Campervans and the Rugby World Cup

Campervans are proving to be a popular choice for Rugby World Cup 2011 attendees. As with the Lions Tour in 2005, many visitors to New Zealand are choosing to take to the road and take advantage of the freedom of a motorhome to see some rugby and the country. But is New Zealand up to the challenge of accommodating this influx of nomads? Will there be room for themn, especially after recent laws cracking down on freedom camping?

Kiwi spirit is showing through with creative solutions to the issue of where to put all these motorhomes. Alexandra Park, a horse racing ground in Auckland City, will be open to wanderers looking for a park at $45 a van, and should be able to take around 960 vans. Claudelands in Hamilton will also open it's doors to campervans and will cater to up to 300. These sites will have limited facilities so are intended for self-sufficient motorhomes. Westhaven Marina in Auckland's central city is also available for campervans around cup match dates, with a higher price of $80 a night due to it's better facilities and location.

Marton, a small town near Wanganui and Palmerston North, has an even more novel approach to the problem, thought up by community co-ordinator Cathryn Ash, and she is hoping that it will attract some tourists off the beaten State Highway 1 and into their town. Residents can register to adopt a motorhome and offer their driveways to travellers- not only bringing revenue in to the town but potentially forming international friendships.

For campervan hire in New Zealand, click here- but get in quick!