An ever-increasing number of New Zealanders are acting on their attraction to the motor caravan lifestyle. In 1990, the NZMCA’s membership numbered just 1,700 nationwide. Currently, NZMCA represents over 23,500 family groups (over 40,000 individual members) nationwide at the end of 2011.

National membership has an average annual growth rate of 10%. In 2003, the highest growth rate was recorded at 16%.

We have predicted that in 2012, NZMCA membership will extend to 25,000 family groups.

The 2010 NZMCA National Easter Rally was held at the Hawkes Bay Showgrounds in Hastings and boasted an attendance of over 900 motor caravans. The event generated $525,000 for Hastings’ local businesses and $300,000 for businesses in the greater region. In addition to the annual Easter rally, numerous rallies are organised throughout the year by individual Areas. Members’ expenditure at these rallies is tallied and provides an excellent indication of the economic contribution of this industry. The total contribution to New Zealand’s economy from the 240 area rallies held in 2009 was $2.7 million.

Our records show the average member spends 72 nights away from home per year and $70.00 a day (based on 2007 NZMCA membership survey and rally reports) whilst travelling in their motor caravan, over and above any camp site fees. Money is spent on food, fuel, medicines, vehicle repairs/maintenance, tourist attractions and activities.

According to the 2007 NZMCA membership survey, independent overnight parking (freedom camping), holiday parks and staying with family and friends were the top three choices when travelling in a motor caravan at 60.6%, 64.5% and 62.8% respectively.

Independent overnight parking provides, as its name suggests, independence and flexibility when touring large areas or districts. Motor caravanners in self contained vehicles are able to stop off wherever interest is piqued by local attractions without the hassle of advance bookings and rigid scheduling. It also allows for those travelling with pets and those who seek out remote parts of our beautiful country. Independent overnight parking frees motor caravanners from paying for ablution conveniences they already have. It does however, come with restrictions. The most notable is that overnight parking is limited in the majority of cases, to 2 nights in any calendar month at a particular spot for self contained vehicles only.

Holiday parks and camping grounds on the other hand, cater for longer holidays at a single destination. They offer our members added security for their vehicles and possessions as well as amenities such as laundries and playgrounds.

The domestic motor caravanning market comprises mostly of private motor home ownership. In addition to private owners, it is reported that 3% of domestic tourists camping at holiday parks, hire either a campervan or caravan for the duration of the stay. Our records show that in 2009, NZMCA members collectively spent $108 million while travelling across New Zealand. The rental industry is well established with an estimated 3500 campervans and motor homes available for hire from over 60 rental companies. The NZMCA is working alongside the industry to certify rental vehicles to the NZ Standard for Self Containment. The rental industry is worth well over $500 million towards New Zealand’s economy.