Cruising through life in yacht on wheels

Driving around in an 11.2m, 13-tonne motorhome, called an Endeavour, it is hard to remain inconspicuous.

But Mervyn Tyree's "superyacht on wheels" was not designed to be hidden away.

Sitting in his custom-built, fully self-contained, computerised full-time home at the Dunedin Holiday Park yesterday, he said it amazed everyone who stepped inside.

Complete with a dishwasher, washing machine, fridge-freezer, full-sized shower, heat pump, cocktail cabinet, two televisions, leather lounge suites, oak cabinetry and a sound system, it cost about $800,000 and took Platinum Motorhomes, of Auckland, a year to build.

"It's the only one in New Zealand," he said.

The five-week trip from his temporary base in Hamilton to Dunedin and back was the motorhome's maiden voyage and followed its launching last July.

Mr Tyree is in Dunedin for the 50th anniversary of the commissioning of HMNZS Otago, on which he served for 17 months.

He joined the navy in 1955, served on Endeavour and was an original crew member on Endeavour 2, and his motorhome is filled with navy memorabilia.

He was looking forward to catching up with old friends this weekend and taking part in the celebrations.

He enjoyed the freedom the motorhome gave him.

"The good thing about it is if you don't like your neighbours, you can move on."