Vanessa Owen wants New Zealanders to have a taste of the kind of holiday they might remember having in the 1960s and 70s. Or if they didn't do it back then, maybe they want to try it now.
It's a holiday towing and living in a genuine old-style caravan. A
caravan called Flip Flop, Flotsam and Jetsam,
or Norma Jean.
Vanessa, who is based just outside of Kerikeri, first started thinking about the venture when she read that Christchurch is inundated with caravans that were bought by or loaned to earthquake victims whose houses were wrecked. As the repairs and the rebuilds progress in Christchurch, many of these vans are no longer needed, and some have found their way on to the market.
Choosing the circa 1960s and 1970s caravans, Vanessa is building up a fleet of nine vans for her new Northland tourism venture, Classic Caravans. Customers can hire them for holidays in the Far North district, tow them with their own vehicle or, if needed, hire a Land Rover Discovery from Vanessa.
The vans are what were classically known as thirteen footers back in the day, so they are not large, and can be towed easily. Each van has had a total refurbishment of its chassis and running gear, its body and where necessary the interior has been refurbished. The van sleeps two and comes with a gas stove and dining table.
Vanessa explains that it was important to preserve the theme of the 60s and 70s. So you will see flashes of formica and perhaps a touch of gingham or a candy-striped awning as part of the décor, among other hallmarks of the era. She has stopped short of copying the only similar business that she knows of, one in Cornwall, England.
"They were too much into lace curtains and frilly bedspreads, and I think this would frighten off some Kiwi males. Never mind the frilly stuff. I'll put a fishing rod in the van instead and I'll organise the first couple of days' bait in a chilly bin if requested."
As you would expect, the vans come with all the legal compliances they require, plus insurance.
Vanessa sees part of her clientele being those who have enjoyed holidaying under canvas for years, but now want a little bit more comfort, fewer worries about rain, but still with the ability to move on to the next place.
At the coastal property that she and husband Richard have developed, with its dramatic views of the expansive Te Puna Inlet there are two baches which can be hired when available by those wanting to start their caravan holiday or finish it, with a night in a place that has all domestic conveniences.