Owner guides
Nikki bought motorhome at 50: wants to invest again
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Though Nikki’s family took regular caravan holidays when she was a kid, it had never once crossed her mind to buy a motorhome herself. ‘I thought it was something retired or wealthy people did,’ she says. ‘And being a single, 50-year-old woman, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to drive and manage it by myself, but I was wrong. I’ve met so many women, of all ages, who are motor-homing alone.’
We caught up with Nikki to find out what inspired her to buy a motorhome and how she came to list it with Camplify. Here’s what she had to say:
When did you become interested in owning a motorhome?
I was camping with some friends and we’d spent the whole day setting up. The novelty quickly wore off, thanks to the wind and rain, and I wasn’t sure when the fun part was supposed to start. A few hours later, a family pulled up at the campsite in their motorhome. They opened the door, brought out a couple of chairs and sat down to admire the view with a glass of wine. I watched on – extremely jealous – and decided that was much more my style.
How did you end up buying Hare and There?
Choosing a motorhome that was right for me was the hardest part. I began to research vehicles, went to view them, and got totally confused by all the different layouts. I even attended a motorhome show, and can still hear my friends laughing at me and saying it was only for old people. As buying a motorhome wasn’t in my budget, I had to borrow money to purchase it, which meant I really needed to make hiring it out work.
"Camplify was the only company that made me feel that we were in it together, like they valued having me and would support me, and I was 100% right. I tend to ask the same, sometimes silly questions, and each time I’m treated with respect, given good advice and made to feel like I’m not a problem"
I researched the ins and outs of listing my motorhome, and once I’d finished, Camplify was the clear choice. I needed support, guidance and a friendly person to answer my questions as I had zero experience. My initial phone call with Elle [from Camplify] was informative, helpful and friendly. Camplify was the only company that made me feel that we were in it together, like they valued having me and would support me, and I was 100% right. I tend to ask the same, sometimes silly questions, and each time I’m treated with respect, given good advice and made to feel like I’m not a problem. Camplify plays a huge part in making this successful for me.
What impact has listing your RV with Camplify had on your life?
Hiring out my van through Camplify is the best decision I’ve made in a while. It’s really opened my world and given me a new life. I get to meet new people, play a part in helping families have memorable holidays and have learned so many skills. Financially, I wouldn’t have been able to afford a motorhome simply for myself and my family, so how lucky am I that other people are helping to pay my expenses while I go on holiday?
The biggest thing I’ve learned is that motorhomes aren’t just for retired people. Or for holidays. I know the bed is comfortable, so I can stay at friends’ houses, or sleep in it after dinner in the city and a couple of wines. It makes for cheap accommodation when attending out-of-town events with friends too, so I guess they’re not laughing at me now.
I’ve also discovered how beautiful New Zealand is, simply by parking up at a river, forest, lake or beach and not being tied to any check-in or check-out times. Caravanning is perfect if you really want to relax and simply go with what you feel on the day, and you can easily change your itinerary to chase the good weather.
What does the future hold for you and Hare and There?
Ideally, I’d love to have several motorhomes spread around the country and be financially self-sufficient. I like to think I’ve made Hare and There feel homely and inviting while providing everything anyone could possibly need for their holiday. It really is a home away from home; I want my guests to simply pack their clothes and not have to worry about anything else.