With foreign holidays more or less off the cards for many of us this summer, the chance to explore the best New Zealand has to offer will provide a welcome break.
And taking to the road in a comfortable campervan to search out great beaches, rural communities, and remote locations with breath-taking views can offer a much-needed sense of freedom and independence.
No airports to worry about, no checking-in or worries about arriving late at a B&B, just the pure pleasure of driving on the open road and having the choice to park-up and settle in for the night anywhere you fancy – knowing you are totally self-contained with everything you need. A hotel room on wheels.
That's just the start of what the all-new Volkswagen Grand California can offer families looking for excitement, adventure and luxury this summer – and all year-round. The chance to take off for days away, long weekends, the Big NZ OE, and meeting up with like-minded friends on the highways and byways of New Zealand.
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The Grand California, designed and built from the ground up by Volkswagen, is just one of a range of campervans from the carmaker that gave us the iconic 1960s Kombi van – a vehicle that's still sought after today (they really do hold their value).
Image / Supplied.
“VW's new range of high-spec campervans are changing the way Kiwis holiday,” says Scott Duggan, Volkswagen New Zealand’s National l Sales Manager.
“Volkswagen produce a wide range of campervans and here in New Zealand we did lots of research to spec a campervan that best suited Kiwi lifestyles,” says Duggan.
“For example, we love our beach holidays and after a day on the sand you don't want it trodden into the campervan, so we specified the Grand California to have two showers – one inside and one outside. So you can have a hot shower before going indoors.
“The engine we specified is the most powerful Volkswagen produce and that means you won't be the person holding up the traffic.”
Under the bonnet is a 2Ltr twin-turbo diesel providing 130kw of power with an 8-speed automatic transmission for effortless driving. Plus, 4MOTION AWD as standard.
“I've driven the Grand California on a family holiday and there's no question it has the power when you need it – and being all-wheel drive means it can go where other motorhomes can't,” says Duggan.
Cheaper than a batch and a lot more fun, the Grand California starts from $159,000* – and the beauty is, you get a different view every time to you take it on the road and discover somewhere new.
There's two sizes to choose from; the Grand California 600 (6mtrs long) for two adults and two children and the Grand California 680 (6.8mtrs long). The 680 – starting at $163,000 – offers a super-sized Olympic queen bed for two.
Room with a view. Photo / Supplied.
Duggan says that while campervans were once the domain of those aged over 60, it's all changed today.
“Most of the people buying our campervans are aged in their forties,” he says. “Lots of families have forgone foreign holidays,, So they are investing in having great holidays at home.”
Inside the Grand California is yacht-style flooring, bright white finishes, panoramic skylights, ambient lighting, a comfortable dining area, fully-equipped kitchen (as you'd expect), and plenty of room and storage – in draws, cupboards and overhead (like on an aeroplane).
Naturally, both models feature a toilet with ventilation and there's no need to worry about electrical power – a 104watt (600) or 174w (680) solar unit on the roof keeps batteries charged up and the campervan is littered with the all-important USB sockets and wireless charging to keep everybody's devices working.
Once parked up, the footprint of the Grand California can be expanded thanks to a wind-out awning (hidden in the roof-space) that can be deployed. It provides shelter from the sun and the perfect al fresco relaxation experience.
Photo / Supplied.
It's here that another bit of Kiwi ingenuity comes into play, the fridge/freezer is right by the Grand California's huge sliding door – meaning you can reach in and grab a cold one without stepping inside. Genius!
The Grand California, like all VW's campervans, is a joy on the road and a pleasure to use – and one reason for this is the intelligent technology that includes sensors that detect crosswinds to prevent you from drifting out of the lane. In addition, there's adaptive cruise control and 360-degree parking aids.
Onboard there's storage for 110Ltr of fresh water, two LPG gas cylinders for hot water and cooking, a 70Ltr fridge and a touch control panel to manage lighting, heating and entertainment.
Every Grand California comes with a full five-year warranty and four years' full servicing – finance is available subject to terms and conditions.
But being on the road and exploring the country is only a part of the joy of owning a Volkswagen campervan says Duggan.
“There's a whole campervan community that's very supportive and welcoming,” he says. “So owning a Volkswagen Grand California not only provides a whole new holiday experience, you can join various clubs as well – it's a great way to make new friends where ever you end up in New Zealand.”
This content has been produced in partnership with VW New Zealand.
