New Zealand Emergency ~ What Emergency?

This trip was for us the proverbial 'holiday of a lifetime'. We had thought of and discussed the idea of a New Zealand visit for many years and knew it was only possible to accomplish once we retired and had saved appropriately.

We knew friends and neighbours had visited and they all had recommended we go. As with any exploration of a country the who, how, what, where, and when details can be quite daunting to research and answer.

Being inquisitive, independant and curious we thought we could be quite capable of planning our trip. The reality was different. Yes, it was possible but, would we miss out on things and places? Not forgetting the numerous logistics and issues which would need linking and associating.

As we began the rather exciting compilation task it quickly became apparent that each thought and idea was leading us down a rabbit hole and complicating the task much further.

Equally, although we have independently travelled quite extensively, construction of our itinerary was going to be exhausting. And so, by pure co-incidence the CMHC magazine arrived and there, centre spread was an outline of a trip which married up quite nicely with our thoughts and requirements.

Although we are not anti social the thought of a group 'wagon train' of motorhomes traveling in convoy was not what we wanted. We are very independent and enjoy flexibility in our plans and although it's pleasant to chat and liaise with fellow travellers, the journey and daily reflection on our day over a glss of wine is most important to us.

However, the idea of the CMHC holiday did have its merits. On contact with the Club, a friendly, down to earth conversation calmed our fears of the 'wagon train' and inescapable goup meetings.

Our holiday has indeed got to be our holiday. One that's not overtly influenced by others.

We were sold on the level of detail offered by this trip. The places to be visited. The distances travelled. The type of camp sites. The inclusive extras. The fully inclusive aspect. The level of detail and flexibility to match our specific requirements. The support of guides etc etc all helped to make our decision.

So, the fingers were crossed and a deposit paid.

From the receipt of our itinerary we believed we had made the right decision but, as with any big decision, we still had 'butterflies'.

The first flight and private transfer to our splendid Singapore stop over hotel settled our nerves even further.

Arrival in New Zealand and the eventual meeting with other group travellers at the fabulous Christchurch hotel made us realise this was indeed a good decision.

From this moment on the whole holiday experience offered by the CMHC was exceptional. Each experience, place, view, site, was exceptional. Other travellers were as equally enthralled as us. The following days and nights fell into a nice relaxed pattern and an extremely relaxed atmosphere.

The group gelled in a way that allowed for lovely group meetings, ad hoc on the road conversations and the ability to spend as much time privately reviewing our own thoughts. This very relaxed pattern was encourged by our tour leaders, Jenny and David who established a really nice balance between between information and fun. Their experience, genuinely friendliness and ability to make everyone feel as important and included as everyone else, was such an advantage. Nothing was too much trouble and no question considered as 'silly'.

We can't recommend this holiday enough. Yes, New Zealand provided so much more than we thought possible but so much more was revealed by being part of a group chaperoned very obligingly by two lovely people who were really seen as two experienced additional group members.

The flexibility available to add to the package to individualise it even further is an added advantage to a trip which comprehensively and thoroughly condenses everything necessary to complete the best of a New Zealand tour experience.

Sadly, though our tour was curtailed. Corona virus brought the world to a halt and affected everyone in it.

In extolling the wonderful CMHC trip above it's even more important to identify and praise the endeavours and commitment of the Club following the dramatic and very sad end to our holiday. This praise must be seen as so much more important than the planned holiday.

As New Zealand was placed in full lock down within 48 hours of the announcement our plans had to be changed immediately and a new emergency version put in place overnight. The needs and welfare of our group for the following three weeks were prioritised by the Club back in the U.K.

Our original hotel at Christchurch was reserved for us all as were transfers from the motorhome depot to which we had to return. Once safely there Jenny and David and the UK team worked endlessly to ensure our well being, safety and security but, with a real emphasis on returning us home as soon as possible.

Through no ones fault - the world was turned up side down - we ended up staying in Christchurch under lock down conditions for three weeks. For 24 hours of every day we were assured the Club was working on various plans to get us home. Regular contact was made by the Club everyday and everyone had the opportunity to discuss their own concerns and questions.

Communication was key to our situation and the Club ensured all lines remained open and all anxieties attended to. As the world, airlines, and travel operators and governments went into melt down the CMHC stood head and shoulders above all these.

We never felt abandoned or, not cared for or, thought about. The work completed on our behalf was extensive and continuing. With other travellers in our hotel totally abandoned and forgotten by some of the UKs leading tour operators, we at least felt confident of the support and work going on back home.

Despite the lock down limitations, limited flights, inflated flight costs, cancelled flights, no transit hub airports, the Club somehow was able to obtain various return flights via hubs which eventually opened,

And so, over a four day period all the group were returned safely to the UK.

Thank you, the Caravan and Motorhome Club. Without you we would all still be there.

A business and its operation is truly only tested under duress. the CMHC were indeed tested and came through without breaking step or, taking even the shortest of time to consider what should be done. World emergency... what emergency?

Even now we're home the Club continue to seek recompense for the curtailment of our trip which is involving a further huge amount of work.

It is therefore very important that as well as Jenny and David, (who looked after us so very well during our somewhat short trip and indeed during our lockdown period), the team in the U.K. must be acknowledged for their commitment and thoroughness in their ceaseless work to calm our fears, answer our questions, provide us with facts, deny false rumours and arrange confirmed flights home including transfers.

Many, many thanks to Martin, Chris and Georgia and all the team.