Motorhomes & Movies: Top 10 Kiwi Films for your Motorhome Holiday

The top 10 Kiwi movies to watch on your Pacific Horizon campervan trip.

During your motorhome holiday there may come a time when you want to simply unwind and be entertained. Luckily, there’s nothing better than a slice of Kiwiana movie magic!  We’ve compiled our top 10 Kiwi movies to watch on your Pacific Horizon campervan trip. All of our campervans come with LCD TVs and DVD players ready for you to kick back and relax with any (or all) of these great films.

10.  Bad Taste (1987).  The film that really got Sir Peter Jackson noticed, it’s a science fiction comedy horror in a distinctive NZ style.  Shot over 4 years around Pukerua Bay, just north of Wellington, the film tells the story of Derek, Frank, Barry and Oz, as they investigate the disappearance of the fictional township of Kaihoro.  Much fun, gore and weirdness follow.

9.   The Piano (1993).  Winner of 3 Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actress for 11 year old New Zealander Anna Paquin, this atmospheric masterpiece is set on the rugged West Coast of the South Island.  The story centres on the mute Ada McGrath (Holly Hunter) and her relationship with her husband (a marriage she was sold into) and George Baines (Harvey Keitel).  The film grossed over $40 million and continues to intrigue and delight in equal measure.

8.  Show of Hands (2008).  A quirky and underappreciated film which tells the true story of an endurance competition.  Contestants place their hands on a car, the winner being the person who can keep their hands in position the longest.  Stars Melanie Lynskey (from ‘Two and a Half Men’).

7.   Came a Hot Friday (1985).  A raucous rompfeaturing some of New Zealand’s top comedic talent.  Con-men Wes and Cyril meet their match when they go to Tainuia Junction and get involved in bootlegging, arson and other misdeeds.  Featuring the legendary Billy T. James as the Tainuia Kid, it’s a comedy with a very definite Kiwi flavour.

6.   Black Sheep (2007).  After achildhood incident, Henry is left with a fear of sheep.  When he returns to the family farm to sell his share, he’s faced with a meddling brother and a flock of genetically modified sheep with a taste for flesh.  Off-beat, funny and very entertaining.

5.   Whale Rider (2002).  An emotional and ultimately uplifting film, Whale Rider made a star of Keisha Castle-Hughes. Set in Whangara (East Cape of the North Island) and telling the tale of 12 year old Paikea Apirana, the movie explores spirituality and family relationships.

4.  The World’s Fastest Indian (2005).  The ultimate true story of Kiwi ingenuity and back yard brilliance, following the exploits of Burt Monroe, from Invercargill to his land speed record attempt on the Bonneville Salt Flats. Sir Anthony Hopkins gives a fine performance (even if his Kiwi accent is a little dodgy). 

3.  Sione’s Wedding (2006).  Four fun-loving Samoan boys have a history of bad behaviour at weddings. The only way they’ll be allowed at the next wedding is to bring a date, but that’s easier said than done and much fun and mayhem follows.  So good there’s a sequel being planned for 2012!

2.  Lord of the Rings. It had to feature somewhere and there are three films to be seen.  We all love it and seeing it in your campervan will have you watching out the window for possible locations as you drive around.  Still, it doesn’t make it to our number 1 movie for a motorhome! 

1. Goodbye Pork Pie (1981).  The best film for a motorhome holiday. John, Gerry, a yellow mini and an adventure that takes them from Auckland to the West Coast (amongst other places); it’s the ultimate Kiwi road trip film.  After watching this you may even want to have your own campervan caper by following some of their route.

Now that you’ve got your entertainment sorted, it’s time to book your motorhome holiday!