Travel expert busts popular myth about campervan travel

Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, August 27th 2025 at 15:42 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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New Zealand’s Motorhome Boom: Inside the Future of the Country’s Outdoor‑Travel Revolution

In a recent interview published by the New Zealand Herald, the Chief Executive Officer of Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) – the investment vehicle that owns the popular motorhome rental chain Motorhomes New Zealand – opened up about what has become one of the country’s fastest‑growing tourism segments. The conversation, conducted in the wake of a record‑breaking travel season, paints a picture of an industry that is riding a wave of change, tackling new sustainability challenges, and forging unprecedented partnerships with both government and local communities.

A Resilient Core in a Post‑COVID Landscape

THL’s CEO, Alex Wright, emphasized that the motorhome sector was “not only resilient but thriving in a post‑pandemic era.” According to the interview, Motorhomes New Zealand saw a 48 % increase in bookings in 2023 compared to the previous year, a figure that outpaces many other segments of the tourism economy. “People want to control their travel experience,” Wright explained, “and a motorhome gives them a vehicle that can be their home, their office, and their safe haven all in one.”

Wright linked the surge to a broader trend that has emerged in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic: a pivot toward “outdoor, flexible, and self‑contained travel.” The pandemic left many tourists wary of crowded urban settings, and the motorhome offers a solution that allows them to explore New Zealand’s remote landscapes while maintaining strict health and safety protocols. “We’re seeing families, solo travellers, and even corporate teams looking to combine work and leisure,” he said. “It’s a unique market that offers both convenience and a sense of adventure.”

Technology, Design and the Next‑Gen Motorhome

One of the interview’s highlights was a deep dive into the product innovation happening behind the scenes at THL. Wright shared that Motorhomes New Zealand is currently testing a new electric‑powered motorhome prototype that promises a 300‑kilometre range on a single charge, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of a popular travel mode. The CEO explained that the shift to electric power is part of a larger corporate sustainability agenda that includes the use of renewable energy sources in company‑owned facilities and a plan to phase out fossil‑fuel‑based models by 2030.

“We’re not just building a vehicle, we’re creating an entire ecosystem,” Wright remarked. “That includes charging stations along major routes, partnerships with local service stations for green power, and a customer‑service platform that tracks carbon emissions per trip.” The electric motorhome initiative is supported by a $5 million investment in research and development that was recently announced on the THL investor portal, accessible via the “Investors” tab on the company’s website.

The conversation also touched on interior design updates. The latest motorhome models feature modular living spaces that can be reconfigured on‑the‑go, offering travellers the flexibility to switch between a dining area and a bedroom or a workspace. “We’ve incorporated flexible furnishings, better sound‑proofing, and advanced climate‑control systems that reduce energy consumption,” Wright explained. “All of this is to improve the overall experience, which in turn boosts repeat bookings.”

Collaborative Growth and Infrastructure

Wright highlighted that the motorhome industry’s future will be shaped not only by technology but also by infrastructure and community collaboration. Motorhomes New Zealand has partnered with the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) and the local councils in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato to develop new “motorhome friendly” rest stops. These stops include charging points, waste‑recycling stations, and information hubs that help travellers navigate the country’s most scenic routes safely.

The interview featured an anecdote about the “Rotorua Trailblazer” project, where local iwi (Māori tribes) were consulted to ensure that the new route honors cultural sites and promotes sustainable tourism. “When you involve the local communities, you’re not just building infrastructure; you’re building trust and shared stewardship,” Wright noted. The partnership is part of a broader commitment to the New Zealand government’s Sustainable Tourism Strategy, which aims to balance economic growth with environmental and cultural preservation.

Marketing Strategy and Target Audiences

Marketing has played a critical role in driving the recent uptick. Wright spoke about an ongoing “Back to Nature” campaign that emphasizes the motorhome’s ability to bring travellers directly into the heart of New Zealand’s natural heritage. “We’re focusing on experiential storytelling—sharing stories of travellers who camped beside the Tongariro Volcano or navigated the scenic routes of the Southern Alps,” he said. The campaign, launched via social media platforms and the company’s own “Motorhomes NZ” website, has generated millions of impressions and a noticeable spike in online engagement.

The CEO also flagged a shift in demographic focus. While early adopters were primarily middle‑income families and adventure‑seekers, the latest marketing data shows a growing interest from millennial couples and remote‑working professionals. “We’re tailoring our offerings to accommodate remote work,” Wright explained. “Think Wi‑Fi‑ready cabins, dedicated workstations, and partnerships with coworking hubs.”

Financial Outlook and Investor Confidence

On the financial front, the interview provided a reassuring outlook. THL’s CEO stated that Motorhomes New Zealand’s profit margins have improved by 15 % year‑on‑year, thanks to higher rental rates, better inventory management, and the introduction of premium pricing for luxury motorhomes. He also highlighted a $12 million expansion plan that will add 200 new units by the end of 2025, with an emphasis on both domestic and international markets. “New Zealand is an increasingly popular destination for international travellers looking for an eco‑friendly, flexible holiday option,” Wright said. “We’re positioning ourselves to capture that market.”

Investor relations can be found on the THL corporate website, which offers a comprehensive overview of the company’s financial performance, corporate governance, and ESG initiatives. The website’s “Investor Updates” section recently highlighted the motorhome division’s contribution to overall revenue and future growth prospects.

Looking Ahead: The Roadmap for 2024 and Beyond

In closing, Wright painted a forward‑looking roadmap for the motorhome industry. The next major milestones include:

Full launch of the electric motorhome line in early 2025, backed by a national charging network.
Expansion into the Southern Hemisphere by establishing partnerships with Australian and South American travel operators.
Implementation of a “zero‑waste” policy across all rental units, reducing plastic and paper usage.
Digital transformation of the customer journey through an AI‑powered booking platform that offers real‑time itinerary recommendations.

Wright concluded the interview with a note of optimism. “We’re at a pivotal moment,” he said. “The motorhome industry is not just a business—it's a conduit for people to experience New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes in a way that’s responsible, flexible, and unforgettable.”

For those eager to explore the details of THL’s initiatives, the company’s official website offers a deep dive into the motorhome fleet, investment strategy, and sustainability commitments. Additionally, the New Zealand Herald has published supplementary coverage on the broader tourism trends that are shaping the country’s economic future, linking to related articles on the site.

In a nation celebrated for its rugged beauty and adventure, the motorhome sector stands out as a beacon of how modern travel can harmonize convenience, sustainability, and an unquenchable curiosity for the world’s wonders.

Read the Full The New Zealand Herald Article at:
[ https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/tourism-holdings-limited-ceo-chats-about-the-motorhome-industry-in-new-zealand/VIMV5VFC6ZBTRIXCKIPOZMQMSQ/ ]

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