Welcome to campervan city

Hundreds of campervans have been set up by the Government in Christchurch for those returning from overseas with nowhere to self-isolate.

At the self-contained campervan sites, such as Canterbury Agricultural Park, caterers will supply food, and people will be able to use online shopping.

At Auckland's ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane more than 100 campervans are also set up in the car park, which a Ministry of Health spokeswoman said was part of a "precautionary approach" to ensure travellers returning to New Zealand during Alert Level 4 were able to isolate.

Canterbury Agricultural Park. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Canterbury Agricultural Park. Photo: Geoff Sloan
Campervans and hotels will be used in Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington as accommodation for people potentially returning to New Zealand from overseas during alert level 4, in a similar way to how the Whangaparāoa Reception Centre was used for people returning from Wuhan, China.

In Auckland the campervans have not yet been used and remain as a precautionary option, the spokeswoman said.

"The safety of all staff at the campervan sites and hotels being used is one of the priorities - all staff will be issued with PPE and will have received training," she said.

The self-contained campervan site at Canterbury Agricultural Park. Photo: Geoff Sloan
The self-contained campervan site at Canterbury Agricultural Park. Photo: Geoff Sloan

Campervans lined up at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane Auckland. Photo / Peter Meecham
Campervans lined up at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane Auckland. Photo / Peter Meecham