In pursuit of the great outdoors

New Zealand's first Go Wild Show at the Auckland Showgrounds is for those people who are keen to explore and holiday in the great outdoors.

The three-day show, running from Friday until Sunday, will enable visitors to find out what they need for the outdoors and where to go and stay for the holidays, says Julie Deacon, sales and marketing manager at the showgrounds.

"This new camping, caravan and outdoors show has the answers to all your vacation queries, providing expert advice and invaluable demonstrations to allow you to enjoy your next holiday with confidence," she says.

Top outdoor products and everything from kayaks and 4WDs to adventure accessories and motorhomes, will be on display.

Ms Deacon says there will be "amazing" bargains for sale and a multitude of prizes are up for grabs. These include: a trip for two with Air Vanuatu to Port Vila for four nights, staying at the Iririki Island Resort; 10 free 10-day motorhome holidays, through Kea Campers NZ Ltd; a product and training package from Canoe & Kayak Ltd; a holiday package through Lake View Holiday Parks in Wanaka; and 10 free nights at any of the "Top 10 Holiday Parks' 'throughout New Zealand.

Destination Lake Taupo's outdoor experience will comprise a "volcanic discovery" and Rangitiki River rafting trips, a Gravity Hill pass and one night's accommodation at the Caboose Taupo Hotel.

The B & H Info Seminar series will give the budding camper an appreciation of environmental safety and conservation issues, survival tips for the outdoors, an introduction to alternative destinations - for example, White Island - and tips on erecting a tent.

Ms Deacon says the Go Wild concept has worked successfully overseas and that the firms exhibiting at the Auckland show are the leaders in their fields. They include those involved with rental leisure vehicles, custom-made motorhomes and buses, holiday parks, canoes and kayaks, camping equipment and accessories, land windsurfers, maps and GPS equipment.

With the growth of travel within New Zealand, particularly since September 11, motorhome manufacturers are having difficulty keeping up with the demand, she says. The caravan industry is also "enjoying an upsurge".

Meanwhile, light, strong UV-resistant synthetic tents can be erected in "minutes".

No one is catering for this buoyant industry, she says, and people wanting to buy campervans, caravans or motorhomes "have to travel from one end of Auckland to another".

The Auckland Showgrounds decided to bring all these suppliers together so that the general public can see what is offered, Ms Deacon says.

These days, camping gear is "so much more sophisticated and comfortable" and people can "camp anywhere" in luxury. "The aim of the Go Wild show is to put these up-to-the-minute products and services in front of not only the outdoor converts, but those people who have no conception of what is available to them."

Ms Deacon says the show is also getting behind firms with more sophisticated forms of travel and accommodation packages, because some people "will always want a real bed in a real room."

The show will open between 10am and 8pm on Friday and 10am and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is $10 adults and unaccompanied children $5. Those under 14 are free if accompanied by an adult.

*For information telephone (09) 638 9969


www.go-wild.co.nz