Rhys and Michele Hunter expanded their premium motorhome business into off-road caravans just as the market for caravans ramped up.
With Covid 19 closing the borders, demand for offroad/overland capable caravans exploded.
“We transitioned to selling 90 per cent caravans, offering a high quality product that sits at the top of the New Zealand market and our goal is to be the number one brand in this country,” said Rhys.
Atlas caravans are sold exclusively through Road Life RV in Tauranga, a family-owned and operated business with a dedicated team of experienced RV experts. Established in 2017, Road Life built its reputation as the exclusive distributors for luxury Australian motorhome brand, Sunliner.
The Atlas Apex range of off-grid caravans is designed for New Zealand conditions, and in terms of quality, strength and specification they stand alongside the top-end motor homes sold from their Tauranga base.
Key to this is the company’s commitment to designing caravans for New Zealand conditions: rough tracks, rain, low grip terrain. The caravan needs to be both tough and light, and it was quickly obvious that the adventurous nature of Kiwi 4WD enthusiasts would be best served by a smaller caravans.
In the south the couple have noticed more 4WDers will use an off-road-capable caravan as a base from which they do shorter adventure trips. North Island users are more likely to want to take their caravans deep into the bush.
Key design aspects that help the Apex range outperform other brands include a fully galvanised chassis, full independent suspension, and high load tyres with robust sidewalls to fend off sharp rocks and tree stumps.
The caravans are outfitted with solar power systems, making them fully off-grid capable.
Apex caravans are at the top end of off-road caravan luxury. Built to the highest specifications, the series offers multiple layout options, to create the perfect fit for every owner.
The quality and finish of the Apex range makes it stand out in the New Zealand off-road market. Excellent workmanship is complemented by well thought-out design focussed on ease of use and simplicity. Apex caravans encompass all the convenient features of modern life, maximising space and efficiency.
All off-road Apex models feature an internal shower and cassette toilet, solar, two or three house batteries (model dependent) and an awning. A diesel heater is standard across the range, with options to include a Dometic air conditioning unit pre-delivery. Most models also include a stainless-steel slide-out kitchen and a slide-out 75L Dometic fridge/freezer and an external shower with tent. Some layouts also come with a fully-enclosed annex to create a second room off the front of the caravan.
Caravans are built in New Zealand from components sourced offshore, enabling Atlas to closely control specification and finish.
Designing caravans for Kiwis, the New Zealand owned business focuses on delivering high quality products at an affordable price. From first time campers to seasoned adventurers, Atlas has a caravan to suit every lifestyle.
View the Apex range at www.atlasdirect.co.nz/brand/apex/.
A couple’s off-grid haven
For those looking for ‘hitch-up-and-go’ with minimal hassle, the Apex HT-12 is perfect for adventurous Kiwi couples or a small family.
The Apex HT-12 is the baby of the hard top range – perfect for a couples’ weekender.
It is an off-grid option that’s compact, easy to tow and tucks away effortlessly at home.
The van features a queen bed with pillow-topped mattress, spacious ensuite with shower and cassette toilet, and plenty of storage to leave it packed up and ready to roll.
Outside is a slide-out stainless-steel kitchen and drop-down table, making outdoor cooking a breeze. There’s even an electrically operated awning to keep the sun’s rays at bay.
