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New Zealand-based Fortress Trailers, known for its secure utility trailers, has introduced the Explorer camper. The 4.1-meter model features aluminum panels, a slide-out kitchen, a 270-degree awning, and a rooftop tent. Base price is NZ$42,990 (approx. US$24,350).
Portuguese company Indie Campers has made a buyout proposal for Tourism Holdings, a campervan rental operator with a fleet of 8,000 vehicles under brands including Britz, Maui, Apollo and Hippie. The proposal is valued at $616 million, topping a previous bid from private equity group BGH Capital. Tourism Holdings is listed on the New Zealand and Australian stock exchanges.
Council staff are recommending no freedom camping bylaw changes to tackle issues at two contentious Wānaka hot spots. A staff report presented to Queenstown Lakes district councillors found that 25% of all freedom camping complaints during the first six weeks of the 2025 bylaw were related to the Allenby Pl carpark, while Beacon Point Rd generated the most service requests over the summer. The report concluded that issues were largely due to non-compliance rather than a need for bylaw amendments. Councillors will consider three options: additional targeted conditions, a prohibition, or maintaining the status quo.
Activist Jennifer Branje withdrew a petition to ban freedom camping for international visitors after receiving violent threats against herself, her family, and her business. The petition on the New Zealand Parliament website had gathered nearly 8,000 signatures. Branje had aimed to spark a discussion on tourism rules after border reopening and to stop taxpayer funding for free camping sites. The New Zealand First party has since taken up the cause, polling public opinion.
A fire in Titahi Bay, Wellington, on Saturday evening destroyed a home and several caravans, and damaged a neighbouring property. Strong winds caused the blaze to spread rapidly. Eight fire trucks responded to the incident at around 5:50 pm. The cause of the fire is under investigation by Fire and Emergency and police.
In New Plymouth, New Zealand, 80-year-old Bill McMurray, who has lived in his motorhome with two dogs for nearly 11 years, received a $400 fine for overstaying at the free Lake Rotomanu freedom camping site. He stayed an extra night due to high winds reaching 100 km/h, deeming it unsafe to drive his 7-metre-long vehicle. The New Plymouth District Council acknowledged the weather but upheld the fine, suggesting he could have parked elsewhere or used a campground within a half-hour drive. Since June last year, 359 infringement notices have been issued at the site, with 95 successfully challenged.
An overseas buyer paid $45m for Hahei Beach Resort on the Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand, with approval from the Overseas Investment Office. Tasman Tourism New Zealand, a joint venture between an Australian private equity firm and a UAE-based investment company, also bought Raglan Sunset Motel for $5m. Both properties were sold by New Zealand investment group Hahei Beach Limited, which purchased them in 2015 for $13.25m and $3.88m respectively.
A consortium bidding for Tourism Holdings, a campervan rental and sales company operating in New Zealand, Australia, and North America, sees higher value than the market. After a peak in 2023, the company faces a downturn.
A pickup towing a caravan rolled over on State Highway 1 in Wellington around 11:30 on Thursday. The northbound lane was closed but reopened by 1:00 PM. No injuries were reported.
From June 7, blue self-containment warrants for freedom camping will no longer be valid. Vehicle owners must switch to the new green warrant system by June 6. Camping on public land without a green warrant may result in a $400 infringement notice. The transition period, which began in December 2023, ends with over 68,000 vehicles already certified under the new system.
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 Sunday 7 June 2026, blue self-containment warrants for motorhomes and campervans will no longer be valid for freedom camping in New Zealand. Vehicle owners found freedom camping on public land without a green warrant may face a NZD 400 infringement notice. The transition period, which began in December 2023, ends this weekend. Over 68,000 vehicles have already been certified under the new system. Requirements include fixed toilets, water supply, wastewater management, ventilation, and rubbish storage.
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.
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