Whanganui shines in new off the beaten track TV series

Whanganui and the Waimarie feature on a new travel show screening on Choice TV on Saturday. Photo / Bevan Conley

Whanganui gets its place in the spotlight this weekend and is recognised as a top tourist destination in an episode of new series RV Explorers, airing on Choice TV on Saturday.

The Whanganui episode is one of a six-part series backed by the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association, and heads off the beaten track to discover what makes New Zealand the ideal place to experience the motorhoming lifestyle.

NZ Glassworks, the Waimarie riverboat and the Bridge to Nowhere are just a few of the attractions that will feature on the show's first episode.

It's also shining the spotlight on those regions that are fantastic destinations, but don't necessarily get the publicity of the main tourism centres.

Brent Gillies

Mayor Hamish McDouall and local tourist operators who feature in programme were treated to an early viewing at the Sarjeant Gallery on Tuesday.

The producers say that when the programme airs on Saturday, viewers from all over New Zealand will discover what Whanganui has to offer.

Each episode follows the adventures of Anne Marie and Jonathon, a new motorhoming couple trying out a different vehicle, experiencing what each area has to offer and swapping stories with other motorhomers they meet along the way.

Executive Producer Brent Gillies says the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) backed programme aims to promote the motorhoming lifestyle and encourage people off the beaten track, to areas that don't traditionally get time in the spotlight.

He says the programme will appeal both to those who are new to the activity, as well as those who have been travelling for years.

"It's the latest step in the NZMCA's successful off-the-beaten-track strategy, which led the way five years ago in ensuring that New Zealand's provincial regions got a fair share of the tourism bonanza."

Other regions outside the traditional tourism hotspots featured in the series include Kaikoura, Whangarei, Coromandel, Tararua and the Far North.

"It's about showing off regional New Zealand and exploring the motorhoming lifestyle," says NZMCA chief executive Bruce Lochore.

"There's guidance for those who are new to the lifestyle, and ideas on new places to visit for existing motorhomers.

"It's also shining the spotlight on those regions that are fantastic destinations, but don't necessarily get the publicity of the main tourism centres."

RV Explorers screens on Choice TV at 1.30pm on Saturdays.