Emptying a campervan toilet: What's all the fuss?

Posted on 11/10/2011

If you’ve seen the Robin Williams movie “Runaway Vacation”, the thought of having to empty the campervan toilet maybe enough to put you off the campervan experience entirely.  But that need not be so.  In order to allay any fears you may have, I attempted to find a You Tube video on “how to empty a cassette toilet” but sadly I had more luck finding “how not to” videos.  Take poor Helen who did not listen to the instructions when she picked up her rental camper.  She is paralysed by the fear that she will end up covered in toilet contents so doesn’t think straight (either that or she’s not very bright).  Her ever so helpful partner’s best contribution to the task is “shall we ring Julia?”  Frenchman Renard has a few more ideas but still makes it look much more difficult than it really is.

So in the absence of a good video to show you how do it, here’s my quick and simple explanation.  The toilets in New Zealand rental campervans are usually the basic cassette type unlike the full septic tank system in Robin Williams 50ft RV so you don’t need to fuss with miles of hoses.  The toilet has a small box (cassette) attached to the base that can be removed through a small door on the outside of the motorhome.  Once removed just carry the cassette to the dump station drain.  The cassette even has wheels and an extractable handle so you can wheel it just like your airline luggage.  Unscrew the yellow cap and hold the cassette over the drain while you pour out the contents.  There’s a little yellow button on the top of the cassette that lets air in to make the pour easier and prevent splash back.  When it’s empty, just give it a quick rinse (the dump station will have a fresh hose nearby), add some toilet chemical (which most rental companies supply) and slot it back in.  Then put the jug on, make yourself a cup of tea, and congratulate yourself on being a seasoned camper.

If you’ve wondered why motorhome rental companies insist you empty the toilet in your camper before you return it, just watch this video of the long suffering Jane.  Other people’s waste is definitely less pleasant than your own!

The world of rugby

Posted on 13/06/2011

With less than 100 days to go until kick off at the Rugby World Cup 2011, it's time to reserve your campervan to ensure you won't be left hitch-hiking from match to match. Hiring a campervan will be the best way to see the tournament and take in the magnificient sights, meet the locals, and show off your team's rugby jersey. New Zealand is perfectly suited to touring by campervan with lots of well appointed holiday parks and camp sites in urban or remote locations - you choose. Contact us now and help us get you on the road to the biggest gathering of rugby fans this year!

Great winter escape

Posted on 02/05/2011

I have just returned from 5 wonderful days staying at the Taupo DeBrett's Spa Resort in a Wilderness Longboarder 6 with my family.  The resort, tucked into a bushy little valley on the edge of Taupo, is fed by mineral waters that have soothed weary travellers for decades.  If you want to somewhere to recharge your batteries on a cool autumn day (or more), I can't think of anywhere better.  We sat, we soaked, and then we screamed down the hydroslide (well at least some of the party did).  We parked the Longboarder in the well equipped campground adjacent to the pools so when we were done with bathing, we cooked up a feast in the motorhome, watched a movie, or played on the playground. The verdict from the children was that it was one of our best holidays and I arrived home relaxed and revived so it worked for me!  So if your tribe need an escape for a few days, why not pack them into a Wilderness motorhome and head for Taupo?

Only ONE left for Easter

Posted on 21/04/2011

Due to a cancellation, we have ONE more Longboarder 6 available for Easter for pick up in Christchurch. This very popular family motorhome was sold out for Easter weeks ago so if you're still looking for an Easter get away, call us now. If you would prefer something a little smaller, we still have a couple more of our other vehicles available too. Don't hesitate - these won't be around for long. Oh, and happy Easter from the Wilderness team. Don't eat too much chocolate!

Campervans, water slides, and hot pools

Posted on 06/04/2011

Guess what I’m doing in the April school holidays? I’m going to pile my three kids into a Wilderness Longboarder 6 motorhome and take them to Taupo DeBretts Spa Resort – their favourite thermal playground. The team at DeBretts have put together a special stay two nights at the Resort and pay for one deal for Wilderness customers. Plus you’ll get a two for one entry to the Taupo Hot Springs thermal complex right next door. The ultimate school holiday getaway! PS It’s a surprise so please don’t tell James, Anna, and Stella.

Nuclear free New Zealand

Posted on 22/03/2011

Did you know that New Zealand is a nuclear-free zone? New Zealanders feel so strongly about this that we have never built nuclear power plants. In 1984, Prime Minister David Lange barred nuclear-powered or nuclear-armed ships from using New Zealand ports or entering New Zealand waters. Three years later, legislation was passed making New Zealand and its territorial sea nuclear-free. So you can holiday here knowing the only fall out you’re likely to experience is a fall out of bed after a night indulging in the country’s best lager.

The team at the Christchurch Wilderness base would just like to let everyone know that it's business as usual in the garden city. Matt, the Base Leader, asked me to tell you that the team and the base have come through the earthquake unscathed and are looking forward to setting you off on a Wilderness adventure. For more information about the earthquake, planning your visit, and what you can do to help, click here.

Christchurch is open for business

Posted on 15/03/2011

The Wilderness base in Christchurch continues to operate normally since the Christchurch earthquake on February 22. While part of the central city is still cordoned off, the wider Christchurch and Canterbury region continues to welcome visitors. Some tourism operators in the central business district are not operating but most operators outside the area are. All services in other parts of Canterbury including favourite destinations such as Akaroa, Kaikoura, Mackenzie Country and Hanmer Springs are operating normally. If you're wondering what you can do to help the people of Christchurch, the answer is "visit". Your visit will contribute to the vital funds needed to rebuild this beautiful city. For more information about the earthquake, planning your visit, and what you can do to help, click here.

If you'd like to see a Base Jumper 2 in action in the South Island through the eyes of Wilderness adventurers, click here. Professional videographer and amateur travelling comedian Edward Suhadi made a wonderful video of his Wilderness adventure of the South Island last winter. He captured incredible footage of the breathtaking scenery he and his lovely wife discovered during their Base Jumper campervan tour. This could be you! Just enter your trip dates in the Quote/Book tool on the right side of this page to begin the process.

Christchurch Earthquake 2011

Posted on 08/03/2011

It's now two weeks since a severe earthquake hit New Zealand's second largest city. News reports contain fewer stories of disaster and despair and more of hope, courage and determination. Most residents now have power and water, some schools have reopened, and the 'no-go' zone in the central city is about to be significantly reduced allowing many more people to start picking up the pieces.

Wilderness has been operating with minimal disruption since the quake struck. Our base is located away from the affected areas so we continue to welcome our customers in the same manner that has earned us our unrivalled reputation. For more information, click here.

Friends and strangers all over the world having been asking how can they help. You can have the biggest impact on Christchurch's recovery by visiting New Zealand. The quake damage is limited to a small area - mostly central Christchurch. The rest of the Canterbury region and New Zealand are open and ready to give you a truly memorable holiday. Your visit will help keep the people of Christchurch employed and contribute to the funds so essential to rebuild this beautiful city. To read more about the earthquake, planning your visit, and what you can do to help, click here.

Christchurch Earthquake Update

Posted on 3/3/2011

A week on from the major earthquake, it would be stretching the truth to say there's any return to normality in Christchurch. However, gradually essential services are being restored and even postal deliveries have resumed. 86% of the city has power and 70% has water. This enormous tragedy has been a real and lasting example to us about the kindness and generosity of our neighbours, both within New Zealand and internationally. Kiwis all over the world are helping their fellow Kiwis. Online auction website Trade Me has set up a network where people who want to volunteer their homes for emergency accommodation or their labour can be matched with people in need. Soon after the quake, search and rescue teams, equipment, and resources were despatched from numerous countries around the world. Our mates in Australia, our fiercest rivals on the sports field, have shown us that our ANZAC connection runs deep. New Zealanders will be forever grateful for the hands that have reached out to us in our hour of need.

Our Prime Minister has noted the importance of visitors continuing to travel to New Zealand. Tourism is our biggest export earner and a strong economy will be vital in helping to rebuild Christchurch. The effects of the earthquake are very localised in Christchurch city. The rest of New Zealand is open and ready with the warmest welcome you will ever receive. Our base in Christchurch is operating normally so you can collect your camper and head out of Christchurch to begin your adventure. All airports and major roads are open. To learn more about the earthquake, planning your visit, and what you can do to help, click here.

Christchurch Earthquake Update

Posted on 25/02/2011

We continue to pray for our friends in Christchurch as they struggle to cope with the effects of the major earthquake on Tuesday 22 February 2011.

Our base is open and fully operational with power and water now restored. All access roads to the base are open. Our team are preparing vehicles on time and assisting customers to get on the road with minimal disruption to their plans.

The Christchurch airport is open and flights are operating. All major highways around Christchurch are open.

The central city is a "no go" zone. It is cordoned off to assist the rescue and recovery operation and to protect the public. This is likely to continue for some time. Power has been restored to 75% of the city and water to 50% of the city.

We recommend that if you had plans to travel to the South Island that you continue as planned as areas outside of Christchurch are unaffected. As our base is on the city fringe, you can collect your camper and head straight out of Christchurch.

Your visit will actually help the region. As one of our customers wrote to us "we look forward to picking up our van in April and doing the only thing we can do to help - spending as much cash as possible in your bars, restaurants and tourist attractions." If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Christchurch Earthquake Update

Posted on 24/02/2011

The major earthquake in Christchurch on Tuesday 22 February has caused massive damage to buildings and significant loss of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Christchurch as rescue efforts continue. The central city has been cordoned off to protect the public and much of the rest of the city is without power and water. Thankfully our operations are largely unaffected. Power has been restored to our base but water supply is limited. All access roads to the base are open. Our team are managing to prepare vehicles on time and assist customers to get on the road with minimal disruption to their plans.

The Christchurch airport is open and flights are operating, however, passengers are advised to check with their airline to confirm revised schedules. All major highways around Christchurch are open.

As the effects of the quake are very localised around Christchurch city, travelers can enjoy the rest of the South Island in all its beauty. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Christchurch Earthquake

Posted on 23/02/2011

"The news of another major quake in Christchurch has come as a devastating blow as the city was just getting back on its feet again after the September 2010 quake. Thankfully our team, base and vehicles have been spared. Our base is away from the central city and eastern suburbs which have taken the brunt of the earthquake. Power has been restored to our base and the access roads are open. Christchurch airport has now reopened and Air New Zealand is putting on additional flights to clear the backlog.

Our base is operating as close to normal as we can manage. Vehicles will be ready to go out on time. We will endeavour to contact today all customers who are travelling with us over the next few weeks to reassure them.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Christchurch."

Gold Award for Environmental Commitment

posted on 16/02/2011

For many years we've been quietly working away doing what comes naturally - giving people a great experience of New Zealand. Recently, we decided to get the experts in responsible tourism to give our business a thorough review so we could see where we could do better. The outcome has blown us away. Not only were we awarded Tourism New Zealand's "Qualmark" or quality mark license but we were also recognised for our high level of commitment to environmental and social responsibility including energy efficiency, waste management, conservation, and community activities. We share the prestigious Qualmark Enviro Gold Award with just one other campervan rental company. Move over for Wilderness!

We're officially top quality

Posted on 01/12/2010

Our customers hold told us for many years that Wilderness is the best in business. But now we have the Qualmark license to prove. Qualmark is the stamp of approval of Tourism New Zealand, the government agency tasked with promoting tourism and ensuring the visitors have a wonderful experience of our country. Wilderness has just been awarded Tourism New Zealand’s official quality mark. We had to meet rigorous criteria to prove that we have the systems, resources, and skills to deliver exceptional service to our guests and make New Zealand proud. So look out for the Qualmark logo wherever you go so you can be assured that the tourism business responsible for looking after you is actually up to the job.

To celebrate our achievement, we’re including a complementary bottle of New Zealand sparkling wine to all guests who book with us between 1 December and 7 December 2010. So get ready to pop the cork!

Are you INSANE?

Well WE are. We’ve come up with an idea to celebrate our 6th birthday and we’re sure you’ll love it. We are giving away a campervan adventure. All new bookings made between 17 and 30 November for travel this summer (December 2010 through February 2011) go in the draw to win the cost of their rental back. So not only will have a holiday of a life time but you could have it for free. Click here to read the terms and conditions of the Wilderness birthday promotion.

Just before you go, you should check out our brand new Virtual Tours. Now you can get inside one of our adventure vehicles without leaving your chair at home. Explore each of our vehicles using this crazy new software. Then you’ll know exactly what to expect when you hit the road. Click here for a demo.

Base Jumper Madness

Posted on 05/11/2010

If there’s just two of you travelling this summer, it’s not to late to book a Base Jumper 2. These campervans come with a full on board bathroom so you can ‘go’ at your convenience. All your outdoor equipment is included so you can pull out your camp chairs and fire up the outdoor barbeque while you watch the sun set.

For one week only, we’re offering three days free hire with every Base Jumper 2 booking of 10 days or more. Book now using the Quote/Book tool and we’ll add your three free days at the end of your hire period. It’s time to take the plunge…

Gidday mate

Posted on 26/10/2010

If you’re an Australian, there’s no better time to travel to New Zealand. The Kiwi dollar has almost reached a 10 year low against the Aussie dollar so your money will stretch even further. But wait, there’s more.

We love Aussies so much that we’re giving away copies of the best tour guide for off-the-beaten-track spots in the North Island. All Australians who book before November 1, 2010 a trip either departing from or returning to Auckland will receive a free copy of this ‘must have’ guide to the locations that only the locals know about. Now is the time for a Kiwi adventure.

Major fleet growth for summer

Posted on 15/09/2010

Our customers have been asking us for a smaller camper built to the same quality standard as our popular Base Jumper but one that’s a little easier on the budget. We’re thrilled to announce the birth of the Wilderness Dart. Because it’s built on a grunty VW T5 van, it drives just like a car and can park anywhere. That’s why we called it the Dart – it’s light and quick. The Dart is designed for camping at campsites with amenities most of the time. Van numbers are limited during the spring so just use the Quote/Book tool on the right to check availability. But wait, there’s more. We are about to launch range of 6-berth motorhomes in the next couple of weeks. If you’re planning on bringing the whole family to experience the Kiwi summer, drop us an email to see if we have a 6-berth available for you.

Shaken but not broken

Posted on 15/09/2010

It’s business as usual for our Wilderness base in Christchurch. Thankfully we escaped the major earthquake on September 4 with no ill affects. Both our premises and vehicles were unscathed. The earthquake has caused considerable damage to parts of Christchurch and the surrounding towns but the rest of the region is enjoying a beautiful spring. Most skifields are open and sporting new snow thanks to the Polar Vortex that has blasted in from Antarctica. So pack up your skis and head for the mountains. For an update on snow conditions, check out snow.co.nz

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