For Helen and Kevin Ngakai, caravanning isn’t just a pastime or a way to explore New Zealand. It’s a creative outlet, a social connector, and a doorway into a world where nostalgia and fun collide.
While the couple’s current tally is five cars and three caravans, as well as shelves full of retro collectibles, it all started with their passion for cars – specifically their Mark 1 Zodiac.
Their journey into vintage caravans began almost by accident, and over the decades has evolved into a colourful lifestyle built around themed displays, classic cars, and a deep appreciation for the simplicity of the 60’s and 70’s camping culture.
Their first introduction to the world of retro caravans was more than 30 years ago, when they were involved in a Zephyr Car Club display in Hamilton. Car Clubs were invited to create themed exhibits, and Helen and Kevin, along with other members of the Zephyr Club, decided to stage a quintessential 1950s Kiwi camping scene to complement their beloved Zephyrs.
True to form, they didn’t do things by halves. Sand was brought in, tussocks planted, and club members contributed era-appropriate props. A borrowed caravan completed the scene, sparking what would become a lifelong passion. Spoiler alert: their display won – the first of many!
Shortly after, through their tile business, Kevin was reconnected to family of that same borrowed caravan and mentioned they were looking for one. A couple of years later, the same caravan reappeared – and this time Kevin managed to purchase it for Helen as a birthday present. That caravan, a rare mid-1950s Pomeroy (one of only a handful ever built), remains part of their story today.
“Ironically, we originally thought she was a Liteweight caravan,” says Kevin. “It was just a fluke that Don Jessen, who used to build Liteweights, spotted her and told us that what she had was a lot rarer – a Pomeroy.”
“We’ve still got her,” Helen says affectionately. “She’s played a big role in our retro caravan adventures but does deserve to be enjoyed more frequently than we use her now.”
A shared passion
Enjoying collectible cars has been part of Helen and Kevin’s story for as long as they can remember. Kevin used to race stock cars and has long favoured early Ford models, while Helen’s first car was a Ford Anglia she helped strip down and restore. Over time, their collection has grown to include a 1955 Mark 1 Zodiac, a rare Mark 1 Consul convertible, and a striking 1963 Falcon Futura convertible – each with its own personality and story.
But it’s the caravans that truly captured their imaginations. From that first early display, they discovered something special: combining cars, caravans, costumes, and props created an immersive experience that delighted people. At a time when most car shows featured static exhibits, Helen and Kevin brought theirs to life – literally.
“We’d dress up, sit there knitting or reading, and interact with people,” Helen laughs. “One time someone walked past and said, ‘Oh, they’re alive!’ – because nobody did that back then.”
Today, interactive displays are common at retro events, but back then, the couple were pioneers.
Themed displays and creative flair
Over the years, Helen and Kevin have become known for their themed caravan setups – complete with period-correct clothing lines strung with vintage togs and long johns, candlewick bedspreads, crocheted bunting, and carefully curated props from the 1950s through the 1970s.
Their displays often evolve around whatever combination of caravan and car they’re showcasing. One standout pairing, their 1970s ‘Bubblegum’ caravan matched with a Consul convertible, has proved a prize winner at various shows.
Helen’s creativity plays a big role. She crochets bunting, sews curtains, and styles interiors to suit each theme, while Kevin helps restore and maintain the caravans. Together, they are a formidable team.
“We’ve always loved dressing up and doing something a bit different,” Helen says. “It’s just fun and when you see people enjoying it; that’s the best part.”
They’ve dressed themselves up as everything from the Clampetts, to Ken and the Lady in Pink from the Topp Twins. They have quite the assortment of costumes that serve as a reminder of their fun adventures.
Collecting the details
The props and accessories that bring their displays to life started accumulating after that first car show. Once people knew about their interest, items began appearing – often dropped off at their tile shop or gifted by friends who thought they’d appreciate it.
Over the decades they have amassed an impressive collection: vintage camping gear, retro kitchenware, old fabrics, clothing, furniture, and decorative pieces. Every item has a story, from their eye-catching orange bar stools (that iconic fabric discovered under layers of tartan upholstery) to a restored retro stereo cleverly converted to modern Bluetooth technology.
“It’s about the hunt as much as anything,” Helen says. “Finding something and imagining where it fits – that’s half the fun.”
More than just displays
Despite their show-stopping setups, caravanning for Helen and Kevin has never been only about events. For them, caravans represent a simpler way to escape daily pressures.
“When we had the business, our job was stressful,” Helen explains. “When you went away in the caravan, everything was simple. The hardest decision was what time to open the wine.”
They’ve spent countless holidays camping around New Zealand: Christmas trips to the Coromandel, weekends exploring new places, and many gatherings with friends at retro festivals. They’re long-time members of the NZ Retro Car & Caravan Club. Events such as Beach Hop became social hubs where caravanners would pull chairs together, share drinks, and expand circles of friendship year after year.
“It’s the people,” Kevin says. “Everyone’s like-minded. You can just sit outside, and someone will come along and start chatting.”
A lifestyle built around nostalgia
Now based in Raglan, their 1930s home reflects the same retro aesthetic as their caravans – orange accents, vintage furnishings, and creative DIY touches that blend old and new. The innovation continues – even ceramic fruit bowls have been transformed into statement light fittings.
While they’ve begun downsizing parts of their collection, their enthusiasm hasn’t faded. They still take their classics out for Sunday drives, attend events, and plan new adventures, including road trips to festivals and events around the country.
At its heart, their passion isn’t about possessions or perfection. It’s about joy, connection, and stepping into another era for a while.
“People often ask if we only take the caravans out for displays,” Helen says. “But no – they’re just our weekend away. That’s what they’re for.”
And perhaps that’s the secret to their enduring enthusiasm: caravans aren’t just objects to Helen and Kevin – they’re vehicles for memories, creativity, and a lifetime of shared experiences.
