Oh, how things have changed. Once upon a time I was an adrenaline junkie. Think roller coasters, jumping out of aeroplanes and galloping over cross-country fences. These days, I’m enjoying far more restful pursuits – but a recent visit to Australasia’s newest and largest RV Showroom, the Auckland RV Super Centre, gave me that same heady buzz that once came from a theme park.
Even though I’d seen photos of the new offering, I hadn’t appreciated the sheer scale of the new operation. Not only does the 7.4ha campus house the newest RV Super Centre, Service Centre and the first automated RV vehicle wash in NZ, but the majestic site is also the new campus for Tourism Holdings Limited (thl).
And what a campus it is. Once the iconic Villa Maria Estate, these elegant stone buildings are award-winning for a reason and have now been thoughtfully transformed to house the rental, sales and global support teams of thl, the world’s largest commercial RV operator, alongside the new RV Super Centre (replacing the previous Auckland Centre at Manu Tapu Drive, Auckland Airport).
The new Auckland location brings thl’s local rentals and vehicle sales operations together with its global support team for the first time in the company’s history.
“This new campus is designed to support our next phase of growth,” says thl chief executive Grant Webster.
“We wanted to create the best possible operation, from a productivity, health and safety and customer experience perspective. A site where our crew felt truly proud to come to work and could also provide an outstanding level of service to our international and domestic visitors.”
With a team of approximately 1500 on site, it’s fair to say that the new premises is a self-contained miniature city in its own right, nestled in surrounding farmland yet just minutes from the motorway and airport.
The comparison to a theme park isn’t far off either. It would be easy to spend the day here, walking around mesmerised by the sheer scale of this operation, as well as the unrelenting attention to detail.
The origins and history of the site haven’t been forgotten either. In fact, they are gloriously celebrated.
Kiwi firms Colliers and Jasmax beautifully translated thl’s focus on sustainability and aspirations for bringing the campus to life, with a building and architectural vision that truly ticks all the boxes. Thoughtful collaboration with mana whenua has resulted in breathtaking artworks and features, grounding the site in its cultural narrative and ensuring it honours the rich history and whakapapa of the whenua.
In keeping with the thl and RV Super Centre legacy, ‘people first’ is at the heart of every design decision. This is a welcoming and inclusive campus, aimed at fostering and nurturing a harmonious work environment. There are subsidised healthy dining options, ample facilities for meetings and teamwork, and plenty of recreation space.
In addition to renting and selling RVs, thl also designs and manufactures leisure RVs, as well as custom mobile spaces – from ambulances and mobile medical units to passenger service vehicles and parcel delivery vans.
thl has deep roots in New Zealand tourism, operating iconic attractions such as the Discover Waitomo caves and black water rafting adventures, Waitomo Homestead, and the Kiwi Experience bus network. Through its travel technology business TripTech, thl also powers CamperMate – Australasia’s leading road trip app.
Flagship RV Super Centre
The jewel in the crown is the new RV Super Centre, refreshingly spacious and welcoming, considering the fact the 2000m2 showroom houses KEA motorhomes as well as Laika, Talvor, Roller Team and Etrusco along with such an extensive array of accessories.
When it comes to organisation, it’s a spectacular achievement of presenting almost every imaginable RV accessory in a clean and uncluttered space. Each section has its own ‘room’, from awnings and entertainment, to upholstery, homewares, heating and airconditioning, etc.
Staging has been superbly thought out, offering a fresh modern take on displaying accessories in a practical and engaging way.
Better yet, the team based in the showroom include workshop staff who can advise around the most suitable options for your specific RV, as well as being able to knowledgeably talk through features and installation information.
RV owners can drive up in their motorhome or caravan, park immediately outside the building, stroll into the showroom and see the vast range in situ.
Interactive displays and the interior layout are next level when it comes to creating a customer experience. Stand under the arch to work the skylights, all of which are installed so you can see/touch/handle the finished product – likewise with entertainment (a wall of operating televisions ensure you can choose the one best suited to your preferences), and there are even life-size models of lounge and kitchen areas of an RV, so visitors can experience full installations for inspiration.
If you fall into the ‘highly organised’ category, book ahead for workshop time and have your new purchase installed into your RV while you relax in comfort in the Customer Lounge area.
Welcome to a new era of RV showroom and RV accessory shopping. While Villa Maria clearly stamped its legacy on this site, thl and RV Super Centre continue this strong tradition of evolution, looking future forward with innovation and passion.
Fast facts
- One of the largest RV showrooms and accessory stores in Australasia
- More than 15,000 accessories and parts across 177 categories
- More than 50 RVs on display (new Kiwi-made, European and ex-rental)
- On-site 4-bay workshop and service centre
- Relaxing Customer Lounge
- NZ’s first automated drive-through RV Wash (using rainwater)
- Landscaping is 100% native plants
- Breathtaking artwork and features designed in collaboration with mana whenua
