Easter Rally for region

Taranaki will be inundated with thousands of ‘‘rubber tramps’’ when the 2013 New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Easter Rally rolls into town.

Up to 1000 campervans, caravans, motorhomes, fifth wheelers, RVS and Winnebagos from throughout New Zealand will hit the region next Easter.

The term ‘‘rubber tramp’’ is sometimes used in reference to people who like to travel and live out of their vehicle.

Venture Taranaki visitors manager Paul Stancliffe said with most campers staying for five or six days, the region could expect an economic boost of about $1 million.

Taranaki was fortunate to secure the annual event, which generally attracted wealthy tourists from an ageing demographic, he said.

‘‘It’s quite an affluent group,’’ Mr Stancliffe said.

Each visitor was expected to spend about $100 a day and most vehicles would have two or more passengers, he said.

While the event would be based at the New Plymouth racecourse and TSB Stadium, vehicles would get out and about in the region and there would be many opportunities for the community to get involved, he said.

‘‘We’re actively encouraging all the motorhomes to make the most of their time in Taranaki,’’ Mr Stancliffe said.

‘‘But don’t panic – they’ll be parking up at the racecourse and not travelling around in convoy,’’ he said.

Event organiser Basil Dodunski said it was shaping up to be a fantastic event.

‘‘We’ve got around 750 vehicles in the association here in Taranaki alone and over 18,000 nationwide, which gives you an idea how popular it is and how big the event will be next Easter,’’ Mr Dodunski said.

‘‘We’re expecting all sorts of vehicles, from $3000 vans to luxury motorhomes worth well over quarter-of-a-million dollars.’’

A stand at this year’s Easter Rally in Tauranga manned by Taranaki members of the association and Venture Taranaki drew a lot of interest and whetted the appetites of the owners of the 800 vehicles at the event, Mr Dodunski said.