When Coralie, Arnaud, and their daughter Kalia arrived in New Zealand from Tahiti, they wanted to celebrate a special family milestone with something unique – a Tahiti family VW Kombi road trip across the South Island. Instead of staying in hotels, they hit the open road in Rhonda, one of our classic VW Kombi campervans, ready to slow down, explore, and make unforgettable memories.
For Arnaud though, it was more than just a holiday – it was the fulfilment of a lifelong dream!
“Arnaud’s dream since he was a boy was to travel in a VW Kombi van,” Coralie explained. “So I made it happen when we hired Rhonda for a week to explore the South Island.”
As the story goes, on their final leg from Wanaka to Queenstown, Arnaud turned to Coralie and said they had just “an hour and a half to figure out how they could keep Rhonda forever.”
Rhonda has a way of stealing hearts – and this family from Tahiti was no exception.
The Adventure Begins
The smiles at the start of their trip – and the giant hug at the end – said it all.
Setting off from the deep south, they travelled through the Catlins, Oamaru, and Wanaka before finishing their journey in Queenstown. Along the way, they discovered the magic of slow travel in a Kombi – stopping whenever they felt like it. They cruised through new landscapes, and just enjoyed the freedom of being on the road together.
Highlights on the Road
For Coralie, one of the most unforgettable moments came at Lake Wanaka.
“I remember a morning waking up with the view on Wanaka lake in a secluded campsite… it was a magic moment with our daughter.”
Kalia, their young daughter, also embraced the adventure, turning the Kombi into her own play space and enjoying every new stop.
The Kombi Difference
Travelling in a vintage Kombi is very different from a modern campervan, and the family loved the slower pace.
“Live the life! Enjoy the moment – don’t be in a rush.“
They also noticed how much attention the Kombi attracted along the way.
“It was amazing how people are sooo friendly when they see you arrive somewhere with a kombi. Smiling faces, waving, it is like being a star on tour!”
Memories for a Lifetime
Memories for a Lifetime – A Tahiti Family VW Kombi Road Trip
By the end of their week-long road trip, Coralie and Arnaud agreed that the Kombi had added something truly special to their New Zealand adventure.
“I really encourage people to hire a kombi, it really adds something exceptional to the whole trip and atmosphere!”
Coralie, Arnaud, and Kalia celebrated their family milestone with a South Island road trip in a VW Kombi, creating memories they’ll never forget.
Dreams really can come true – Arnaud’s did when he finally travelled New Zealand in a Kombi. Maybe it’s time for Rhonda – or Pippi – to steal your heart too.
Where will your next adventure take you?
View comments
+ Leave a comment