With a multitude of brands at one soon-to-be expanding location, Auckland Motorhomes (AMH) has, in a short space of time, pushed ahead with creating one of the largest portfolios of motorhome and caravan models—to suit a variety of budgets—all in one place.
“We’ve worked really hard to put together a wide variety of options for AMH customers,” director Dan Monk says.
“We pride ourselves on developing solid distribution relationships with the best manufacturers from Australia, the UK, and Europe. This means we can give Kiwi buyers extra peace of mind with a direct line to the factory and, in select cases comprehensive warranty coverage, just like an overseas customer would expect to receive.”
But mostly, says Dan, the AMH experience is all about customer choice.
“Thanks to the combined lineup of model options from manufacturers like Auto-Trail, Sunliner, New Age, and McLouis, among others, we offer a pretty unbeatable degree of flexibility. Auto-Trail alone offers Kiwis 30 different floor plans, with Hi- and Lo-Line silhouettes and multiple cabin décor choices.
“Map that variety across the combined AMH inventory and we really do have a motorhome or caravan to suit every buyer, all in one location.”
With this in mind, we decided to take a look at a few highlights currently available on the Auckland Motorhomes yard.
AUTO-TRAIL APACHE 632 / 700
Where do you start with Auto-Trail? Underpinned with
solid British manufacturing tradition and a reputation for luxury thinking, Dan says if there has been a mainstay of Auckland Motorhomes customers’ wish-lists over the last few years, it is Auto-Trail.
With Auto-Trail, though, it’s not all about the features you can see. The company has a consistent talent for finding the right interior styles and solutions, but underfloor and in their many models’ walls, you’ll find real engineering excellence too.
Auto-Trail models such as the popular Apache 632 and 700 series models meet the strictest industry standards achievable for both insulation and heating. These interiors are purpose-designed to remain cosy in severe weather.
Auto-Trail’s insulation can provide for stable 20 degree temperatures inside the cabin even in sub-zero temperatures, with standard double glazed windows and a large two-way gas/electric ducted heating system ensuring ‘shoulder season’ sojourns are a breeze… but not a cold one.
Both the Apache 632 and 700 models provide for clever and comfy on-the-road environments for families.
The Apache 632 is a four-berth motorhome that also provides space for two extras in Hi-Line body format. It features a dedicated rear bed and a heap of room up front. The slightly longer Apache 700 also provides for generous home-away-from-home accommodation for four (or more with the Hi-Line option) and to make sure the family can bring all those necessities along for the ride, it features uprated gross vehicle weight of 4250kg. A large rear U-shaped lounge converts to a bed or provides for a luxurious environment for after-dinner conversation.
The Apache 632’s gross vehicle weight is between 3500kg and 3650kg and owners can specify a higher-set east-west bed at the rear in order to maximise stowage space.
A clear through-line in both models is the use of light wood and furnishings in order to help craft bright, airy interiors.
High-quality tapware, ambient LED lighting, integrated fridge-freezers, gas/electric combination hobs and illuminated kitchen splashbacks are also standard.
NEW AGE MANTA RAY MR18ER/BIG RED
If there’s a brand creating a buzz in the caravan industry right now, then it has to be New Age. This Australian firm has won plaudits aplenty with its mix of high-quality fittings and fixtures, cleverly flexible internal layouts and tough exteriors designed to withstand the antipodean elements.
New Age has an impressive 39 floorplans to choose between, with caravans measuring in at a variety of lengths to suit any lifestyle and budget.
The Manta Ray MR18ER is a mid-range model with a high-end spec sheet. That’s a significant through-line with New Age’s caravans; a generous approach to standard features is part of the company’s customer care philosophy.
There are seven different configurations available in the Manta Ray range alone, which gives you an idea of the flexibility New Age offers. In the Manta Ray MR18ER model, kitchen and dining sit amidship, with a comfortable U-shaped dinette against the entry wall sitting opposite a well-appointed kitchen area. The food prep area offers up a multitude of storage options alongside a full 164-litre fridge.
Meanwhile, much like it says on the label, the Big Red certainly can get big; from 17- to 23-feet in length and incorporating a host of awesome family-flavoured features. Aside from highlights you’d expect to see—large beds, generous ensuites, light and modern cabinetry—there’s also another family-friendly surprise in the Big Red range; a cleverly compact wall-mounted washing machine that New Age’s designers worked with the manufacturer to perfect. You’re no longer reliant on free space in the campground laundry with the Big Red helping keep the laundry in check.
With innovative thinking like this, it’s no wonder New Age is turning so many heads.
AUTO-TRAIL COMANCHE
If it’s space you’re after, Auckland Motorhomes also delivers with the Auto-Trail Comanche. You don’t need an engineering degree to see that, with a twin axle setup at the rear, floor space and carrying weight increase in equal measure.
Step inside the Comanche and to your left is possibly one of the longest sofas you’ll see inside an off-the-shelf motorhome. There are a number of seat configurations Comanche owners can opt for, all augmented by swivelling cab seats and plenty of remaining floor space. Similarly, the fixed island bed at the rear features plenty of walking room around it, with clever bi-fold doors into the separate shower allowing easy access without intruding into the room. An electric flush toilet and basin are featured in their own nook on the opposite side.
All this extra space, yet you can still drive the Comanche on a regular Class 1 driver’s licence. A standard rear-view camera ensures you can see what’s going on behind and also makes parking up at the supermarket for supplies as easy as it is in a motorhome a couple of metres shorter.
Like Auto-Trail’s Apache models, the Comanche is powered by Fiat’s gutsy Euro 6 2.3-litre Multijet turbo diesel engine, which boasts 180hp and plenty of low-down torque for New Zealand’s more challenging terrain.
And because Auckland Motorhomes has a direct relationship with the Auto-Trail factory, the distributor is able to offer both a five-year mechanical Fiat warranty and a 10-year Auto-Trail body construction integrity warranty (on condition of yearly service checks being completed).
McLOUIS NEVIS 75
With nine floor plans to choose from, McLouis Motorhomes offers plenty of flexibility to its customers.
Arriving at Auckland Motorhomes this month is the Italian manufacturer’s Nevis 75, which is a great catch-all for those looking for a roomy four-berth model.
There are three different configurations of McLouis Nevis available. The Nevis 75 features two permanent single beds at the rear, supplemented with a pull-down bed over the cab. Back at the rear of the living area, a separate ensuite adds to the motorhome’s practicality. The interior is bright and airy too, thanks to the Nevis 75’s standard SkyDome window in the cabin roof.
Despite the high level of features within the Nevis 75, it is built with practicality in mind. The entire Nevis range features a Lo-Line silhouette, but it doesn’t scrimp on space. There is plenty of internal room (freed up during the day by that drop-down bed), and a large storage garage at the rear.
Every Nevis model is built on a solid Fiat Ducato chassis, with the proven performance of Fiat’s 180hp turbo diesel powering you on to your next adventure. With a carrying weight of 473kg, the Nevis 75 allows you to take everything you need with you. The 118-litre fresh and 225-litre grey water tanks on board mean you have provision to remain out on the open road for a relaxed amount of time too.
Alloy wheels and LED lights add to the premium look outside, while inside a three-way 150-litre fridge/freezer, three-burner hob and oven, and a Combi 4 heater all come as standard, as does a TV and swivelling cab seats for better after-dinner conversation. To help you stay efficient on power while out enjoying New Zealand’s wilderness, a solar panel is also included as standard.
