Retro caravans converge on Rotorua

IN THE PINK: Pete and Fiona Halliwell with their retro caravan. BEN FRASER

Locals have been transported back to the roaring '20s as caravan enthusiasts from across the region dressed themselves - and their prized Lilliputs - up to reflect the colour of the era.

Friday marked the start of the Lilliput Caravan Club's five day annual meeting, held at Holden's Bay Holiday Park. More than 50 people from across the country turned out to show off their restored and revamped caravans.

The Lilliput Caravan Club is a national organisation dedicated to the preservation of the iconic Lilliput Caravans which were manufactured from the early 1960s through to the late 1970s.

This year's meeting theme was the 1920s, with event-goers dressing up in the style of the era and enjoying live jazz music and plenty of other fun activities.

Yesterday the club mixed it up with a French twist, giving caravan owners the chance to take part in petanque and don their berets for an afternoon of French-themed fun.

Club captain Roger Price said there was a colourful collection of 28 caravans on display.

Most had been done up, some in theme, and were judged as part of a competition, he said.

Mr Price said the winning caravan had been decorated as a miniature wedding venue and was one of five that "really stood out from the crowd".

Auckland couple Peter and Fiona Halliwell sported a hot pink Lilliput with a pink and white striped awning and a plush pink interior.

Mrs Halliwell said as their friend had already claimed their desired colour scheme of teal, they decided to opt for a brighter colour.

The reaction the caravan got was almost always, "wow".

"I've never really been a pink girl. There's no pink in our house but there's plenty in our caravan to make up for it. It's pretty easy to spot," she said.

Mr Halliwell said after they purchased the caravan, a friend told them to join the club.

"It was the best advice we ever got. It's a wonderful club and great fun to be a part of it.

"[This weekend] has been especially fun, it's a lovely atmosphere."

Visit www.lilliput.org.nz or the Lilliput Caravan Club's Facebook page for information.