Most of you will be familiar with our Pilote Pacific P740 and Galaxy G740 range, however we also import a limited number of smaller versatile Pacific vehicles with a large bathroom to suit customers who prefer a shorter motorhome with plenty of space.

This month I am introducing you to the P696D model and can't wait to hear what you think!!!

Tip: For me deciding whether the P696D is the vehicle for you simply comes down to the decision if a large drop-down bed works for you. If you conclude that it will, the motorhome offers you incredible space throughout whilst being easy to handle and short. If the answer is no, this model simply won't work for you.

However, I would not ignore it until you have a closer look...

Compact and practical, it gives you the privacy and freedom you need for your duo adventures. Enjoy an interior space optimised for maximum comfort, with a fully equipped kitchen and a functional bathroom. Set off to
discover new horizons hand in hand, creating unforgettable memories in this nomadic cocoon designed especially for the two of you.

Click on the link below to view further details...

https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/Detail.html?id=2567606&dealerid=1177&pageNumber=1&sort=1&pageSize=12

​This compact low-profile measures 6.99m and has been designed to meet the needs of tourers looking for large interiors. A clever floorplan gives an XXL interior featuring a maxi-lounge, a maxi- sleeping area, a large kitchen with a generously-sized fridge, a large bathroom and changing area as well as a large hold.

The outside

​You will love its dynamic, modern look. At the rear, the large hold can be accessed from either side and is low enough to make it easy to load and unload your belongings. An unusual feature is that the garage takes up the full height of the vehicle on the passenger side. Perfect for storing skis, fishing rods or surfboards. The separate storage hold allows you to store your belongings safely. The doors are equipped with double compression latches which provide an air- and water- tight seal.

The kitchen

​The kitchen has large windows, making it feel light and airy and is also fitted with plenty of lights. It boasts a very practical worktop, lots of storage and a large fridge with a capacity of 160 L as well as a three-burner hob, making cooking easy.

The lounge

​There is also an electric drop-down bed sleeping 2 adults. In the lounge, you can add a make-up that can accommodate 2 children or 1 adult. It's a perfect vehicle for a family road trip.

The bedroom

​The sleeping area consists of an XXL drop-down bed measuring 160 x 200 cm, which lowers to 80 cm above the floor for step-free access. There is a convertible bed in the lounge which sleeps two, enabling the P696D to be registered to carry 4 passengers.

The bathroom

​At the rear, there is a wall-to-wall bathroom with a separate shower as well as a skylight, allowing in plenty of light. It also features a huge changing area with wardrobe, drawers and direct access to the garage

Last week I handed over the Mercedes-Benz DCB Lincoln Motorhome to the very first proud new owner John. Steve and the team at Design Coach and Body have truly done a remarkable job building a high quality 2 berth motorhome based on the Mercedes-Benz platform ticking all the boxes for John.

The Lincoln is a very exclusive motorhome and if you want to get your hands on the next one, please feel free to contact us directly to discuss options. DCB is aiming to start building the next Lincoln towards the second half of 2024 using a 4x4 Mercedes platform and are happy to discuss custom options if the vehicle is purchased before the project commences.

Tip: Don't forget to click on the link below and check out NZMCD's review of the vehicle...

https://nzmcd.co.nz/reviews/motorhomes/review-dcb-lincoln/

The Truma Combi Heating System is arguably the most fitted habitation and hot water heating system in RV's and most motorhome and caravan owners will come across having to use it.

Check out our "How To" operational video below and refresh your memory if you are new to the system or have not used it much throughout summer.

https://www.deluxegroup.co.nz/user-manuals-and-operational-videos.html

Marlborough is a beautiful spot and living in Blenheim is great. However, when people visit or travel through our small town, many customers find it hard to decide what to do as most places are scattered around the countryside and not always heavily advertised.

Last month I started a small segment introducing Local Hotspots to you and I have decided to continue sharing them for the rest of 2024. I will also try to get out there myself visiting and enjoying the places as well as motivating you to visit one new place every time you travel through.

​Please feel free to send me any suggestions you may have, and I will check it out!!!

This month I would like to introduce you to one of my favourite spots for a great lunch or dinner. The Harvest restaurant is part of a boutique hotel neatly tucked away in the countryside near Blenheim and produces great food using local produce paired with some amazing wine.

Poppy and I have an emotional connection to the place as we were fortunate enough to celebrate our wedding at the venue and absolutely love visiting the restaurant.

My opinion is that the restaurant produces amazing food for a reasonable price showcasing the amazing produce and wine the region has on offer paired with a stunning secluded yet accessible location. It’s well worth a visit and I can only
highly recommend Harvest to anyone who appreciates good food, wine, and service.

Tip: You do not have to stay at the Hotel to enjoy the restaurant.

"The Marlborough - a Boutique Hotel located in the heart of the famous Marlborough wine region. Nestled within 16 acres of exotic, native and vegetable gardens and surrounded by our boutique vineyard with our awarded Harvest restaurant all onsite."

"Our ethos is simple - authenticity...

We aim to create a space that celebrates authentic hospitality where we encourage our guests to relax, enjoy and have your every need anticipated. All aspects of the restaurant is guided by this philosophy, creating a place where our guests are genuinely welcomed and fare welled as friends.

Relax in one of the two stunning interior dining rooms our wine tasting room or our Orangery that runs onto the garden deck where you enjoy the Marlborough sun whilst enjoying the gastronomy on offer.

Alternatively, you may wish to find a shady spot in the beautiful gardens or vineyard with a small bite and refreshing beverage.

No matter the occasion, at Harvest we aim to create an atmosphere and experience that reminds diners of the true meaning of hospitality.

Come and join us for lunch, aperitivo or dinner and experience our ethos for yourself."​

Travelling 3-4 hours south of the Bay of Plenty you will reach our final great weekend destination for this segment, Hawkes Bay.

​Another spot I have not had the opportunity to explore beyond a quick visit and have heard many great travel stories about. If you are based in the central North Island, Wellington or the Bay of Plenty, the region is nearby and suits a quick weekend trip. Enjoy the read!!!

"Blessed with fertile soils and a warm, temperate climate, Hawke’s Bay is among New Zealand’s leading producers of wine; notably red wines – cabernet sauvignon, merlot and syrah – and stunning chardonnays.

Hawke’s Bay is the first stop on the Classic New Zealand Wine Trail, and is a popular place for bicycle wine tours with many of the region’s 30+ cellar doors, and numerous artisan producers, connected by 200km of flat, easy riding cycle trails.

Hawke’s Bay is New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, with the cities of Napier and Hastings rebuilt in the architectural styles of the time following the devastating 1931 earthquake. Year-round guided tours and vintage car rides are supercharged each February as tens of thousands flock to participate in the week-long Art Deco Festival.

​Notable landmarks include Cape Kidnappers, home to the world’s largest mainland colony of gannets; Lake Waikaremoana, where the walking track is among New Zealand’s nine Great Walks; and Te Mata Peak, with its 360 degree views of Hawke’s Bay and spectacular walking tracks.

Often likened to Bordeaux in France, Hawke's Bay is famed for its full-bodied red wines.

​Hire a bike and taste your way around some of the region's 72 vineyards and 30 cellar doors, including the award-winning Te Mata Estate Winery and Craggy Range. Stop for lunch at Church Road Winery or Mission Estate, New Zealand's oldest winery.

​When a devastating earthquake destroyed Napier in 1931, the city was rebuilt in the style of the times - Art Deco. Relive the opulent era of jazz, boaters and beads at the annual Art Deco Festival or take a guided tour of the spectacular architecture in a vintage car.

Hawke's Bay Trails combine more than 200 kilometres of tracks that are helpfully split into themes. Choose from the established wineries, landscapes or water trails or forge your own path. You can visit all of Hawke's Bay's attractions by bike - cycle by the seaside, venture to the vineyards or explore the countryside. With flat, easy trails for all levels, it's the best way to experience the stunning region."

Click on the link below to continue reading the full article...

https://www.newzealand.com/nz/feature/top-experiences-in-hawkes-bay/

​Gary and Janette ventured south to Timaru to watch the truck racing and slowly made their way back up the East coast of the South Island travelling in a Le Voyageur Heritage motorhome. 

Most of our brand-new European motorhomes are built on a Fiat base vehicle and the latest cab has been upgraded with many new features. 

​Check out the video below and refresh your knowledge on how to operate the basic systems. 

Over the last couple of years, I mentioned Lake Argyle and the Hydro Canal near Blenheim in various articles as a great location to park up for a night or two, fish for trout and enjoy the surroundings. 

Last weekend I finally managed to venture deep into the Branch River Valley and can only recommend the trip if you are in the area. The location is accessible with a 4wd or a mountain bike.

Tip: Check if the road is open to the public before embarking on your journey as there has been increased logging activity in the area and some parts can be closed off during the week. 

​http://nzwalksinfo.co.nz/tracks/2114-branch-river-track

Above: Greigs Hut marks the end of the road access and the start of the Branch River Hike. 

​A 30-45 min drive from the lake you will reach Greigs Hut. The well-maintained cabin marks the end of the road access and the start of the Branch River Hike. I parked the car, packed my backpack and fly-rod, and started walking for around 8km before I started fishing.

​The hiking trail was reasonably easy to walk and my anticipation of fishing the canyon like river parts of the upper branch was high and I made it to the planned starting point quick. 

River conditions were perfect, the trout started eating late morning and I managed to net a couple of beauties within a few hours of exploring. 

Note: Parts of the river are not easily accessible, and I would strongly suggest a cautious approach as well as taking the right equipment. ​

​Feel free to ask if you have any questions regarding the trip. It's well worth the effort and can be planned as a day or multi-day trip. 

Located about 3 hours southeast of Auckland, the Bay of Plenty is another great weekend destination especially for those living in the upper part of the north island. 
​
I have visited the area a few times as my little sister lives in Mount Maunganui and have always enjoyed my trips. However, I am really looking forward to taking the motorhome to the bay for an extended trip and explore a little further.

Hike Tauranga’s iconic Mount Maunganui

​It wouldn’t be a trip to Tauranga without taking on the Mount Maunganui walk. An activity to add to your list of must-dos in Tauranga, it’s the Bay of Plenty’s most iconic landmark. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views from the top, and on a clear day, visitors can see the Coromandel peninsula in the North.

​https://www.newzealand.com/int/mount-maunganui/

Book a marine wildlife tour

Explore Tauranga’s big blue backyard with Bay Explorer or Dolphin Seafaris. The sun-kissed coastline of the Bay of Plenty is frequented by dolphins, whales and orcas, and plenty of other sea life. Learn from passionate locals about the unique aquatic world that lies just off the coast.

​https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/dolphin-seafaris-nz-ltd-1/

Paddle your way around Tauranga's coastline

Book a tour or hire your own kayak and explore the coastline and inner bays of the region. KG Kayaks, East Coast Paddler, and Waimarino all offer unforgettable paddling adventures – from evening glow worm tours and SUP lessons around Mount Maunganui, to coastal adventures in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

​https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/kg-kayaks-1/

Treat yourself to a scenic helicopter flight

​For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book a scenic flight with the crew at Adventure Helicopters. Let them fly you over some of the most stunning areas of the Bay of Plenty, or for something really special, book one of their food and wine or fly and drive packages.

https://www.newzealand.com/int/plan/business/bay-explorer-1/