'Grey nomads' descend on Tauranga as part of Auto-Trail Owners Club motorhome rally

Gail and Jim Foden, with Harley the dog, love travelling around NZ in their motorhome. At the weekend, they travelled a few hundred metres down the road to join a rally. Photo / George Novak

Gail and Jim Foden know a thing or two about travelling New Zealand in a motorhome.

But when the couple joined an Auto-Trail Owners Club Rally in Tauranga at the weekend, they didn't have to travel too far.

"We live just down the road at Pyes Pa," Gail Foden said, laughing.

The couple were among about 150 fellow Auto-Trail owners who gathered at Tauranga Racecourse to listen to speakers, pick up on tips and enjoy company with other like-minded owners. People from as far as Christchurch joined the rally, she said.

"It's been really good. They put on three buses which took a whole lot of people around Tauranga to see the sights."

Gail Foden said she, husband Jim and dog Harley were big fans of their Auto-Trail which was a specific type of fully-contained motorhome.

"All the grey nomads have one now," she said.

Jim Foden said the couple spent several weeks travelling around the South Island in their Auto-Trail last year and enjoyed being able to watch the Warbirds over Wanaka by parking up on a nearby hill.

On Saturday night, the couple were joined by more than 200 people at dinner, as part of the weekend.

The event was organised by the Auto-Trail Owners Club, as a way to share knowledge and ideas about the motorhomes and how to get the best out of them.

A range of experts offered information on motorhome-related topics such as e-bikes, solar panels, batteries, awnings, and shades.

The event is expected to be held again next year at another location.