In an industry built around freedom, exploration and making memories, it seems fitting that one of New Zealand’s respected names in motorhomes and caravans has a story rooted firmly in family.
As Coastal Motorhomes & Caravans celebrates 25 years, it’s not just marking a business milestone – it’s celebrating a legacy of hard work, trust and a genuine passion for helping Kiwis enjoy the RV lifestyle.
The Coastal story began when founders Mike and Gayle Farrell took a leap of faith, swapping the comforts of home for a small Lockwood building on their Whakatāne property to establish the business they believed in. Their commitment was simple: put customers first and provide quality products backed by honest service.
A quarter of a century later, those same values remain the heart of Coastal Motorhomes & Caravans, now led by the next generation, with son and daughter Paul and Toni Farrell continuing the family journey.
Coastal offers far more than just RV sales, with a purpose-built four-bay workshop, a comprehensive parts and accessories store, secure RV storage and ongoing after-sales support designed to look after customers long after they drive away.
“We wanted to take care of every aspect of the RV lifestyle for our customers,” says Toni.
The Coastal timeline is proof that while technology, products and customer expectations may evolve, the foundations of a successful business remain the same. Family values, genuine relationships and a passion for helping others discover the joy of the open road are as important today as they were when Mike and Gayle first opened the gates.
That commitment to building lasting relationships is reflected in every part of the business, including its partnership with Australian manufacturer Hilltop Caravans. After extensive research, Paul and Toni chose the family-owned caravan brand because its values mirrored their own – quality craftsmanship, integrity and exceptional customer care.
As the exclusive North Island dealer for Hilltop Caravans, Coastal offers an impressive range of models to suit every style of traveller, from couples seeking luxury and comfort to families wanting to explore New Zealand together.
The Farrell family are RV travellers themselves. Toni and Paul spend their own holidays exploring New Zealand in their Hilltop caravans, giving them first-hand experience and a practical understanding of what customers need from their RVs.
“We’re not just selling RVs – we’re helping people create holidays and experiences without limits,” says Paul.
