Nomadic souls in motorhomes, drawn from every corner of the country, are sharing a common passion for the open road.

As they set up their lakeside campsites, an invisible thread weaves through the air, connecting strangers bound by the shared love for life on wheels.

Katikati’s Michael Burke reminisces about the unprecedented November 2023 gathering of 28 Nissan Civilian motorhomes on the picturesque shore of Lake Whakamaru, marking a historic rally in New Zealand.

 “Certainly the biggest gathering of Nissan Civilians in one spot,” says Michael.

He joined a Facebook group in December 2022 while seeking fellow Nissan Civilian owners.

“And to find information about other members around my area that I could meet up with.

“Lester Price created a Facebook group over three years ago for people to join and get information about the different Nissan Civilian motorhomes, their likes and dislikes, engine problems etcetera.

"I was ‘wow’ there are 940 members in the group.”

Michael says Lester told him they’d talked about having a meet up or rally but nothing had been put into action yet.

“My birthday was coming up so I decided: ‘Let’s create an event’,” says Michael.

He thought 10 to15 people would turn up but it surpassed all expectations, drawing enthusiasts with 28 motorhomes ranging from 1984 to 2010 models.

“Most of them are around the early-1990s, they’re still going strong and will still be going strong for another 500,000km.

They go for about one million kilometres if you keep them serviced.

They are one of the best range of motors that Nissan has.”

Michael Burke with his motorhome. Photo: supplied.

Scenic journey 

A caravan of motorhome aficionados embarked on a scenic journey leaving Wellington on November 6, winding through New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes to converge at Lake Whakamaru.

Participants from various regions, including Whangārei, Whangamatā, Katikati, Napier, Gisborne, Hamilton, Auckland, and New Plymouth, came together for the first time, putting faces to names and solidifying the bonds forged online.

Michael says the week-long rendezvous at Lake Whakamaru wasn’t just an escape into nature – it evolved into a transformative journey of forging enduring friendships.

“We don’t require power at all, we all have solar panels.

"Some of us do have hook up connections – Shore Power – to connect with power.

"We use gas and barbecues for cooking. A lot of buses have gas burners and cookers and ovens.”

At Lake Whakamaru they all had big fresh water tanks ranging from 60-200 litres.

“There is a water fill station and a dump station five minutes down the road.

"There’s a toilet block and shower block there. We all have showers in our buses so we have hot water.

“At Whakamaru, we have three nights for free and then apply for a camping permit with South Waikato District Council and can stay free of charge for one week each month.”

Nissan Civilian motorhome owners enjoying happy hour at Lake Whakamaru. Photo: supplied.

Mike says some motorhome owners who work full-time in their motorhome tow a small vehicle with them.

“A lot have electric bikes. Our Civilian Nissan motorhomes are about 6m-7m long and can fit into a normal carparking space.”

Friendships blossom, and connections deepen during gatherings and shared meals, says Michael.

“During the week, we had all our doors and windows open.

"Everyone is walking around talking with each other, checking out each other’s motorhomes.

"In the afternoon about 35 of us sit around in a massive circle chatting away for a happy hour.

A home on wheels

Having spent most of his life in caravans, Michael’s dream of owning a motorhome became a reality in December 2022.

He now frequently embarks on weekend getaways and longer journeys, relishing the freedom and self-sufficiency that comes with the lifestyle.

The motorhome isn’t just a vehicle; it’s a home on wheels, carrying memories and stories of the open road.

“Myself and the other admins of the Facebook group ‘Nissan Civilian Motorhome Users Group N.Z.’ have organised another meet up in Wellington this month. 

And we’re planning to do two North Island and two South Island meet ups per year now.”

Mike says a “basic” motorhome is about $25,000 “and upwards”.

“I would say $40,000 would get you a beautiful motorhome with solar panels and everything you need and you’d be on the road that weekend.”

“In a way you’re homeless but you’re not; you have everything you need. I feel like I’m part of a family. It’s instant friendship, it’s amazing.”