Kiwi couple cross country for rally

New Zealand couple Noel and Pip Sutherland have travelled many thousands of kilometres across the Tasman Sea and along the top half of Australia to arrive in Albany for the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia's 30th National Rally.

The Kiwi couple are believed to have travelled the furthest distance for this year's rally and are among more than 1000 people who have descended on the coastal city for the event.

Mr Sutherland said he and his wife travelled from their home country to Bundaberg in Queensland to pick up their new motorhome in March this year, and have since clocked up 11,000km on their self-contained recreational vehicle, as well as 5000km on a small car which they tow behind them.

During this year's rally, the couple have volunteered to drive other rally members around in a tour bus to Albany's iconic landmarks and have researched each location in intimate detail, going as far as canvassing local real estate agents about house prices.

"We're quite fortunate to be driving the buses and finding some history," Mr Sutherland said.

"There's huge history here."

Mr Sutherland has been to three rallies and plans to head to the rally in Bathurst next year before making a return back to New Zealand.

He said the most enjoyable thing about the rallies was being able to volunteer and when asked whether he would recommend Albany to his fellow nomadic travellers he said: "100 per cent".

The makeshift CMCA village is a buzz of activity, with every necessity available from a food court to dog training area, and rally members are keeping busy with rock'n'roll lessons, happy hours, and a craft barn.

A 40s and 50s-themed ball will also be held on Saturday.

CMCA Albany rally manager Vince Calleja said while the wet weather had "put a dampener" on the week, he has received many positive comments from visitors about how beautiful the city is.