.

If you have purchased a vehicle through the Deluxe RV Group and have any questions related to the topic please feel free to give us a call.

The NZMCA defines self-containment as the below.

"What is Certified Self-Containment?

Certified self-containment is maintaining and certifying your motor caravan or caravan in accordance with the New Zealand Standard for Self-Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans, NZS 5465:2001

The NZMCA encourages all motor caravan or caravan owners (including 5th Wheelers, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, RVs & buses), to certify their vehicles in accordance with NZS 5465, helping protect the environment and public health from indiscriminate waste disposal.

A certified self-contained vehicle meets the ablutionary and sanitary needs of the occupants for a minimum of three days, without requiring any external services or discharging waste.

Wastewater is then safely disposed of in approved dump stations, which can be found in most camping-grounds and public areas.

Please avoid the use of non-biodegradable chemicals as they will adversely affect the operation of sewerage networks including biological systems."

https://www.nzmca.org.nz/certified-self-containment-csc