14/06/2026
Motorhome Tourism is Growing – Why New Zealand Needs More Secure RV Storage Facilities
In 2008, my wife Denise and I decided to embark on an adventure that would ultimately last five years and take us across much of North America.
We flew to California, purchased a motorhome and a tow vehicle, and set off to explore the United States and Canada. What began as a dream quickly became an unforgettable journey that opened our eyes not only to the incredible places North America has to offer, but also to the extensive infrastructure that supports the motorhome lifestyle.
Throughout our travels we covered thousands of kilometres and visited some of the most iconic destinations in the world. We stood beneath the Statue of Liberty in New York, attended performances at the famous Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, experienced the excitement of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, and enjoyed the classic car culture of Hot August Nights in Reno, Nevada.
We visited the aircraft storage facility at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona, toured the Corvette factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky, explored the famous Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, and stood before Mount Rushmore in South Dakota.
Some of our favourite memories came from the American West. We attended a traditional rodeo in Cody, Wyoming, spent time in Jackson Hole, explored Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, visited Monument Valley and the Grand Canyon, and travelled through some of the most spectacular landscapes in Arizona, Utah and Colorado.
One of the highlights of our journey was travelling through Canada and into Alaska, where we experienced breathtaking scenery, glaciers, wildlife and vast wilderness unlike anything we had seen before.
Along the way we regularly stayed at RV parks, truck stops and designated overnight locations. We fuelled up and serviced the motorhome at facilities specifically designed for recreational vehicles and, when returning home or leaving the motorhome for extended periods, we sought secure storage facilities where we knew our vehicle would be safe.
That experience taught us an important lesson. Quality motorhome storage is an essential part of the RV industry.
Across North America, secure RV storage facilities are common and widely used. Owners rely on them to protect vehicles that often represent a significant investment. Purpose-built facilities provide security, easy access, room to manoeuvre larger vehicles, and peace of mind when owners are not travelling.
Since returning to New Zealand, we have watched the popularity of motorhomes continue to grow. More New Zealanders are embracing the freedom and flexibility that motorhome travel offers, while many international visitors are choosing to explore the country by road.
However, suitable storage options have not always kept pace with this growth.
As motorhome ownership increases, there is a growing need for secure, professionally managed storage facilities that are specifically designed for larger recreational vehicles. Such facilities help protect owners' investments while ensuring vehicles are stored safely and appropriately when not in use.
For districts such as New Plymouth, investment in this type of infrastructure represents more than simply providing storage space. It supports tourism, encourages recreational travel, creates local employment opportunities and contributes to the broader visitor economy.
Motorhome owners are generally active travellers who spend money in local communities on accommodation, food, fuel, maintenance, attractions and other services. Supporting the motorhome sector therefore provides benefits that extend well beyond the storage facility itself.
Having experienced first-hand the extensive network of RV infrastructure throughout North America, we can appreciate the value these facilities provide. They are an important part of a growing industry and help support a lifestyle enjoyed by thousands of people.
As New Zealand's motorhome community continues to expand, well-planned and secure RV storage facilities will become an increasingly important part of the country's tourism and transport infrastructure, helping ensure owners can enjoy their vehicles with confidence and convenience for many years to come.
Murray and Denise McBeth
AkA - Home & Away
Slogan - Kiwis on Tour
