Latest news with #campervan
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle are submerged by the sea after owners 'ignored warnings of fast tide'
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle were sumberged by vicious waves on a Welsh beach after their owners 'ignored warnings of a fast tide'. The vehicles suffered the same fate within days of each other at scenic Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog. A VW camper van was swamped on June 8 after being parked on the sand, while another campervan also succumbed to the water on Friday 13. One day later, a white convertible beetle was also soaked - though it reappeared the next morning. Black Rock Sands is one of the few beaches in north Wales where cars are allowed to drive, but its gentle shelf means the tide comes in fast. Waterlogged sand quickly traps vehicles leaving little chance of escape, without help. Local Kevin Gibson said he had seen many drivers often get caught out: 'It's one of the very few beaches which you can drive on. It's very popular. People don't take notice.' 'When they drive on the beach they are warned not to drive past warning signs of soft sand and fast tide. 'Unfortunately we are seeing cars get caught out all too often as the warnings are ignored. I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them.' Kevin Wardlaw, who spotted the campervan, said: 'I can see how easy it could be for people to get caught out, but there are signs there.'
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle are submerged by the waves on Welsh beach within days of each other after owners 'ignored warnings of fast tide'
Two camper vans and a VW Beetle were sumberged by vicious waves on a Welsh beach after their owners 'ignored warnings of a fast tide'. The vehicles suffered the same fate within days of each other at scenic Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog - sending tens of thousands of pounds down the drain. A VW camper van was swamped on June 8 after being parked on the sand while another campervan also succumbed to the water on Friday 13. One day later, a white convertible beetle was also soaked - though it reappeared the next morning. Black Rock Sands is one of the few beaches in north Wales where cars are allowed to drive but its gentle shelf means the tide comes in fast. Waterlogged sand quickly traps vehicles leaving little chance of escape, without help. Local Kevin Gibson said he had seen many drivers often get caught out. He explained: 'The local council charges people £8.00 to park cars. 'It's one of the very few beaches which you can drive on. 'It's very popular. 'People don't take notice. 'When they drive on the beach they are warned not to drive past warning signs of soft sand and fast tide. 'Unfortunately we are seeing cars get caught out all too often as the warnings are ignored. 'I do feel sorry for the people, it is shame for them.' Kevin Wardlaw, who spotted the campervan, said: 'I can see how easy it could be for people to get caught out, but there are signs there.'
RNZ News
5 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Australian firm makes bid to buy Tourism Holdings, values company at over $500m
The offer of $2.30 per share to acquire all shares valued THL at $508.5 million. Photo: Unsplash / Lawton Cook Campervan company Tourism Holdings (THL) has received an acquisition offer from across the Tasman, valuing the company at more than half-a-billion dollars. The non-binding, unsolicited offer was from a consortium of Australian private equity firm BGH Capital, THL executive director Luke Trouchet and his brother Karl. The Trouchet brothers were involved with Australian campervan firm Apollo Tourism & Leisure, which merged with THL in 2022 . The offer of $2.30 per share to acquire all shares valued THL at $508.5 million, and THL said the offer on the table was either by way of a scheme of arrangement or via the Takeovers Code. THL's share price closed at $1.46 on Friday and was down 53 cents so far this year. It was also revealed that BGH had acquired just under 20 percent of THL's shares on issue. The proposal came amid a challenging period for THL - in February, the company revealed a half-year result which saw its after-tax profit fall 36 percent to $25.3m . In response to the offer, THL said it was "very aware" of its recent performance. "[The performance] has been largely influenced by factors beyond the company's control, such as the impact of poor consumer confidence on the demand for recreational vehicles, and recent geopolitical and tariff developments impacting travel sentiment," it said. THL said given Luke Trouchet's involvement in the consortium with BGH, he had taken a leave of absence from his executive role with THL. It said the offer was subject to certain conditions, including due diligence, finalisation of debt arrangements, and BGH receiving final approval from its in-house review committee. THL said shareholders did not need to take any action in relation to the offer, and the board would update the market about developments. "The board will act in what it considers to be the best interests of the company and its shareholders." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
The Sun
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Motorhome and campervan drivers face new 48-hour parking rule in England – check if you are affected
MOTORHOME and campervan owners should take note of proposed parking rules reported to be under consideration. With the summer months now upon us, many motorhome drivers will want to take their vehicles out for a trip to enjoy the warmer weather. 2 2 The new proposed regulation would apply to such vehicles when parking. It would let motorhomes and campervans stay in towns and cities for up to 48 hours for a set price. This comes as the 80 per cent of motorcaravan owners say they would visit new areas if such parking facilities were available, according to the Campaign for Real Aires. Donald Macdonald, founder and President of CAMpRA, said: "This research confirms previous surveys that have been carried out over a number of years regarding how much people spend when they visit somewhere in a motorhome or campervan. "It gives us some really solid statistical evidence that we can share with local authorities and businesses to help them understand the importance of trying to accommodate this new style of tourism and the clear financial advantage to local communities that embrace this type of tourism." Steve Haywood, managing director of CAMpRA, said there is "clear demand" for these vehicles as staycations grow in popularity. He said: "More councils are seeing the benefits of providing facilities over the cost to local taxpayers of enforcement and bans, not to mention the loss of potential revenue to businesses. "In addition, every council that has operated a 12-month trial aire, has been successful and made the overnight parking permanent." Birmingham Live reports one driver saying: "Currently sitting in an Aire in Beaune France. "Costing me 12 Euros and short walk into town centre for a meal. Drivers hit with $50 tickets over Costco parking rule – they came out to find slips on cars after being forced to circle "If hadn't been available then more expensive campsite and cook own meal would have been the alternative. "It is a no brainer." Another said: "I would rather pay the extra pennies to visit main land Europe due to parking being awful in the UK and most campers not being welcomed in a lot of places." It comes following a warning to caravan owners that they could face a £1,000 fine for not towing their trailers properly. The DVSA has urged motorists to book safety checks before setting off on holiday so they can avoid fines. Anyone caught towing a caravan without the proper mirrors will face a fine of up to £1,000 and three points on their licence.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Daily Mail
I explored New Zealand's iconic South Island by campervan - here's why it's the best way to take in the sights
There isn't a more iconic experience in New Zealand than exploring the South Island by campervan. With a home on wheels, and spectacular scenery guaranteed, the best months to visit are February to May, and September to November, when the weather is warm and the island less busy. Queenstown is the epicentre for campervan hire, where most begin and end their journeys, and it's wise to spend a few days here to shrug off jetlag before embarking on your journey. With hundreds of campsites to choose from, planning a route can prove a little daunting, so here is my selection of tried and tested favourites, within an easy drive of one another. Lake Wanaka - Glendhu Bay Holiday Park Situated a fifteen-minute drive from the small, laid-back town of Wanaka (with a great choice of restaurants, cafes, and adventure activities), this large campsite sprawls along the banks of picturesque Glendhu Bay. You're not booking in for fancy toilet blocks & showers (they are basic) but for the beautiful location and its north facing, sunny aspect. Book ahead to nab a prime spot bordering the lake, then while away hours swimming, barbecuing, and stargazing. Mount Aspiring National Park, which served as the Misty Mountains in the Hobbit films, is on your doorstep, and nearby hiking trails include the popular five-hour walk to Roys Peak. A day trip by boat to the island of Mou Waho is another good option. Book it: From £23 per night for lakeside powered site ( Lake Tekapo - Lakes Edge Holiday Park Framed by snow-capped mountains, this site is on a bluff above Lake Tekapo, known for its crystal-clear turquoise water. It has nice communal facilities, including a kitchen and barbecue area, with lake-view picnic benches for al fresco dining. To get out on the water, rent paddleboards or kayaks (£15 for one hour) at the sandy beach just below the camp One of the best places in the world for star gazing, visit the state-of-the-art Dark Sky Project to learn more on how Māori people once used the stars to navigate and hunt, and, on a clear night, book a star-gazing tour at the Mt John Observatory. A walk to the picture-perfect Church of the Good Shepherd, built in 1935, is lovely at sunset. Book it: From £35 per night for front row powered site. ( Mount Cook - White Horse Camping Ground Camp beneath magnificent alpine scenery at this Department of Conservation site. A pitch here can't be prebooked, so arrive by lunchtime to nab a good spot, with those at the rear giving uninterrupted views of Mt Sefton. You'll find toilet blocks, and fresh running water, but no showers or power to connect to. The most popular hike is along the Hooker Valley Track to the glacial Hooker Lake (take swimming kit with you for a bracing dip), and it's best to set off by 8am before the day trippers arrive. Other well-marked trails leave from the campsite and range from gentle to arduous. Book it: From £6.50 per adult per night. Payable at site. ( Oamaru - Oamaru Harbour Holiday Park This small campsite is the only one on Oamaru's seafront and has good but few facilities (you may need to wait your turn for a shower). Although a road runs between the site and the sea, there's such little traffic that it's still worth pre-booking a front row spot. It is ideally situated for visiting the town's famous Little Blue Penguin colony, which return to shore like clockwork at dusk. Also, look out also for fur seals basking on the harbour wall. Book it: From £27 for an ocean view powered site( KATE'S TOP CAMPERVAN TIPS Check dates of school holidays and travel outside of these if you can. Stock up on essentials at a supermarket before setting off, as you can travel long distances without seeing a grocery store. It's worth paying a little extra for a premium pitch to enjoy a lake/mountain/sea view. Shower facilities on most campsites are excellent, so save your campervan shower and loo for Department of Conservation sites. Call at wineries to buy your booze straight from the cellar door. Pack insect repellent for camping near rivers and lakes. Ask your Maui rental provider to include two camping chairs and a foldaway table for dining outdoors. Don't be put off by the name 'holiday camp'. These are campsites with facilities, not Butlins. Otago Peninsula - Portobello Village Tourist Park This hilly, green and tranquil site is tucked away two-minutes' walk from the seafront in the tiny, seaside village of Portobello, with its one pub, restaurant, and shop. There are plenty of well-maintained showers and loos, and the pitches feel specious, bordered by trees and bushes, which provide extra privacy. Use this as your base for visiting the Royal Albatross Centre, walking among sealions on Allans Beach, and taking a wildlife-spotting tour with Monarch Cruises, during which you're likely to see Hector's dolphins, fur seals, Little Blue penguins, and soaring albatross out fishing. Book it: From £22 for powered site ( Te Anau - Te Anau Lakeview Holiday Park As campsites go, this is quite fancy. You'll find this large site, with spacious pitches, on the Southern shore of Lake Te Anau, a ten-minute walk into the centre, with plenty of restaurants and cafes. It has a modern communal kitchen, excellent power showers, small shop, TV lounge, and jacuzzi hire. If you're not planning an overnight stay at Milford Sound, this makes a great base for exploring the Fiordland National Park. While there, take an evening cruise on a vintage yacht, or enjoy a show out on by glowworms found within a nearby, extensive cave system. Book it: From £32 for powered site ( Milford Sound - Milford Sound Lodge Deep within the Fiordland National Park, this stylish campsite and lodge is a cut above the rest, with pitches nestled within the rain forest (be warned, this is one of the wettest places on earth). It also has a fabulous restaurant, so give yourself a night off from cooking to enjoy Canterbury duck breast or Otago lamb, highlights on a menu that celebrates South Island's finest produce. The drive to reach Milford Sound is spectacular. Stop off to walk the short trail through moss-covered forest to Lake Gunn, and gaze at mountain reflections in the so-called Mirror Lakes. Once there, take a boat trip across Milford Sound with Southern Discoveries, and hike a stretch of the Milford Track, reached by water taxi from the town. Book it: From £53 per night for powered site ( Queenstown Area - Twelve-Mile Delta Campsite This Department of Conservation campsite breaks the journey nicely between Milford Sound and Glenorchy and offers another chance to get off grid. Nestled amid regenerative forest, and situated on the banks of Twelve-Mile Creek, close to Lake Wakatipu, there are gentle walking trails to take, and the swimming is safe. You can't book ahead, so try to reach here by mid-afternoon to bag a good spot. Book it: From £6.50 per adult per night. Payable at site ( Glenorchy - Mrs Woolly's Campground After Passing through Queenstown, you'll soon be deep in Lord of the Rings country and its various film locations, where Tolkienites can pay homage at Ithilien (otherwise known as Mount Crichton) before reaching laid-back Glenorchy. At the heart of the community sits Mrs Woolly's rustic campsite, with five powered and 33 unpowered sites. You've 360-degree views of the dramatic Richardson Mountains to gaze at, and it's just a short walk to the shores of vast Lake Wakatipu. Hot showers are coin operated, costing £1 for five minutes. Next to the site, you can stock up at Mrs Woolly's General Store, which also serves light meals and cakes. Base yourself here for stunning mountain hikes, and jet boat rides along the Dart River.
