Review: TrailLite Tasman 164

Designed with a smart sleeping arrangement for kids and parents alike, the Tasman 164 proves TrailLite knows what families need. MCD’s Claire Smith takes a look inside.

After 70 years in the business, it’s fair to say TrailLite knows a thing or two about making life on the road feel effortless. Having just celebrated their platinum anniversary, they’ve seen industry trends come and go and have refined their RVs to match exactly what Kiwi travellers want. Their designs strike that perfect balance between practical, everyday comforts and the little extras that make travelling a real pleasure. And with the Tasman 164 caravan, they’re once again proving they’ve got the recipe just right.

Launched earlier this year, the Tasman 164 has quickly caught the attention of families eager to explore all that New Zealand has to offer. Compact yet incredibly functional, it ticks the boxes (and then some) for those looking for a layout that makes family travel comfortable and easy.

Practical layout

The Tasman 164 has a floorplan that really plays to Kiwi sensibilities – practical, comfortable, and perfect for soaking up those iconic New Zealand views. Up front, you’ll find an open lounge area made for family moments, whether it’s gathering around for dinner, relaxing with a cuppa, or simply kicking back and watching the waves, mountains, or wherever the day has taken you. The open U-shaped seating plan creates a light and spacious atmosphere, even with the whole family onboard.

At the back is a full-width bathroom – perfectly positioned away from the busy living areas while still being easily accessible. Then there’s the sleeping arrangement, which is a real win for families. The twin singles can be closed off in the bedroom, so kids can head off to bed while parents get some evening downtime up front.

It’s a layout that just works, giving everyone their own space without sacrificing the open, social vibe that Kiwi caravanners love.

Luxurious lounging

Upfront, the lounge area sets the scene for some serious switch-off-and-recharge time. With light, calming décor, it feels a bit like stepping into an inviting, upmarket holiday home. The spacious U-shaped seating area includes a removable table that can swivel to suit your set-up. The seats are plush and comfortable – the kind you just sink into and don’t want to move from.

The lounge faces the kitchen, making it a social hub that’s ideal for family meals, card games, or just chatting with the cook. With enough room to seat six adults around the table, it’s a space designed for everyone to gather comfortably. Big windows all around bring in loads of natural light, giving it a bright, open feel and offering fantastic views wherever you’re parked.

Storage is well thought out, too, with roomy drawers tucked under the seats for all your essentials. For those relaxed evenings, the Tasman 164 comes fitted with an Avtex 27” 12V TV and soundbar, plus a fully automatic 60cm satellite dish – perfect for a cosy movie night or staying updated on the news.

Sleep time made easy

When it comes to bedtime, the twin-bed arrangement offers some big benefits. Straight off the bat, there’s a definite sense of space and ease of movement with a clear path from front to back. For families, having single beds in their own closed-off bedroom space makes life a whole lot easier when tired kiddies need some quiet time. The twin beds are topped with New Zealand-made composite memory foam mattresses, which means falling asleep is just that little bit easier. With plush bedheads, it’s also nice and comfy for sitting up and reading or watching TV.

For mum and dad, or guests, the lounge converts into a spacious double bed. It’s easy to set up and pack away, too.

One of the big bonuses of the Tasman 164 is the abundant storage – twin wardrobes, three overhead lockers per bed and six large drawers – meaning there’s a spot for everything. Whether you’re packing extra winter layers – just in case – or the kids want to bring teddies and toys, you’ll have space to keep it all tidy and out of the way.

Each bed also comes with its own reading light, and there is a double plug and a double USB charger that can be accessed from either bed.

Wide windows by each bed let you drift off watching the stars, and the skylight overhead keeps the space light and airy. Plus, for any late-night loo runs, the bathroom’s just a few steps away, meaning the kids have no excuse for detours through the living area.

Making a meal of it

In the centre of the caravan, the practical galley-style kitchen is perfectly laid out for everything from whipping up a quick snack to making favourite family dinners.

The three-burner gas hob sits over a compact oven and built-in grill, with a stainless-steel range hood to keep things fresh. There’s also a handy window behind the cooker – ideal for ventilation and letting in that natural light.

Bench space is cleverly maximised here, with a sink cover that doubles as extra prep space when you need it. Storage is another high point, with drawers galore, including deep ones for pots and pans, plus a couple of hidden compartments that make the most of every inch. They’ve even included a pull-out pantry for your spices, jars, and whatever else you want close at hand – not to mention a wine rack, because no good caravan kitchen is complete without a spot for the Sauvignon.

One thing you’ll notice straight away is the quality feel to it all. From the soft-close drawers to the sturdy cupboard fittings, it’s clear TrailLite has put care into every detail – nothing flimsy or hastily done here.

Across from the main bench, there’s a full-size 180-litre fridge-freezer, ready to store everything for your trip. And just above, a microwave for warming up your coffee or making movie-night popcorn.

Staying fresh

When you’re on the road with family, a good bathroom set-up can be a real game-changer, and the Tasman 164’s bathroom doesn’t disappoint.

Stretching across the full width at the rear, there’s plenty of room to have a shower, get changed, and get ready for the day without feeling cramped. To the left, there’s a full-sized close-off shower with plenty of elbow and headroom.

The overall set-up is well thought out, with a good amount of bench space for setting up toothbrushes, lotions, and soaps. The Thetford toilet is tucked over to the right, completing the layout in a way that makes it feel spacious yet practical. There’s a window for natural light, overhead ventilation to keep things fresh, and even some clever little extras, such as towel cubbies, a drying rack, and plugs for the hairdryer.

Like every other room, storage is spot-on with ample space for everyone’s bits and bobs and mirrors that make it feel bright and open. And thanks to the 190-litre freshwater tank and the Truma Combi 4kW heater, everyone can enjoy a warm shower at the end of the day – something that makes all the difference when you’re travelling with kids. All in all, it’s a bathroom that brings a bit of home comfort on the road, without missing a beat.

The great outdoors

On the outside, the Tasman 164 has all the smart features you’d expect from TrailLite. For starters, there’s keyless entry, so no more hunting down keys every time you head back in, which is a bonus when everyone’s darting in and out. And the electric easy-access step makes getting in and out easy – just one of those small touches that make life on the road feel a bit more seamless.

At 7.85 metres, the Tasman 164 is a very manageable size for towing, and with the Cruisemaster off-road suspension, it’s set to handle New Zealand’s sometimes bumpy country roads.

There’s a large exterior storage unit for all the extras – fishing gear, boogie boards, or even a lounger to make the most of those sunny spots. It’s even kitted out with both 12V and 230V power points for added convenience. There’s separate storage for two 9kg gas bottles, and for those days that end with sandy toes or muddy boots, you’ll find a warm outdoor shower outlet to rinse off before heading inside.

And because outdoor living is half the fun, the Tasman 164 comes with a four-metre Thule wind-out awning – just the thing for setting up a shady spot on a summer’s day, where you can relax and soak up the view.

Going off-grid

TrailLite knows we Kiwis love a bit of independent travel, so the Tasman 164 is fully equipped for off-grid adventures, including:

• a 540W solar system, which can be upgraded to 720W if you’re planning to stay off the grid for longer stretches,
• a 100Ah lithium battery is included as standard, with the option to upgrade to 200Ah for even more power, and plenty of water capacity with 190-litre fresh and grey tanks.

Noteworthy extras

For those who like to stay connected on the go – whether it’s keeping in touch with family, sharing trip photos, or just streaming your favourite show – the Tasman 164 has you covered with an external mobile data aerial and booster, ready to work with NZMCA data plans.

For travellers who love a bit of tech, the RedArc intelligent battery management system (BMS) and RedVision vehicle management system take the hassle out of power management. The smartphone control feature means you can monitor and manage your power usage from anywhere around the caravan, adding serious convenience to life on the road.

TrailLite’s attention to detail in insulation is the icing on the cake. The whole caravan is built with XPS sandwich panel construction for top-notch insulation, the floors are fully insulated, and all windows are double-glazed with thermal blinds and retractable fly screens. So, whether it’s mid-winter or the height of summer, the Tasman keeps the temperature just right – and the mozzies out.

Every TrailLite caravan is built to last, and the Tasman 164 is no exception, backed by a five-year structural warranty for that extra peace of mind.

For those who prefer a fixed bed, the Tasman 164 is also available with an east-west double bed instead of twin singles. Stay tuned – we’ll be reviewing that setup in a few months.

To find out more, visit TrailLite.co.nz

TrailLite Tasman 164 specifications