When Akanesi and Rafael from the Waikato went looking for a Kombi, they didn’t expect to find one waiting for them in the South Island. What started as a dream of owning a VW Kombi quickly turned into a plan for a VW Kombi hire road trip through Southland – complete with Milford Sound, Stewart Island, and plenty of smiles and waves along the way.
“Rafael had always wanted to own a Kombi,” says Akanesi. “We did a quick Google search to see how much they cost – and found the rental site instead! The idea of doing a roadie in a Kombi in the South Island was born.”
“I’ve always wanted to drive one,” adds Rafael. “We needed an interesting and different holiday – something unique.”
Hitting the road in a kombi
The couple picked up Rhonda, their teal VW Kombi, and hit the road with big smiles. They told us they pulled over after a block and turned to each other to say, “We can’t believe they just gave us their Kombi to take away!”
“The weather was beautiful – the wind was scary!” laughs Akanesi. “It rained a little when we went to Milford Sound, but that just brought out the amazing waterfalls.”
If you’re thinking of heading to Milford Sound yourself, check out the Fiordland National Park guide on DOC.govt.nz for campsite and walk info.
Thinking outside the square and saying yes to opportunities as they arose meant that while Rhonda spent New Year’s Eve parked up in Bluff, Akanesi and Rafael got to experience the warm hospitality of Stewart Island to bring in the new year.
Travelling at Kombi Pace
Usually the planner, Akanesi decided to embrace a slower, more spontaneous style of travel.
“We decided to go with the flow – which was different for me! The guide that Lynda and Warren provided in the Kombi was a good place to start. It helped me let loose and just enjoy the roadie.”
That relaxed approach soon became part of the adventure. With no fixed schedule, they found themselves wandering through small Southland towns, pulling over for views, and chatting to locals along the way.
“We took our sweet time getting from place to place,” says Akanesi. “We stopped in small towns, tried different foods – I had a whitebait sandwich for the first time! – and got to know the history of each place. That was my favourite experience.”
When the Wind Blows
Every road trip has its challenges, and for these two, it was Southland’s famous gusts.
“Driving on the open road with high winds!” recalls Akanesi. “We blasted the music, sang a little to ease our nerves, and swapped drivers whenever one got tired.”
Even the tough moments became part of the story – the kind that make you laugh later and remind you that you’re really out there adventuring.
VW Kombi Magic – Waves and Stories
Travelling in a Kombi turns heads wherever it goes. For Akanesi and Rafael, it meant constant smiles, friendly waves, and the occasional toot of encouragement.
“We got a daily dose of smiles, waves and toots!” says Akanesi. “Not sure if the toots were to pull over or to celebrate driving a Kombi hee hee.”
As an extrovert, Akanesi loved chatting to people curious about the van.
“I enjoyed talking to people about the Kombi. I handled most of the questions and always waved back if someone waved!”
Tips for Travelling at Kombi Pace
Akanesi: “Go with the flow. Don’t take your work with you. Enjoy the weather, enjoy the drive, and most importantly, enjoy each other’s company! Take your time, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to own your trip.”
Rafael: “It’s absolutely a must-do at least once in your life. Take your time and stop at every opportunity – you’ll be surprised what you find. Don’t worry about getting lost, but check the weather forecast before you go anywhere.”
Their soundtrack for the journey?
Help Me, Rhonda — naturally.
When we met Akanesi and Rafael at the end of their roadie, they were grinning from ear to ear and buzzing with stories about their time with Rhonda.
That’s exactly what we love to see – the magic that happens when travellers discover New Zealand at Kombi pace.
to find which van suits your retro road-trip adventure, and start your own VW Kombi hire story today.
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