The world's going mad - let's all stay at home!

1/3/2010 9:00:00 AM

Happy new year everyone, I hope you had a wonderful Christmas wherever you were lucky enough to spend it, I personally had a very quiet one with friends and family and probably a little too much good food and drink, but it was great to spend it right here in New Zealand.

Since I got back from my Christmas break I’ve been hearing some wonderful stories of other people’s travels and all of them have a similar theme, relaxed and carefree times at beautiful places, everywhere from Akaroa to Waihi beach. It made me think of a fantastic holiday I had as an eighteen year old. Me and two mates packed up the car and we spent January winding our way around East Cape heading towards Gisborne camping on the coast along the way. I remember three days camped at Te Kaha, diving during the day and at night sitting in a tent playing cards and drinking beer. It was all we could do because it rained like hell for three days solid.......but it was a fantastic holiday and it got me thinking that I’ve just got to go there again soon.

So with rest of the world going a wee bit crazy right now and with the dollar in decline travelling to places like the United States, Europe and even Australia has become expensive, I reckon there’s never been a better time to stay at home and re-acquaint yourself with your own back yard.......and forget the tent do it in style in your motorhome (even better if it’s in a KEA). We are so lucky to live in one of the most beautiful countries in the world and if you plan it well New Zealand is not an expensive place to travel. Stocking up on your basic supplies before you leave will save you plenty and buying local fresh produce along the way supports local business as well.

The other must do before you leave home is to make sure your vehicle is in good shape and that’s where The KEA Service & Retail Centre can help.

Located at KEA Manufacturing in Albany, Auckland the centre offers a full range of servicing, from a pre-travel service check to make sure your vehicle is in top condition before the big trip, or a full repair job or accessory purchase and fitting. Our highly experienced team will offer both interior and exterior vehicle repairs, including specialised fibreglass exterior work. Full refurbishment and modifications to KEA vehicles are also available and we can cater to other vehicle models and types, although KEA clients will receive priority service at busy times. And the retail shop which is an exciting extension to KEA’s operation with a full range of products and accessories to purchase, from toilet chemicals to satellite dishes.

The KEA Service and Retail Centre is located at 1 Piermark Drive, Albany, Auckland 09 448-1627.

So with Christmas behind us, the best weather yet to come and months of summer holidays still ahead, it’s time to pack up the camper and plan the big trip away……….I wish you all safe and happy travels wherever you may go.

Steve