It all started in '05 when Warren said to me, “Lynda, what if we bought a Kombi van for our holidays?” His idea wasn't entirely out of the blue because Warren was always on TradeMe, dreaming about finds like this. And so of course, there just happened to be one for sale - a perfect navy blue and cream bay window model with a pop top in Pounawea. It felt like destiny calling us to adventure.
The Start of our Kombi Tale and Adventures with Aggiee
How it all began . . .
Determined to give Aggiee a real chance, our next adventure took us back to her origins in the stunning Catlins, aiming for a weekend surrounded by nature. The Catlins scenery is simply stunning, and if you're a nature junkie, you should absolutely add it to your roadtrip list, especially for the raw, untouched beauty it offers. But yet again, the weather had other plans. We woke up to find our bedding soaked from leaks we didn't know she had!!
We named her much later, but Aggiee became a part of our lives from the moment we drove her home to Riverton, admiring her style and dreaming of the adventures ahead.
But what had we let ourselves in for?
Because our first overnight trip in Aggiee turned into a frosty ordeal on a Dunedin curbside after a rugby match - a freezing night that had me questioning the charm of Kombi holidays.
Our next roadtrip adventure
After these initial misadventures, Aggiee spent some time in the shed. She was almost sold on TradeMe, forgotten until Warren uncovered her original red and white colors hidden under layers of paint. That discovery sparked a renovation frenzy - interior overhaul, new paint job, and finally, road trip ready!
Aggiee became a bit neglected
Our true holiday adventure began with a trip to the West Coast of the South Island, where sunshine, beaches, and native bush awaited. We truly began to feel the buzz of driving a retro Kombi van, soaking in the happy feels, the constant smiles, and the pleasure of taking the back roads, slowing down, and being present in the moment. Each trip with Aggiee reminded us of the simple joys of road-tripping - how every turn brought a new surprise and every stop brought a new story.
The buzz of a kombi road trip
At one campsite, a fellow camper inquired about Aggiee’s name because all kombi vans must have a name refelcting their unique personality! Until then, she was nameless, but I had always thought of her as Aggiee.So from that moment, Aggiee was official - a perfect fit for her vibrant personality. Since then, she has taken us on countless trips across the South Island, proving time and again that simplicity and a good road can lead to the most memorable journeys.
Why not discover this for yourself?
Embrace the retro charm and the freedom of the open road with one of our Kombi vans. Adventure is waiting around every bend.
Adventure soothes the soul - where will your next adventure take you?
And Aggiee was named
