A solid spec list, smart layout, and space where it counts. Claire Smith steps inside the Red Centre Newell+ Rear Club to see what all the fuss is about.
It’s been a couple of years since I last visited the NZMCA Motorhome, Caravan & Leisure Show in Hamilton. It was good to back this year and catch up with the exciting changes in the industry. One thing that stuck me immediately was the noticeable increase in caravan offerings. There were some seriously impressive options, especially if you’re looking to get a bit off the beaten track.
One model that seemed to be drawing a lot of attention was RV Mega’s Red Centre Newell+. I had to circle back a few times before I found a moment when it wasn’t packed with showgoers keen to take a look inside.
Lyn & Wayne’s top pick
When I finally did manage to sneak in, I met long-term caravan travellers and potential buyers, Lyn and Wayne. The couple had viewed every single caravan on display at the show (no easy feat!), and this one, they said, was their top pick.
I eavesdropped for a few minutes while they chatted about how much they loved the Newell… “Can’t fault the storage.” “I just love this lounge.” “This is definitely the one.”
After letting them know I was planning to review the caravan, I asked if they’d mind sharing some of their favourite features. And as it turns out, there was plenty to share.
Ticking all the boxes
Lyn and Wayne showed me their very organised notebook detailing their list of must-haves. As they viewed each caravan, they made notes about each and rated them against their checklist. The Newell was the only one that came close to ticking all their boxes.
For Lyn, the biggest priority was storage.
“When you don’t have enough storage, it becomes really frustrating, really quickly,” she said.
“But the Newell has nice big kitchen cupboards, plenty of drawers, overhead cabinets up front, good space in the bedroom, even in the bathroom – there’s a place for everything.”
She also mentioned how much she liked the layout, with the rear club lounge, split bathroom, and rear island bed.
“Oh, and the flat floor throughout — that was a big one for me. I find those little floor level changes between zones are such a nuisance.”
The little things matter
For Wayne, it was more about day-to-day practicality. He pointed out the solid build, good ground clearance, generous 2 x 200w solar capacity, and large water tanks as standout features. He also mentioned how easy it was to access the drainage.
“It might sound minor, but any long-term caravanner knows how much the little details really matter,” he said.
So, what were the downsides? I asked if there were any boxes it didn’t tick. Wayne shrugged.
“Honestly, not much. It’s got everything we need.” Impressive.
As Lyn put it, “You just get that feeling as soon as you step inside. It’s hard to explain, but you just feel at home – like yep, this is the one. Everything you look at is just… yes. Tick, tick, tick.”
It’s clear Lyn and Wayne were sold (literally – they signed up that day), but could the Newell be the right fit for you, too? Let’s take a closer look.
Layout and overall feel
Step inside the Newell and the first impression is space – clean lines, good flow, and a layout that just feels easy to live in. There’s no jostling between zones or awkward transitions, thanks in part to that flat floor throughout, which Lyn was quick to point out as one of her must-haves. It’s a small detail, but one that makes a big difference, especially when you’re on board for longer stretches.
The layout follows a well-balanced, front-to-rear flow. At the rear end of the caravan is a large club lounge. Surrounded by windows, it’s bright and welcoming, with wraparound seating that feels like a proper place to relax.
The kitchen runs along the entry side of the caravan, just inside the door. It’s a clean, functional setup with good bench space and a full oven, cooktop, and microwave all within easy reach. Opposite, there’s a large fridge freezer and storage unit that cleverly houses a washing machine.
Heading down the centre of the van, the layout splits into the bathroom area –shower on the left, toilet and vanity on the right – before opening out to the front bedroom. That space is well proportioned, with walkaround access to the island bed and plenty of storage built into the surrounding cabinetry.
The CNC-cut furniture adds a nice sharpness to the finish, and the overall styling feels clean and modern without being too glossy. Being bolted through the floor and walls continues the theme of maximising strength and durability, which Red Centre is renowned for. There are soft-close drawers, gas struts on the overhead cupboards, and tidy details like magazine pouches and bolted-through cabinetry that help give the whole space a solid, well-constructed feel.
The Newell offers a few layout variations, depending on your preference, including options for club, café or L-shaped lounge seating. Regardless of the options you choose, the overall feel remains the same: practical, comfortable, and thoughtfully put together.
Lounge and dining
The rear club lounge was one of Lyn’s favourites, and fair enough. It’s a roomy, wraparound setup that easily seats five or six adults, with footrests built in so you can really settle in and get comfortable. The table can also drop down to create an extra bed if needed, and there’s handy storage under the seats for those bulkier items you don’t need to access all the time.
Power points and USBs are close at hand, speakers are built into the ceiling, and the mix of recessed strip lighting and reading lights gives you options depending on the mood. It’s a space that feels easy to use and genuinely comfortable. I could see myself happily spending a few hours here with a cuppa and a book. No wonder Lyn was sold.
Kitchen and storage
The kitchen runs along the entry side of the van and makes good use of the space. The curved benchtop adds a bit of extra prep room without intruding into the walkway, and the finish, with rolled-edge post-form surfaces and a full-height splashback, gives it a clean, tidy look. A large window above the bench brings in plenty of natural light and offers decent airflow, helped along by the built-in rangehood.
There’s a full oven, a three-gas/one-electric cooktop, and a microwave, so you’re well set up for cooking more than just the basics. Across the aisle, the fridge/freezer has a decent capacity for longer trips, and next to that, there’s a pull-out pantry, ideal for jars, bottles, and all those hard-to-stack items that tend to get lost in deeper cupboards.
Alongside, sitting within an additional storage unit, is the top-load washing machine. This is a nice inclusion that doesn’t take up valuable floor space but is still easy to access when you need it. The kitchen area itself offers up a practical mix of drawers and cupboards, with good capacity for bulkier kitchen gear.
Bathroom
The split bathroom layout works really well, both in terms of space and practicality. On one side of the central walkway is a generous shower cubicle with a moulded interior, and on the other, there’s a separate room with a ceramic toilet, vanity, and basin. This layout helps create a bit of separation without cutting off the flow through the van, and it means both areas feel more spacious than you might expect in a mid-sized caravan.
There’s decent storage in the bathroom area too, with a cupboard under the basin, overhead shelving, and towel rail. The mirror has built-in strip lighting, which adds a nice touch without being over the top. Ventilation comes by way of a roof hatch, and there’s a solid door to close off the toilet area when you want a bit of privacy.
Sleeping area
At the back of the van, the bedroom feels relaxed and is easy to move around in. The island bed gives you access from both sides, so no awkward manoeuvring in the middle of the night. The pillow-top mattress adds a nice bit of comfort, and the upholstered bed surround helps make the space feel a little more inviting.
Storage is solid, with hanging wardrobes and bedside tables on each side, plus overhead cupboards for extras. A linen cupboard nearby gives you somewhere to stash spare bedding or bigger bits and pieces without having to shuffle things around.
Windows on both sides let in plenty of light and fresh air, and a roof hatch above helps keep the space feeling open. Reading lights and USB ports are within easy reach. It’s a straightforward, comfortable setup that’s clearly been designed with everyday living in mind.
Exterior and off-road capability
The Newell+ doesn’t just talk the off-road talk – it looks the part too. With its bold decals, checkerplate lower sides, and streamlined profile, it cuts a sharp figure from the outside. It’s a caravan that looks solid and well sorted before you’ve even stepped inside. Unlike many Australian imports, the Red Centre caravans boast a riveted aluminium frame for maximum strength and are fully Australian made using local steel and chassis manufacturers.
Built on a 4-inch chassis with a 6-inch drawbar and a 2-inch riser, it rides high for better ground clearance. Underneath, the fully independent 3.5T dual shock suspension and 12-inch brakes help smooth things out on uneven roads, while all-terrain tyres add extra grip and reassurance if you’re heading off the seal. The AL-KO Electronic Stability Control is a welcome addition too, offering more confidence while towing.
Wayne had his eye on the practical bits and it’s easy to see why. Twin water tanks are mounted with protective shielding, drainage is easy to access, and up front, the A-frame setup includes a stone guard, dual gas bottle holders, a mesh tray for extra storage, and a handy tap (great for rinsing off shoes or filling a bucket on the go). It’s the kind of setup that shows someone’s thought through what happens once you’re off the driveway.
The shell itself is made from Alucomp with a one-piece composite roof and floor, giving it strength without excess weight. It’s also hail resistant and rot-proof, with double-glazed windows and Aircell insulation to help maintain interior comfort in both hot and cooler conditions.
Outdoor living’s been well covered too. A full-length awning runs along the entry side, and you’ve got all the extras; external speakers, TV bracket and aerial point, gas bayonet, 12V and 240V outlets, and a fold-down picnic table. The reversing camera is another practical inclusion, especially if you’re parking solo or squeezing into tighter spots.
Altogether, the Newell+ feels properly set up for touring in New Zealand conditions – not just the easy stuff, but the kind of places where you actually need a bit of clearance, strength, and smart design.
Noteworthy mentions
While a lot of the big features speak for themselves, it’s the smaller touches that help round out the Newell+ as a well-resolved package. The Victron battery management system gives you an easy-to-read overview of power levels, supported by dual 200W solar panels and two 120Ah AGM batteries – a solid setup for anyone spending time off-grid. Digital water tank displays make it easy to keep tabs on your supply, and everything is wired with user-friendliness in mind.
The entry step is sturdy and sits at a sensible height, the mesh on the A-frame keeps the stone guard functional without fuss, and the pressure hatch up top is a simple inclusion that helps regulate airflow while you’re on the move.
On the safety side, you’ll find a breakaway system, secure door with mesh screen, and LED lighting inside and out, including strip lighting in the kitchen and bathroom, and grab handles where you need them. None of it feels overdone, but it all adds to a van that’s been built with a clear understanding of what makes travel more comfortable – and less of a hassle.
Summary
After spending some time with the Newell+, it’s easy to see why it was drawing such a crowd at the Hamilton show. This is a caravan that focuses on the right things: a solid build, a smart layout, and a good balance between comfort and off-road ability.
The team at Red Centre Caravans have clearly put thought into how this model will be used, and it shows in everything from comfy bed to the sturdy chassis. For Kiwi travellers keen to get beyond the standard campground loop, without sacrificing the day-to-day comforts, it makes a strong case.
And if, like Lyn and Wayne, you’ve got a solid list of must-haves, the Newell+ is well worth a closer look – it covers a lot of ground and might just surprise you with how many boxes it ticks.
The Red Centre Newell+ is available exclusively in New Zealand through RV Mega. For more information, updated pricing, and the full list of specs, visit rvsales.co.nz
Red Centre Newell+ Rear Club specifications
| Make and model | Red Centre Newell+ Rear Club |
| Berths | 4 |
| Axle | Tandem |
| Body length | Approx. 8m (model dependent) |
| Width | 2.49m |
| Water tanks | 2 x 95L |
| LPG | 2 x 9kg |
| Battery | 2 x 120Ah AGM |
| Solar | 2 x 200W |
