Caravan rollover blocks State Highway 1 in Wellington
A pickup towing a caravan overturned on State Highway 1 in Wellington around 11:30 am. Northbound traffic is blocked; no injuries reported.
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A pickup towing a caravan overturned on State Highway 1 in Wellington around 11:30 am. Northbound traffic is blocked; no injuries reported.
Starting June 7, 2026, new regulations for motorhomes used for freedom camping take effect in New Zealand. Traditional blue self-containment certificates are being replaced by 'green stickers,' which require a fixed toilet. A fine of NZ$400 applies for not having the green sticker.
From 7 June, blue self-containment warrants for campervans will no longer be valid. Drivers must switch to the new green warrant by 6 June or face a fine of up to NZ$400 for freedom camping on public land.
Tourism Holdings (THL), a campervan rental group, has downgraded its full-year net profit forecast for FY26 to $40–43 million from $43–47 million, citing softer consumer confidence, global travel disruption, and Middle East conflict impact on vehicle sales. The company also confirmed receiving a revised non-binding takeover proposal from a consortium led by BGH Capital and the Trouchet family, which already holds 19.9% of THL shares. The indicative offer is $3.10 per share in cash, expiring on June 12 if no response. THL shares rose nearly 30% on the NZX to $2.83.
Private equity firm BGH Capital and the Trouchet family have increased their offer for Tourism Holdings to NZ$3.10 per share in cash. The consortium already holds nearly 20% of the multinational motorhome and tourism operator, which operates a fleet of over 8,500 vehicles. The company has meanwhile downgraded its earnings forecasts and expects to carry $70 million more debt by year-end.
Footage shows a pickup towing a caravan rear-ending an empty parked car and pushing it approximately 100 meters down the road before the driver fled the scene. Brad Short, whose boss's car was damaged, described the incident as bizarre, noting the vehicle sustained significant damage.
Maxus Automotive, led by former LDV distributor executives, has launched in New Zealand. The lineup includes two motorhomes, a campervan, five caravans, the eDeliver75 electric truck, and Sunwin electric buses. Motorhomes are sold through THL's RV SuperCentre network, while caravans are retailed directly. The company cites growing acceptance of Chinese brands and plans to add a ute-based off-road variant.
Specialist broker GoShorty has expanded its portfolio by launching temporary motorhome insurance, with temporary taxi and temporary hire and reward car to follow. The temporary hire and reward car insurance is specifically for food and parcel delivery. The first product, temporary motorhome, offers flexible cover from 1 to 28 days.
Industry
© Tourism Holdings Ltd stock (NZHELE0001S9): Board changes and outlook for the campervan operator
Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL), a campervan rental specialist, has announced board changes. Long-serving independent director Gráinne Troute stepped down after approximately 11 years. The company continues to navigate a softer tourism environment and integrate recent acquisitions. THL shares trade on the NZX under ticker THL with a market capitalization of around NZD 475 million.
Insurance specialist Safeguard has released advice for motorhome and campervan owners to reduce fuel consumption amid rising prices. Tips include checking tyre pressure, reducing weight by emptying water tanks, and adopting smoother driving habits.
Over the past three years, road accidents involving Hong Kong tourists abroad have increased, notably in Japan and New Zealand. A recent triple collision on New Zealand's South Island killed two Hong Kong visitors. Key factors include unfamiliarity with local traffic laws, speed differences, and driver fatigue. Recommendations include studying local regulations, renting vehicles with winter equipment, and limiting daily driving to 4–5 hours.
Industry
© Tourism Holdings Ltd-Aktie (NZHELE0001S9): Zwischen Wohnmobil-Boom und zyklischem Reisesektor
Shares of Tourism Holdings Ltd (ISIN NZHELE0001S9), one of the world's largest motorhome and campervan rental operators, have drawn investor attention amid post-pandemic tourism recovery. The New Zealand-based company reported for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, highlighting synergies from its December 2022 merger with Apollo Tourism & Leisure and demand recovery in key markets (New Zealand, Australia, North America). However, investors are concerned about margin pressure from high fleet financing costs and normalization of travel flows.
A US couple bought a 29-year-old Toyota Hiace with 238,527 km from Discount Campers in Auckland for $17,000. Within two weeks, electrical issues emerged, followed by clutch failure and engine overheating due to a corroded radiator and cooling system. The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal partially upheld their claim, ordering the seller to pay $3,495 for engine replacement.
US tourists Marcus Laurin and Jane Alex bought a used Toyota Hiace for $17,000 for a working holiday in New Zealand, but the vehicle became undrivable within three weeks. The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal awarded them partial costs after they had to purchase a second-hand engine to get the van back on the road.
Industry
© Tourism Holdings Ltd-Aktie (NZHELE0001S9): Wie der Wohnmobil-Spezialist vom globalen Reisetourismus
New Zealand-based Tourism Holdings Ltd, which rents and sells motorhomes and campervans, generates revenue from international tourists in New Zealand, Australia, and North America. The company faces cyclical demand and high capital costs, with shares listed on the NZX in New Zealand dollars, creating currency risk for eurozone investors.
Many campervan owners overlook installing a hidden kill switch, which can prevent theft. Conversion costs range from $10,000 to $50,000 for materials alone, excluding labor. Additional measures include steering wheel locks, GPS trackers, and door sensors.
Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL), the world's largest campervan and motorhome rental company, is listed on the NZX and traded on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange via Tradegate. Its core markets are Australia, New Zealand, and North America, operating brands such as Apollo, Britz, and Maui. Revenue comes from rentals, used vehicle sales, and fleet management services. THL is expanding in North America through the acquisition of El Monte RV, mitigating seasonal fluctuations.
In Whakatāne, New Zealand, a woman allegedly stole a camper van without realizing a man and his cat were inside. The incident began around 8:50 PM on Wednesday when the suspect entered the parked vehicle and drove off despite the occupant's protests. Police tracked the camper and arrested the driver about 20 minutes later; the man and cat were unharmed. A 28-year-old woman has been charged with unlawfully taking a motor vehicle and failing to stop.
A 28-year-old woman stole a parked campervan in Whakatāne, unaware that the owner and his cat were sleeping inside. The man woke up, called police, and stayed inside until the vehicle stopped due to a mechanical fault. No injuries reported; suspect arrested.
A checklist has been published for families planning a caravan road trip. It covers packing by category: safety, bedding, cooking gear, clothing, hygiene, entertainment, and campsite setup. Special attention is given to children's needs: comfort items, quiet activities, spare shoes, medication, and snacks. Before departure, the checklist recommends checking tyre pressure, brake lights, indicators, towing connections, and securing all loose items. It also advises filling fresh water tanks, emptying grey and toilet waste, checking gas bottles, and carrying a fire extinguisher, reflective triangle, and repair kit. For off-grid travel, extra water, solar charging, and backup power are suggested.
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